We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Luki Schultz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Luki below.

Alright, Luki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.

I started my own practice at the beginning of this year. Initially I was working for someone else, and I realized that I wanted to do things alittle differently. In my own practice I offer sliding scale, which makes it accessible to more people. This is one of the most important aspects that I wanted to address going into the healthcare field. When I was younger, I learned how to take care of my health through nutrition and herbs and I want to be able to share this with other people, because it helped me go down the right path.

Luki, 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?

I got into my field, because I was interested in herbal medicine. I have been a clinical herbalist for 15 years with a background in botany. I am very interested in natural medicine, which led me to chinese medicine. My family is from Guatemala so I was exposed to alot of natural healing remedies growing up. My favorite thing to teach about chinese medicine is how to make your own herbal formulas. I teach how to make tinctures, salves, teas. I think making your own medicine is very empowering and brings you closer to nature. I want people to know that my main focus in having my practice is to make it accessible and I offer priority treatment to queer and BIPOC people.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think the most helpful thing in succeeding in my field is to not pay attention to what everyone else is doing. I think it is important to be yourself and be authentic. I think coming into the field, I thought I had to look a certain way or have a certain aesthetic that would make me more credible and “professional”. When I realized I can just attract the kind of person that wants to see me, I realized I don’t need to change anything.

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

I think finishing acupuncture and herbal medicine school is more difficult than people know. It requires a lot of focus, studying, and hard work.

Contact Info:

• Website: lukiacupunctureandherbs.com
• Instagram: @luki.acupuncture.herbs

Image Credits
Lauren Winges