Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Landolt.
Amy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Several years ago, I was having problems sleeping. I would toss and turn all night. When I’d finally fall asleep, I’d wake back up. Or my sleep was restless, and I felt like I hadn’t slept at all. Everyday challenges were overwhelming; I was on edge. I thought the only solution was to take sleeping pills, but the pills made me feel like I was in a fog. A friend insisted I try acupuncture. I thought there was no way that someone sticking needles in me would help. After two sessions, I could sleep through the night without any medication. I experienced several other “side effects” from the acupuncture, including less stress, more energy and getting rid of an old digestive issue. Needless to say, I was hooked and decided to become an acupuncturist to help others tackle their health issues without all of the side effects.
One of the biggest challenges has been building my list of clients. I left my corporate job of 20 years to start my own practice. I thought building a practice was like “Field of Dreams” – you build it and they will come. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. Luckily, I found great mentors and coaches early on. And my clients have helped tremendously by sharing their stories with their friends and family.
Another challenge is that people think acupuncture is just for pain relief. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression, nausea and vomiting, female fertility issues, insomnia, bronchial asthma, Bell’s Palsy, and many other challenges in addition to pain conditions. Ideally, acupuncture is used preventatively to address minor irritants before they develop into more serious health challenges.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Northshore Acupuncture Center – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
At Northshore Acupuncture Center, we are pain relievers. We help people fall asleep when they are tossing and turning at night. We help address the knee pain that keeps them from playing on the floor with their kids or grandkids. We help them manage their stress and anxiety before it impacts their relationships with their friends and family.
We help people who haven’t been able to find solutions for their difficult health problems anywhere else.
We are connectors. We connect people to the support they need – 1) meditation, exercise, nutrition, personal development, or stretching resources, 2) self-care support to reconnect with themselves, and 3) the right specialist from our network of amazing western and holistic practitioners when additional support is needed.
We provide much more than just an acupuncture treatment. We empower clients to manage their own health naturally by providing a plan of actions that they can take outside of the treatment space.
Also, I offer in person and virtual classes monthly for people who are interested in learning how 1) essential oils can help them achieve their health goals (Essential Oil Basics) and 2) acupuncture can help them achieve their health goals and they have the option of trying a complimentary stress relief treatment as part of the class (Acupuncture FAQ).
My favorite thing about Chicago is the PEOPLE. I like the diversity mixed with Midwestern values. People in Chicago are friendly, loyal, honest, laid back, and have each other’s backs. One of my favorite parts of my jobs is connecting with people – hearing their stories, learning about how they give back to their community, and listening to them talk about what makes their heart sing. I believe that being connected to your community is one aspect of healthy living. Last year, I had a weekly series where I shared a way that one of my clients was giving back to their community to inspire others to find little ways to make their own communities better.
One of the things I like least about Chicago is the racial and socioeconomic division. At Northshore Acupuncture Center, we try to make a difference by hosting fundraisers for and supporting not for profits like Curt’s Café and the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse that give low income community members, ex-offenders and at-risk youth the opportunity develop the skills needed to making a living wage.
Do you use herbs as well as needles?