Samantha's WHY

Hi all! I became the newest Fort Collins acupuncturist back in November of 2019, when I moved from a small town nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, called Asheville, North Carolina. I am so happy to call Fort Collins home and feel truly lucky to do what I love by using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy to help people feel their very best.

I have mostly always been fascinated by the body and interested in health and wellness, and that’s largely because as a young adolescent and teenager I experienced lots of health issues that doctor’s either dismissed as normal, or diagnosed as idiopathic (meaning- they had no idea about the cause or why things were happening)! When I was attending college, my roommate actually suggested I get acupuncture, as it helped her with her own health issues immensely. I wasn’t sold just yet- but each treatment I was amazed and fascinated by what the acupuncturist could tell just by looking at my tongue and taking my pulse. I was also feeling better and better with each acupuncture session! I then decided to audit a few Chinese medicine classes, took some extra classes in anatomy and physiology and boom! I was enrolled in acupuncture school, and had found something I was so incredibly passionate about.

I was able to witness firsthand the benefits of receiving acupuncture which had galvanized me to study and share the medicine that had really helped me with my own health. While in school, I became a bit of a nerd- I served as a tutor for other students learning herbal medicine and sought out extra Chinese medicine classes in addition to the four year Master’s program I was enrolled in.

While I was going through school, I started experiencing lots of gynecological issues and even ended up going to the Emergency room. Doctors could not figure out the cause for my severe pain, but ran some hormone tests which appeared very out of whack! My OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist basically told me that they had nothing to offer me unless I wanted to have kids “right now”, which certainly was not on my agenda while I was finishing my Master’s program. That experience really opened my eyes to the gaps and blind spots that women constantly experience, ESPECIALLY in regards to their reproductive health. My pain was constantly dismissed because doctors couldn’t figure out the cause, and there was no treatment available unless I wanted to have kids immediately, which I feel like a whole separate bag we could unpack.

Let me tell you, I am not anti-western medicine, but I absolutely believe in preventative care. I also believe that the symptoms we experience are not totally random or insignificant, but rather serve as feedback from our bodies, letting us know of an imbalance. Having that personal experience lit a fire in me and I was more motivated than ever to continue my education and specialize in the field of women’s health. I really feel that there is no greater joy than helping other women achieve their health goals through sustainable and holistic methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy.

The way that Chinese medicine views the body and its physiology is complex and very sophisticated. It offers up a very logical paradigm that explains all the crazy symptoms we experience or that Western medicine cannot provide treatment or answers for. By understanding the body in this way, Chinese medicine offered me immense hope when my health situation seemed scary, bleak and futile. With a firm belief in the wisdom and efficacy of Chinese medicine, I solely focused my efforts on healing with acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and movement. I experienced a tremendous amount of relief (no more pain!), and feel healthier than ever since I have integrated regular acupuncture and Chinese medicine principles into my daily life. It is both one of mine and Dr. Meghan’s values to practice what we preach! I love this medicine and am so looking forward to meeting you and helping you work through your own health journey!

-Samantha Kloss, L.Ac.