Chris VanderPluym, owner of VP Acupuncture in Olympia, utilizes traditional Chinese medicine, a holistic approach, for those seeking optimal health. His skills and practice of healing arts allow patients to discover the cause of their illness rather than just treating the symptoms. Using acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve your overall health.
“My dream is to have my own space,” says Chris. This quiet and tranquil clinic is located near the Capitol campus and has her own two dedicated treatment rooms. Previously, Chris worked in someone else’s clinic. “I’m my own boss now,” he says, appreciating the time he can spend with his patients. Chris uses all his skills to create a detailed care plan.
Introduction to acupuncture
Years ago, Chris felt pain in one knee, then the other. He visited a doctor trained in Western medicine who gave him painkillers and good luck. Dissatisfied with this, he visited an acupuncture clinic and received two treatments. After that, his pain resolved. His mind changed. He had always been interested in working with people in the field of healing arts, but realized that Western-style medical education did not resonate with his overall philosophy of treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I did.
Chris VanderPluym, Olympia Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists and Oriental physicians require significant educational and clinical education to become licensed. Required courses include anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry, hygiene, and a survey of Western clinical services. Additional education includes diagnosis, treatments, meridians/vessels, acupuncture points, and techniques such as electroacupuncture. Chris can provide personalized treatment using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and various forms of bodywork. He is also well-versed in conversations about lifestyle choices. “Acupuncture is just one tool among many,” Chris explains.
Chris was accepted into medical school through the pre-med program. He intended to become a Western-trained doctor, surgeon, or veterinarian. “Being a Western doctor didn’t fit my idea of being a doctor,” he recalls. He chose a different path of healing.
Chris grew up with an education in Chinese medicine. “I have a passion for this and it was an opportunity for me to learn these things. I took as many electives as I could, including bodywork, advanced herbalism, and advanced acupuncture,” he says. added.
After school, Chris moved from the Midwest to Ashland, Oregon, where he enjoyed five years of intense instruction from experienced practitioners. The clinic focused on treating cancer and endocrine diseases. He decided to expand his experience and moved to Olympia, initially seeing patients in another office.
Olympia holistic doctors take a personal approach to health
Chris spends time with his patients to get to know them as people and understand what’s going on inside their bodies. During your first appointment, she will discuss your circulation, digestion, breathing, mental health, chief complaint, and more. He reads your pulse and observes your tongue and posture. He wants to know all about your illness. This is because they are often related and can be treated at the same time. It is important to consider aches and pains, sleep issues, and emotional issues. Chris incorporates this with modern understandings of anatomy and physiology. “I’m trying to understand it so I can put together my own treatment,” Chris explains. He then tailors the treatment to each individual.
Chris vander prime Let’s lead an active life
“I live a simple life,” says Chris. He and his dog, Siskiyou, a Belgian Malinois, live a low-impact, eco-friendly lifestyle. He carries this forward into his business life as well. Because minimizing his carbon footprint is important, he prefers to repair rather than replace his belongings, and uses recycled materials where possible. He built his own greenhouse using recycled materials. He has his 9 hens and his 1 rooster. “I’m very much a DIY person,” he says. “I love music, learning the banjo and dancing to live music.” He also likes gardening. At home, you might find him cooking or using the smoker. The natural beauty of the Northwest lends itself well to all of his activities.
He attends plant medicine conferences twice a year in both North Carolina and Arizona and films his classes for online use. It’s educational and interesting to stay up to date with the topic and other experts. This knowledge is utilized in his practice.
At VP Acupuncture, we want to support your body’s natural repair abilities. With its time-tested track record and unique treatment methods, Chinese medicine can help in many ways. “We all live in an interconnected web, and coordination affects everything,” he says.
You can schedule on the VP Acupuncture website. Insurance is accepted. Chris, I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Vice President of Acupuncture
108 22nd Avenue SW, Suite 8, Olympia
360.504.6697
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