Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sam, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting my practice was a leap of both passion and purpose. I wanted to create a space where Traditional Chinese Medicine, functional medicine, herbalism, and nutrition could intersect, honoring both ancient wisdom and modern science.

The early steps included clarifying my mission, finding the right space, navigating licensing, and slowly building a brand rooted in trust and transformation. The biggest challenge? Wearing every hat. From practitioner to marketer to office manager, the learning curve was steep. I often felt stretched thin, but every hurdle taught me resilience.

Looking back, I would’ve trusted my instincts more and taken bold steps sooner. Clarity comes through action, not perfection.

To anyone starting their own practice: build with intention, stay curious, and invest in community. Keep growing as a practitioner, as a person, and alongside those you serve. That evolution is what keeps the work meaningful and alive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the founder of Pointe Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, where we blend Traditional Chinese Medicine, functional medicine, traditional nutrition, and herbs to deliver deeply personalized care. My path into this field was born out of a desire to understand why people feel unwell not just how to mask symptoms. I was drawn to the precision and depth of Chinese medicine, the investigative nature of functional medicine, and the healing power of herbs and food as medicine.

At our practice, we help people navigate complex, chronic conditions from pain, hormonal imbalances and digestive issues to fatigue, anxiety, and skin concerns. Whether it’s through acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, functional testing, or integrative health coaching, our goal is always the same: to get to the root cause and support the body’s innate ability to heal.

What sets us apart is our truly integrative model. We don’t treat symptoms in isolation we look at the whole person, combining ancient wisdom with modern science. We also compound custom herbal formulas in-house, allowing us to create individualized support for each patient’s unique constitution.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built at Pointe. It’s a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. We’re not about trendy wellness; we’re about timeless medicine that works. For those exploring our work, know that our approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in both clinical rigor and heart. We believe healing is a journey and we’re here to walk it with you.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most essential trait for success in this field is presence. Being fully present with patients truly listening, observing, and holding space without rushing to fix, is where real transformation begins.

Also critical is adaptability. In integrative and functional medicine, no two patients are the same, so we must constantly evolve both personally and professionally. That means staying curious, open to new research, and willing to question what we think we know.

Finally, integrity and authenticity are everything. Patients can feel when you’re walking your talk. The more grounded you are in your own rituals, growth, and values, the more trust you build and trust is the foundation of all healing work.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

1000x over I would choose this path again without hesitation. While the road hasn’t always been easy, the privilege of helping people heal, reconnect with their bodies, and find clarity in their health is something I’m endlessly grateful for.

This work has allowed me to blend science, intuition, tradition, and creativity in a way that constantly challenges and fulfills me. It’s not just a profession it’s a calling. And every patient, every formula, every moment of insight reminds me why I chose it in the first place.

If anything, I’d just remind my younger self to trust the process more. The detours, the doubts, the grind they were all part of the training too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Pointeacupuncture.com
• Instagram: Pointeacupuncture
• Facebook: Pointe Acupuncture
• Linkedin: Samantha Buchanan
• Other: Substack: Pointe Acupuncture