Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Casado.
Christina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am an Acupuncture Physician and Chinese Medicinal Herbalist. My passion for this ancient healing modality began with a fascination and curiosity for nature that began at an early age. I wanted to be a doctor, a surgeon or a scientist when I was a kid. I fell in love with acupuncture later in life when I saw firsthand, how effectively and quickly patients could experience relief and healing. But, I guess you can say, this all started with plants.
I started to work with plants when I was 13. I came across a book on herbal medicine by chance (Jeanne Rose’s Herbs & Things) and read it. It was mindblowing. Somehow, I knew that although science and medicine was what I wanted to study, nature is where I wanted to spend time. In fact, nature has probably taught me more about my work than school has. I believe the answer to everything lies in nature.
I attended Tufts University where I was a Biology major, intending to go to medical school where I could further explore human anatomy and physiology. But, my curiosity evolved after working in the campus greenhouse where researchers were developing medicine from algaes. By junior year, I had switched to Botany and Environmental Sciences and spent a year abroad in the Australian rainforest to study plants.
I forgot med school. I was hooked. I pursued the study of plants, their evolution and genetics, their chemistry, their indigenous uses in medicine. I worked at the Missouri Botanical Garden and a few other research stations as a student research assistant and plant collector. I travelled South America and the Caribbean studying rare plants, where they grow, and how they are used. Plants were my life for these first years of my career, 15 years to be exact.
What I kept coming across was how plants are healers. In a physical sense, plants have chemicals that many pharmaceuticals are derived from. Ecologically, forests and trees are the lungs of our earth and without them the body of the earth struggles to breathe. In a spiritual sense trees are healers, imparting a special kind of serenity when one is among them.
At this point in my career, it became clear that and understanding of nature and medicine are my gifts to share. And my curiosity about nature, medicine, people and science dovetailed elegantly at this point on my journey. I had learned much about the use of plant medicine in various cultures and settled on becoming an expert in Chinese herbalism, as it is the oldest, most sophisticated and tested natural medicine based on formulas that rival modern pharmaceuticals in effectiveness.
I returned to school to be certified in Chinese Herbal Medicine and on that journey found Kiiko Matsumoto, my teacher, my sensei who is one of the most respected acupuncture masters alive today. For the last 10 years, I have had the great honor of studying with some of the greatest doctors of traditional Asian medicine. I see a future where eastern and western medicine is integrated the way I experienced healthcare in Japan, China and much of Asia.
What I have learned on my journey so far is that my service to others is what drives me. I am grateful for all of it and nothing comes close to being witness to a person’s healing and self-actualization. My goal is to be a source for healing. For my patients and for our community at large.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The struggles on the way have mostly been related to time and money. Education can be expensive, start-up capital to open a business and keep it afloat was a challenge. It took a few years of working two jobs to break even. Then, I split with my former partner in 2014 and later my clinic closed in 2016 because a landscaping company bought the building to move its entire operation there. I found myself and my practice homeless.
I took that time to travel through China, Korea and Japan. To find new inspiration. To get creative and come back with a new approach. When I returned, my grandmother became ill and passed away a few months later. It was a rough patch. Soon after, I found a new spot back in the grove and people to collaborate with.
Persistence continues to pay off. My vision and commitment drive me more than my feelings or setbacks.
Please tell us about Treehouse Acupuncture and Wellness.
I am a student of Kiiko Matsumoto Japanese style acupuncture which is characterized by palpation-based feedback system that gets instant results during treatments, greatly improving practitioner and patient confidence. As part of the Yu Yao Society, which is the educational branch of Kiiko Sensei’s clinical practice. We are beginning to teach Kiiko style here to Miami. Our first teacing session is March 2018.
I am also certified in injection therapy for pain management and detoxification using homeopathic formulas and compounded vitamins. Much of my practice depends on a strong foundation in herbal medicine as part of the treatment strategy. I find that the herbal formulas improve the effectiveness and get patients better more quickly. They don’t taste very good, so that affects compliance sometimes. I am currently developing a line of essential oil blends to use in treatment and for self-care. I make original topical formulations and herbal preparations to complement acupuncture treatments. And, I am an active member of Acupuncturists Without Borders.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have started sooner! I would have not wasted time worrying about details and jumped in knowing that passion and intention is 99% of the game. Strategy is 1% and can be changed and shifted.
I would have spent more time and money on things that bring patients results and less on anything else.
I would also have widened the circle of collaboration sooner. We are in this together. Acupuncture is an industry full of lone wolves. It’s time to come out of the den.
Pricing:
- Initial Treatments – $150 (herbs are separate)
- Follow up Treatments – $100 (herbs are separate)
- Treatment Packages (5 treatments for $425, Month-long Detox Package $550 includes 5 treatments and all herbs)
- Herbal Consults ($50 for each consult, Package of 5 consults – $225 and includes a 10% discount on herbs)
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 South Dixie Highway, Suite 200
Coconut Grove, FL 33133 - Website: https://www.treehouseacupuncture.com/
- Phone: (305) 443-2220
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/309798607/treehouse-acupuncture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreeHouseAcupuncture/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/treehouse-acupuncture-and-wellness-miami
Image Credit:
Jonny Cortez, Shuttereye Photography Coconut Grove
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
