About Us
Your Acupuncturist, Michele
Michele Smith, L.Ac, Dilp.O.M, MSAOM, is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Arizona, receiving her Masters degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Arizona School of Acupuncture in 2010. She is owner and acupuncturist at The Gathering Point Community Acupuncture, a community acupuncture clinic in Tucson where she has administered thousands of treatments.
Michele is confident and skilled in treating a wide range of health concerns having treated such a large quantity of patients. She is certified in Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commision forAcupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM). Michele is also a certified reflexologist, a tuina (Chinese Medical Massage) therapist and a certified yoga instructor. She leads a weekly free zoom yoga nidra and a weekly in person Needles & Nidra. She is also trained in Battlefield Acupuncture, a form of auricular acupuncture originally used by the military to treat pain. The Gathering Point Community Acupuncture is ranked by Expertise as one of the top acupuncture clinics in Tucson.
Prior to becoming an acupuncturist Michele worked in the music industry as a go-between between Elektra records and record stores in the southeast. Due to many changes in technology and in the industry her job became obsolete. She then worked at a music venue doing marketing by day and bartending by night. Although it was fun, Michele was ready for a change and wanted to do something that would help others. Michele first decided to become an acupuncturist after visiting Bastyr College in 1999. She was originally interested in studying homeopathy, a medicine she still strongly believes in, but she was living in the state of Georgia where homeopathy is not legal. While in Seattle visiting the college she befriended some young people from Australia. One of them suggested they all get acupuncture treatments before going on a hike. This was Michele’s first acupuncture treatment, it did wonders for the pain from past ankle injuries and she was hooked. When she returned to Atlanta from Seattle she began getting regular acupuncture treatments and decided this was the career path she wanted to take. The acupuncture school in Atlanta was a wonderful school but due to complications with the owner did not survive. Michele moved to Tucson to continue her schooling and decided to make this lovely desert town her home.
While in acupuncture school in Atlanta, Michele became friends with a fellow student that introduced her to the movement of community acupuncture. While in school in Tucson, Michele volunteered as a front desk person once a week at another local community acupuncture clinic to learn more about it. The idea of community acupuncture was of great interest because Michele felt acupuncture should be a true form of medicine and not just a spa treatment. After needles are inserted they are stimulating the bodies natural healing and the acupuncturist does not need to be physically active and present throughout the duration of the treatment. Because many people are treated at the same time the cost can be affordable making acupuncture available to all people and not just the wealthy. The community acupuncture movement in the United States began in Portland, Oregon. You can learn more about this movement by checking out the FAQ on the POCA (People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture) website.
Michele is vibrant, friendly, outgoing, compassionate, caring and a little bit silly. She cares about you and your wellness journey and wants you to have the best experience during and after your treatment. When she is not working, Michele enjoys time with friends, coffee shops, live music, hiking, travelling, and being an active participant in her community. You may see her volunteering around town at the farmers market and at the All Souls Procession. She has a cute, fluffy orange cat named Meow Meow.
About the Clinic and preparing for your treatment:
The Gathering Point Community Acupuncture has a large relaxing and calming treatment space. To prepare for your treatment make sure you have eaten a light meal. Since we are a community clinic we mostly utilize acupuncture points on the arms and legs. It is best to wear comfortable loose fitting clothing that you can roll up to your knees and elbows, so we may administer treatment easily.
If you are coming from work a change of clothes may be advisable. We do play soft enjoyable relaxing music, still occasionally there are people snoring so if this bothers you feel free to bring headphones. We do provide earplugs. Blankets and pillows are available but you are welcome to bring your favorite from home.
As a gentle reminder, please turn off your cell phone upon entering the treatment space. Forms may be downloaded for your convenience. It is advisable for new patients to arrive 10 minutes prior to your treatment to fill out paperwork if you have not done so online.
Did you know…
The first acupuncture needles in ancient China were made of sharpened stone, called Bian Shi, bamboo or animal bone. This was back in the Neolithic days. Today they are made of stainless steel and are much smaller, more modern and flexible for a comfortable treatment.
Your body has an incredible capacity to heal. Sometimes it simply needs the right support. We would be honored to be part of your wellness journey.
