Elaine Warren, M.Ac., L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist. She received a Master of Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2013, formerly the Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD, the first accredited acupuncture school in the country. Before becoming an acupuncturist, Elaine worked for FINRA, criss-crossing the country meeting with industry veterans to develop regulatory standards for securities brokers and dealers. Her experience with finding work life balance has given her a heightened appreciation for the wellness needs in today’s world.
After a long and productive career as a securities regulatory analyst, I reached a point where I began to feel stuck. The sense of “what next?” continued in me even as I’d left the corporate life and immersed myself in stay-at-home motherhood which eluded me while building my career. The short respite was a time that I cherish, being available to volunteer at my children’s school and practice being more present with my beloveds.
Then acupuncture showed up as a possibility for my next move. I knew acupuncture as an effective healing modality since I was a tomboy of 9 years old who fell from a fence post and sprained a shoulder. Before treatment, I couldn’t lift my arm and after, I left the clinic swinging my arm holding my dad’s hand. As an adult when my stress showed up as lower back pain, acupuncture kept me going. Practicing acupuncture, however, never entered my realm of possibility.
A volunteering opportunity at a clinic, however, provided an occasion where I saw and felt the glow of healing presence taking place in the treatment room. It was beyond the presence of a skilled practitioner and a patient who received good care. It was something, a presence that enveloped the two, creating a greater One. I knew in that moment that that was what kept showing up missing while I searched for my “what next.” I realized that what I desired most was to serve others through such a healing practice. Through acupuncture, I am remembering each moment to practice gratitude in everything. This moves me to deeply, joyfully bow to the great Oneness of life.
Elaine practices at Body + Beyond Wellness in Rockville, MD. She is available by appointment, Monday through Saturday.