Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathi Wotal.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Acupuncture is not my first career. I was a full time mom for many years, then I got my bachelor’s degree in geology from NIU and worked as an environmental geologist in the Chicago area for about 10 years. The kids grew up and moved out, and I realized I wasn’t happy in my career. I wanted a total career change but had no idea what I wanted to do, except that I wanted to be able to help people.
One afternoon I was out to lunch with 2 friends from work, and we were discussing career changes. I asked them if they had any idea what I should do because I was at a loss. And immediately one of them looked straight at me and said “I know what you should do. You should be an acupuncturist!” And that changed my life. I decided to try it for myself, and was absolutely amazed at how quickly my health issues resolved. I was hooked! It very quickly became my passion. I found a local acupuncture school I liked, and then just like it was meant to be, I was laid off from my job. That was February of 2010. In the fall I started acupuncture school, and 3 years later at the age of 50 I graduated summa cum laude with a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, and became board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Ever since I started acupuncture school I dreamed of having my own practice, and now I have it. I absolutely love what I do, and love running my own business!
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting my own acupuncture practice was challenging, because it’s just me and I am not an extroverted person. I don’t have a staff, and I don’t have a background in business, so it was actually a very scary prospect. But what I do have is a very supportive husband who happens to be a lawyer, and does a lot of business law. And the business management side of it was what scared me the most. Having him to guide me through the process was a huge relief. The other challenge has been getting the word out that my practice exists. Marketing a business is like an art form. You have to find out what works for the type of business you’re in, the community you’re in, and then find out what type of marketing you’re comfortable with. My first 2 months in business were dismal! But the community has found me, and I’ve been growing every year.
For me the key has been networking with other health care professionals in the area. That network now includes chiropractors, counselors and therapists, doctors, functional medicine doctors and nutritionists. I also work with the Veterans Administration treating veterans through the Veterans Choice program.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Prairie Spring Acupuncture Clinic story. Tell us more about the business.
When I decided to open my own practice I really wanted to have a special focus. In school I expected to learn about treating people’s physical ailments, but I discovered acupuncture is also very effective for treating people’s emotional ailments. I have a family member with several mental health issues, so mental health has been a passion for a long time. In our home we have seen that struggle up close, and know how hard it is to find the right help for them.
In my practice I treat many things, including back and neck pain, arthritis, shoulder issues, allergies, asthma, headaches or migraines, heartburn, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues, and women’s health (painful or irregular periods, menopause, etc.). But my love, is treating emotional health.
I see a lot of patients dealing with depression, grief, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress. I also run a Free Anxiety and PTSD Clinic most Saturday afternoons, treating these issues with acupuncture. Healthy Living Counseling Center here in Palatine donates their space so that I can offer this free clinic to the public. It’s a small clinic, but we’ve seen a lot of great results with people who have really been struggling with anxiety and post-traumatic stress. I felt this was something very important to provide, because there are a tremendous number of people out there suffering with severe anxiety or PTSD that don’t have the money to get help. I also do volunteer work with Selah Freedom, treating survivors of sex trafficking for anxiety and PTSD.
I am also really big on educating my patients. It has been my experience that the patients that see improvement the fastest, are those that actively participate in their health. That means they aren’t just coming to see me and expecting me to make them better. They are also doing what they can with exercise, or nutrition, mediation, etc. One of my favorite things to suggest to patients is using essential oils to help their healing process. The plants used to make the essential oils are many of the same plants that are used in Chinese herbal medicine! Using high quality essential oils can really be a game changer for healing, and are extremely easy for patients to use. I actually teach free essential oil classes out of my office twice each month. I use them myself and love them.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Acupuncture is becoming more main stream in the U.S. Every year there is more research being done on using acupuncture to treat different health issues, and as more research is available showing the benefits of acupuncture, more insurance plans are including acupuncture in their policies. People are also searching for alternatives to medications and procedures in larger numbers, and some doctors are beginning to refer their patients out for acupuncture.
Pricing:
- New Patient Appointment (1.5-2 hours) $100
- Returning Patient Appointment (1 hour) $70
Contact Info:
- Address: 600 N. North Court, Suite 230
Palatine, Illinois 60067 - Website: www.prairiespringacupuncture.com
- Phone: (847) 221-8644
- Email: kwotal@prairiespringacupuncture.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prairiespringacupuncture/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/prairie_spring
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
