We recently connected with Dr. Deborah Rinehart and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Deborah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

But the one I carry with me is learning to listen and breathe before I speak.
During my nursing career, I became quick to react to situations and sometimes spoke before thinking about how it would affect someone. There was a physician I admired, he was a team leader and I observed how he interacted with fellow physicians, patients, nurses, and administration. I realized that a true leader is one who can maintain control of themselves, does not take things personally, and makes problem solving, instead of complaining, a priority. I admit I had to take a hard look at myself and amend to be a better professional and human being to the people I was working with. Listening before giving an answer shows leadership and maturity. Understanding, as well, that setting healthy boundaries is important. Taking time off, getting proper rest, and having a balanced work-life structure was vital to my health. I took this lesson with me into my acupuncture business and understand that health and well-being have many faces.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Deborah Rinehart, and I am a board-certified acupuncture physician with a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine licensed in the state of Florida. I am the owner of Willow Tree Acupuncture & Wellness located in Seminole. My main goal is to provide optimal wellness and educate the community about the many benefits of this medicine.

My first experience with acupuncture was in 2014 when I had a knee injury. After several sessions, my knee was better, and I was back in the gym at 100%. I also noticed I was calmer and feeling better overall. I asked my acupuncturist “what else do you have?” I wanted to know more, as I was on a wellness journey, and I made acupuncture a permanent part of my life. I eventually enrolled in acupuncture school and after almost 4 years of study, I graduated and opened my business. I just began year 5 and in September I am opening a new office to accommodate the many who seek holistic integrative care.

Acupuncture is well known for treating pain, but it is effective for a multitude of ailments like chronic illnesses, bell’s palsy, insomnia, and all aspects of women’s health. I treat a lot of these issues, and more. I see promising results when patients complete their treatment plan. I also offer cupping therapy and ear seeds. Cupping is effective for pain, immunity, lung issues, and improving blood flow and circulation. Ear seeds are tiny pellets placed on specific points of the ear to treat the main concern. A gentle squeeze activates the point and extends the acupuncture treatment. You can sleep or shower with them and remove them in a few days.

With the desire for a natural aging alternative, I decided to specialize in aesthetic acupuncture.
I offer cosmetic facial acupuncture, and LED light therapy, with an FDA-approved device, medical micro-needling, face cupping, and gua sha. The ability to treat the whole person while rejuvenating the skin is unique to East Asian Medicine. We cannot stop the aging process; we can assist individuals in aging gracefully while improving overall well-being.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Perseverance and setting goals are important to succeed.

One of my teachers told us we may not have a successful business until year 5. That initially scared me but I knew if I was going to start this that I needed to be in it for the long haul.

During the first two years of my business, I took it one day and one patient at a time. The first month I was open I saw two patients. I slowly realized that just telling people I am an acupuncturist was not going to be enough. I had to learn about advertising and marketing to build a patient load that was going to pay the rent and grow the business. I chipped away at it, and I am now more confident that the phone will ring, and I worry less. I look at the end of month sales to gauge my growth instead of counting the number of patients I see each week. For me, that was progress and I made it to year five.

The other thing I think is important is to have fun. Sometimes when I feel stressed, I remind myself of why I am doing this. Offering a service that so many seek and enjoying what I do is the goal.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Word of mouth is where many of my patients come from and is important in growing a business. When patients share their experience with family, friends, or co-workers it spreads the word about the many benefits of this medicine. Google reviews and social media platforms are informative for patients, and they are an effortless way to share with others who want to try acupuncture.

Listening and educating patients empowers them to participate in their health and wellness. Also, having a clean safe space, handwashing, and experience builds trust. I want patients to feel comfortable and be able to let go of their cares and heal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.willowtreeacupuncturewellness.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/acupuncture.willow
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/willowtreeacu

Image Credits
image credit: Deborah Rinehart