Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Collins.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mom worked for a chiropractor that also utilizied homeopathics when I was young. We used different methods of healing throughout my childhood. At a point in my first corporate career I began experiencing frequent migraines. Acupuncture was one of multiple methods I used to heal this issue. During my first session in acupuncture, I realized it was something I was meant to practice. The rest is history. Throughout the years, my interests have shifted and my journey has led me to discover many different things about myself and others. I have been lucky enough to have the opportunities to meet many walks of life and hear many unique stories from the people I assist. I am particularly fond of herbalism and started making my own line of Chinese herbal medicinals (topical products) over the last few years. Chinese Medicine is an enormous and beautiful medicine and I intend to spend the remainder of my life exploring, learning, growing and assisting others along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The smoothness of a road depends on what it is made of and/or how frequently it is traveled. I don’t believe anything in life comes without challenges, blocks, redirection, etc. These things build character, strength and confidence in the path. I think it would take lifetimes to fully comprehend Chinese Medicine and the vastness it holds, but I do believe the continuous and consistent practice of showing up and doing your best creates mastery in some way. Textbook learning allows you to get to a level in which you can show up in practice. Real practice with real humans is where the deep learning happens. One of my biggest (and continuous) challenges is that I am very introverted and very empathic. Additionally, I love the clinical side of what I do and am not hugely fond of the entrepreneurial side of things. Learning healthy boundaries, setting appropriate hours for myself and learning the amount of individuals I can treat per day has been critical. Operating a small business from an administrational/marketing side will always be a work in progress for me! I am sure there will always be challenges along the way but I hope that time on the planet, experience, wisdom and grace will help me move through them easier.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wild Elements Acupuncture ?
I practice Traditional Chinese Medicine. This includes acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha and lifestyle suggestions. I do not have a specialty, simply whatever walks through my door. I love praciticing herbalism in all forms. I prescribe classical Chinese Medicine formulas for people to ingest and I also make Chinese herbal topicals. I love being able to physically work with herbs and I make a variety of different products. This includes:
– Salves for pain, injury and skin issues
– Chapstick for overall lip health
– Rollers made with herbal infused oils/essential oils for stess, sleep, migraines and headaches, injury and allergies/cough
– Foot/bath soaks for pain, skin issues, migraines and headaches and menstrual health
I am grateful to be able to say that I love what I do and I believe that shows through my practice. I am also proud to say that much of the feedback and reviews I have gotten over the years highlight that I allow people to feel seen and heard. These days is it feels like connection and empathy are lacking. If that is something I can offer in addition to a very ancient and wise medicine, I am happy to facilitate that for people. I believe it creates a deeper and stronger healing pathway.
How do you define success?
I believe success looks different depending on which you lens you intend to look through. At one point, success was completing my education. At another stage, success was starting my practice. The next stage, success was building and maintaining a steady flow of patients. At this point, success is being able to balance my practice with my three small children. At no point do I ever feel like success is reached and then stable. It is dynamic and ever- evolving with the spirit of the individual. Throughout the years though, it does feel that there is typically some mash up of presence, reaching a goal(s) and feeling competent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wildelementsacu.com
- Other: wildelementsacu@gmail.com
