Meet Stephanie Ertl | Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist

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

Hi Stephanie, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I think balance in all aspects of life is the key to living happily and healthy. Especially as an Acupuncturist, my main job is to keep peoples’ physical bodies and energetic connections balanced! For many people work-life balance is tough in this day and age. For me personally, there are routine things that I incorporate into my daily life that keep me happy and energetically available to give my patients the best treatment as possible. One thing in particular that I never compromise is my work out. I am a busy body machine with a lot of energy to expend, so I make sure I have some type of physical activity time scheduled in every morning before work to start the day off right. I am also very social, so time with friends and family is essential. Even with a busy schedule, I will always make time for those that are important to me. I am not one of those with a consistent 9-5 job.; I am a beach lifeguard, EMT, run two acupuncture practices and teach yoga barre. As busy as that is, I some how find a way to keep a balance between all that and my personal life. I believe if you make yourself a priority in some aspect every day, not only will you be happier, but be able to perform at work better! Balance is everything!

What should our readers know about your business?
I opened my own acupuncture practice soon after coming out of school, and it was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Acupuncture is the most amazing medicine and it can do so much good for people, but they also have to want to do it. I know having needles stuck in you may not be the most appealing type of treatment, but if you haven’t experienced it, it is a much different feeling than you think! For many reasons, it was not an easy start, but I am really proud of the practice I have built today. I am more confident in my abilities and feel so much gratitude for the healing I have brought and continue to bring to people. The feeling after taking someone’s pain away is unlike any other. My specialty is pain management, but acupuncture can treat much more than pain such as digestive disorders, anxiety, depression, immunity, fertility, overall wellbeing and so much more. Within a treatment I also do fire cupping, massage, gua sha (scraping), electrical stimulation, nutrition and lifestyle advice, and soon will also be offering facial acupuncture. I think what sets me apart is my people skills and communication of the medicine to patients. Acupuncture can be foreign, especially if it is someone’s first time trying it, so I make sure every patient is comfortable and communicate every step of the way. I take the time to listen and am dedicated to each patient’s success in his or her healing journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love when my friends come to visit and I make sure it is always a good time! The beach is my second home and most of my friends are swimmers as well that love the water. As a Pepperdine grad, Malibu was my first home when I moved to Southern California, so whenever I get a chance I love driving up there with company. Surfing, hiking, bike riding on the strand, ocean swimming, laying out on the beach, dancing and checking out local shops and restaurants are my favorite activities anywhere along the southern coast. I live and work in Santa Monica, so it is always fun to take people around town since I know the community inside and out. There are lots of trendy spots around Santa Monica, but I also am a fan of more dive bars and family owned restaurants. Chez Jay and Shoops are two of my favorite spots in Santa Monica and are always on the list when anyone comes to town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents were both my biggest supporters. A profession in Acupuncture was definitely out of the norm when I said that I was interested in pursuing the program. My Dad was a little hesitant, but supported my decision and has been my inspiration for success from day one. My Mother was a believer in pursuing whatever I was passionate in, and knew I would succeed. Both had their own individual drive to achieve what they wanted in this lifetime, which I think is where I get my over the top motivation from. I owe everything to them, and would not be where I am today without their love and support.

Website: https://stephanieertlacupuncture.com/

Instagram: @stephanieertlacupuncture

Image Credits
Brandon Bibbins Instagram @flashbibbs