Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Jo Accardi.
Amy Jo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always knew that traditional western healthcare left a lot to be desired. I always dreamed about better answers, but it wasn’t until I was 19 that I got some direction. That year, my aunt brought her boyfriend home for Christmas, and he introduced me to herbal medicine. It was one of those things that I always knew existed, but had never seen before. It was such an enlightening moment! I began studying on my own, and when I found a book on different types of healing modalities, I read about Acupuncture for the first time. It was a moment I’ll never forget–It was like the clouds parted, the angels started singing and the light of heaven started shining down! I knew this was my calling, and I’ve never had doubts about my trajectory since that day.
With a history of over 20 years in the restaurant & hospitality industry, I didn’t realize how much that would amplify and strengthen my role in healthcare–knowing about food is everyone’s primary asset to creating great health. In my practice, I teach my clients how to understand his or her health condition, and how to do everything in one’s power to make it better, including eating strategically.
I attended Acupuncture school in Seattle, at Bastyr University, earning my master’s degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in 2006. I completed in internship in Chengdu, China (Sichuan) in 2006, working in a hospital prescribing herbal formulations at a rate of 10 per hour. It was amazing!
After my internship, I traveled to India for yoga teacher training. I honed my food & cooking skills while living in Charleston, SC for over 20 years. I worked as a weddings and events florist in Charleston, too.
Currently, I moved to Boston 5 years ago to be with my (now) husband. We met on a meditation retreat in Italy. I’ve been practicing in the Financial District for the past 5 years.
My services include Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition and Cupping. I have a large Chinese herb pharmacy, and I make custom formulations for all of my clients. My specialties include IBS, Autoimmune Conditions and Women’s Health. I have taught at the acupuncture school in Watertown for the past 5 years. It used to be called NESA, but they are currently merging with MCPHS.
I specialize in internal medicine, such as asthma, allergies, sinus issues, digestive issues, anxiety and stress. I think most people are surprised that Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are so good at treating more than back pain. I’m currently serving on our state acupuncture board, Acupuncture Society of MA
Has it been a smooth road?
Hahahahaha.
No one goes to acupuncture school wanting to be a businesswoman or businessman. We go to help others! But in order to do that, we have to learn a LOT about business. Moving to Boston is one of the best things I could have ever done for this. I have a wonderful community of business owners for friendship, ideas, support and collaboration.
I’m a self-taught WordPress and illustrator user, I’m dabbling in photography, writing blogs, and I’m fascinated by marketing and social media. I’ve learned how to connect with my ideal clients, and as a result of this, my practice is flourishing, and full of exceptional people that I truly enjoy knowing.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Flourish Boston story. Tell us more about the business.
My clients often tell me that calling myself an acupuncturist is a huge understatement. I typically call myself a Vibrant Health Strategist.
I stand apart from my competition because I have a ton of life experience, years of specialty training and deep understanding of Chinese medicine, and my understanding of food as medicine in unparalleled.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
My goal is to represent the new face of Acupuncture, and I know I’m not alone. It’s more fresh and modern, and attainable. I would like to see every person having regular visits with an acupuncturist, just like a hairdresser or personal trainer.
Historically, the challenge for this medicine has been in translating how useful it is for all health conditions. I think we are getting better, as an industry, in defining what we do in terms everyone can understand. And as long as we continue to provide exceptional care, we will grow.
In many states we are still not covered by insurance, but we do accept HSA & FSA’s.
Contact Info:
- Address: 11 Beacon St.
Suite 520
Boston
(Top of Beacon Hill, next to the XV Hotel.) - Website: www.flourishboston.com
- Email: hello@flourishboston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourish_boston/
Image Credit:
Primary Bio Photo (blue dress): Jennifer Rose Keany
All other photos: Sonya Highfield
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
