We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Lidia Domagalska a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Lidia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

Will you share a patient success story? How did they benefit? What was the result? How did It work?

Many of my patients ask about a natural alternative to Botox and fillers. There was one particular patient that stands out although she is hardly alone. During an acupuncture treatment, this patient, who I’ll call Jenny, shared one of those moments we all dread. She started to notice rapid signs of aging. In obvious frustration, she burst out, “It’s as if I just woke up one day and looked totally different – tired with deeper wrinkles around my eyes and even some on the neck, which I have never seen before.” It became a bit of an obsession. On one occasion, Jenny found herself constantly analyzing a friend’s face and comparing her skin condition to that of her friend. It was so overwhelming that she couldn’t even recall what they talked about at lunch. With me, she couldn’t stop talking about how smooth and elastic her friend’s skin looked. Jenny admitted that she had become very self-conscious. She explained that she did not dare to ask about her friend’s beautiful skin, as that might have involved Botox or fillers, which Jenny was not at all interested in doing. Jenny acknowledged that after having two kids, she had fallen off the wagon with her skincare routine, for what must have been more than a year. Whether motivated by frustration or desire, she was finally inspired to do something about it, without Botox or fillers. So, she asked me if there were non-invasive, natural ways to keep skin elastic, healthy and fresh looking. My answer was micro-needling.

After her first micro-needling treatment, Jenny reported that her skin texture and color dramatically improved, and the deeper wrinkles were reduced to fine lines. The visible results became more apparent on the second treatment and the collagen levels continue to build with subsequent visits. After her third treatment Jenny’s skin became more elastic/toned, luminous and her complexion was more even. It was no surprise that Jenny reported feeling more confident and happier as her skin visibly improved with each treatment. After a series of five monthly micro-needling treatments, her skin was transformed.

How does micro-needling work? Each treatment entails penetrating the skin cells with an automated micro-needle pen device. The pen utilizes extremely thin, sterile needles to facilitate cell turnover and promote natural collagen production. A numbing cream is first applied to prevent any discomfort along with a base of high molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid, to ensure safety of the procedure as well as rapid hydration. One indirect benefit of treatments is the skin’s improved ability to absorb skincare products. After 5 monthly treatments, the end-result is improved skin texture, reduction in sunspots, wrinkles and even acne scars. And the best news, the collagen production stimulated by 5 sessions of micro-needling can last up to five years. Of course, the self-esteem boost and overall well-being are lifetime gifts.

Combined with acupuncture, micro-needling enhances health and beauty from the inside out. Stress shows up on our face. In addition, as we age our elastin fibers, responsible for the structure and youthfulness of the face, break down and do not renew. This causes wrinkles and sagging skin. Acupuncture relaxes the nervous system and reduces inflammation while micro needling promotes natural collagen production. The result is elastic and vibrant looking skin.  Acupuncture also addresses many of the internal causes of aging such as organ/hormonal imbalances, which often manifests in the face. When combined, restorative acupuncture treatments can enhance the effects of micro-needling. I always say, healthy people are pretty people.

In the particular case of Jenny, she was especially concerned with her deepening wrinkles and sunspots. Her treatments included natural, pro-healing, regenerative growth factors with cytokines to stimulate cell repair activity and promote collagen production. Because the products used on her face were anti-inflammatory, the recovery period after each micro-needling session was accelerated with no signs of post-procedure erythema or peeling. She was sent home with an aftercare kit designed to reduce redness and continue the recovery process. The high-quality ingredients used in these products ensured exceptional results at the cellular level. As a result of being introduced to effective skincare products, Jenny was encouraged to reestablish an easy to sustain skincare routine.

Dr. Lidia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Tell us about you, your services and your practice.

I’ve been a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist for over six years now. My focus has always been on providing preventative, non-invasive, affordable health care. From wellness to beauty, my particular interest is in developing holistic solutions that integrate effective Western and Eastern care to optimize a patient’s health. Professionally, I went to Pacific College of Health and Science, where I received a Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (“TCM”).  I earned a BS  degree in Biology from Loyola University.

My acupuncture clinic is an oasis where patients come to relax, rejuvenate and heal. Located in quiet Solana Beach, the energy is grounding and tranquil. My patients enjoy a wide array of customized treatments, the most popular being a combination of acupuncture, cupping therapy and facial rejuvenating treatment. These therapies help to release stored stress in the body which manifests as tension in the muscles and signs of aging on one’s face. Patients experience healing of physical injury, chronic pain, and emotional trauma. Whether a patient is afflicted by pain, menstrual disorders, PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, TMJ, or digestive issues, Qi Acupuncture is dedicated to achieving long-term solutions for the best possible quality of life.

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

In order to succeed as an acupuncturist, it is important to develop a trusting relationship with your patients, from a place of genuine interest and care. Guiding patients through their healing experience is a multi-step process. A key objective is to provide them with hope, offering each patient the possibility of living a pain-free and healthy life. This is accomplished by taking time to understand and communicate with the patient, which means working together to first identify a patient’s health goals and then provide them with assistance to achieve the health they aspire to. Apart from acupuncture treatments, this may include empowering them with self-care tools. As well as guiding them through lifestyle and mindset changes in order to exercise self-love and respect for their bodies. Further, being fully present, and providing safe, supportive and compassionate space for the patient, will ensure the patient’s success in reaching their ultimate health and thereby furthering your relationship of trust with them.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Unfortunately, I am not much of an entrepreneur. I run my practice based on the principles of patient-centered care to anyone in need. My philosophy is that a practitioner’s compassion and the development of an actively engaged patient-practitioner relationship are essential to achieving and maintaining long-term health and well-being of the patients and, thereby, a thriving practice.

One of the books which has impacted my thinking in building a practice is “Start with WHY” by Simon Sinek. The book inspired me to discover why I am passionate about building a practice and helped me to communicate that to the outside world. I realized that I am motivated to make a change in others’ lives, work with patients who are committed to heal, and achieve their best long-term health.

Contact Info:

• Website: QiAcupunctureSd.com
• Instagram: QiAcupuncture
• Facebook: Qi Acupuncture
• Yelp: Qi Acupuncture

Image Credits
Felice Kinnear Photography