Chelsea Horenstein, L.Ac. interviewed by Jesi V. Taylor
Welcome back Chelsea! Let’s get to know a bit about her journey towards becoming an acupuncturist and lover of holistic healing.
1. What sparked your interest in Eastern medicine and holistic healing?
Having been influenced early on by my mom and aunt’s natural remedy tendencies and respect for the cyclical nature of life, my groundwork was laid. It was only much later, though, after years of working in film/tv production that I realized I wanted to transfer this idea of helping people express their “story” and their true natures in a way that I could truly guide their journeys toward health and happiness.
I also have a great acupuncturist/mentor who helped me see how powerful, deep, and far-reaching this medicine can be.
2. What is your favorite healthy snack?
Crisp apples with olive hummus
3. What recommendations do you have for people who wants to try acupuncture?
First, I would gently applaud people’s awareness and acknowledgement that there is something they want to work on and let them know that this is the first and most lasting step in healing. Then, I would encourage them to engage in a dialogue with their acupuncturist so they can start at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
4. When your patients are worried about the acupuncture needles hurting them, what do you say?
Most acupuncture needles are as fine as a single shaft of hair, compared to the hypodermic needles that we are all more familiar with. The needles also have flexibility so they can work with the body’s natural curves and openings, causing less insertion pain. Typically the needles will bring about feelings of calm, relief, and sense of deep openness rather than pain.
5. In six words or less, how would you describe the holistic approach to healing?
Balance for emotional and physical body.
About Chelsea:
Chelsea Horenstein is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the state of New York, and Board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Chelsea holds a Master of Science, with a focus in Classical Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). She continues to train and practice under the Daoist lineage of Classical Chinese Medicine practitioner Jeffrey Yuen, furthering her exploration and usage of the Complementary Vessels and Chinese Medicine practice. The Complementary Vessels allow for access into the deep holdings of the body in order to work with imbalance at its root and provide lasting relief.
Using acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, oils, and Reiki, Chelsea brings thoughtful, compassionate, and communicative care to meet each client where they are emotionally, spiritually, physically. Chelsea has specific interest in psycho-emotional work, women’s health and fertility, labor and post-partum support, auto-immune disorders, and pain management. Over the past few years, Chelsea has also worked to bring sustainable holistic care to the indigenous populations of Guatemala.