Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Whalen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey in acupuncture started out as a patient. I had nerve damage in my arm and was facing an unwanted surgery. I tried the conservative route but nothing was happening. As a last ditch effort- I tried acupuncture. Within 1 month I was fixed. Didn’t need surgery- had tests to confirm the improvement I was feeling. It’s been almost 18 years now and I still don’t have any issues.
After the initial problem resolved, I kept going because I was fascinated. I wasn’t taking good care of myself at the time so I had other health issues to work through. I became more and more interested as time went on and decided to quit my job and go back to school.
Here’s the funny part- I was living in Dallas, TX at the time. My acupuncturist from Korea, who I met in Dallas, told me about a school in Watertown- which was the last place I lived before going to Dallas. I drove by the school daily and never noticed it. For me- having a health issue changed the course of my life in many positive ways.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a smooth road. After getting through school- the real learning begins. Trying to figure out how to apply what the textbooks say versus how real people present in the clinic was interesting at first. Real people aren’t as cut and dry as the books say. We learned the basics- the complexities you learn over time.
The biggest challenge has been learning how to blend being a practitioner who wants to help people with having to run a business. Balancing everything required of a solo practice owner has been the biggest challenge. Learning how to run the business, market, advertise, network, get patients better– all at the same time.
The challenge I love the most though is the constant source of new information to learn. It never ends. One of the bigger challenges for me is managing my time- finding that balance between family and work and everything in between.
Five Points Acupuncture & Wellness – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Five Points Acupuncture & Wellness was founded with the idea that there are 5 key areas of health- Sleep, Digestion, Stress Management, Weight Management and reduction of Pain. By focusing on these areas of your health we are confident we can treat almost anything that walks through our door. We also have focused a lot of our early studies on the treatment of infertility.
Recently- we have started to narrow our focus a bit on the treatment of Anxiety and Stress. The bodies’ response to these states can impact every aspect of your health. The more we study, the more we see the power of the human mind to alter its own reactions and improve not only your outlook on life, but your health as well.
I’m most proud of the fact that we have helped over 50 families bring a child into the world and we are able to contribute to charitable causes ranging from local police and fire departments but also many Veteran Services. The better the clinic does, the more we’ll be able to contribute.
I think part of what makes us different is that we are applying Neuroscience concepts to our acupuncture treatments to provide the body with exactly what it needs to heal. We are also incorporating Heart Rate Variability measurement and training in our practice to help patients manage their stress and anxiety. We are also looking into the treatment of the Microbiome and using Gasotransmitter therapy to help people further take control of their own health.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me would be in helping as many people as possible experience the power of Chinese Medicine. For me- that number is limitless in the grand scheme, but locally, treating as many as we can in the clinic and being able to hire others and provide opportunities for young acupuncturists would be great.
I also determine success by how happy I am doing something. Do I still have that drive and fire to keep learning and keep improving everyday? (Hint: I do). As a husband and a father of two young kids- success is also measured by being able to contribute at home- financially but also with my time and being a good role model for the kids, being attentive to my wife etc.
Pricing:
- Initial Exam is only $29- Valued at $225
Contact Info:
- Address: 20 Pondmeadow Drive Suite 107
Reading, MA 01867 - Website: www.fivepointsacupuncture.com
- Phone: 781-944-3000
- Email: mark@fivepointsacupuncture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fivepointsacupuncture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Five-Points-Acupuncture-Wellness-120717464674493/
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