Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Patten.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Beginning in high school I started to become interested in Eastern philosophy. I continued that interest in college and fell in love with the idea of the interconnectedness of Man in nature. Based on my own experience it felt logical and true and I wanted to learn how to live from that place. Those ideas were further expanded after working with a very serious yoga teacher, Francois Raoult, in Rochester, NY who, to this day, I credit with planting the seed for my working in the field of health and healing.
It wasn’t until much later that I discovered a class at the New England School of Acupuncture, Intro to Chinese Medicine. The class encompassed everything I had been interested in learning about; the interrelatedness of stress, diet, exercise, good relationships and work, and how those affect our health. I was accepted to the master’s degree acupuncture program before ever having had an acupuncture treatment!
After acupuncture school I went on and studied with acupuncturist Lonny Jarrett. He wrote “Nourishing Destiny”. Working with Lonny’s took my practice to an entirely new level. The medicine wasn’t just about relieving pain, but more often about clearing trauma. Many people have the misunderstanding that acupuncture is just used for pain relief but it goes much deeper, clearing old blocks, trauma and stagnation that can cause problems later in life.
All sorts of physical and mental stagnation can cause pain and suffering that can be relieved by Chinese medicine. My intention with all my clients, is to help them feel aligned and in balance, and confident to reach their potential in all areas of their lives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I feel lucky to say that it has been a smooth journey over 15 years of practice. I began my practice working alongside amazing practitioners which helped to guide me and clarify my vision of where I wanted to take my practice. I worked with a business coach who was very helpful in teaching me strategies for streamlining my business, advertising and generating referrals.
I work in a building filled with other health practitioners in a great location in seaside Newburyport, MA. I have two treatment rooms and also have two practitioners who rent space from me. We’re friends, sharing our experiences and strive to support each other.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Newburyport Acupuncture story. Tell us more about the business.
My practice is comprised of men and women and children age 10 and up. I treat many women with menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, anxiety, headaches and stress. I also see a lot of athletes recovering form ligament or joint issues, lower back, tendonitis, shoulder and hip issues. I have many geriatric patients dealing with arthritis pain and general stress of being older, losing spouses, and friends.
I really enjoy treating younger children and teens. They love the treatments, falling asleep and feeling calm and relaxed afterwards. I’ve treated teens for headaches, anxiety, stomachaches, Lyme, injuries and autoimmune issues.
I think what sets Newburyport Acupuncture apart from others is the comprehensive level of care. At each visit the client and I review the big picture; nutrition, exercise, stress, support systems, and even goals and dreams of the future, along with whatever disharmony they may come in with.
I also teach a meditation class and offer that as another modality to help with stress, anxiety and depression.
It’s always important to help my clients hold the largest perspective, to acknowledge how fortunate we are to live in this part of the world, the abundance and beauty of our surroundings, along with the degree of freedom we each have in manifesting our highest potential, in this lifetime. We are some of the most fortunate people on the planet and gratitude is also integral to healing.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have had the good fortune of having wonderful mentors and friends support my vision since the very beginning, along with a very supportive husband and family.
My business is successful as a result of listening and taking the advice of other practitioners that grew their own businesses. Many people helped guide me to where I am today; my acupuncture teachers, my yoga teacher, business associates, great landlords, Toastmasters group, the Acupuncture Society of MA, meditation teachers and many others!
What is that quote about luck? “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity”. I always have practiced putting myself out there, and then being open to whatever opportunities present themselves.
It’s a wonderful place to come to work every morning.
Pricing:
- Initial visit including intake and treatment: $150
- Follow up visits: $80
Contact Info:
- Address: 371/2 Forrester Street
Newburyport, MA. 01950 - Website: www.newuryportacupuncture.com
- Phone: 978-465-5036
- Email: susan@nbptacupuncture.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newburyportacupuncture/. https://www.facebook.com/MeditateNewburyport/

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Marc Clopton
November 16, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Susan is the real deal. A skilled acupuncture therapist, she is curious, insightful, and macro in her thinking about the whole person she is treating. I highly recommend her as a healer.
Sarah George, Integrative Health Coach
November 17, 2017 at 2:23 pm
I love Susan’s approach… practical, intuitive, sensitive. She understands the importance of treating the whole and addressing the many aspects of health – not just the physical. She is an excellent practitioner and beautiful soul.