Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Blake.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lisa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I left high school and entering college (in CT) I really wanted to be a veterinarian, but when I graduated I did not have the confidence to finish the application process for any graduate school. So with my BS in biology and chemistry minor I moved to Virginia with a friend and worked as a veterinary assistant and other odd jobs. Eventually I was offered an entry level opportunity at the Federal Reserve in the computer room, which I happily took. They had great tuition assistance benefits there and I took advantage of as much as I could. I was there for 18 years and along the way I studied computer programming and eventually earned an Associate’s degree in that. Then as I advanced up the ranks I earned an MBA. My experiences there helped me grow and learn more about myself and what I liked and didn’t like.
I am a very active person, I have always been a cyclist the longer the ride the better! I am also very competitive, so in my30s looking for a challenge I decided I was going to try a triathlon. I started running and did some 10k’s and a couple of half marathons (painful really). During training for another 10k I woke up one morning after a short run the previous day and I could not put any weight on my right leg…excruciating pain! After some MRIs I learned I had a small hole in the articular cartilage in my right knee and as a result of the running had bruised the head of my femur. Let me tell you the pain of a bone bruise is no joke! So I was out of commission for months and any hope of running or doing a triathlon quickly faded. I allowed the orthopedic Dr. to do a cortisone shot in my knee to help with the pain and inflammation and for me that was horrible pain and really didn’t help me at all. I knew I still needed help and started researching for other options. That is how I found acupuncture. Even though I have always been really bad with needles…terrified really, I decided to try it. I made a friend go with me to the first appointment in case I passed out.
I didn’t pass out and was pleasantly surprised that my pain levels improved and many of my other pressing issues were addressed in this simple treatment…menstrual cramping, PMS, stress/anxiety.
Eventually, I realized that my job at the Fed was not something I wanted to continue with and started exploring other options. I revisited veterinary school and learned that my philosophy on healthcare for myself and my pets had changed. I looked into chiropractic and that didn’t feel like a fit either. Then I started visiting acupuncture schools on the East Coast and found my home at New England School of Acupuncture in Newton. I decided to do the dual track of Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. I felt that would give me a core complete set of tools to pick from when working with my patients.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Switching careers midstream and going to graduate school full time is never without it challenges. I moved to a new state to learn acupuncture and while I am from Connecticut/New England, it still felt brand new. When I graduated acupuncture school, I knew I wanted to open my own practice but was unsure of where. I kept loosely looking on craigslist for commercial rentals and eventually stumbled upon my current Medford location. I was scared but something about it felt like the right thing to do so I jumped in. I didn’t know anyone in Medford, didn’t have any business connections other than the massage therapists also in the same location. I opened on May 11 2015 and had one patient. I had many days where I had none. I worked hard getting out into the community to meet people and other business owners.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blake Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine – what should we know?
I started Blake Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in 2015. I started it off part time as a sole proprietor and worked in another acupuncture office the rest of the time. Just this year in May, I made the jump to only working in my practice.
While in school, I decided to do the dual track of Chinese and Japanese acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine. I felt that would give me a more complete set of tools to pick from when working with my patients. I would say I specialize in tailoring each treatment for where the person is at the moment. Acupuncture diagnosis takes into account the entire body and mind, so I ask a LOT of questions, some very personal. I find people appreciate the thoroughness of the intake and sometimes just feeling heard helps speed the healing process. Many time I am able to help people make connections between some of their health and/or life events. For example, I had a patient that came in for what she thought was something rather minor, but on further questioning and palpation I referred her back to her Dr ASAP because I was concerned that it was something more serious. She was very thankful that I was able to see past what she asked me to treat her for originally.
I don’t advertise a specialty but I see a lot of people for stress management, anxiety, depression and insomnia. I really enjoy helping people through these since they often times are the root of some of their physical maladies that they go through each day with.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Everyone in my life has been supportive of my decision to switch careers. I have a close friend that has helped boost me through the times I thought I couldn’t do it. Since I started Blake Acupuncture I have been especially grateful for all the people in Medford that have helped me along. Other business owners in Medford Square have introduced me to people, helped share my story and my business cards, and just shown me other ways to market/events I should participate in and become known in the community. The Chamber of Commerce has been very helpful as well! Ultimately I am so grateful to all of my patients. Many have referred friends and family to me, as well as just spreading the word that I am in Medford Square!
Contact Info:
- Address: 16 Bradlee Road
Medford, MA 02155 - Website: www.MedfordSquareAcupuncture.Com
- Phone: 781-269-2849
- Email: LBlakeLac@Gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blakeacupuncture/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lblakelac
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