Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Micaela Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Micaela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

There actually is not one defining event that I can point my finger to, but instead a variety of small events that have shaped who I am as an acupuncturist.

When my fertility patients put their trust in me and are willing to share grief, anger sadness, worry, happiness, joy and anxiety with me, I find that this is one of the most meaningful exchanges we can have. It’s amazing to explore the WHOLE range of emotions.  I really recognized that in those moments, they are totally willing and able to be vulnerable with me. What an honor. That conveys to me that they trust me, they feel comfortable with me, and I have been able to make a container to hold them that is judgement free. That is a small kindness that is shown to me again and again, and one that really makes my job worth it!

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 have wanted to be an acupuncturist since I was 14 years old! I was treated for seasonal allergies and I felt like I had the flu every morning with severe ringing in my ears. My pediatrician thought that I was listening to my music too loudly and did not believe me when I said I thought it was seasonal allergies and the related sinus pressure that was causing the ringing. I had never felt unheard or disregarded before, so this experience was a little jarring! He recommended I stop listening to music instead. So, I went to an acupuncturist. One treatment later, I could hear again and my allergy symptoms were gone! I decided then and there to become an acupuncturist.

I am so passionate about this medicine. I have such a deep respect for what it can do, what it can offer, what it can shift, and what it can open. My first experience with acupuncture came only because I felt unheard in regards to my health. I do not want my patients to ever feel that way in my acupuncture practice.

One of my favorite parts of this medicine is how much space it creates for listening. I find that the support that we need the most in our journeys is the simple practice of being heard. I treat one person at a time, which is unusual for an acupuncturist. Most acupuncturists usually see 2-4 people at a time. My treatment style really emphasizes my intention behind the practice- to make space so that you will be heard!

I particularly love treating reproductive health and fertility- meaning fertility support to become pregnant and then support throughout the entire pregnancy and beyond. I also love treating menstrual disorders, like PCOS, endometriosis, painful periods, and hormone imbalances. Autoimmune diseases are also high on the list for me, mostly because people feel incredibly disregarded, confused, and worried in these scenarios.

All of these areas that I specialize in really focus on women/people with cycles and I have found that these demographics are the people who feel the most unheard in regards to their health. I want to shift the status quo to include listening, not just rushing people in and out of an office and saying that is healthcare.

Every person deserves to be heard and respected, especially in regard to their own health. I want people to know that when they come to Raku Acupuncture, they will be heard.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I pivoted when I sold my business in Denver, CO and started a whole new business/acupuncture practice in Bucks County, PA.

It has been challenging, but challenging more emotionally than anything. It was so hard to say goodbye to all my patients, especially the ones where I had been seeing them regularly for over a year. There was many tears shed those last weeks of practicing and I definitely did not take the decision to move lightly.

It was largely a pivot between my personal growth ideas and the growth of my business. I knew that I wanted to return to my hometown, buy a house, and have space where I can have a garden, chickens, and acommodate all of my hobbies. I knew that a massive pivot had to happen because if I stayed in Denver, CO, I would never feel entitled to spread, grow, or expand my business. I would always be considering moving somewhere that fit my personal needs more. Then I realized that if my personal needs weren’t met, I wasn’t ever going to commit to the business in a way that was as deep as it needed to be.

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

Empathy. I think for acupuncture the most important thing to do is to think of the patient and what they need. That requires the ability to empathize.

Let me tell you acupuncture is amazing- but not everyone knows what it can treat and just how amazing it is! It is particularly interesting with acupuncture because you are basically asking someone to trust you to put needles into them. Needles can be scary!

So, the most important thing to do is put your self into the space of the patient. Why should they care about your services? What will they get out of it? Do they know that their health could be improved with acupuncture? Do they know they don’t need to have painful periods, missed ovulation, spotting in between cycles, PMS, cramping, bloating? That they could have physical and emotional support through the process of trying to become pregnant?

Even something as simple as an offering for a glass of water or warm tea at the beginning of the treatment can change the whole energy of the space. A warm hand on the shoulder when they are crying may convey that you are there for them and they are allowed to cry. I want you to feel taken care of when you see me.

Contact Info:

• Website: rakuacu.com
• Instagram: raku_acupuncture
• Facebook: Raku Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
• Linkedin: Micaela Wilson

Image Credits
Shel Francis