We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie McGuirk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I’d like to talk about being a Wellness provider for the last 22 years and someone who is newly diagnosed with a health condition. I’d like to describe a number of key takeaways that I have learned.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For over 20 years, Stephanie has studied Women’s health, Chinese Medicine and Martial Arts in the U.S as well as China. She has grown a thriving private practice and worked as the staff acupuncturist at Kansas University Hospital’s Integrative health department while raising two incredible humans.
Stephanie has helped thousands, (mostly people born in female bodies) heal their stressed nervous systems’ and tap into their own bodies healing abilities to experience higher levels of life satisfaction. Her workbook, describing her philosophy of healing, is called TOTEM Companions, Mastering the Archetypes and the five elements.
This book available on Amazon, describes her philosophy of healing. It’s her take on the Hero’s journey tracing the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After being diagnosed with CTCL a chronic health condition I made thriving regardless of a diagnosis my goal. Here are my 8 tenets of healing to THRIVE with a health condition.

1) I make my relationships and connections my top priority not just in theory, but in time spent, I focus on consistency of communication and maintain commitment to real life meet ups.

2) Nourishment, eat breakfast! I eat real food.

3) Completely eliminating plastic storage containers and food and drinkware

4) Switching to nontoxic home and body products. I’ve always use nontoxic cleaning supplies and ‘free and clear’, laundry detergent, as well as nontoxic, soap, shampoo, etc. I am currently testing brands of the very cleanest dishwashing detergent, and laundry soap.

4) At least 90 minutes of movement a day.

5) Hydration drinking only purified water. I am doing weekly IV’s which has helped tremendously with optimal energy, muscle recovery and pain.

6) Rest; I take herbal supplements that are non-drowsy to assure that I get the best sleep possible.

7) Journaling, psychotherapy, and group therapy. These things ensure that I honor and make time for my emotional self. When emotions are not addressed, they will physically manifest.

8) Recreation and novelty this was not something I was the best at. I don’t count fitness as recreation. I’m rediscovering fun. It’s a work in progress, but my intention is to take rollerskating classes a few times a week. Creating openings of unscheduled hours in your life, leaves openings for fun to emerge.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my patient’s ability to trust me is what helped me form a strong basis for my business. This sums up my approach to serving my clientele.;
The Acupuncturist Oath
“I promise to follow the way of the Great Physician, to live in harmony with nature, and to teach my patients to do the same.
I will strive to maintain a clear mind and hold myself to the highest standards.
I shall look upon those who are in grief as though I myself have been afflicted, and I will respond with empathy.
I shall develop an attitude of compassion, of benevolence, and of care for all patients, regardless of their particular circumstances.
I promise to perform my responsibilities carefully, thoughtfully, and to the best of my ability.
Above all, I will maintain a peaceful presence and an open heart.”
Based on the Oath of Sun Si Miao (c. 581-682), whose code is considered to be the foundation of Chinese medical ethics.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.totemacupuncture.com
• Instagram: Totemhealth

Image Credits

Portrait Novella