TAC Turns 10!

By Toby Helmstetter, LAc

Ten years ago this spring, Chris, Katherine and I opened Triangle Acupuncture Clinic. We had just moved here after graduating from acupuncture school in Santa Cruz, CA and had the vision of creating a clinic that focused on treating people solely with Chinese Medicine. Not looking to create an integrative clinic with lots of modalities and different practitioners, our goal was to teach people that they too could find health, balance and longevity through the principles and tools that Chinese medicine had to offer--acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and tai ji or qi gong. We constructed our business plan using library books on how to start your own business, working late, between studying for our board exams. The three of us were excited, hopeful, and determined to bring our new skills to North Carolina. We were fortunate to have some long-standing practitioners here before us who were gracious and willing to talk to us about what had and had not worked for them. Without some of these women and men, we would not be practicing acupuncture in this state the way we are today! And over time we became the clinic we are now, part of Chapel Hill and Raleigh, sharing the benefits of Chinese medicine with our patients.

We've had some wonderful people working with us, too. Our front desk staff has been the backbone of our clinic since we hired Kim 7 years ago. We're so lucky to have an office manager who understands how to take care of everyone's needs--staff and patients alike. Our acupuncturists are some of the best practitioners we know. We've had some great acupuncturists working for us over the years, and now with our excellent practitioners, Tory, Kolleen, and Jennifer, we've got a solid staff who excel in the practice of Chinese medicine. Many acupuncturists across the state work solo, set up in an office by themselves. It is a gift to have a group of practitioners together, where we can consult with one another about cases, and support each other as a team. I think it is our staff, their professionalism and experience, that really sets us apart as a clinic in this area.

In these ten years, we've earned some accolades as well. Not long after opening TAC, we were chosen as the Best New Business by the Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce in 2006. We've been given the 'super service' award by Angie's List, and have been awarded the best acupuncture clinic in the Triangle for 2011 and 2012 by the Metro magazine. And, we've won the award for 'Best Place for Acupuncture' by the Independent Weekly the last three years in a row.

What has been most amazing, and humbling, is that you, our readers and patients, have helped us to grow--grow as a clinic in the community and grow as practitioners, too. Many people come to us when they are at the end of their rope, when their conditions have advanced to the point that they are very sick, and even hopeless. It has been a tremendous gift to us as acupuncturists to be a part of everyone's healing journey, to be a part of what helps restore health and balance to someone's life.

And so, to commemorate our tenth anniversary, we've created some really cool t-shirts! Thank you to everyone who submitted their ideas for slogans for the shirts; and congratulations to our lucky winners who's ideas we chose! The t-shirts will be available at both clinics for $13 each starting May 1st. Wear them with pride and show everyone that you love acupuncture! It is such an honor to be part of this community that recognizes the importance of health and supports the existence of a business like Triangle Acupuncture Clinic. Thanks for an amazing ten years, and here's to many, many more!

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