It was the middle of January, 1999.
Back home in Maine, people were buried under feet of snow. Maybe some ice, too. Jim and I were not bundled up or digging our car out. Instead, we were standing on Twins Lake beach, one block from my future school of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Pinching ourselves as we looked out at the glorious Monterey Bay and surfer dudes and dudettes catching waves, we were so excited to make the move out West! Santa Cruz would be our next home for the next decade.
I spent almost four years at Five Branches Institute studying the ancient healing arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It took a while to unlearn human biology and how the body works as I had studied in college. It also took a while to acknowledge that I would soon be serving people with tools passed on for thousands of years, possibly some from my very own ancestors (23andme did tell me that I am almost 70% Chinese)!
It’s been over 20 years since graduating and becoming a licensed acupuncturist. I’ve had the privilege to provide health and wellness care for my community in California and here in Ohio. While my practice has transformed over the years and might not align with the typical image of an acupuncturist, I'm pleased to say that its core remains deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.
Similar to other ancient healing traditions, TCM focuses on achieving individualized balance. We emphasize lifestyle adjustments as proactive steps against dis-ease and illness. Natural remedies and self-care practices are our preferred ways to healing. Additionally, we regard mental and spiritual well-being as crucial, if not more so, than physical health.
This week’s episode of Second Spring podcast features one of my favorite TCM practitioners, Dr. Leta Jussila. Leta is also a graduate of Five Branches. She is still residing in beautiful Santa Cruz and often holds Qi Gong classes on the beach!
We covered personal stories around Chinese medicine; what we’re going through as midlife women, what we can do to elevate and align our energy so that we can enjoy life today and in the future.
Check out what Dr. Leta suggests that YOU can do TODAY to revitalize our Qi!
You will also want to listen to the end to hear what Leta is super excited about right now in her early 50s. I bet you will be surprised to hear it. Tune in!
Doctor LeTa Jussila is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and national wellness expert. She helps individuals achieve and maintain their healthcare goals efficiently.
Leta is known for her therapeutic Cannabinoid recommendations and her education on topics like Micro-dosing. She has an in-person practice in Santa Cruz, California, and an online medical practice.
Leta was featured in past podcast episodes with Kit here.
Other resources:
Please share this wonderful conversation with anyone who can benefit! Thank you!
Lastly, I just opened up my May calendar with many openings for “Second Spring Sessions.”
These are hour-long private sessions where you can receive my integrated practice of acupuncture, cupping, acupressure, mind-body meditations and soon to come - YIN YOGA!
Think of it as a transformative hour when you get to unblock your Qi, balance your energy and reset your well-being.
I invite you to book a Second Spring appointment for yourself today!
With love and gratitude,
xoxo
Kit
Second Spring Podcast: Leta Jussila