Scientific research and clinical studies continue to rise supporting the efficacy of acupuncture, helping people feel more confident due to the increase in credibility it has gained. Kelly Urtiaga, Lac, Dipl. OM, owner of Sacred Healing Acupuncture, explains, “As more people look for ways to combine conventional and alternative therapies, acupuncture has gained recognition as an effective complement to traditional medical treatments. Many healthcare providers have begun referring patients to acupuncture for pain management, stress relief, reproductive health and more, validating its place in modern healthcare. Additionally, people have started shifting their views toward Western medication with rising concerns about the side effects of pharmaceuticals, and are seeking natural alternatives. Acupuncture is a drug-free treatment approach.”

She says, “Acupuncture is also a highly personalized treatment based on the individual; not just what they are coming in for, but how it shows up in their body. For example, of two patients coming in for stress, one may experience stress-induced headaches, irritability, tension behind the eyes, difficulty falling asleep and staying focused at work. The other might experience anxiety with stress, changes in digestion, upper back tension and fatigue. They are both coming in for stress, but the stress itself presents in completely different ways, therefore my treatment plan will be personal to treat the root cause of their stress based on how it shows up in their body versus providing a generalized treatment that addresses stress.”

Urtiaga lost her father to suicide when she was 14. “This experience itself was traumatic, and left me facing challenges with my own mental health. Furthermore, it left me feeling like more needed to be done for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. I didn’t know what I wanted to do or where my life path would take me, but I was certain that it was in a field that benefited mental health,” she shares.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology to become a mental health counselor or psychologist, her experience in the field quickly showed that trauma and talk therapy were something that would be difficult to navigate as a professional. “That’s when I discovered acupuncture,” says Urtiaga. “I had always been curious about it, but didn’t know much or understand it until I was introduced to who would become some of my future professors at Texas Health & Science University. They provided education around how acupuncture works and what it can treat, but the one thing that really stuck out to me was how beneficial acupuncture can be for your mental health by addressing conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and physical conditions resulting from stress.

“It was during this time I started getting acupuncture consistently for my own issues with anxiety, insomnia and stress-induced neck pain that I saw a significant improvement with my mental and physical well-being. I became passionate about acupuncture, and as I continued my research into the medicine, I felt a strong calling that I was meant to be a holistic healer, which ultimately led me to pursue a lifelong career in acupuncture.”

What sets Sacred Healing Acupuncture apart from other acupuncture practices is the extensive focus on women’s health, fertility, mental health and beauty. “It is very common to feel invalidated when it comes to advocating for your own health, so one of the things that is of utmost importance is making sure my patients feel seen and heard, and that they do not feel like they are just another number in my office,” says the therapist.

“I have been described by patients as having a gentle approach when it comes to my needling style, helping patients feel more at ease with treatment, especially for individuals with needle phobia or anxious tendencies. I also find it constructive to educate my patients about the many benefits of alternative medicine, and when we provide our bodies the right tools, it has the innate ability to restore itself and find healing.”

Urtiaga sees her role in the field evolving toward redefining the practice by blending traditional techniques with modern health concerns and aesthetics, addressing both the physical and mental well-being in a holistic way. “Though acupuncture is an ancient medicine, it is important for me to bring a nurturing and modern perspective to acupuncture that makes it feel approachable and relatable. A big role as a practitioner is demystifying the stigma associated with acupuncture, especially for the younger demographics who can really reap the benefits.”

Sacred Healing Acupuncture is located at 5310 Harvest Hill Rd., Ste. 135, in Dallas. For appointments and more information, call 214-471-5577 or visit SacredHealingAcu.com.