Meet Kelly Urtiaga | Licensed Acupuncturist & Owner of Sacred Healing Acupuncture

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Urtiaga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that taking risks are essential for growth and success in both life and in a professional career. I have seen so many instances of friends and family who have wanted to make a career change, move to a different city, or make a lifestyle change for example, but stay in their place of comfort due to fear and the risks that come with making those changes. A lot of negative thoughts become intrusive and take over, and I see those same individuals in the same place that they were months or even years ago; wishing they had taken that leap of faith without letting fear get in the way but now feeling like it’s too late.

When I first started practicing as a licensed acupuncturist, I fell victim to that mentality. I was working alongside other practitioners in a successful clinic, yet I couldn’t help but feel like I was becoming stagnant or plateauing on a professional level and knew that I wanted to make a change to grow in my career. While pondering what the next move would be in my career, I was presented with an amazing opportunity to open and build my own practice inside a highly successful medspa in north Dallas. It felt like the universe was providing me with an opportunity that I had always dreamt of, but I was initially afraid of taking that risk and starting something from the ground up after settling in a place of comfort for so long (or what I thought was my comfort zone at least). What sacrifices would I need to make in order for my business to be a success? What if I give up everything and I fail? The fear of getting out of my comfort zone and all the “what ifs” began flooding my mind. However, I knew that my ultimate end goal was to start my own practice and in order to do that, it would require a lot of risk-taking, hard work, dedication and persistence. I knew that I was passionate about the work I do and that if I put my mind and hard work into it, the reward would come with the risk. I am so glad that I did not let those fear-driven thoughts lead because I would not be where I am today. I encourage anyone who has a project, career, opportunity, etc. that they are excited about to not be afraid to take those risks. You never know where that opportunity can lead you!

What should our readers know about your business?
I chose the name “Sacred Healing Acupuncture” for my business because I believe that the medicine and practice of acupuncture and east Asian medicine are truly sacred and should be held to a high standard of respect and honor. I believe that we are powerful human beings and we have the ability to find healing within ourselves with the guidance of holistic medicine combined with lifestyle recommendations and nutritional support. I treat a variety of conditions and ailments, but one thing that is important to me that I will always incorporate into my treatments is focusing on mental health; finding that balance between the mind and physical being is key. In my practice, I look at the body as a whole to determine where imbalances lie and to find better solutions by discovering the root of where the issue stems. I have an integrative approach in which acupuncture may be combined with herbal and nutritional recommendations, gua sha therapy, cupping therapy, red light therapy and/or sound healing to fit each patient’s needs. My practice is not a “one size fits all” approach – I have many patients who get treatment for the same conditions such as pain management, fertility support or menstrual health for example; or patients who were referred because they are experiencing “x” and someone they knew had great success treating the same condition by getting acupuncture. I acknowledge that there can be multiple reasons why a condition is showing up, that not all bodies are the same nor do they all respond to and show progression in treatment the same way. Because of that, one of the most important factors within my scope of practice is educating my patients about how acupuncture works with the body, real expectations for what is being treated, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others while navigating their healing journey.

I am so proud to be serving the Dallas metroplex, and to work in a career that focuses on better health through holistic medicine. I am excited to continue on this career path, to continue to learn new and integrative approaches that bring my patients the best results, and to continue to be a beacon of hope for many others on their healing journey!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Though I have been living in Dallas for a year, I still feel like a newbie to the city so a lot of the trip would probably consist of exploring new areas of the city together! I love brunch, trying new restaurants, museums and music/concerts, so those activities would have to be on the itinerary for sure. I would definitely take them to my favorite metaphysical shop (shoutout to Soultopia!) to pick out some crystals, incense, and maybe get a card reading done while we are there. My partner and I love to go to the Sound at Cypress Waters in Coppell where they have a 5 mile trail around North Lake – some of our favorite things to do are walk the trail and feed the ducks, followed by eating a delicious pizza pie at Eno’s Pizza Tavern. When there’s live music, sometimes we take our pizza to go and hang out on the lawn while we listen. I am a big fan of being by the water in general so the trip would not be complete without a visit to White Rock Lake as well!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without the guidance and support of my family and countless colleagues. My partner has been the most encouraging, biggest support system throughout my career as a licensed acupuncturist and has always believed in my ability to serve others through the power of acupuncture and east Asian Medicine. There has never been a doubt of my worth and they always continue to build me up to my highest potential, even when my fears and uncertainty try to kick in. I owe thanks to colleagues I have worked alongside over the last few years who have helped shape me to be the acupuncturist I am today – they have taught me new ways of thinking about and treating various conditions, provided guidance around business strategies that have helped them and I grow, listened to me during my times of worry and distress, and continue to be a resource for support today. I would also like to thank my mother who has encouraged me to never give up and taught me to always go after what I believe in. She has always supported my passions from a young age and has never limited me to explore and grow, even if that came with hard lessons along the way. I am forever grateful for these individuals who have always stuck by my side and have helped me blossom into the acupuncturist I am now.

Website: sacredhealingacu.com

Instagram: @sacredhealingacu

Facebook: facebook.com/sacredhealingacu

Other: TikTok: @sacredhealingacu

Image Credits
Dylan Santos Green