Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Zaley.
Pam, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey as an acupuncturist began after graduating as a dance major with a BFA from The Juilliard School in New York. Having turned alternative health care to many times as a dancer, I decided to pursue a career in massage therapy. I attended the Swedish Institute in New York City and it was there that I began to learn about shiatsu, which is a therapy based on the same principles as acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to certain points on the body using the hands. This is where I got my first exposure to the study of Chinese medicine. For me looking at and treating the body as a whole was intriguing to me. The concept that your body is a microcosm that reflects the macrocosm, and that nature has a regenerative capacity, and so do you. After massage school I had many successful years as a massage therapist, but I felt like I wanted to learn more and to do more for my patients. I had been seeing an acupuncturist myself and had seen how much it truly helped me and so I decided to take on the daunting task of going to school for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and attend the New England School of Acupuncture.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Acupuncture school is tough. Going through school while dealing with a major health crisis was insane. But I think my training as a dancer made me a very determined and disciplined person. I got to experience first-hand the power of what I had so diligently been studying for 3 + years. It was in my last year of my graduate studies, I was diagnosed with both breast cancer and a benign brain tumor. I had two surgeries within a month of each other and had to go through chemotherapy. Needless to say I took a medical leave during treatment. During this time I got to see what it was like to be the patient. At first I was so angry, I kept thinking “wait a minute I’m the care taker, not the patient!” But being a patient taught me many valuable lessons and has influenced my practice as a practitioner immensely.
Fortunately I had many caring teachers and friends that helped me through that time. I received acupuncture to help with the fatigue and nausea that went along with chemo. I utilized what I learned about nutrition to improve my overall health. Then after I finished treatment I began Chinese herbs to help rebuild my strength and my immune system. Happily I came through my health crisis and finished my degree. I am absolutely certain that Chinese medicine helped me on my own path to wellness and my experience has made me even more passionate about helping others.
Zaley Acupuncture – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have two locations for my business Zaley acupuncture. The first is my private practice in Brookline, which began as a massage therapy practice 20 years ago and is now a practice for acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy. I am proud that I built a practice of healing that is geared toward the patient completely. Most people I know who transition from massage to acupuncture do just that, they transition, they leave massage behind and only do acupuncture. I believe my patients appreciate that when they come in for treatment they are looked at as an individual, and also that I can provide something unique as a practitioner. When they come for a treatment they have the option, I ask what do you need today. Some days that is acupuncture, some massage, some days it’s a combination of the two. I also strongly believe in Chinese herbal medicine. I like to have my treatment continue after the patient walks out the door. Herbal medicine has a similar method of action to that of acupuncture, working from the inside out. An herbal prescription is something that a patient can take daily to continue the benefits of the treatment. I also am fortunate to be part of the staff at Core De Vie in Beacon Hill. At Core De Vie I also offer acupuncture, herbal medicine and massage therapy. We have been offering Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. This treatment offers many benefits to those who want to revitalize the look and feel of their skin. It builds collagen, tones muscles, improves circulation, and stimulates blood flow with no risk of scars, infections, rashes, or toxic build-up of chemicals. It is quickly becoming our most popular treatment.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Childhood memory: One of my favorite childhood memories is going to ballet class. The friendships I forged in the dance studio are still some of my dearest friends today. Plus it is also the place where I learned to express myself, appreciate music and experience the love of movement.
Contact Info:
- Address: Zaley Acupuncture location: 1093 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA
Core De Vie location: 40 Charles Street, Boston, MA - Website: zaleyacupuncture.com
- Email: pzaley@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zaleyacupuncture/
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