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

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

One memorable patient I treated was a middle-aged woman struggling with insomnia and anxiety. She had tried various medications but was seeking a more holistic approach. In our initial consultation, it became clear through detailed questioning that her symptoms worsened during stressful periods at work and improved during the weekends she had off. I designed a treatment plan that not only included acupuncture sessions but also emphasized lifestyle modifications such as stress-reduction techniques, dietary recommendations based on Chinese medicine principles, and a tailor herbal formula to support her unique constitution. Over time, she reported significant improvement in her sleep patterns and overall sense of well-being. This case illustrated to me the effectiveness of Chinese medicine’s holistic approach, addressing not just symptoms but also underlying imbalances and getting to the root cause.

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.

My name is Sydney Herbst, and I hold a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I am the founder and operator of Herbs to Acupuncture Integrative Wellness Clinic located in La Jolla, California.

From a young age, I’ve been deeply passionate about health and wellness, always attuned to my body’s needs and constantly seeking ways to enhance my overall well-being. My undergraduate studies in Health and Wellness underscored that personalized care, not a one-size-fits-all approach, resonated with me. Each person is unique, with distinct DNA, life experiences, and environmental factors that shape their health journey. This realization sparked my fascination with Chinese Medicine, an ancient practice that views health holistically, addressing individual health histories, life circumstances, and employing diagnostic methods like tongue and pulse readings to identify internal imbalances.

Chinese Medicine treats the body as an integrated whole rather than isolated parts, striving to uncover root causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Whether it’s fertility issues, painful periods, postpartum care, or emotional imbalances, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each person’s needs.

I take pride in seeing my patients return week after week, feeling progressively better and more optimistic. Chinese Medicine isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about sustainable, enduring healing that requires commitment and patience. It’s a journey toward balance and wellness that extends beyond acupuncture sessions to encompass lifestyle changes and self-care practices.

When I established my practice, my vision was to create a nurturing environment where people feel empowered to prioritize their health. I wanted it to be a place not just for treatments, but for genuine connection and personal growth—a space where patients eagerly anticipate their visits as part of their wellness journey.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

James Clear’s essays have profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset by providing practical insights into building effective habits, fostering continuous improvement, and embracing a growth-oriented mindset. His emphasis on small, consistent actions leading to significant outcomes has reshaped how I approach challenges and opportunities in business. Clear’s focus on the importance of clarity, persistence, and resilience has inspired me to set clearer goals, prioritize daily habits that align with my vision, and navigate setbacks with a more positive and proactive attitude. His writing has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey, equipping me with actionable strategies to achieve sustained growth and success.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson of unlearning that mistakes should absolutely be welcomed in order to grow has been transformative. Embracing mistakes as learning opportunities challenges the conventional fear of failure, encouraging experimentation and innovation. One of the very first makes I made early on was registering my business under an LLC rather than an S Corp which lead me through a few headaches and financial cost on transferring this to make it right. Lesson learned! Understanding that mistakes are essential for personal and professional growth fosters resilience, adaptability, and a mindset geared towards continuous improvement. This shift in perspective has empowered me to take calculated risks, learn from setbacks, and ultimately, accelerate my development as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.herbstoacupuncture.com
• Instagram: @herbstoacupuncture

Image Credits

J.Dixx Photography
[email protected]

Emily Dean Photography
https://emilymaedean.myportfolio.com/