We recently connected with Crystal Jancovic and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, appreciate you joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job as an acupuncturist is what shaped my views and opinions on healthcare drastically. This first job, is what ultimately made me decide I wanted to create a low cost nonprofit health clinic. The first acupuncture clinic I was renting space from was in the city and it was expensive. I was required to charge the same as all of the other healthcare providers in the clinic which was $150 for the initial session and $90 for follow-ups which seemed steep to me but I agreed. As I continued to practice there I very quickly realized that regular sessions within this model could only be regularly attended by a certain financial bracket and other people beneath these higher incomes, were unable to come and maintain their optimal health. I felt strongly that I did want to contribute to healthcare if I wasn’t helping anyone in the need of wellness, regardless of their financial status. From then on, I began my journey with community acupuncture clinics which embraced busy schedules and affordable healthcare models.

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?

Lakewood Community Acupuncture was born in June of 2016 on an overnight backpacking trip in front of the fire and beneath the moon. My friend and fellow low-cost community acupuncture believer, Jamie Holland and I dreamt of everything the clinic could be while breathing in the smell of pine resin in the Summer. We got together an amazing group of community members as our board of directors, completed our bylaws and opened the first 501(c)3 nonprofit acupuncture clinic in Colorado in May of 2018.

We offer $40 acupuncture sessions in private treatments rooms for everyone in the community. For those with federal assistance and in the need of more financial help, we have a financial aid program to help patients afford regular sessions to get the most out of their treatments.

Towards the end of 2022, we brought on a new acupuncturist and team member, Wei Fang. We are beyond excited to have her on the team especially since she has been teaching Internal Medicine and supervises Clinical Internships at the acupuncture school in Denver since 2007. She speaks fluent Chinese (Mandarin) and Taiwanese and has been helping Lakewood Community Acupuncture continue to provide affordable healthcare to our community.

We work a lot with chronic and acute pain, inflammation, digestive issues, balancing hormones, fertility, sleep issues, emotional health, weight management and treat a wide, endless range of health issues.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely not. Working with my hands and the subtle energies and pathways of our bodies to achieve homeostasis is a gift to be a part of. When I was eighteen years old, I took my first massage therapy class and will never forget how it felt to help someone feel better in such a natural, grounded and connected way. I knew that one elective massage class was just the beginning of a lifelong journey to strengthen, nourish and heal myself and others. The four year Masters Program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, only sealed the deal with the knowledge of herbal medicine, ancient acupuncture methods and dietary knowledge to use food as your daily medicine. I loved it all and I continue to love it all. I still get excited to go to acupuncture symposiums, take continuing education classes and read new books and articles on ways to help people feel better in the minds and bodies.

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

Kindness, empathy and compassion. No matter what people are coming in for, it is so important to see their story in their perspective. It is very important for my patients to feel heard, seen and deeply cared for. While the treatment is important, the interaction and care given before, after and in between the acupuncture points/cups/laser therapy/bodywork/ear seeds/etc are just as important. I honor my patients and want them to know how special and important they are and how proud I am of the work they are doing to help their body, mind and spirit feel whole and balanced within their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lakewoodacupuncture.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakewoodcommunityacupuncture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodAcupuncture.org
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lakewood-community-acupuncture/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lakewoodcommun1?lang=ar
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3YprouGTXQj6aQ-bLEPCg
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lakewood-community-acupuncture-lakewood