04-14-2022 Howard Magazine - Flipbook - Page 46
Making a
GOOD
POINT
More people are turning to
acupuncture to help treat a
variety of conditions
BY DONNA M. OWENS For Howard Magazine
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BARBARA HADDOCK TAYLOR
Y
ears before Jennifer Stukey became a licensed
acupuncturist and wellness practitioner, she
embarked on her own personal quest for healing.
“I was in a car accident in high school and had a
herniated disk,” recalled the CEO of Awaken Wellness, a holistic
wellness center in Columbia. “I was in quite a bit of pain, and
even physical therapy didn’t help.”
Soon after, Stukey entered college and the aches didn’t subside.
She learned about acupuncture and decided to give it a try. Her
initial treatment proved a revelation.
“The pain lessened after the first session,” she said. “And
there were other benefits to my sleep, and menstrual system.
Emotionally, I felt more even-keeled.”
Acupuncture, which is part of traditional Chinese medicine,
dates back thousands of years. The ancient practice involves the
insertion of thin needles through the skin on specific anatomical
points of the body. The goal is to clear blockages and increase
flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), often defined as a life force and
“vital energy” tied to one’s health.
For Stukey, experiencing acupuncture opened up an
unexpected career path. In 2009, she co-founded Awaken
Wellness, which focuses on women’s health with offerings such
as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, therapeutic massage,
holistic skincare and nutrition.
46 | SPRING 2022 | howardmagazine.com