Area Acupuncturist Expands Wellness Center

Sturbridge, MA – For over twenty-three centuries, Oriental medicine has offered an integrative approach to health. Through acupuncture, acupressure, massage techniques, bodywork and herbal prescriptions, practitioners can cure ailments, promote relaxation, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. On Saturday, March 10 from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., you will have an opportunity to stop by the Open House at Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of Sturbridge: Center for Natural Health and Wellness Care (AOMS) and learn more about the health benefits of this ancient practice.

“My mission is to assist people in feeling better through treatment and education. I am honored when I get to be part of this journey with the people I work with,” said Amy J. Gaudette, practitioner and owner of AOMS, which is newly located at 69-71 Main Street (Fiske Hill Plaza) in Sturbridge. Prior to this move, Gaudette’s office was located within Quality Physical Therapy. “My goal in the new space is to deepen my practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbs and further educate the community of its benefits and how it can work for them."

Gaudette’s sense of purpose is reflected in the interior design of the new AOMS office. From sunny yellows to deep terra cotta tones, the colors convey a connectedness with nature. Soft, meditative music filters gently throughout the three treatment rooms, and Asian scrolls and screens complete the ornamentation. Even the waiting area reading materials, such as Buddha’s Little Instruction Book, have been purposefully selected.

“Each person is a unique individual and must be treated accordingly. During assessment I listen for symptoms, assess posture and structural alignment, look for physical signs, and feel the way energy courses through the pulse, the abdomen, and meridians.” Gaudette then determines the course of treatment.

Acupuncture involves inserting and manipulating thin sterile needles into acupuncture points or meridians. “It is a gentle approach that stimulates the flow of Qi, a life force or energy, through pathways in the body. It is a means to unblocking the energy channels and restoring homoeostasis.”

Chinese herbal medicine is also integral to treating ailments and restoring proper balance. A licensed Chinese herbalist, Gaudette prescribes herbs to assist the internal organs in maintaining optimal function and balance. “There are some illnesses that respond very well to acupuncture and herbal remedies, particularly stress reduction, pain control, weight management, smoking cessation, and fertility,” she explained. “But there are also times when the addition of traditional Western medicine is needed as well.”

Gaudette is a proponent of both Western and Eastern medicine. “Each approach has its own strengths. Of course, ruling out certain diseases is necessary. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can be an alternative to Western care or be utilized as a complement to the traditional care one is undergoing.”

As part of her expansion and move to the Fiske Hill Plaza location, Gaudette plans to bring in other wellness practitioners. “Wellness is not just about treating pain. Exercise, nutritional and lifestyle advising are all vital components of good health and wellness.” During the Open House, Gaudette will provide a demonstration and answer questions.

Gaudette is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture and holds a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She studied traditional Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as Japanese acupuncture. She received her certification in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine from the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Board of Medicine to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Massachusetts.

Prior to studying acupuncture and Oriental medicine, Gaudette was trained in nontraditional, holistic manual physical therapy, which included craniosacral and mysofacial release bodywork. She has worked as a fitness trainer, teaching aerobic and fitness classes and Gaudette implemented and formulated rehabilitation programs for a sports clinic she managed for several years.

“I invite people to stop in during the Open House on Saturday, March 10 to learn more about acupuncture and Oriental medicine as a health and wellness approach.”

Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine of Sturbridge: Center for Natural Health and Wellness Care is located at 69-71 Main Street (Fiske Hill Plaza) in Sturbridge. 508-347-0055. www.AcupunctureofSturbridge.com. Hours of operation by appointment only: Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.; Wednesday 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.; Friday 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. Alternate Saturdays.