Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Funk.
Kathleen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a fourth generation traditional healer, so traditional medicine has always been in the family. Initially, my interests were in biomedicine, but it wasn’t until a professor of mine at Baylor challenged me to consider what kind of medical practitioner I really wanted to be. I realized that as much as I respect conventional medicine there is still dissonance in how the body is seen and treated as a whole. Addressing the mind, body & spirit and healing through that is where my interests lie.
As far as how Acufunkture itself got started, I was working at a former professor’s clinic and outgrew my space there. Shortly after leaving, my facial rejuvenation acupuncture treatment got picked up by the health/beauty show MirrorMirror on the LiveWell Network and we’ve been going non-stop since then! We’ve been happily serving the Garden Oaks and Greater Houston Area for 4 years now.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Hardly! I think I’m in the thick of it now as I’m finishing up my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) specializing in Gynecology. The real challenge for me is finding that balance of Being and Doing that I try to instill in my own patients.
I don’t think people are aware of how much education actually goes into Traditional Chinese Medicine. In order for us to practice in Texas, we need our undergraduate degree and a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) where we study both Eastern and Western Medicine. In addition to being licensed by the Texas Medical Board, we’re also required to be licensed by a national board (NCCAOM) complete with board exams on Acupuncture, Herbology and Western Medicine. The doctorate is not a requirement to practice, but I love learning and I want to provide my patients with the best care. The struggle is worth it when you’re doing what you love!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Acufunkture Clinic story. Tell us more about the business.
Our clinic name, Acufunkture, is taken after my last name, Funk. It is intentionally silly because we hoped it would break the sort of mysticism that comes with Acupuncture. We want to demystify Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and make it more accessible to everyone.
As a Traditional Chinese Medical practitioner, I am licensed acupuncturist and herbalist (L.Ac) so, I administer acupuncture, cupping, prescribe custom herbal formulas and provide lifestyle and dietary advice. I specialize in gynecological issues, neurodegenerative disorders and facial rejuvenation. I think we’re best known for our facial rejuvenation treatments (natural, subtle face lift and wrinkle reduction) and Qigong/Meditation workshops.
Acufunkture is located in this great natural space – a preserved wooded area complete with a duck pond. When people come out here, they instantly feel a sense of deep relaxation. I am most proud of the fact that our clinic has become a safe space for retreat and whole body healing for so many people.
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
We get a lot of referrals from Western physicians and I often work in conjunction with Western medical treatments. I think there is a misconception that seeking treatment has to be either/or but we’re always happy to work in conjunction with other physicians. We have several physicians and chiropractors that we regularly work with. I so appreciate that we’re able to discuss and educate each other about our respective medicines so that we’re able to comprehensively treat our patients. I really think the future of Medicine as a whole lies in this integration of Eastern and Western approaches.
As for the Wellness Industry… it’s a 3.4 trillion dollar industry worldwide and it’s growing exponentially. If there’s ever a time to get it into it, it’s now.
Nootropics (smart drugs, cognitive enhancers) and adaptogenic herbs (herbs that help the body adapt to stress) are huge right now especially in Silicon Valley and other tech circles. People are in search of that elusive “Limitless” pill. In truth, there are natural herbs and mind body practices- including Traditional Chinese Medicine- that can help one tap into fully optimizing your brain function. I think this will really come into play as we start learning to live in an increasingly connected world powered by artificial intelligence. It isn’t enough to “get by” and put a band-aid on health issues. People want maximum optimal performance from their bodies. Health is the new Wealth.
Pricing:
- Acupuncture Treatment : $125 | Follow Ups: $85
- Facial Rejuvenation Treatment : $165 | Follow Ups: $135
- Herbal Treatment: $30 – $85
Contact Info:
- Address: 2020 North Loop West
Suite 106
Houston, TX 77018 - Website: www.Acufunkture.com
- Phone: 713-489-8547
- Email: info@acufunkture.com
- Instagram: @acufunkture
- Facebook: facebook.com/AcufunktureClinic
- Twitter: @acufunk
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/acufunkture-houston
- Other: schedule.acufunk.com
Image Credit:
Dan Stanley Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
