Choosing Acupuncture: A Student’s Journey to PIHMA

In the realm of holistic healthcare, acupuncture stands tall as an ancient healing art that continues to captivate individuals seeking natural remedies for their well-being. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Wenszell, a passionate and aspiring acupuncture enthusiast, to understand her compelling journey towards embracing this time-honored practice and why she chose the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA) to pursue her dreams. Join us as we delve into her experiences and insights, discovering the allure of acupuncture and its profound impact on her life. 

Discovering the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA) 

As the conversation turns towards her choice of college, Rachel fondly recounts her journey to discovering PIHMA and what ultimately made her make the move from Wisconsin to Phoenix, Arizona. “I knew I wanted to be an Acupuncturist since middle school and then in High School I had to do a project on what I wanted to be. When I started doing research on Acupuncture schools, PIHMA kept showing up”, she shares. “I liked how the program was set up. I wanted to learn the herbs, cupping, gua sha and all that. When I got older, I saw they had a Doctorate program which I really liked.” 

Nurturing Passion with Expert Guidance 

One of the most remarkable aspects of PIHMA that deeply resonated with Rachel was the unwavering commitment of the faculty towards nurturing their students’ passion for acupuncture. “The teachers are phenomenal. You can definitely hear the passion that they have for the medicine,” she says. Even when you get stuck, they will help you out. You can see the knowledge that they have and that they are constantly learning. They wont tell you that they are right. They will tell you what they have experienced in their careers but give you the option to try it out for yourself. They are more there to guide you in your learning without harming the patient, obviously.” 

Using Her Degree For Good 

Rachel has big plans for herself once she graduates from PIHMA in 2025. “I want to work for the Veterans Association (VA).” Rachel comes from a large family of Veterans which is a big part of why she wants to work for the VA. “I think that our current health care system forces a lot of vets towards pharmaceuticals or they are not helped at all. There are a lot of mental problems that I know Acupuncture or Herbs can help when Western Medicine isn’t doing the job.” 

Fostering a Close-Knit Community 

Beyond the classroom and clinical settings, Rachel emphasizes the strong sense of community at PIHMA. “PIHMA was completely different than the other schools I looked at. It is a family. I loved the homey atmosphere and knew that this was the environment I wanted to learn in.” 

Empowering Dreams at PIHMA 

As our conversation with Rachel draws to a close, it’s evident that she is on an inspiring quest to empower her dreams through the art of acupuncture. Her choice of PIHMA as the gateway to her aspirations of working for the VA is a testament to the institution’s commitment to nurturing aspiring acupuncturists and providing an exceptional educational experience. 

With PIHMA’s comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, hands-on training, and a close-knit community, it is clear why Rachel believes that she is in the right place to become a skilled and compassionate healer. As she continues her journey, we wish her success and fulfillment in her pursuit of becoming a proficient acupuncturist, ready to make a positive impact in the world of holistic healthcare.