A few months ago a new instagram account popped up on the ¡No More Chichos! feed as a suggested account to follow. I had been connecting with local organizations and companies so it made sense that the algorithm would pair us up. Initially I was intrigued by the name, Sano Acupuncture. The name said a lot, 1. There’s latinxs involved, 2. There’s wellness involved and 3. They’re local (while that wasn’t exactly from the name it was from the page). I quickly clicked away and started looking the Sano Acupuncture’s feed. After a few seconds I clicked follow and so began our instafriendship.
Joannie, the founder of Sano Acupuncture created the space because she wanted to offer services like acupuncture and cupping to the local community. As she continued to grow, being featured on BronxNet, Joannie saw Sano Acupuncture turning into something bigger than she thought and she fell in love.
Sano Acupuncture now serves as a community space where her and other wellness practitioners can offer their services. Currently there are massage therapists, an esthetician, a yoga therapist, and reiki practitioners that have been serving the community out of Sano Acupuncture. Her goal is to open more centers throughout the United States and Internationally. Recently we conducted an interview with Joannie about Sano Acupuncture. Keep reading to here to see what she had to say!
Why did you open Sano Acupuncture (SA), what was the inspiration behind it? What do you want to accomplish with SA, goals aspiration mission, etc.
I opened Sano Acupuncture in July 2018. The original plan was to offer Chinese Medicine services, such as Acupuncture, cupping, and herb, I also wanted to have a space to hold workshops. Now, Sano Acupuncture is a serving as a community space
What is something you wish you knew while preparing to open your business?
I wish I knew that with every person you make business with, you need to have a signed contract. This includes friends and family.
Who is the team behind SA?
The team is the community, my family and friends. My parents have been very supportive emotionally and they have been very hands on when it comes to helping me fix up the space. My sister is the office manager. Amanda is the esthetician. Psusennes is the yoga therapist, Raquel is the massage therapist. Kathie is a yoga instructor and leads the group meditations.
What are the credentials needed to practice, licenses, certifications, degrees, etc.?
As a licensed acupuncturist you need at least a masters in Chinese medicine and pass the national boards. I have a Bachelor’s in Biology, and a Master’s in Chinese Medicine.
What services does SA offer and the fees? Is there a sliding scale? What makes what you offer to clients unique from other health professionals?
We offer Acupuncture, Cupping, Massage, Herbal Consultations, Yoga Therapy, Holistic Facials, Meditation, and Yoga Classes. We offer the most affordable prices for the services that we provide. The fees are up to each practitioners discretion. As for Acupuncture I charge a community discounted price of $80 for initial and $60 for follow ups. I also have community acupuncture events that range from $20 to $40.
What makes us unique the different services that we offer and they are all focused on treating the body, mind, and soul.
What is Acupuncture? What do wish people knew more about acupuncture? How is Community Acupuncture different from regular acupuncture? There’s a fee for the community acupuncture session, what are the profits of the fee going towards?
Acupuncture is a modality of Chinese medicine where tiny needles are inserted in different parts of the body to help the person back into balance by unblocking any channels that are stagnant or strengthening any areas that are weak.
I want people to know that acupuncture is a holistic medicine that helps with a whole range of illnesses from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), autoimmune disorders, allergies, anxiety, to acute and chronic pain. It is also for all ages.
There are also different types of acupuncture and different areas where the needles can be placed. One common area is the ear that can be used both in community and private setting. The points in the ear were popularized by the NADA protocol which was developed right here in the Bronx!
The difference between community acupuncture and regular acupuncture is the setting of where the treatment is performed. Regular acupuncture is usually done in private room and the time spent with the patient is longer. Community acupuncture is done in an open space and multiple people are treated at the same time. Community acupuncture is a more affordable way to receive acupuncture than regular acupuncture. The fees of the treatments for community session can be for profit or for a specific cause.
What conditions/symptoms do you most encourage patients to seek SA for, in other words what would bring someone in to use your services?
Anything, you also do not have to have an illness to get acupuncture because it is a preventative medicine.
What are the limitations in the care you can provide to clients?
The only limitation in care would be extreme emergency situations, where a person gets shot or is going in labor. Please go to the emergency room!
Where’s your favorite spot to grab a bite in the Bronx?
Boogie Down Grind, Mott Haven Bar and Grill and The Point are my favorite
What does self-care look like for you?
Self care for me is surrounding myself with positive people. Eating healthy and delicious vegan food. Getting acupuncture, massages, facials, basically everything that we are providing here at Sano. Taking days off and being in nature.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be so many things. Lawyer, interior designer, doctor, teacher, scientist. It always changed as I grew up and learned about different careers. I feel that now as an acupuncturist, herbalist and entrepreneur, I am able to do all of the above.
Thank you Joannie for taking the time to connect with us. We look forward to seeing you at your Holiday Fair on the 9th!
