Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ashley Card.
Hi Dr. Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began my journey towards becoming an Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner as a patient of the medicine myself. I was in my young 20’s when I was diagnosed with PCOS. At the time, not much was known about the condition and the first line of treatment for doctors was a slew of medications I was not convinced I wanted to commit to the rest of my life. I sought out acupuncture and herbs for as an alternative treatment and was completely in awe of the complexity and intricacies of TCM. Simultaneously, I was watching more than one family member utilize hospice and end of life care.
When I heard the approach from these hospice nurses and the way they seamlessly interwove the western medical approach along with checking in on spiritual matters, I had spark of curiosity and a piqued interest. I knew my acupuncturist spoke with me about how my emotional and spiritual health directly impacted my hormonal and physical wellbeing and realized I had never had a western doctor ask me about these aspects of my life.
“Why” I wondered, “are we just speaking with people about their spirit and soul only before death?” “Why do we ignore so many aspects of our complete body, while only addressing the physical “broken parts”?” It was this which convinced me to explore the future of becoming an acupuncturist myself. At the time I was a high school teacher here in Austin and knew I was looking towards a significant shift and sacrifice to go back to school full time and for such a long duration.
It was after a particularly hard year at school I knew the time was upon me and I took the leap with the full support of my husband Julio. I started my first semester of school in January 2015 and the rest is history! After many years of rigorous study, national board exams and a myriad of real world experiences, I am happy and I know I made the right decision for myself and my family. I can honestly say I enjoy every single day of work and my patient community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey through Acupuncture school is a rigorous one to say the least. Years of study in a philosophy and language which is not familiar takes faith and believing in the end result. When working with a medicine this old it can feel overwhelming, simply because there is so much information with millennia of shared success and experience.
Once out of school and through board exams and Texas Medical Board credentialing the real fun began. Finding affordable space in Austin is always hard, and if you are trying to build a practice at the same time even harder. But, through friends and friends of friends, there is always a way!
Never be afraid to network and ask for help, they saying “it takes a village” applies to more than just raising children. I have found it takes a village to survive this wild ride we call life! Also, I can not stress enough how important it is to have a great mentor. To have the opportunity to tap into the wisdom and life experiences of someone who has walked a similar path as you is invaluable, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. Find people who build you up, believe in what you are doing and are always cheering in your corner. It carries you further than you can imagine.
As you know, we’re big fans of Card Integrative Acupuncture . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am an acupuncturist who practices integrative care and sound healing. I believe western and eastern medicine can co-exist in a way in which we can most optimally bring a patient into whole health. I believe what sets me apart from others is my passion for teaching the community about how to best care for themselves.
I also build and give back to community through donated services. Most recently I spent multiple weekends and weekdays in Central Texas during the catastrophic flood clean up to give acupuncture to first responders and volunteers. My treatments focused on reduction of PTSD and pain relief. To see the relief on the faces and bodies of the first responders was such an honor. They are so selfless and the last person they are worried about in times of emergency are themselves. I was so appreciative to the medicine I practice and seeing how it offered much needed relief in such an extreme environment.
First and foremost I still see myself as an educator. I recently was invited to speak at the “All Hands” meeting for the “Texas Health and Human Services Department” about the importance of balancing work stress and a healthy life. I also enjoy teaching students and teachers at the elementary level how acupressure can help little ones handle big emotions and everyday feelings they may encounter.
I am so happy to meet and educate and help people everywhere from a conversation at a restaurant to you being in my office on my treatment table. I am passionate about what I do and believe 100% in its ability to make everyone’s life more enjoyable.
What makes you happy?
Happiness to me is community. My family (and chosen family of close friends) is my joy. A strong community makes us all more resilient, capable and ultimately leads to longevity in life and in our chosen fields.
My happiness is also in nature, I love all the local hotspots – and a few less known, but a dip in Barton Springs or Deep Eddy always grounds me. A walk in my neighborhood with my husband Julio and dog Coconut is always enjoyed along with visiting friends we have built around us in unique places we frequent.
Pricing:
- Inițial Acupuncture Visit – $150
- Follow up – $100
- Cupping (30 mins) – $60
- Sound Bath – Varies on needs and Party Size
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cardacu.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-card-69766b32
Image Credits
Morgan Printy
