By Rachel Phillips
After years of working as a yoga instructor, Bridgette Shea, owner of Ageless Acupuncture in Saratoga Springs, felt that it was time for a change.
Though she loved helping people heal physically and spiritually, she wanted to work one-on-one with her clients. Due to her interest in obtaining a deeper understanding of how the body works from an energetic perspective, she said she was drawn to Ayurvedic medicine. However, like yoga, it wasn’t licensed or recognized by the medical community. Opening up an acupuncture clinic afforded her the opportunity to make her aspirations a reality.
Shea’s business has been in Saratoga since 2009. She had been operating out of her home, but has opened a clinic at 2 Franklin Square in Saratoga Springs.
Shea said despite many people’s assumptions, acupuncture isn’t scary.
“Though you may feel the needles, it won’t hurt. If you feel any discomfort, the needles can be removed immediately,” she said.
Many of her clients come in for stress relief and relaxation.
“The intention behind the clinic is to create a space where people can come in and relax, because relaxing is a big part of the healing process … A lot of people come in the door with very physical complaints, but even they are surprised when leaving at how spiritually uplifted they feel.”
Shea’s practice has been well-received and she’s had to expand her operations. She’s recently hired a second acupuncturist, a result of having to book her clients three weeks in advance. According to Shea, this speaks to the increased acceptance of acupuncture in the medical community and society.
Ageless Acupuncture provides visitors with a range of treatments and services based in Eastern medicine. One of Shea’s main services is her gentle-needling technique, which is a blend of Japanese and Chinese acupuncture. The clinic also offers trigger-point needling, a service which is meant to help relax locked up muscles and is popular with athletes.
The clinic offers Shea’s Chinese herbal formulas. She crafts the formulas herself, using anywhere from one to 15 different herbs to help with issues including allergies, sleep disorder, digestive problems and bone healing.
Shea’s clinic also gives her an outlet to practice her Ayurvedic medicine. Her Ayurvedic education sessions consist of consults wherein she discusses an individual’s mind-body type, then reviews lifestyle choices they may make in order to live more harmoniously according to their particular mind-body healthier. These may include dietary changes, yoga, breathing practices or meditation.
Shea is also releasing her first book, “The Handbook of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda,” to be released in July. The book, which can be ordered before then, is being published by Inner Traditions Healing Arts Press. She has another book in the works about the microbiome.
Shea will be hosting an open house at her clinic on Dec. 3, where attendees can learn more about acupuncture and Eastern medicines, try out Shea’s magic carpet sound healing table and even talk with an astrologer.
To learn more about Shea’s services, or to book an appointment, call 518-450-1945, or visit her website, agelessinsaratoga.com.