how I work, (I guess it's a bit unconventionally!)

[Guest guest]

Hi Anne,

 

My sessions are generally 2 hours. I have a couple of impatient businessmen

who can't and so I give them one hour sessions, ask them what they would like

to focus on, take their tongue and pulses and just jump in. I only see one

patient at a time. During the first half hour or so, I carefully review with

them their comments and my observations from the previous session as well as

asking them to update me on any changes or new developments. We explore any

reasons why there might have been setbacks such as reactions to foods, emotional

issues, etc. I feel that this is an important part of bonding with the patient,

and opening them up to trust. Based upon their symptoms, constitution and

status quo, I will generally prescribe and give them ready made medicines to

take for a week. Then slowly I begin to needle. Together with my patient I

exhale upon insertion and find when insertion is made with intention, that the

qi opens up much quicker and less uncomfortably,

even if I insert a full inch on fairly sensitive points. Sometimes, if I sense

that a point is quite blocked, I will hold it first with my hands, focus my

intention upon it and massage it at times fairly deeply in order to prepare it

for needling. This obviously takes longer than regular acupuncture insertion.

After all the needles are in, if indicated I will attach electrodes, or do moxa.

Then, while the needles are in (and BTW, I got slammed when I was in school by

my clinical supervisors for doing this, and was told in no uncertain terms,

" after the needles are placed you have to leave the patient alone, otherwise you

will interfere with the smooth flow of qi! " ) I will carefully do craniosacral

therapy. I have developed this protocol intuitively, have found that it

exponentially speeds up the healing process, and is particularly helpful in

releasing emotional baggage which often blocks the healing of physical symptoms.

The process is time consuming (sometimes

session have lasted longer than 3 hours--though I will retain needles for a

much shorter time) , but because I can only treat maximum 4-5 patients a day,

bookkeeping is easy, I don't need a secretary or assistant, and simply utilize

the receptionist who is employed by the chiropractor whose office I share.

 

I know that what I do is unconventional, but I enjoy it, my patients enjoy it,

and we both enjoy the results.

 

All the best,

 

Yehuda

 

anne.crowley wrote:

Yehuda:

 

Very interesting response on your business model. I have a question on point #3.

Do you do all sessions for 2 hrs or some just 1 hr. Do you see only one person

at a time during the 2hr session? During the one hour session?

 

I hate to ask such a mundane question with this eloquent expose below - but that

mundanity becomes a sticking point (no pun intended) for me.

 

This is great, Yehuda. I'll have to post it somewhere so I can see it regularly.

" In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

 

These are two cards I have on my desk:

 

" I dwell in possibility "

 

-Emily Dickinson

 

and

 

" A cup of tea together will make us glad, and a little friendship is no small

matter. "

 

-Words from a Japanese folk song

 

I

Anne

 

-------------- Original message ----------------------

 

> Dear Karen,

>

> I think that there are three prerequisites to successfully start up an

> acupuncture business:

>

> 1. A love of people. Everywhere I go, when I'm in the market, the park, or

> the study hall I engage people that I meet. It is so easy to have the

> conversation shift to health and invariably it can lead to acupuncture and

what

> you do. Also, to neighborhood venues that tailor to heath such as gyms, health

> food stores, physicians offices, etc., make yourself known as a neighbor.

Offer

> free classes and seminars. When you schedule them, send out releases to the

> local newspapers. Also, (and others might disagree with me!) take your

patients

> or potential patients phone calls and don't charge them for them. I feel that

> what goes around comes around, and if you are kind, giving, and make it clear

> that you are available for quick 5-10 minute phone calls, of course, at your

> convenience, you will further solidify your relationship.

>

> 2. A niche. Do things differently than other acupuncturists in your area,

> either by treating a specific population (as an Chasidic and orthodox Jew I am

> constantly getting calls from my community), a specialty such as infertility,

> cardiology, dermatotogy, etc. or an additional skill or modality such as

> integrating CranioSacral therapy, using a laser, etc.

>

> 3. Presentation. Make sure that your office is attractive, your staff is

> pleasant and that location is accessable so that people not only like you but

> will like coming to see you.

>

> I disagree with those who say that it is tough to build up a business. I also

> think that money shouldn't be an issue, either. I charge a lot, I think. My

> sessions are 2 hours and I charge $90 per hour plus herbs. I also run a cash

> business. I will give a receipt or statement if a patient asks for it,

> otherwise, I don't. Those who can't afford that much, I ask them how much they

> are able to pay for each session up front, and I abbreviate the session to an

> hour. The one prerequisite, though is that they do pay something, for I have

> found that those who say that they can't afford anything don't take their

> appointments seriously, and don't show up or come late. Building my business

> has been fun and challenging. And it hasn't taken a lot of money, either. What

> it does take is creative thinking, getting out there, and again, loving

yourself

> and loving others. In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

>

> Much success,

>

> Yehuda Frischman, L.Ac, CST, SER

> www.traditionaljewishmedicine.com

>

>

>

>

>

> Karen Adams <k_r_adams wrote:

> Hi folks - I posted a question a while ago, and no one has responded

> (surprised me, given the topic), so I thought I'd post it again.

> Please note: there has been lots of talk about how to launch/maintain

> a business, but that's not my question. Here it is:

>

> A friend and I have been talking about the joys and wonders of

> starting a business as an acupuncturist, and how (or whether) that

> information is passed on to acupuncture students. So I'm running a

> mini-poll:

>

> How long did it take for your business to provide you with a steady,

> reliable income that met all your needs? This would be defined as an

> average monthly patient flow that paid all business expenses, covered

> all personal expenses, and was able to absorb fluctuations (things

> like unexpected cancellations or patients moving on).

>

> Did anyone at your college discuss this with you prior to graduation?

>

> Those of you who are currently acupuncture students: is this on your

> curriculum?

>

> Thanks so much!

> Karen

>

> Karen R. Adams

> Lic Ac, Dipl Ac, BA(Hons), BS

> Four Directions Healing Arts

> 112 Avenue A

> Turners Falls, MA 01376

> 413-863-8033

> 413-768-8333

 

>

>

>

>

>

> Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> Check outnew cars at Autos.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yehuda:

 

So they are okay with $180 per tx. and the cost of herbs 20, 30, 40 dollars or

more per month. How often do they come for tx? Yes, I learned in the beginning

to spend a lot of time with patients but what we didn't do was charge. This can

lead to a very paultry income.

 

Anne

-------------- Original message ----------------------

 

> Hi Anne,

>

> My sessions are generally 2 hours. I have a couple of impatient businessmen

> who can't and so I give them one hour sessions, ask them what they would like

> to focus on, take their tongue and pulses and just jump in. I only see one

> patient at a time. During the first half hour or so, I carefully review with

> them their comments and my observations from the previous session as well as

> asking them to update me on any changes or new developments. We explore any

> reasons why there might have been setbacks such as reactions to foods,

emotional

> issues, etc. I feel that this is an important part of bonding with the

patient,

> and opening them up to trust. Based upon their symptoms, constitution and

> status quo, I will generally prescribe and give them ready made medicines to

> take for a week. Then slowly I begin to needle. Together with my patient I

> exhale upon insertion and find when insertion is made with intention, that the

> qi opens up much quicker and less uncomfortably,

> even if I insert a full inch on fairly sensitive points. Sometimes, if I

sense

> that a point is quite blocked, I will hold it first with my hands, focus my

> intention upon it and massage it at times fairly deeply in order to prepare it

> for needling. This obviously takes longer than regular acupuncture insertion.

> After all the needles are in, if indicated I will attach electrodes, or do

moxa.

> Then, while the needles are in (and BTW, I got slammed when I was in school by

> my clinical supervisors for doing this, and was told in no uncertain terms,

> " after the needles are placed you have to leave the patient alone, otherwise

you

> will interfere with the smooth flow of qi! " ) I will carefully do craniosacral

> therapy. I have developed this protocol intuitively, have found that it

> exponentially speeds up the healing process, and is particularly helpful in

> releasing emotional baggage which often blocks the healing of physical

symptoms.

> The process is time consuming (sometimes

> session have lasted longer than 3 hours--though I will retain needles for a

> much shorter time) , but because I can only treat maximum 4-5 patients a day,

> bookkeeping is easy, I don't need a secretary or assistant, and simply utilize

> the receptionist who is employed by the chiropractor whose office I share.

>

> I know that what I do is unconventional, but I enjoy it, my patients enjoy

it,

> and we both enjoy the results.

>

> All the best,

>

> Yehuda

>

> anne.crowley wrote:

> Yehuda:

>

> Very interesting response on your business model. I have a question on point

#3.

> Do you do all sessions for 2 hrs or some just 1 hr. Do you see only one person

> at a time during the 2hr session? During the one hour session?

>

> I hate to ask such a mundane question with this eloquent expose below - but

that

> mundanity becomes a sticking point (no pun intended) for me.

>

> This is great, Yehuda. I'll have to post it somewhere so I can see it

regularly.

> " In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

>

> These are two cards I have on my desk:

>

> " I dwell in possibility "

>

> -Emily Dickinson

>

> and

>

> " A cup of tea together will make us glad, and a little friendship is no small

> matter. "

>

> -Words from a Japanese folk song

>

> I

> Anne

>

> -------------- Original message ----------------------

>

> > Dear Karen,

> >

> > I think that there are three prerequisites to successfully start up an

> > acupuncture business:

> >

> > 1. A love of people. Everywhere I go, when I'm in the market, the park, or

> > the study hall I engage people that I meet. It is so easy to have the

> > conversation shift to health and invariably it can lead to acupuncture and

> what

> > you do. Also, to neighborhood venues that tailor to heath such as gyms,

health

> > food stores, physicians offices, etc., make yourself known as a neighbor.

> Offer

> > free classes and seminars. When you schedule them, send out releases to the

> > local newspapers. Also, (and others might disagree with me!) take your

> patients

> > or potential patients phone calls and don't charge them for them. I feel

that

> > what goes around comes around, and if you are kind, giving, and make it

clear

> > that you are available for quick 5-10 minute phone calls, of course, at your

> > convenience, you will further solidify your relationship.

> >

> > 2. A niche. Do things differently than other acupuncturists in your area,

> > either by treating a specific population (as an Chasidic and orthodox Jew I

am

> > constantly getting calls from my community), a specialty such as

infertility,

> > cardiology, dermatotogy, etc. or an additional skill or modality such as

> > integrating CranioSacral therapy, using a laser, etc.

> >

> > 3. Presentation. Make sure that your office is attractive, your staff is

> > pleasant and that location is accessable so that people not only like you

but

> > will like coming to see you.

> >

> > I disagree with those who say that it is tough to build up a business. I

also

> > think that money shouldn't be an issue, either. I charge a lot, I think. My

> > sessions are 2 hours and I charge $90 per hour plus herbs. I also run a cash

> > business. I will give a receipt or statement if a patient asks for it,

> > otherwise, I don't. Those who can't afford that much, I ask them how much

they

> > are able to pay for each session up front, and I abbreviate the session to

an

> > hour. The one prerequisite, though is that they do pay something, for I have

> > found that those who say that they can't afford anything don't take their

> > appointments seriously, and don't show up or come late. Building my business

> > has been fun and challenging. And it hasn't taken a lot of money, either.

What

> > it does take is creative thinking, getting out there, and again, loving

> yourself

> > and loving others. In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> >

> > Much success,

> >

> > Yehuda Frischman, L.Ac, CST, SER

> > www.traditionaljewishmedicine.com

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Karen Adams <k_r_adams wrote:

> > Hi folks - I posted a question a while ago, and no one has responded

> > (surprised me, given the topic), so I thought I'd post it again.

> > Please note: there has been lots of talk about how to launch/maintain

> > a business, but that's not my question. Here it is:

> >

> > A friend and I have been talking about the joys and wonders of

> > starting a business as an acupuncturist, and how (or whether) that

> > information is passed on to acupuncture students. So I'm running a

> > mini-poll:

> >

> > How long did it take for your business to provide you with a steady,

> > reliable income that met all your needs? This would be defined as an

> > average monthly patient flow that paid all business expenses, covered

> > all personal expenses, and was able to absorb fluctuations (things

> > like unexpected cancellations or patients moving on).

> >

> > Did anyone at your college discuss this with you prior to graduation?

> >

> > Those of you who are currently acupuncture students: is this on your

> > curriculum?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> > Karen

> >

> > Karen R. Adams

> > Lic Ac, Dipl Ac, BA(Hons), BS

> > Four Directions Healing Arts

> > 112 Avenue A

> > Turners Falls, MA 01376

> > 413-863-8033

> > 413-768-8333

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> > Check outnew cars at Autos.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

They come weekly. I see on the average 3 patients daily, 5 days a week.

 

anne.crowley wrote: Yehuda:

 

So they are okay with $180 per tx. and the cost of herbs 20, 30, 40 dollars or

more per month. How often do they come for tx? Yes, I learned in the beginning

to spend a lot of time with patients but what we didn't do was charge. This can

lead to a very paultry income.

 

Anne

-------------- Original message ----------------------

 

> Hi Anne,

>

> My sessions are generally 2 hours. I have a couple of impatient businessmen

> who can't and so I give them one hour sessions, ask them what they would like

> to focus on, take their tongue and pulses and just jump in. I only see one

> patient at a time. During the first half hour or so, I carefully review with

> them their comments and my observations from the previous session as well as

> asking them to update me on any changes or new developments. We explore any

> reasons why there might have been setbacks such as reactions to foods,

emotional

> issues, etc. I feel that this is an important part of bonding with the

patient,

> and opening them up to trust. Based upon their symptoms, constitution and

> status quo, I will generally prescribe and give them ready made medicines to

> take for a week. Then slowly I begin to needle. Together with my patient I

> exhale upon insertion and find when insertion is made with intention, that the

> qi opens up much quicker and less uncomfortably,

> even if I insert a full inch on fairly sensitive points. Sometimes, if I sense

> that a point is quite blocked, I will hold it first with my hands, focus my

> intention upon it and massage it at times fairly deeply in order to prepare it

> for needling. This obviously takes longer than regular acupuncture insertion.

> After all the needles are in, if indicated I will attach electrodes, or do

moxa.

> Then, while the needles are in (and BTW, I got slammed when I was in school by

> my clinical supervisors for doing this, and was told in no uncertain terms,

> " after the needles are placed you have to leave the patient alone, otherwise

you

> will interfere with the smooth flow of qi! " ) I will carefully do craniosacral

> therapy. I have developed this protocol intuitively, have found that it

> exponentially speeds up the healing process, and is particularly helpful in

> releasing emotional baggage which often blocks the healing of physical

symptoms.

> The process is time consuming (sometimes

> session have lasted longer than 3 hours--though I will retain needles for a

> much shorter time) , but because I can only treat maximum 4-5 patients a day,

> bookkeeping is easy, I don't need a secretary or assistant, and simply utilize

> the receptionist who is employed by the chiropractor whose office I share.

>

> I know that what I do is unconventional, but I enjoy it, my patients enjoy it,

> and we both enjoy the results.

>

> All the best,

>

> Yehuda

>

> anne.crowley wrote:

> Yehuda:

>

> Very interesting response on your business model. I have a question on point

#3.

> Do you do all sessions for 2 hrs or some just 1 hr. Do you see only one person

> at a time during the 2hr session? During the one hour session?

>

> I hate to ask such a mundane question with this eloquent expose below - but

that

> mundanity becomes a sticking point (no pun intended) for me.

>

> This is great, Yehuda. I'll have to post it somewhere so I can see it

regularly.

> " In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

>

> These are two cards I have on my desk:

>

> " I dwell in possibility "

>

> -Emily Dickinson

>

> and

>

> " A cup of tea together will make us glad, and a little friendship is no small

> matter. "

>

> -Words from a Japanese folk song

>

> I

> Anne

>

> -------------- Original message ----------------------

>

> > Dear Karen,

> >

> > I think that there are three prerequisites to successfully start up an

> > acupuncture business:

> >

> > 1. A love of people. Everywhere I go, when I'm in the market, the park, or

> > the study hall I engage people that I meet. It is so easy to have the

> > conversation shift to health and invariably it can lead to acupuncture and

> what

> > you do. Also, to neighborhood venues that tailor to heath such as gyms,

health

> > food stores, physicians offices, etc., make yourself known as a neighbor.

> Offer

> > free classes and seminars. When you schedule them, send out releases to the

> > local newspapers. Also, (and others might disagree with me!) take your

> patients

> > or potential patients phone calls and don't charge them for them. I feel

that

> > what goes around comes around, and if you are kind, giving, and make it

clear

> > that you are available for quick 5-10 minute phone calls, of course, at your

> > convenience, you will further solidify your relationship.

> >

> > 2. A niche. Do things differently than other acupuncturists in your area,

> > either by treating a specific population (as an Chasidic and orthodox Jew I

am

> > constantly getting calls from my community), a specialty such as

infertility,

> > cardiology, dermatotogy, etc. or an additional skill or modality such as

> > integrating CranioSacral therapy, using a laser, etc.

> >

> > 3. Presentation. Make sure that your office is attractive, your staff is

> > pleasant and that location is accessable so that people not only like you

but

> > will like coming to see you.

> >

> > I disagree with those who say that it is tough to build up a business. I

also

> > think that money shouldn't be an issue, either. I charge a lot, I think. My

> > sessions are 2 hours and I charge $90 per hour plus herbs. I also run a cash

> > business. I will give a receipt or statement if a patient asks for it,

> > otherwise, I don't. Those who can't afford that much, I ask them how much

they

> > are able to pay for each session up front, and I abbreviate the session to

an

> > hour. The one prerequisite, though is that they do pay something, for I have

> > found that those who say that they can't afford anything don't take their

> > appointments seriously, and don't show up or come late. Building my business

> > has been fun and challenging. And it hasn't taken a lot of money, either.

What

> > it does take is creative thinking, getting out there, and again, loving

> yourself

> > and loving others. In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> >

> > Much success,

> >

> > Yehuda Frischman, L.Ac, CST, SER

> > www.traditionaljewishmedicine.com

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Karen Adams <k_r_adams wrote:

> > Hi folks - I posted a question a while ago, and no one has responded

> > (surprised me, given the topic), so I thought I'd post it again.

> > Please note: there has been lots of talk about how to launch/maintain

> > a business, but that's not my question. Here it is:

> >

> > A friend and I have been talking about the joys and wonders of

> > starting a business as an acupuncturist, and how (or whether) that

> > information is passed on to acupuncture students. So I'm running a

> > mini-poll:

> >

> > How long did it take for your business to provide you with a steady,

> > reliable income that met all your needs? This would be defined as an

> > average monthly patient flow that paid all business expenses, covered

> > all personal expenses, and was able to absorb fluctuations (things

> > like unexpected cancellations or patients moving on).

> >

> > Did anyone at your college discuss this with you prior to graduation?

> >

> > Those of you who are currently acupuncture students: is this on your

> > curriculum?

> >

> > Thanks so much!

> > Karen

> >

> > Karen R. Adams

> > Lic Ac, Dipl Ac, BA(Hons), BS

> > Four Directions Healing Arts

> > 112 Avenue A

> > Turners Falls, MA 01376

> > 413-863-8033

> > 413-768-8333

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> > Check outnew cars at Autos.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

What do they spend on average on herbs per week/month?

Do you have clients turn over. Some go to every 2 wks? Every month?

 

Thanks,

Anne

 

 

-------------- Original message ----------------------

 

> They come weekly. I see on the average 3 patients daily, 5 days a week.

>

> anne.crowley wrote: Yehuda:

>

> So they are okay with $180 per tx. and the cost of herbs 20, 30, 40 dollars or

> more per month. How often do they come for tx? Yes, I learned in the beginning

> to spend a lot of time with patients but what we didn't do was charge. This

can

> lead to a very paultry income.

>

> Anne

> -------------- Original message ----------------------

>

> > Hi Anne,

> >

> > My sessions are generally 2 hours. I have a couple of impatient businessmen

> > who can't and so I give them one hour sessions, ask them what they would

like

> > to focus on, take their tongue and pulses and just jump in. I only see one

> > patient at a time. During the first half hour or so, I carefully review with

> > them their comments and my observations from the previous session as well as

> > asking them to update me on any changes or new developments. We explore any

> > reasons why there might have been setbacks such as reactions to foods,

> emotional

> > issues, etc. I feel that this is an important part of bonding with the

> patient,

> > and opening them up to trust. Based upon their symptoms, constitution and

> > status quo, I will generally prescribe and give them ready made medicines to

> > take for a week. Then slowly I begin to needle. Together with my patient I

> > exhale upon insertion and find when insertion is made with intention, that

the

> > qi opens up much quicker and less uncomfortably,

> > even if I insert a full inch on fairly sensitive points. Sometimes, if I

sense

> > that a point is quite blocked, I will hold it first with my hands, focus my

> > intention upon it and massage it at times fairly deeply in order to prepare

it

> > for needling. This obviously takes longer than regular acupuncture

insertion.

> > After all the needles are in, if indicated I will attach electrodes, or do

> moxa.

> > Then, while the needles are in (and BTW, I got slammed when I was in school

by

> > my clinical supervisors for doing this, and was told in no uncertain terms,

> > " after the needles are placed you have to leave the patient alone, otherwise

> you

> > will interfere with the smooth flow of qi! " ) I will carefully do

craniosacral

> > therapy. I have developed this protocol intuitively, have found that it

> > exponentially speeds up the healing process, and is particularly helpful in

> > releasing emotional baggage which often blocks the healing of physical

> symptoms.

> > The process is time consuming (sometimes

> > session have lasted longer than 3 hours--though I will retain needles for a

> > much shorter time) , but because I can only treat maximum 4-5 patients a

day,

> > bookkeeping is easy, I don't need a secretary or assistant, and simply

utilize

> > the receptionist who is employed by the chiropractor whose office I share.

> >

> > I know that what I do is unconventional, but I enjoy it, my patients enjoy

it,

> > and we both enjoy the results.

> >

> > All the best,

> >

> > Yehuda

> >

> > anne.crowley wrote:

> > Yehuda:

> >

> > Very interesting response on your business model. I have a question on point

> #3.

> > Do you do all sessions for 2 hrs or some just 1 hr. Do you see only one

person

> > at a time during the 2hr session? During the one hour session?

> >

> > I hate to ask such a mundane question with this eloquent expose below - but

> that

> > mundanity becomes a sticking point (no pun intended) for me.

> >

> > This is great, Yehuda. I'll have to post it somewhere so I can see it

> regularly.

> > " In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> >

> > These are two cards I have on my desk:

> >

> > " I dwell in possibility "

> >

> > -Emily Dickinson

> >

> > and

> >

> > " A cup of tea together will make us glad, and a little friendship is no

small

> > matter. "

> >

> > -Words from a Japanese folk song

> >

> > I

> > Anne

> >

> > -------------- Original message ----------------------

> >

> > > Dear Karen,

> > >

> > > I think that there are three prerequisites to successfully start up an

> > > acupuncture business:

> > >

> > > 1. A love of people. Everywhere I go, when I'm in the market, the park, or

> > > the study hall I engage people that I meet. It is so easy to have the

> > > conversation shift to health and invariably it can lead to acupuncture and

> > what

> > > you do. Also, to neighborhood venues that tailor to heath such as gyms,

> health

> > > food stores, physicians offices, etc., make yourself known as a neighbor.

> > Offer

> > > free classes and seminars. When you schedule them, send out releases to

the

> > > local newspapers. Also, (and others might disagree with me!) take your

> > patients

> > > or potential patients phone calls and don't charge them for them. I feel

> that

> > > what goes around comes around, and if you are kind, giving, and make it

> clear

> > > that you are available for quick 5-10 minute phone calls, of course, at

your

> > > convenience, you will further solidify your relationship.

> > >

> > > 2. A niche. Do things differently than other acupuncturists in your area,

> > > either by treating a specific population (as an Chasidic and orthodox Jew

I

> am

> > > constantly getting calls from my community), a specialty such as

> infertility,

> > > cardiology, dermatotogy, etc. or an additional skill or modality such as

> > > integrating CranioSacral therapy, using a laser, etc.

> > >

> > > 3. Presentation. Make sure that your office is attractive, your staff is

> > > pleasant and that location is accessable so that people not only like you

> but

> > > will like coming to see you.

> > >

> > > I disagree with those who say that it is tough to build up a business. I

> also

> > > think that money shouldn't be an issue, either. I charge a lot, I think.

My

> > > sessions are 2 hours and I charge $90 per hour plus herbs. I also run a

cash

> > > business. I will give a receipt or statement if a patient asks for it,

> > > otherwise, I don't. Those who can't afford that much, I ask them how much

> they

> > > are able to pay for each session up front, and I abbreviate the session to

> an

> > > hour. The one prerequisite, though is that they do pay something, for I

have

> > > found that those who say that they can't afford anything don't take their

> > > appointments seriously, and don't show up or come late. Building my

business

> > > has been fun and challenging. And it hasn't taken a lot of money, either.

> What

> > > it does take is creative thinking, getting out there, and again, loving

> > yourself

> > > and loving others. In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral

law)

> > > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> > >

> > > Much success,

> > >

> > > Yehuda Frischman, L.Ac, CST, SER

> > > www.traditionaljewishmedicine.com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Karen Adams <k_r_adams wrote:

> > > Hi folks - I posted a question a while ago, and no one has responded

> > > (surprised me, given the topic), so I thought I'd post it again.

> > > Please note: there has been lots of talk about how to launch/maintain

> > > a business, but that's not my question. Here it is:

> > >

> > > A friend and I have been talking about the joys and wonders of

> > > starting a business as an acupuncturist, and how (or whether) that

> > > information is passed on to acupuncture students. So I'm running a

> > > mini-poll:

> > >

> > > How long did it take for your business to provide you with a steady,

> > > reliable income that met all your needs? This would be defined as an

> > > average monthly patient flow that paid all business expenses, covered

> > > all personal expenses, and was able to absorb fluctuations (things

> > > like unexpected cancellations or patients moving on).

> > >

> > > Did anyone at your college discuss this with you prior to graduation?

> > >

> > > Those of you who are currently acupuncture students: is this on your

> > > curriculum?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much!

> > > Karen

> > >

> > > Karen R. Adams

> > > Lic Ac, Dipl Ac, BA(Hons), BS

> > > Four Directions Healing Arts

> > > 112 Avenue A

> > > Turners Falls, MA 01376

> > > 413-863-8033

> > > 413-768-8333

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> > > Check outnew cars at Autos.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

They spend an average of about $30/session on herbs. An important point that I

make with each patient is that I want to be superfluous, and as they show more

balance, together we intuitively determine when they can start to come every two

weeks, then every 3 weeks, then every month, then every 2 months and eventually

a tune up every 3 month or so. But, some who are under more pressure, (such is

life in LA!) prefer to keep coming weekly, because they feel it helps them and

they feel so good after each session. Yes patients do turn over, and yet there

always seems to be someone new who takes their place. I love doing it this way,

because overhead and bookkeeping are minimal, I don't need that many patients to

make a living, and I have a close relationship with my patients.

 

anne.crowley wrote:

What do they spend on average on herbs per week/month?

Do you have clients turn over. Some go to every 2 wks? Every month?

 

Thanks,

Anne

 

-------------- Original message ----------------------

 

> They come weekly. I see on the average 3 patients daily, 5 days a week.

>

> anne.crowley wrote: Yehuda:

>

> So they are okay with $180 per tx. and the cost of herbs 20, 30, 40 dollars or

> more per month. How often do they come for tx? Yes, I learned in the beginning

> to spend a lot of time with patients but what we didn't do was charge. This

can

> lead to a very paultry income.

>

> Anne

> -------------- Original message ----------------------

>

> > Hi Anne,

> >

> > My sessions are generally 2 hours. I have a couple of impatient businessmen

> > who can't and so I give them one hour sessions, ask them what they would

like

> > to focus on, take their tongue and pulses and just jump in. I only see one

> > patient at a time. During the first half hour or so, I carefully review with

> > them their comments and my observations from the previous session as well as

> > asking them to update me on any changes or new developments. We explore any

> > reasons why there might have been setbacks such as reactions to foods,

> emotional

> > issues, etc. I feel that this is an important part of bonding with the

> patient,

> > and opening them up to trust. Based upon their symptoms, constitution and

> > status quo, I will generally prescribe and give them ready made medicines to

> > take for a week. Then slowly I begin to needle. Together with my patient I

> > exhale upon insertion and find when insertion is made with intention, that

the

> > qi opens up much quicker and less uncomfortably,

> > even if I insert a full inch on fairly sensitive points. Sometimes, if I

sense

> > that a point is quite blocked, I will hold it first with my hands, focus my

> > intention upon it and massage it at times fairly deeply in order to prepare

it

> > for needling. This obviously takes longer than regular acupuncture

insertion.

> > After all the needles are in, if indicated I will attach electrodes, or do

> moxa.

> > Then, while the needles are in (and BTW, I got slammed when I was in school

by

> > my clinical supervisors for doing this, and was told in no uncertain terms,

> > " after the needles are placed you have to leave the patient alone, otherwise

> you

> > will interfere with the smooth flow of qi! " ) I will carefully do

craniosacral

> > therapy. I have developed this protocol intuitively, have found that it

> > exponentially speeds up the healing process, and is particularly helpful in

> > releasing emotional baggage which often blocks the healing of physical

> symptoms.

> > The process is time consuming (sometimes

> > session have lasted longer than 3 hours--though I will retain needles for a

> > much shorter time) , but because I can only treat maximum 4-5 patients a

day,

> > bookkeeping is easy, I don't need a secretary or assistant, and simply

utilize

> > the receptionist who is employed by the chiropractor whose office I share.

> >

> > I know that what I do is unconventional, but I enjoy it, my patients enjoy

it,

> > and we both enjoy the results.

> >

> > All the best,

> >

> > Yehuda

> >

> > anne.crowley wrote:

> > Yehuda:

> >

> > Very interesting response on your business model. I have a question on point

> #3.

> > Do you do all sessions for 2 hrs or some just 1 hr. Do you see only one

person

> > at a time during the 2hr session? During the one hour session?

> >

> > I hate to ask such a mundane question with this eloquent expose below - but

> that

> > mundanity becomes a sticking point (no pun intended) for me.

> >

> > This is great, Yehuda. I'll have to post it somewhere so I can see it

> regularly.

> > " In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral law)

> > > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> >

> > These are two cards I have on my desk:

> >

> > " I dwell in possibility "

> >

> > -Emily Dickinson

> >

> > and

> >

> > " A cup of tea together will make us glad, and a little friendship is no

small

> > matter. "

> >

> > -Words from a Japanese folk song

> >

> > I

> > Anne

> >

> > -------------- Original message ----------------------

> >

> > > Dear Karen,

> > >

> > > I think that there are three prerequisites to successfully start up an

> > > acupuncture business:

> > >

> > > 1. A love of people. Everywhere I go, when I'm in the market, the park, or

> > > the study hall I engage people that I meet. It is so easy to have the

> > > conversation shift to health and invariably it can lead to acupuncture and

> > what

> > > you do. Also, to neighborhood venues that tailor to heath such as gyms,

> health

> > > food stores, physicians offices, etc., make yourself known as a neighbor.

> > Offer

> > > free classes and seminars. When you schedule them, send out releases to

the

> > > local newspapers. Also, (and others might disagree with me!) take your

> > patients

> > > or potential patients phone calls and don't charge them for them. I feel

> that

> > > what goes around comes around, and if you are kind, giving, and make it

> clear

> > > that you are available for quick 5-10 minute phone calls, of course, at

your

> > > convenience, you will further solidify your relationship.

> > >

> > > 2. A niche. Do things differently than other acupuncturists in your area,

> > > either by treating a specific population (as an Chasidic and orthodox Jew

I

> am

> > > constantly getting calls from my community), a specialty such as

> infertility,

> > > cardiology, dermatotogy, etc. or an additional skill or modality such as

> > > integrating CranioSacral therapy, using a laser, etc.

> > >

> > > 3. Presentation. Make sure that your office is attractive, your staff is

> > > pleasant and that location is accessable so that people not only like you

> but

> > > will like coming to see you.

> > >

> > > I disagree with those who say that it is tough to build up a business. I

> also

> > > think that money shouldn't be an issue, either. I charge a lot, I think.

My

> > > sessions are 2 hours and I charge $90 per hour plus herbs. I also run a

cash

> > > business. I will give a receipt or statement if a patient asks for it,

> > > otherwise, I don't. Those who can't afford that much, I ask them how much

> they

> > > are able to pay for each session up front, and I abbreviate the session to

> an

> > > hour. The one prerequisite, though is that they do pay something, for I

have

> > > found that those who say that they can't afford anything don't take their

> > > appointments seriously, and don't show up or come late. Building my

business

> > > has been fun and challenging. And it hasn't taken a lot of money, either.

> What

> > > it does take is creative thinking, getting out there, and again, loving

> > yourself

> > > and loving others. In my tradition there is a Mishna (part of the Oral

law)

> > > which says, " If I am not for myself, who will be

> > > for me? if I am only for myself what am I? and if not now, when? "

> > >

> > > Much success,

> > >

> > > Yehuda Frischman, L.Ac, CST, SER

> > > www.traditionaljewishmedicine.com

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Karen Adams <k_r_adams wrote:

> > > Hi folks - I posted a question a while ago, and no one has responded

> > > (surprised me, given the topic), so I thought I'd post it again.

> > > Please note: there has been lots of talk about how to launch/maintain

> > > a business, but that's not my question. Here it is:

> > >

> > > A friend and I have been talking about the joys and wonders of

> > > starting a business as an acupuncturist, and how (or whether) that

> > > information is passed on to acupuncture students. So I'm running a

> > > mini-poll:

> > >

> > > How long did it take for your business to provide you with a steady,

> > > reliable income that met all your needs? This would be defined as an

> > > average monthly patient flow that paid all business expenses, covered

> > > all personal expenses, and was able to absorb fluctuations (things

> > > like unexpected cancellations or patients moving on).

> > >

> > > Did anyone at your college discuss this with you prior to graduation?

> > >

> > > Those of you who are currently acupuncture students: is this on your

> > > curriculum?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much!

> > > Karen

> > >

> > > Karen R. Adams

> > > Lic Ac, Dipl Ac, BA(Hons), BS

> > > Four Directions Healing Arts

> > > 112 Avenue A

> > > Turners Falls, MA 01376

> > > 413-863-8033

> > > 413-768-8333

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ahhh...imagining that irresistible " new car " smell?

> > > Check outnew cars at Autos.

> > >

> > >