We were lucky to catch up with Adrianne Ortega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Adrianne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear stories from your time in school/training/etc.

My schooling required to be an acupuncturist was about 4 years to receive my Master’s in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Generally, most people tend to think that our schooling to become an acupuncturist is a few weekends but it definitely is not. Our schooling here in the United States is rigorous and is basically like attending Medical school however, it’s for Traditional Chinese Medicine. We have to take over 500 hours in Western Medicine. I am grateful for my rigorous education because I had some very kind and knowledgeable professors.

Whenever, I have a complicated case with a patient I will think of a professor and what they would suggest for me. One thing that one of my favorite professors would say is, “put out the biggest fire – first.” Over the last 12 years of private practice that is always incredibly helpful advice.

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.

The short version of how I chose to become an acupuncturist that specializes in reproductive acupuncture is by being a patient my self. Through my own path to healing with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) I decided that I needed to change my career so I could share this natural medicine with others in my community. At the time I had some intense gynecological issues that only acupuncture and East Asian herbs were able to help me find relief.

I am different than most acupuncturists because I am also a board certified fellow of ABORM (Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine). It took me 2 years to prepare to sit for my board exam. I am the only Bilingual Latina in Texas ABORM fellow. I am proud of being board certified because it’s important that BIPOC have representation in these specialized organizations. I believe diversity and inclusion is crucial in all specialties of medicine and all industries. I truly believe that being a fellow of ABORM has made me a more well rounded reproductive acupuncturist.

I believe I am different from other acupuncturists because I allow my self to be guided by my life experiences. I find that many patients that choose me it is because I am a first generation Mexican American. They know that I understand their daily/ life stressors in a way that another practitioner will not be able to understand or relate to. I do my best to help them find practical solutions to their health issues.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Two things that have helped me grow my business is that I refer my patients out to other practitioners when needed and my Instagram account. My instagram account has helped people find me/my business and get to know me before they schedule an initial appointment. Social media has allowed me to share and educate my followers about how acupuncture & TCM can improve their reproductive health and quality of life during their reproductive years. It is really neat to have patients book with me and then they sign up for a class I am teaching or book an appointment with me. They will often tell me, “I’ve been following you for months!” Social media can definitely create connections that otherwise would not happen.

The other thing that I do in practice that has grown my clientele is that I refer out to other practitioners when my patients need other support. This can be referrals to a physician, chiropractor, therapist, womb massage, and even another acupuncturist. Sometimes my patients need help finding a therapist that will help them with some ongoing stressors and I will refer them to a therapist that specializes in fertility.

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

To succeed as an acupuncturist I highly recommend being ok with trial and error. Most businesses have to find out what works for them by trying different things. Just because your best friend that’s also an acupuncturist also succeeded at running ads on social media does not mean that it will work for you. I say especially the first 2-3 years it is important to try different things to see what works best for you and your business. One thing I have learned after the pandemic is that I can work with people remotely! This was very new to me and helpful to clients that want to work with me when they are not local. I can still read blood work, learn about their health history and everything else that I do with in person clients via remotely. I tried it and it worked! At the end of the day, it is always best to trust your intuition. Your inner intuition will not steer you wrong. Like anything else – being an acupuncturist business owner takes practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://almaacupuncture-ep.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fertilitywithadrianne
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alma.acu.tx
• Other: TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@fertilitywithadrianne

Image Credits
Rethlyn of @rethlyn.photography