We recently connected with Christy Mawdsley and have shared our conversation below.

Christy, appreciate you joining us today. Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?

Early on in the functional medicine world, supplements were the saviors. Functional testing was done, and even the early iterations were often helpful, to a degree. But the strategy was: treat a symptom with a supplement. So patients might be put on 10, 20, 30 supplements – really. People taking 40 pills a day for months on end. And there wasn’t any end in sight – functional medicine providers weren’t saying “ok, take this one thing for three months and then let’s reassess” – people were just put on things indefinitely. And if that thing didn’t work, then *shrug.* It was functional medicine being layered over allopathic medicine – same approach, really, just using supplements rather than pharmaceuticals. But I’ve noticed a big u-turn in the last few years (thankfully!) – and the way I offer care tracks with this. Human health and well-being is supported by a dynamic, multi-layered approach that considers things as diverse as the health of your relationships, your connection to the cycles of natures, heavy metal or toxin exposures you may have had, and the thoughts you think. I work with supplements in my practice and they can be immensely helpful, but I’ve never seen supplements alone lead someone to robust well-being.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I love the work I do – it brings me a deep sense of meaning and purpose. Getting to walk alongside people and support them in their challenges feels so rewarding to me. Prior to doing this work, I got a master’s degree in international relations and taught community college! But after having three kids born within a little over three years (!!!) I experienced a major health crisis. It was pretty bad – I couldn’t sleep, was shaky and wired all day long, my digestion was wrecked, I had weird crackling noises in my ears almost constantly, my hair was falling out and I was an emotional basket case. Allopathic medicine was not helping me feel any better and I distinctly recall an ENT in Boston telling me I was imagining things. It was devastating and I did not know where to turn. My GP in Boston at the time told me to start getting acupuncture, and I am deeply grateful he gave me that advice. When I started getting acupuncture and my nervous system calmed down, it was like light shining through the clouds for the first time.

I see people with all sorts of conditions. One thing I love is the incredible toolbox I have – not only am I able to hold space and be present with my patients, which is healing in itself, but I have such great options – acupuncture, electrical stimulation (estim), chinese herbal formulas, nutritional interventions, homeopathic remedies, supplements, somatic exercises, and so much more. I find that patients really appreciate the comprehensive treatment plan I provide them with after their first session. Although I remind them that we are walking into the unknown territory of what healing looks like for their unique being, it is nice for us to have something we’re using as a roadmap.

I have such great patients. People who are truly committed, willing to make changes, to learn, to grow. Willing to unlearn the old maps of pain, trauma, and discomfort and learn new maps of well-being. It takes courage to do that, and I love getting to guide them!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

I have had to develop the humility to admit to myself and my patients that we are in the unknown together on their healing journey. I have incredible tools, a deep commitment to helping my patients reach their health goals, and a heart for the work I do. That said, I cannot control outcomes for my patients. The pace of their healing, and how it unfolds, can be encouraged but not forced. Learning to accept this with grace has been one of my greatest challenges, because I love solving medical challenges and deeply want my clients to feel better and have the energy and wellbeing to connect with their deeper purpose.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Something that I believe has helped me grow my reputation in my market is my sincere care and love for my patients – that’s something that’s hard to fake and people feel it when it’s there. For many years I suffered in the allopathic medical system – having painful symptoms brushed off by doctors, being misdiagnosed, not being listened to, feeling so alone!

I strive to listen deeply to my patients, and the reality is, I care. I want them feeling better and living their best lives. I want them to graduate to only needing infrequent care from me! I think people pick up on this.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wholenessacupuncture.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flourishing-life-with-christy/

Image Credits

Valentyna Schneider
Kayla Prasek