Natalie Kincaid is an acupuncture physician and part-owner of Alternative Specialists of Jacksonville. The company just opened on San Marco Boulevard in July. It will host a grand opening ceremony today.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
“Acupuncture is a form of energy work that balances the mind, body and spirit. It’s a way for the body to process stress efficiently. It works on 12 meridians that run throughout the body. You access the chi, the body’s vital life force, through acupuncture points located on the meridian. We use sterile, disposable needles. If you’re phobic, we would do accupressure. It’s about putting the body back in a natural state for healing. The Chinese have been doing this for over 5,000 years.”
WHY LET SOMEONE POKE YOU WITH NEEDLES?
“It can help symptoms of stress, fatigue, insomnia, allergies, menstrual irregularities, hypertension, anxiety and depression. These conditions are common; many people suffer from them. We’re not just treating symptoms though, it works on all levels. Acupuncture is part of the big picture. It is a compliment to other modalities. Everyone’s needs are different. I’m a firm believer in tying Western and Eastern medicine together so I think doctors are very important.”
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Kincaid has two business partners, Shannon Goossen and Piper Wilson, who treat patients with chronic pain. In addition to acupuncture, the clinic offers massage therapy and Pilates, which is offered by Synergy Studio of Avondale.
WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR PATIENTS?
“It’s word-of-mouth and referrals from doctors.”
HOMETOWN
Treasure Island, Fla.
EDUCATION
Kincaid has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from the University of Florida. “My training [in acupuncture] was three years. It wasn’t difficult for me because I minored in zoology so I knew where all the bones were.” Kincaid is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
WHY GO INTO HEALTH?
“I loved science in college. Initially, I wanted to go to dental school but I decided I wanted to do a different kind of healing. Nutrition is as important as everything else you do. It’s like fuel for a car. I didn’t want to be a dietitian so I thought nutrition would be a great mix with acupuncture. It’s a good basis for wellness.”
WHAT MARKET DO YOU ATTRACT?
“I’m trying to target people who are looking for more balance, healthy people looking for preventive medicine, those interested in taking an active role in their health. Not to disregard those that need help but over years of neglect, disease forms in the body. Acupuncture doesn’t treat acute illnesses.”
WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY?
“I’m really enthusiastic about my work and creating an environment of comfort. It’s really amazing the healing that takes place. It’s a privilege to be a conduit for individuals to become well.”
WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR WORK?
“I love to hear about when people realize the benefits of acupuncture and they have positive results in their lives. People come to me desperate in pain and you can actually play a part in helping them. It’s healing for me, too; it’s peaceful.”
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
“Difficult cases. Depending on the difficulty of the case, I may have to refer it out. It’s frustrating when you can’t help someone. My scope is not so broad that I can fix everyone.”
THE PERSONALS
Kincaid and her husband Donald reside in Ponte Vedra Beach. She enjoys walking on the beach, camping, tuning into “The Simpsons” and being with friends. Her idea of a vacation involves snowskiing in Colorado.
WHAT’S YOUR PET PEEVE?
“People who don’t follow the Golden Rule.”
— by Monica Chamness