We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Frederica Crafts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Frederica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

The foundation of my business began to be laid nearly 10 years ago. It took several certification programs, one leading to the next, until I finally studied to become a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I always had a distant vision that I would like to support patients and clients on the path to wellness although the details of how that would exactly look were unclear.

As an undergraduate at New England College, I received my BA in Communications Studies. During my time there I had several life changing professors that empowered me to ask questions about the nature of life thus inspiring the realization of our responsibility in taking care of ourselves and this planet. The idealistic streak in me had been awoken and since then continues to grow. It is a value that propels me forward and infiltrates deeply into my practice. I want the best for my patients and I believe, whole heartedly, in their ability to grow, transform, and heal.
At 21, I completed my undergraduate degree and at 31 I became a Doctor. The greatest challenge was to make that choice to commit and let go of the past. Before one can become responsible for the wellbeing of others it is necessary to have a good look at oneself and access what needs to change. In school I would realize that my first patient would be myself. In those 4 years of my Doctoral program I had the opportunity to reflect, refine, and develop from the vast sea of life experiences in order to learn how to best serve my community.
While still in school I was fortunate to meet the owner of one of my locations. Cultivating this relationship well ahead of time gave me the comfort that I would have a place to begin.
As my schedule begins to fill with more patients, I have been able to slowly let go of my previous employment positions. Being open to the risk and going with the flow while feeling grateful to be doing what I truly love has been what keeps me going. It feels SO good to form new patient relations, create my own schedule, and grow my business through heart centered values.
In retrospect, I don’t think I would change a thing! Every twist and turn that got me to this place is part of my story and I am so grateful for it. We all have such unique experiences and the best thing we can do is learn how to reflect and embrace who we are and where we come from. Boldly integrating these truths is intrinsic to our happiness in this lifetime.

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

My business, Calmosphere Wellness offers both Chinese Medical and Ayurvedic body therapies. Specifically I specialize in advanced cosmetic facial acupuncture, a highly rejuvinative modality that supports my patients and clients on the path of graceful aging. This therapy simultaneously address the outer manifestations of inner disharmonies. What that means is we address and resuscitate skin tone, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, facial sagging, and lymphatic stagnation while also going to the root of why these appearances are even happening to begin with. It has been said that Chinese medicine was the first form of functional medicine because our diagnostic approach identifies the root cause while also attending to the effected branches so to speak. We are able to see the chain of effects being presented by the patient and that allows us to heal the state of dis-ease rather than just temporarily interrupting its appearance. In my practice we address hormonal imbalances, acne, stress and pain management, insomnia, PMS, digestive disharmonies, trauma, as well as mental and emotional wellbeing.
Other therapies that we offer in conjunction with facial acupuncture and microneedling are fire cupping, moxabusition, gua sha, kansa, TCM Herbal formulations, Food/Diet therapy, and Exercise suggestions.
Addiontally, we offer an 75 minute Ayurvedic massage known as Abhyanga which simply put pacifies the nervous system and promotes lymphatic drainage.
Shirodhara is another Ayurvedic therapy that we offer to deeply restore the mind-body system through the use of a 30 minute, steady stream of 105 degree medicated oil at the third eye point .
Lastly, we offer Marma facial therapy, a needle free, healing touch modality which promotes a blissful state of calm center relaxation in combination with a 4 limb + abdominal massage.
The services are all spa inspired, incorporating the use of organic hydrosols, herbal infused oils, small-batch essential oils, and crystal medicine.
By addressing and attending to all senses we are able to provide a holistic healing experience.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before enrolling in my doctoral program I was attending a different graduate school studying Health Promotion Management. At the end of the first semester I could feel that this wasn’t the right fit but I had already relocated my life far from home to be there. Listening to that inner sense guided me to the open house where I would eventually begin my Chinese Medicine studies. and completely change my life propelling me onto the path of my life’s purpose.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After attending 3 different graduate schools I finally had my doctorate degree. This journey relocated me to 3 different states and eventually across the country. However, at no moment did I question or doubt ‘the ride’. I felt such a deep sense of purpose once I committed that I knew each move was an upgrade to clarifying my mission. In 2020 when the pandemic began I was in my fifth trimester out of 11. Like many, our entire educational program went online. This included our clinical work. I was very fortunate to find opportunities observing in external practitioners offices, which provided me with a skill set that I wouldn’t have had if the pandemic had not altered my path. During that time I was also able to focus more deeply on my interests in cosmetic acupuncture.
Embracing the silver linings and always keeping my faith has been crucial to arriving at where I am today!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.calmosphere.com
• Instagram: calmosphere.wellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calmosphere/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/frederica-crafts-47005190

Image Credits
Life Force Academy, Self (Dr. Frederica S Crafts DTCM, L.Ac)