Building a successful acupuncture practice requires balancing technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and effective management. In this conversation, Heidi Lovie shares practical principles for navigating the challenges of running a business, especially when starting with limited resources.

We discuss the importance of discipline and structure, and the concept of a "business triangle" with three sides: technical skills, entrepreneurial drive, and managerial responsibilities. From strategies like establishing financial cushions to balancing work-life priorities, Heidi offers actionable insights for avoiding burnout and staying resilient through the ups and downs of business. And reminds us that just because we are capable of doing something, it does not mean that we should.

Understanding the legal and business side of running a practice can feel overwhelming for many healers. Michael Taromina brings a wealth of experience in helping acupuncturists navigate these complexities, offering clear and practical insights. With a background in law and a deep engagement with Eastern medicine, he emphasizes the importance of integrating business acumen into practice—not as a separate entity, but as a foundation that supports meaningful healing work.

Michael discusses how healers, often unprepared for the demands of entrepreneurship, can overcome challenges like liability, practice management, and financial planning. He demystifies common concerns, from choosing business structures to ensuring proper insurance coverage, all while stressing that a well-run practice is not only protective but empowering.

A meaning path is shaped by legacy, curiosity, and the drive to make meaningful change. Wahji Kasten’s journey from a chemistry undergraduate to naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist reflects these influences. She now combines the art and science of curiosity and creativity into her practice.

Wahji’s work in public health and with Indigenous communities emphasizes the importance of systems thinking—addressing the interconnectedness of health, environment, and community. The practice of medicine is as much about honoring the wisdom passed down through generations as it is about applying modern techniques. Her perspective on "asking why" is an invitation to dig deeper, exploring not just symptoms but the systems that support well-being.

Some practitioners thrive on the intricacies of business, but for Sarah Rivkin, simplicity is key. Over her 18 years in practice, Sarah has streamlined her business using technology to reduce administrative burdens. Automation tools for scheduling, billing, and communication have freed up her time to focus on patient care.

Sarah is thoughtful about balancing fair compensation with the value she provides, emphasizing the deep attention and comprehensive care she gives her patients. From personalized treatments and herbal prescriptions to follow-up support, she ensures that every interaction reflects her commitment to quality.

Her approach to business has influenced her clinical work, encouraging efficiency without sacrificing depth. Viewing money as an exchange of qi has helped her navigate the discomfort often tied to financial conversations. Sarah’s choices highlight how thoughtful, streamlined practices can enhance both patient care and practitioner satisfaction

Some people seem born for the entrepreneurial path, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy—or intuitive. For Vance Crowe, running a business has been a journey of understanding value, negotiation, and connection. He grew up in a family where entrepreneurship was celebrated as a way to generate more than just income—it was about building something sustainable and generative.

Vance emphasizes the importance of seeing negotiation not as adversarial but as a tool for understanding. By focusing on what others truly value and fear, you can create agreements that feel satisfying for all involved. He likens negotiation to connecting dots in a way that reveals opportunities both parties might not initially see.

He also highlights the need for clarity—knowing what you want and why you want it. Whether negotiating or running a business, self-awareness becomes a powerful bargaining chip. His reflections remind us that business and life are interwoven with themes of empathy, adaptability, and the willingness to keep learning. As Vance says, it’s not about conflict; it’s about curiosity and collaboration.

Some people are just not cut out to work for someone else. That does not mean you’re naturally good at doing business. But it does mean you’re open to learning, and perhaps a bit more receptive to the troublesome lessons along the way.

Yvonne discovered that running a business is a journey of growth, adaptability, and resilience. Over time, she learned that building trust with clients and adapting to changing circumstances were crucial to creating a sustainable practice. Yvonne shares the importance of stepping back during times of uncertainty, allowing clarity to emerge rather than forcing solutions.

She discusses the value of persistence and viewing failures as opportunities to learn. Recently in her teaching work she’s become aware of the struggles new practitioners have with managing practice logistics and finding their footing with basic business skills.

Beyond business, Yvonne’s reflections on life mirror the same themes: embracing change, balancing hard work with self-care, and evolving from “fixing” problems to supporting others on their personal journeys. In this conversation, she reminds us that business and life are deeply interconnected, requiring curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.

Welcome to the Qiological Practice of Practice podcast series.

This is a collection of short conversations that explore the business side of running an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice.

Us acupuncturists spend years learning medicine, but we don’t learn about the business side of the endeavor in school.

The “Business of Practice” that is another skillset, and the good news is— it’s learnable.

What’s more, running your own business gives you control over how you create the kind of practice that resonates with your values and dreams. And just as we pride ourselves on practicing a “Mind/Body” medicine, attending to the business side of your practice can also positively impact your clinical work.

Subscribe to this series to learn from seasoned and successful practitioners who share their thoughts and experience with how attending to the business side of their practice has positively affected the work they do.

To learn more about our upcoming Practice of Practice Chautauqua visit:

www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua.