Today we’d like to introduce you to Diane Kane.
Hi Diane, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey of considering acupuncture as a career began when I was riveted at two symposiums at Johns Hopkins University titled, “Mind/Body Health: Psychoneuroimmunology” and “Mind/Body Health: New Dimensions for Health Care.” The message of all of the presenters, including medical doctors, social workers, and acupuncturists was clear: Our mainstream medicine was not utilizing the scientifically demonstrated facts that the mind and body are intimately connected. It was like an inner flame had ignited, acknowledging my long search for a holistic career in health care, and meeting acupuncturists who actually applied the knowledge of mind and body connection. By the end of the classes, the clear thought occurred: “This is the best thing I have ever done.” The ensuing decision to get my Masters of Acupuncture was the next best action I had ever taken; I now have a career that I love with all of my heart.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to sustaining an acupuncture practice was not a smooth road in the late 1990’s when I graduated. The modality was still barely recognized for anything more than pain management, and there were over 700 of us in Maryland. There were very few, if any, acupuncture positions to fill, so building a practice was my only option. It took time to build a sustainable practice. To increase my work, I treated at 2 and sometimes 3 separate offices as well as in patients’ homes. To supplement my practice income and to refine my acupuncture skills, I taught and supervised at the acupuncture school and in their community clinics. Alongside my work was always self-cultivation, in the form of multiple Tai Chi and yoga classes, deepening my embodiment of the ease to which I was leading my patients. Cultivating my growth slowly with quality led to now treating in one office with a steady stream of referrals from patients and local medical and mental health professionals. It was worth every challenge to deeply love what I do.
Another struggle along the way is that working in private practice is a very solo experience and I enjoy working with other professionals. My current solution to that is working as an acupuncturist in an adult day care setting one day per week. I regular interact with and discuss patient care with nurses, doctors, counselors, physical and occupational therapists. I love that camaraderie and I adore working with the community of elders. I am in a very happy place professionally right now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Diane Kane Acupuncture?
My practice continues to thrive with thoroughness in getting to know my clients and tailoring the treatments to effectively address their issues and teach them self-care. Sometimes treating their symptoms involves teaching them to observe their body, breath, thoughts, and pain so as to make slight shifts to optimize healing. Stress can play a large role in exacerbating symptoms. My training in Five Element Acupuncture is fantastic for guiding people navigating stress and healing emotionally. My continuing studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including Chinese dietary principles and tongue diagnosis helps me treat with greater insight and with tools for recommending slight shifts in diet that can contribute so much to well being. Sports injury techniques, Zero Balancing, gua sha, cupping, and trauma-informed “kidney hold” are all modalities that can lead to less pain, more freedom of movement, and more peace and calm. My self-cultivation with yoga, mediation, biking, hiking, cooking, and mediation allow me a steady presence for others and a place of experience from which to lead in health-promoting lifestyle choices.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I do take insurances such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Johns Hopkins Employee Health, and Aetna. A free 25-minute consultation can be scheduled from my web site. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my practice and how it can potentially benefit you or someone you know!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DianeKaneAcupuncture.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcupunctureinBaltimore/
