Interview with Jennifer Stevenson, licensed acupuncturist
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I’ve always been interested in holistic forms of health care and when I learned about Chinese medicine, I was so excited because I saw that it really addressed the health and well-being of the whole person. I was a massage therapist before studying Chinese medicine and, very early on in that career, I realized that my clients had so many things going on with their health that I couldn’t address with massage. I was frustrated by that and I wanted to be able to do more. Around that time I also started receiving acupuncture myself, and it had a profound impact on my own health, and so I decided that this is what I wanted to do.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I always consider someone’s entire health history, plus any lifestyle factors that may contribute to their condition, and tailor each treatment to suit the person’s need. I believe that each person has a unique contribution to make to the well-being and advancement of society. When we become ill or struggle with fatigue, stress or pain, our ill health gets in the way and it becomes more difficult to make our contribution. It is my passion to help people get well and stay well so that they can fulfill their purpose and do the things they love to do.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I love being able to spend time with people and really talk and listen to them. I enjoy learning from my patients, and my life is richer for them. It is an honor when people trust me to be part of their health journey and it is so rewarding to see someone get better.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: My biggest challenge is getting the word out about the benefits of acupuncture and helping people decide to try it.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I’m a German-American raised in Namibia and I moved to the United States to study acupuncture. The journey to becoming an acupuncturist was a long one — it took me about 10 years to fulfill this dream — but every step along this path has been as rewarding and interesting as I had hoped it would be.
Profile
Business: Jade Spring Acupuncture
Address: 6500 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge
Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 1:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Appoinments are also available every other Saturday
Founded: 2012
Contact: 720-432-7073,
Employees: 1
