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Thoughtful & effective care for... 

*PAIN, HEADACHES, INSOMNIA, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, ATHLETIC INJURIES, COLDS & FLU, ALLERGIES, DIGESTION, HOT FLASHES, NIGHT SWEATS, WEIGHTLOSS, QUIT SMOKING, FERTILITY, PMS --

*My practice is not limited to this list. If you have a specific question or concern you'd like to address, feel free to contact me here or call or text me at (207) 266-8633.                             

*For a longer list of what acupuncture treats, published by the World Health Organization (WHO), click here.    

*Many people pursue acupuncture to treat these conditions, because the results and medical research are well established. 

Offices are located:

in Brunswick, Maine:                            54 Cumberland St, #2: Map (parking in front) at HS-ACUPUNCTURE

in Asheville, North Carolina:
247 Charlotte St, R#3: Map      at White Pine Acupuncture  

"One who eats Qi will attain enlightenment and prolong life."
-- Tao Hong Jing (456-536 C.E.)

Elements of understanding sometimes seem lost in translation. This quote may be such an example, but what it attempts to convey is how basic, pervasive, and all-encompassing the concept of qi is to every aspect of life. Read more here.

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Bio

Heather Spangler, LAc, is a Nationally Board certified acupuncturist and herbalist licensed in both the State of Maine and the State of North Carolina. (NCCAOM 139175; Maine AC501, CMH540; NC 662)

While earning a four-year Master's degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts, in Asheville, North Carolina, Heather began her intensive study of Classical Chinese medicine with Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist priest in the Jade Purity lineage. His cultivated spirit and extensive knowledge in its breadth and depth is a touchstone for Heather's life, practice and continuing study, and has been for over a decade.

At the start of her journey with Chinese medicine, Heather studied with Five Spirits author Lorie Dechar, L.Ac, who enriches the understanding of the authentic practice of this alchemical medicine.

As a graduate of Dartmouth College, Heather's initial introduction to Eastern thought was in her undergraduate studies, and in this way perhaps marks the true beginning of her appreciation of Classical Chinese medicine. As Jeffrey Yuen says, "Chinese medicine is Chinese philosophy applied."

Applying this comprehensive framework to her work enables Heather to provide her patients with thoughtful and effective care for a diversity and complexity of health concerns.

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Not too long ago, I was asked to give the following interview, and here were my responses.

Why did you become an acupuncturist? 

I became an acupuncturist, because I have personally benefitted from receiving acupuncture, and nothing fulfills me more than being able to extend that same possibility for healing to others. Acupuncture not only helped me heal from a chronic running injury, it also enabled me to move through a major life transition. Before becoming an acupuncturist and herbalist, my commitment to helping people inspired me to pursue for over a decade a career on behalf of non-profit organizations. In my work now, I have the pleasure of playing a more personal role in helping mobilize change, one marvelously unique individual at a time.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?

My practice is based on my in-depth study of Classical Chinese medicine, which provides me with multiple levels of treatment strategies, plus a particular amount of precision. The result is that I can meet my patients with confident, effective, and even joyful care. Whether you're suffering from back or knee pain, anxiety or depression, sleeplessness or digestive issues, or if you're simply feeling stuck in life, using acupuncture to provide relief can feel like opening a window to allow in some fresh air. 

What do you enjoy most about your work? 

Being able to treat such a variety of concerns so effectively is what I like most about my acupuncture practice. When a patient walks in with a headache and leaves pain-free, or when they come in feeling blocked on a project and the solution occurs to them while their needles are still in, these are the everyday experiences that affirm the privilege I feel being able to treat patients with acupuncture.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?

Either that acupuncture doesn't work or that it hurts are perhaps the most common misconceptions that I hear. I pride myself on providing gentle and effective treatment. Within the first treatment, we can usually dispel both notions. Most patients find acupuncture a deeply restful and restorative experience. Sometimes they are also amazed at the variety of issues that acupuncture can address, including nutritional counseling or explaining why you may be feeling chronically tired, among many others. It brings me pleasure to share the Chinese medical perspective whatever the experience in their lives.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?

Hiking, walking, yoga, qi gong, meditation, clean food, good rest, acupuncture and herbs, deepening my practice and understanding of this medicine, spending time with family and friends, all help me to stay healthy. I find that life is an ongoing opportunity for self-cultivation. Every one of us experiences stress and the unexpected, which means that each moment is a chance to reorient ourselves and return to balance. The more you can do this, the easier it seems to get. I consider being out in nature, our greatest teacher in so many ways, to be one of my favorite allies. 

How would you describe your personal philosophy?

Everything and everyone is in a state of constant change. Either one is able to move with this change or one resists it. Resistance results in pain, both physically and mentally. Acupuncture allows us to clear any stagnations that arise out of day-to-day living and restores our capacity to move through life smoothly, thoughtfully and enthusiastically.