Meet Cynthia Poppe | Licensed Acupuncturist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Poppe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Working for myself has been a dream of mine for many years and is one of the main reasons I decided to go back to school and ultimately become an Acupuncturist. When I started my undergrad at Bellevue University in Omaha, my goal at that time was to obtain a degree in Healthcare Management and apply to PA (Physician Assistant) school. After graduating and applying to PA schools diligently for 3 years, I was finally accepted in Des Moines, IA. I went on a cruise to celebrate and on that cruise was introduced to an Acupuncturist. I attended her 2 day presentation on the history, education, effectiveness of Acupuncture. I was super intrigued by what she shared in her presentation and decided to try a few treatments. I experienced amazing results with treating my back pain and immediately thought this could be the direction and career path I was meant for. I don’t believe in coincidences and felt strongly there was a reason I had been introduced to Acupuncture. When I returned to Omaha I made an appointment with a local Acupuncturist and asked questions about his practice and success, I liked what I heard and experienced similar results with his treatments as well. I sought out another Acupuncturist in Lincoln, NE and asked the same questions. I learned of a few schools in neighboring states and decided to apply for their Acupuncture program. I was accepted at a school in Denver and started the 3 year program a few months later. After beginning Acupuncture school and learning about the history and theories, how disease shows up in our bodies and the very different ways to differentiate and diagnose and ultimately treat those issues with traditional Chinese medicine and Acupuncture, I felt like I had been given the user manual to the human body. It truly was the most enlightening experience learning the practice of Acupuncture. I became it’s biggest fan and finished school in half the time, eager to learn as much as possible. I did extra clinic time and also became certified in Tui Na (Chinese Massage), Cosmetic Acupuncture and Cranial Sacral Therapy which are great adjuncts to this medicine. At the end of my schooling, after almost 1500 clinic hours, I realized that I would begin a career and practice in something I truly loved and believed in and in and most importantly, helping others learn how to feel their very best, naturally without prescriptions or procedures that create more health issues and side effects which then require more of the same. Im extremely blessed to have a job I can’t wait to get to every day and that is the true meaning of success. A decision I’m forever grateful I made.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting out as an Acupuncturist after graduation, I worked as an employee for the first few years at a couple different medical practices. I was able to establish my own style of treatment and have the opportunity to see it’s effectiveness. I’m so grateful for that time as it helped me create my own practice and open Red Poppy Healing. My undergrad is in Healthcare Management which allowed me to also work the administrative side to running a business as well as providing Acupuncture treatments. As with any new business, come challenges of capital, revenue and providing quality treatments that help our patients improve and heal. The challenges came the first year with COVID, I’m grateful we made it through with the help of family and other practitioners renting space in our office. After a few years we were able to expand into the suite next door and add additional wellness modalities. This has attracted a wider variety of clients and patients which ultimately has been our goal, to provide treatments and services that appeal to and help more people get well and stay well. Not everyone likes Acupuncture :-). We are committed to helping everyone who walks in our door, feel their best as quickly and efficiently as possible. We make it our personal responsibility to offer a serene, peaceful environment where you leave feeling better than when you walked in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start out by offering a spa day at our office complete with an Acupuncture treatment, followed by infrared sauna and float therapy. After that we’d rest up for a fun filled week of shopping, museums, hiking and great food. My favorite places are Kirkland Commons, the Heard museum and Musical Instrument Museum. Hiking at Camelback Mountain for the beautiful view from the top. True Kitchen, Blue water Grill and Big Buddha are a couple of favorite restaurants in the Phoenix area. The visit wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to Sedona for more shopping, hiking and eating.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a wonderful support system through my family, my daughters, son, my Father and Kay and David Vandernaalt. They have always offered their love and patience and I’m so grateful. I also have had the privilege of having a few wonderful friends and mentors who have inspired and guided me on my journey. Susan Wagner, a licensed Acupuncturist and professor at Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ASAOM) in Tucson where I graduated. She shared her wisdom, experience and support which gave me the inspiration to continue on. I learned so much about the practice of Acupuncture through her example and direction which has helped me in creating a successful wellness center and clinic.

Website: www.redpoppyhealing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redpoppyhealing?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Image Credits
Tranquil Balance