Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Straney
Hi Colleen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been drawn to healing others through touch from the time I was a small child.
One of my early memories is of me perching on the back of our living room couch with my mom seated in front of me to receive her shoulder massage. I am sure that my technique was far from skillful, but I remember enjoying it and getting the feedback that I had good hands, plus she would pay me a quarter if I also pulled out any gray hairs that I happened to spot in the process.
I also endured my share of physical illness as a wee one, specifically severe asthma to the point of requiring hospitalization twice. I remember feeling determined to get stronger and heal myself; despite being a shy, small kid, I had an unshakeable belief that I could overcome this obstacle. When I was 9, I decided to take up running as a way to strengthen my lungs and body as a whole. I signed up for the 5 mile St. Patrick’s Day race that was held in my small Michigan hometown each year. Donned in my mint green sweatsuit with a shamrock pin proudly featured on my lapel, I tapped into a deeper grit that I didn’t know I had. What I didn’t necessarily anticipate back then was that running would also help my mental health as well. I have wrestled with severe depression as long as I can remember. Looking back now from the perspective of a wellness professional, I suspect that the asthma was triggered and or exacerbated by emotional stress. Over time, I did grow stronger, and the asthma lessened over the years, then stopped occurring altogether. I became aware that body and mind are entwined and that was the beginning of my lifelong fascination with this connection.
Fast forward to me at age 20. I was halfway through a creative writing degree, and although I was passionate about poetry, I decided I needed to learn a trade in case my dream of becoming a published poet didn’t pan out. I had never stopped my habit of massaging shoulders, and oftentimes my roommates were the recipients. One of these roommates who is still a dear friend to this day suggested I actually go to school for massage therapy. So a few months later I moved across the country away from everyone and everything familiar in Michigan to New Mexico to do just that.
My experience in massage therapy school broadened my mind’s horizon in a vast way, plus New Mexico being a bastion of healing modalities that it is, contributed immensely to my expansion.
In the process of learning how to professionally give a skilled massage, I also received many massages, and many of my hang ups, like painful modesty and body shame started to melt away. Through various friendships and other connections I made at that time, I was introduced to a myriad of modalities that fell under the “alternative medicine” umbrella, as well as different Eastern philosophical schools of thought. One week of the massage school curriculum was devoted to Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was, of course, just a tiny nutshell of an enormous body of knowledge, but it absolutely enthralled me. I knew I wanted to learn more, so I filed that curiosity away for further exploration at a later time.
After I graduated and did massage for several years, I began to realize that although I loved being a bodyworker, it was very physically demanding and likely would be a challenge to keep up for the rest of my working years. I taught at a couple of small massage schools, which definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I did enjoy doing it, but I knew in my heart that I was ultimately most inspired when I was helping people as a “hands on” practitioner. I wanted to amass more skills and ways to aid others on their healing journey.
My interest in Chinese medicine resurfaced in a big way and at age 29, I decided to return to school to immerse myself in a 4 year master’s degree program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA.
Upon beginning this chapter of my education, I quickly realized the importance of having what in Zen Buddhism is referred to as a “beginner’s mind”. I had to leave all preconceived notions I had of this medicine behind and humbly admit I knew nothing at all. This shift allowed me to absorb the new concepts more readily. Although the following four years were easily the most academically challenging of my life, I also developed a profound love and respect for Chinese medicine as an ancient holistic system. I was no stranger to the idea of treating the whole person versus just symptoms, but I now had a deeper understanding and the tools to apply what I had learned.
Halfway through the program, I made the life-changing decision to transfer to AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine here in Austin, earning my degree in 2008. A big part of what made my move to Austin so transformative are the enduring friendships I have made here. The vast majority of these lovely people are wellness professionals themselves and I am forever thankful for this vital support and sense of community! I am so grateful to now be in my 16th year of private practice where I offer acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal therapy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although I truly feel that I have been fortunate on this life’s journey, personally and professionally, I have faced some difficulties as well. The most persistent obstacle I have had to jump over and keep finding fresh strategies to keep jumping over is my own struggle with mental health. Because of this, some of the work I find the most meaningful in my acupuncture practice is around helping others that struggle with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a one-woman acupuncture clinic in north central Austin. My offerings include acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine. Although there are many talented licensed acupuncturists in our city that I respect greatly, I believe what sets me apart is my extensive background in bodywork. My former massage therapy career allowed me to amass confidence and ease in working with the body which translates nicely into my current acupuncture treatments today. One of my favorite teachers once said that “the treatment begins the minute your patient crosses your threshold”, and I have never forgotten that. To me that means treating from my heart, offering warmth and kindness from the first time I meet my patients. This too, is medicine.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is providing a safe and inclusive healing space where all of my patients feel welcome and relaxed. I am here to support and nurture optimal physical and emotional health. I am deeply honored to be any part of another’s healing journey, and there is nothing better than witnessing someone thrive in their fully authentic self.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifepathacupuncture.com
- Instagram: @lifepathacupuncture
