Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jennifer Yocum, LAc.
Hi Dr. Yocum, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my career as a behavioral neuroscientist, working in top institutions throughout Baltimore, conducting research that focused on how nutrition could improve learning and memory issues seen in Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia, and stroke. In 2005, I began to feel pain in the center of my upper abdomen every time I ate. When it didn’t go away over time, I went to the doctor and underwent lots of testing. The diagnosis came back as gall bladder dyskinesia, a condition in which the gall bladder does not pump out enough bile to effectively help digest foods.
The doctor said that the only treatment was to remove the gall bladder, which is only effective about 50% of the time. What’s worse, is that I could end up with side effects like chronic diarrhea for the rest of my life! Those were not the odds I wanted to take. I called my mom and told her the news, and she recommended that I try acupuncture because my aunt had a positive experience with it during her recovery following rotator cuff surgery. Being a scientist, acupuncture was a little “out there” or “woo woo” for my taste, and I was so reluctant to try it that my mom chose to pay for the first few treatments (note: scientists, especially young ones, do not make a lot of money, contrary to what you might think). After several weeks of treatment, I didn’t hurt every time I ate, just sometimes. After a year of treatment, I never hurt again.
After seeing the amazing results acupuncture produced in me, I felt compelled to study to become an acupuncturist in 2007. While in acupuncture school, I learned that Chinese Medicine also included nutritional recommendations to help people feel better. I fell in love with the idea, because it overlapped so well with my career in science exploring the effects of nutrition on learning and memory in diseases of aging. I already knew how diet can affect the way the body ages, and I had begun to explore how limiting certain substances like sugar and wheat made me feel (answer: much better). I graduated in 2010 with a passion for helping people improve their health and wellness through Chinese Medicine.
In 2011, I had an awful experience with a raw and juicing cleanse that was part of yoga training. I knew that Chinese Medicine-based nutrition theory offered a way that could help many people lose weight, have more energy, and feel better without feeling miserable. I designed and launched what became my signature online program, The Chinese Medicine Cleanse, in March of that year, and since that time have helped countless people on their wellness journey. It’s been a true joy to hear people report that they are finally pregnant, or are managing their Crohn’s Disease for the first time in their lives, or that all of their joint pain disappeared. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that I’m able to help people beyond my treatment room thanks to the power of online learning and this beautiful medicine I practice.
I now have two practice locations – one in Columbia, and another in New Market- and have developed more online programs focused on helping people to come to a healthy relationship with food, and learning ways to improve their health and well-being. I love being able to help people using natural methods and focus on not only nutrition, but also treatment of digestive disorders, fertility, anxiety, depression, pain, women’s health, and men’s health.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every path has its struggles and challenges, and this is how we grow. For me, acupuncture started as a “side hustle,” and I treated patients on evenings or weekends after my lab work was done. I began to shift more into teaching and accepted a job at my acupuncture school in 2012, where I continued to balance my teaching and work duties with my acupuncture practice.
I am multi-passionate and full of energy and ideas, and so for many years, I have balanced it all.
Eventually, I burned out, however, in the fall of 2021. I had been working 50-60 hour weeks for years, and it had taken its toll. We can push our bodies and minds to a point, but eventually, they stop us if we don’t listen to the early warning signs. I was in bad shape, barely able to string sentences or thoughts together, in physical pain, and mentally exhausted. I took a year off from doing anything other than treating the few patients I had. It took me an entire year to feel like I was even remotely myself again. I vowed to never push myself past my limits again.
It’s taken some experimentation, but I’ve begun to heed those early warning signs, and now have come to a place of balance. I’m focused on my practice and online courses, and funneling my energy into my passion projects while still respecting my need for rest and recovery. I’m truly excited about what the future holds and am grateful for the lessons that burnout taught me.
As you know, we’re big fans of Jennifer L Yocum, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My overarching business name is Jennifer L Yocum, LLC, though my trade names include Indigo Fox Acupuncture & Wellness (my New Market practice location name) and The Chinese Medicine Cleanse (my signature online program). I am a Doctor of Acupuncture, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher (RYT200), and Feng Shui Consultant who takes a well-rounded approach to your health and wellness.
I specialize in Chinese Medicine-based nutrition, as well as the treatment of digestive disorders, fertility, anxiety, depression, pain, women’s health, and men’s health. I’m best known for my signature program, The Chinese Medicine Cleanse, which has helped countless people since 2011 to lose weight, have more energy and feel better. I love being able to help people improve their health using natural methods, and what gets me *really* excited is treating those patients who haven’t been able to get the help they need through traditional or Western medical systems. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine provide incredible results, and I’m still blown away after 15 years of treating patients at what it can do.
I am in complete awe of this amazing medicine, and I love being able to use the skills and knowledge I gained as a behavioral neuroscientist to weave that into the ancient art of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine-based nutrition to help my patients feel their best. I’m constantly learning and studying, especially absorbing all I can from functional medicine techniques and theories- from gut health to the latest tests to promising supplements and everything in between.
I offer acupuncture and reiki treatments at my Columbia and New Market offices and additionally offer retail products to support your health, including high-quality supplements, ear seeds (used for acupressure treatment for multiple conditions), infrared products, and more. I also have multiple online courses available, including The Chinese Medicine Cleanse, and a new course, Fuel Your Spirit: A 7-Day Program to Help You Develop Healthy Eating Habits. Last, but not least, I offer 1-on-1 weight loss coaching for those who are ready to invest and deep dive into a personalized diet and lifestyle plan to fast-track their results.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I worked in Baltimore for over a decade, and truly love the city. What I love most is how friendly everyone is. I grew up in Salisbury, and we never said “hi” to random people on the street. In Baltimore, it’s expected, and it’s rude if you don’t say “hi” back! Beyond that, I love how there are so many great gems for restaurants and stores.
Whether it’s Highlandtown, Fells Point, Canton, Homewood, Hampden, Little Italy, Downtown…I could go on…there are so many places to love. I have so many fond memories and still love visiting the city. I recently drove up 95 with my husband and kids, and when the skyline of Baltimore appeared, my 7-year-old son sighed and said, “I love Baltimore.” That says it all. Baltimore is beautiful and resilient.
As far as what I like the least, I wish there were more ways and financial support for those in need, whether they are homeless, in recovery, or youth. As part of my acupuncture training, we provided acupuncture support to those at Penn North (in Sandtown), Healthcare for the Homeless, and recovery centers in the city. We got to connect with people who were in recovery or homeless and help them on their path using auricular acupuncture treatments designed to detox and support recovery from drugs or alcohol. It helped us to remember that we are all human and doing our best.
Some of us are born into privilege, and some into challenging life situations and environments. It’s hard to get up when we have always been knocked down. It’s up to each of us to do our part to provide for those in need, whether it’s a helping hand, a free meal, or a kind word or gesture. I would love for more government resources to be provided so that people do not have to sleep on the street, and so communities can build back stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: jenyocum.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenyocum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenYocumWellness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jennifer-yocum-l-ac-08a10028/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwGBOwH7LkiNDn-qNgZgy7Q
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jennifer-yocum-lac-columbia-3
- Other: courses.jenyocum.com
