The Qiological Practice of Practice podcast focuses on the business of having a healing practice. Here you'll find conversations with seasoned and successfully practitioners of acupuncture and East Asian medicine that will help you to love your business, as much as you love your clinical work.
What if business wasn’t just about strategy and numbers—what if it was about knowing yourself, choosing the right challenges, and betting on what truly matters?
In this conversation with Sydney Malawer, we discuss the realities of running a practice— what makes it work, what makes it hard, and how to build something that actually fits you.
We explore how the difficulties that go with stepping into the responsibilities of being a business owner, how archetypes can clarify your unique approach, the surprising role of resentment in shaping choices, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is ask the right questions instead of chasing the latest tactic.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
25 Jan 2025
Crystal Anderson, Scaling Success- Insights From a Mobile Acupuncture Business
Breaking free from the brick-and-mortar model, Crystal Anderson has created a thriving mobile acupuncture business that blends flexibility, personal care, and innovation. Motivated by a desire to balance family life with professional fulfillment, Crystal shares how her business evolved from treating stroke patients at home to managing a team of mobile practitioners across California.
In this conversation, Crystal share the unique challenges and opportunities of a mobile practice, from the logistics of in-home care to scaling her business with marketing and SEO strategies. She reflects on the importance of creating a supportive network and adapting to meet patients' diverse needs while emphasizing the value of high-touch, personalized care.
This discussion offers a fresh perspective on redefining acupuncture practice to align with personal goals, patient convenience, and innovative business models—proving there’s more than one way to run a successful clinic.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
25 Jan 2025
Caroline Radice, The Business of Balance- Thriving as an East Asian Medicine Practitioner
Building a practice takes more than clinical skill—it requires adaptability, resourcefulness, and a clear sense of what works for you. In this conversation, Caroline Radice reflects on her decades-long career in acupuncture and herbal medicine, offering insights into the evolution of her practice.
Caroline discusses the challenges of starting out at a time when marketing relied entirely on word of mouth and how she adapted her approach to build a thriving practice. She shares the importance of creating a supportive professional network and balancing the demands of being a sole proprietor with the need for personal time and self-care.
This discussion is a reminder that running a practice is a dynamic process, shaped by trial and error, collaboration, and the ongoing commitment to refine and grow.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
24 Jan 2025
Ryan Diener, Avoiding Success: Uncovering the Hidden Challenges of Running a Practice
Starting an acupuncture practice is rarely straightforward—it’s a mix of navigating uncertainty, developing systems, and embracing growth through trial and error. Ryan Diener shares how he turned the challenge of running a practice into an opportunity to refine his skills as both a healer and a business owner.
In this conversation, Ryan highlights the gap between acupuncture education and real-world business knowledge, sharing how he built a successful practice through slow, steady growth and a commitment to learning. He explores how adopting a clear, abundant mindset—one that views business as an extension of care—can transform not just your practice but also your confidence as a practitioner.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
21 Jan 2025
Lorne Brown, Burn the Boats- The Magic of Commitment
Commitment is the foundation for growth—it fuels confidence, fosters resilience, and helps transform uncertainty into opportunity. Lorne Brown shares how his path from accountant to acupuncturist was shaped by a keen interest in Chinese medicine and a willingness to take risks.
In this conversation, Lorne shares a story of "burning the boats," how commitment is strengthened by cutting off the possibility of retreat . He explains how this level of dedication fosters the courage to face fear and failure, which in turn builds the confidence needed to overcome challenges. Confidence, he emphasizes, doesn’t come from immediate success but from learning through experience and perseverance.
Lorne also challenges the idea that passion is essential for success, emphasizing instead the value of interest and aptitude. With consistent effort and a drive to improve, these qualities can spark a deeper sense of purpose, and that leads to meaningful growth.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
21 Jan 2025
Jenny Nieters, The Gifts of Commitment and Reliability
Reliability, commitment, and a touch of curiosity—these are the principles that Jenny Nieters brings to her practice. From her early experiences managing her family’s acupuncture clinic to her specialized work in orthopedics and sports medicine, Jenny has cultivated a deep respect for the interplay between accountability and patient care.
She shares how being impeccable with your word is foundational to building trust and professionalism. Confidence, she explains, often grows through experience and reflection, including moments of failure that help refine both skills and understanding.
Jenny’s approach highlights how structure and commitment create space for creativity and healing. Whether it’s tailoring your practice to fit your life or evolving as your interests shift, this conversation offers practical insights on creating a thriving and sustainable practice.
Join us for the Qiological Practice of Practice Chautauqua (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua)
19 Jan 2025
Heidi Lovie, Building Resilience: A Practical Look at Building a Thriving Acupuncture Business
Building a successful acupuncture practice requires balancing technical expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and effective management. In this conversation, Heidi Lovie shares practical principles for navigating the challenges of running a business, especially when starting with limited resources.
We discuss the importance of discipline and structure, and the concept of a "business triangle" with three sides: technical skills, entrepreneurial drive, and managerial responsibilities. From strategies like establishing financial cushions to balancing work-life priorities, Heidi offers actionable insights for avoiding burnout and staying resilient through the ups and downs of business. And reminds us that just because we are capable of doing something, it does not mean that we should.
18 Jan 2025
Michael Taromina, Harmonizing Healing and Business: Essential Legal Insights for Practitioners
Understanding the legal and business side of running a practice can feel overwhelming for many healers. Michael Taromina brings a wealth of experience in helping acupuncturists navigate these complexities, offering clear and practical insights. With a background in law and a deep engagement with Eastern medicine, he emphasizes the importance of integrating business acumen into practice—not as a separate entity, but as a foundation that supports meaningful healing work.
Michael discusses how healers, often unprepared for the demands of entrepreneurship, can overcome challenges like liability, practice management, and financial planning. He demystifies common concerns, from choosing business structures to ensuring proper insurance coverage, all while stressing that a well-run practice is not only protective but empowering.
18 Jan 2025
Wahji Kasten, Powering a Practice through Creativity and Curiosity
A meaning path is shaped by legacy, curiosity, and the drive to make meaningful change. Wahji Kasten’s journey from a chemistry undergraduate to naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist reflects these influences. She now combines the art and science of curiosity and creativity into her practice.
Wahji’s work in public health and with Indigenous communities emphasizes the importance of systems thinking—addressing the interconnectedness of health, environment, and community. The practice of medicine is as much about honoring the wisdom passed down through generations as it is about applying modern techniques. Her perspective on "asking why" is an invitation to dig deeper, exploring not just symptoms but the systems that support well-being.
15 Jan 2025
Sarah Rivkin, Understanding Value: The Art of Simplicity in Practice and Care
Some practitioners thrive on the intricacies of business, but for Sarah Rivkin, simplicity is key. Over her 18 years in practice, Sarah has streamlined her business using technology to reduce administrative burdens. Automation tools for scheduling, billing, and communication have freed up her time to focus on patient care.
Sarah is thoughtful about balancing fair compensation with the value she provides, emphasizing the deep attention and comprehensive care she gives her patients. From personalized treatments and herbal prescriptions to follow-up support, she ensures that every interaction reflects her commitment to quality.
Her approach to business has influenced her clinical work, encouraging efficiency without sacrificing depth. Viewing money as an exchange of qi has helped her navigate the discomfort often tied to financial conversations. Sarah’s choices highlight how thoughtful, streamlined practices can enhance both patient care and practitioner satisfaction
14 Jan 2025
Vance Crowe, The Power of Asking: How Negotiation Unlocks HIdden Opportunities
Some people seem born for the entrepreneurial path, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy—or intuitive. For Vance Crowe, running a business has been a journey of understanding value, negotiation, and connection. He grew up in a family where entrepreneurship was celebrated as a way to generate more than just income—it was about building something sustainable and generative.
Vance emphasizes the importance of seeing negotiation not as adversarial but as a tool for understanding. By focusing on what others truly value and fear, you can create agreements that feel satisfying for all involved. He likens negotiation to connecting dots in a way that reveals opportunities both parties might not initially see.
He also highlights the need for clarity—knowing what you want and why you want it. Whether negotiating or running a business, self-awareness becomes a powerful bargaining chip. His reflections remind us that business and life are interwoven with themes of empathy, adaptability, and the willingness to keep learning. As Vance says, it’s not about conflict; it’s about curiosity and collaboration.
13 Jan 2025
Yvonne Farrell, Lessons in Growth: What Business Teaches Us About Life and Resilience
Some people are just not cut out to work for someone else. That does not mean you’re naturally good at doing business. But it does mean you’re open to learning, and perhaps a bit more receptive to the troublesome lessons along the way.
Yvonne discovered that running a business is a journey of growth, adaptability, and resilience. Over time, she learned that building trust with clients and adapting to changing circumstances were crucial to creating a sustainable practice. Yvonne shares the importance of stepping back during times of uncertainty, allowing clarity to emerge rather than forcing solutions.
She discusses the value of persistence and viewing failures as opportunities to learn. Recently in her teaching work she’s become aware of the struggles new practitioners have with managing practice logistics and finding their footing with basic business skills.
Beyond business, Yvonne’s reflections on life mirror the same themes: embracing change, balancing hard work with self-care, and evolving from “fixing” problems to supporting others on their personal journeys. In this conversation, she reminds us that business and life are deeply interconnected, requiring curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to grow.
12 Jan 2025
Welcome to the Practice of Practice
Welcome to the Qiological Practice of Practice podcast series.
This is a collection of short conversations that explore the business side of running an acupuncture and Chinese medicine practice.
Us acupuncturists spend years learning medicine, but we don’t learn about the business side of the endeavor in school.
The “Business of Practice” that is another skillset, and the good news is— it’s learnable.
What’s more, running your own business gives you control over how you create the kind of practice that resonates with your values and dreams. And just as we pride ourselves on practicing a “Mind/Body” medicine, attending to the business side of your practice can also positively impact your clinical work.
Subscribe to this series to learn from seasoned and successful practitioners who share their thoughts and experience with how attending to the business side of their practice has positively affected the work they do.
To learn more about our upcoming Practice of Practice Chautauqua visit:
www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua. (https://www.qiological.com/practice-of-practice-chautauqua.)
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