Today we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Roff.
Hi Bruce, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I received the calling to become a massage therapist at the age of 10. When I turned 19, I worked to save money to go to the North Jersey Massage School. Once enrolled, I was a fish in water. I studied Chinese medical theory with the focus on bodywork (Shiatsu). At that time, my teachers encouraged me to further my education and become an acupuncturist. At the time, I wasn’t ready for that level of responsibility. I moved to NYC and furthered my massage education. The school I was attending was the Swedish Institute of Applied Health Sciences. This school also offered a classical style acupuncture program. I had opened a spa in Chinatown, while living in NYC and that’s where I met a Chinese doctor that encouraged me to be a doctor. So after my second massage school, I enrolled into the acupuncture program. I was a fish in water once again. I went to China and studied there for 8 months. I studied more Chinese TuiNa, and acupuncture. I practiced in 3 different hospitals while there. Moving forward, I worked in NY, NJ, PA, RI and then moved to CT, where I became a clinic director of an integrative medicine clinic. I took a vacation to visit my parents who retired in TN. From there I saw a need for my services, and decided to relocate for my last time to TN and practice medicine. I have been a practitioner of massage for 25 years, acupuncture for 20 years, I’ve studied herbs, nutrition, and western fucntional medicine. I have been practicing in TN for 8 years. I currently see about 120 patients a week, which makes my practice the busiest in eastern TN. I also received my doctorate form Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Also, I’ve studied neurological acupuncture (Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ) with Dr. Jing Liu Phd, and allergy relief (SAAT) with Dr. Nader Soliman M.D
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road! Running a practice while going to school is definitely challenging. Also becoming a father and providing for your family, while running a practice and finishing a doctoral program was very challenging. Up north, you could throw a stone and hit a practitioner, it was a saturated area. What really cleared the path is a good work ethic, drive to serve others. and living with purpose. Other struggles is changing practice styles to meet the patients needs. When I was up north, I saw a lot of metabolic conditions. and when I moved to TN I saw a lot of neuroligical disorders. The area does not have enough specialists, so I see a lot of patients that have conditions that become neuroligical, for example untreated diabetes leading to neuropathy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Roots of Wellness, PLLC?
I am located in Dandridge, TN. I offer acupuncture, massage, and herbal and nutritional consultations. I am a primary care provider of acupuncture for the VA, and see just about everything. I have specialized in pain management, metabolic disorders, neurological disorders, and allergies. I am set apart from other practitioners by my level of knowledge and skill. The objective is always to the patient as healthy as quickly as possible. I accept insurances, and I make my self accessible to my patients to communicate and questions, thoughts, or concerns. Its important to meet the needs and to communicate with your patients to ensure the best health outcomes. You won’t find another practice with better patient care and service.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have to pick one?! Where I grew up, there was a lake in front of my house, and a mountain in the back. I have three younger brothers. during summer break, we would get up early and go play in the mountains, and at dusk we would head to the lake and fish. Lather, rinse, repeat. We would spend all of our time running wild in the woods, and then fish in the evening all summer long. I guess this would be one of my favorite memories because of the amount of freedom you get to experience. Just being young savages.
Pricing:
- I accept insurance. If you are a cash patient, the first 4 treatments are $70, any more needed after that are $50.
- Massages are $45 for 1/2, and $90 for the hour.
- The initial consultation is free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rootsofwellness.health
- Facebook: Roots of Wellness
- Youtube: @veteranandcommunitycare
