Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Unterreiner.
Hi Alison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t start my career as an acupuncturist—I originally studied photography and worked as a photo editor for magazines in New York City. While I enjoyed the work, I always had a sense that I’d eventually move in a different direction; I just wasn’t sure what that would be.
During that time, I was dealing with some health issues, and a friend suggested I try acupuncture. It felt like a low-risk option, so I gave it a shot. After just one treatment, I was amazed by how good I felt—so much so that I booked several follow-up appointments. I continued receiving acupuncture for years, and during that period of exploring new career paths, the results I experienced made me start to consider acupuncture as more than just a form of self-care.
The more I learned about the medicine—the philosophy, the poetry, and the depth behind it—the more I felt drawn to it. It became clear that this was the path I was meant to follow. I began researching acupuncture schools in New York and found one that felt like the right fit. I applied and started graduate school in the fall of 2011—because yes, becoming a licensed acupuncturist requires a master’s degree!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to a new career is never without its challenges. For me, the biggest shift was transitioning from a structured corporate environment—where you show up to an office with a desk, a computer, a stocked supply closet, and benefits like health insurance and a 401(k) match—to becoming an entrepreneur, where I do everything myself. If I needed a desk, I had to measure the space, choose one, buy it, and assemble it. If I needed a computer, there was no IT department—I had to research, purchase, and set it up on my own. Every supply had to be anticipated, ordered, and tracked to make sure I was always stocked.
And that’s just the basics. There’s also budgeting, marketing, branding, curating the retail products I offer, and being able to explain talk anbout the products—all in addition to my actual work as an acupuncturist. There’s definitely been a learning curve, but my 20 years in the corporate world taught me a lot about how to run a department efficiently. So while this new chapter has come with challenges, it’s also felt like a natural extension of the skills I’ve built over the years.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an acupuncturist based in East Memphis, specializing in internal medicine and fertility. Acupuncture is a complete medical system rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years to prevent and treat illness, restore balance, and promote overall well-being. It works by stimulating specific points on the body—typically with very fine needles—to support the body’s natural healing processes and regulate the flow of energy, or Qi. I work with patients on a wide range of internal health issues, including digestive disorders, migraines and headaches, women’s health concerns, and chronic or acute pain. My approach combines acupuncture with dietary and lifestyle guidance, along with Chinese herbal medicine — the pharmaceutical arm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
What I’m most proud of is the way I’m able to support my patients through their healing journey. I take time to listen, educate, and empower them with tools that go beyond the treatment room. One thing that sets me apart is my ability to connect on a personal level. I make it a priority to find common ground, help patients feel at ease, and build trust — whether that’s through remembering the names of their kids or simply being present in conversation. People often come to acupuncture when they’re at their most vulnerable, and I believe creating a safe, connected space is essential to the healing process.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe my ability to truly listen and connect is the most important part of being a successful practitioner. Many of my patients come to me as a last resort—after seeing multiple providers and retelling their story without feeling heard. In contrast, I spend a full hour with each patient, giving them the space to share what they’ve been through, how they’re feeling, and what led them to seek acupuncture. That kind of time and attention helps build trust and is often the first step in their healing process.
Pricing:
- $170 for an Initial Visit
- $85 for Follow up Visit
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aurumacupuncture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurum_acupuncture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alisonunterreinerlac
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonunterreiner
