Claire Solomon understands the challenges and emotions that come with dealing with infertility and has discovered the profound benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbs to support her own fertility journey. Having witnessed their remarkable healing potential, it became her mission to share it with others and she felt called to a profession that offered women support and care during these difficult times. In the Bloom Acupuncture, is passionate about restoring balance to the body through holistic approaches, using techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional and lifestyle advice to help her clients achieve greater wellbeing. Whether you need support for women’s health issues (menstruation, fertility, pregnancy or perimenopause) or other health concerns, Claire will help you discover your personal path to wellness.
The passion: What inspired you to create your business?
My path to becoming an acupuncturist began with my four-year struggle with fertility. I understand firsthand the challenges and emotions that come with having difficulty conceiving. It was at that point in my life when I decided that my marketing career wasn’t going to be fulfilling enough. My mother was a midwife, masseuse and Reiki practitioner and through her I realized that I felt called to a profession that offered support and care.
With the encouragement of family and friends, I began intensive studies in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Early in my studies I discovered the profound benefits of this method, which I believe helped me through the eventual natural conception, pregnancy and delivery of my two precious children. These experiences confirmed that I was on the right career path and I wanted to channel these new knowledge and skills to help other women on their fertility journey through pregnancy and beyond. And thus, blossom Acupuncture he was born.
The launch: How did you get started in the first place?
Bloom Acupuncture was created to focus on all things related to women’s health. Fresh from graduating from the New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine with my Bachelors of Health Science (Acupuncture), I started my acupuncture clinic working part-time while also completing a Diploma of Chinese Herbal Medicine. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to join Mother-Well Holistic Health Center in Mt Eden, Auckland. It is such an amazing center filled with very accomplished and knowledgeable professionals. It is wonderful to be part of this network of professionals ranging from Acupuncturists to Naturopaths, Osteopaths to Energy Healers and Counsellors. Between us, we can truly support women on their fertility and health journey. Each person I treat has a unique health journey, so each requires an individual level of care. I now also work alongside Mama-Maternity in Sandringham, which has a great team of midwives. My services complement the work they do supporting women during their pregnancy.
Innovation: What has been the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
In New Zealand, people mainly think of pain management when they think of acupuncture, but it can help with so much more. I think focusing on women’s health from the start has been the best thing about my practice. I have had the experience of being a fertility patient myself, so I can call upon this understanding when tailoring my acupuncture treatments and patient care. I realized that learning never stops either, be it business or health related knowledge, and this can only benefit my patients in the long run. Being fortunate enough early in my career to immerse myself in two great clinics that really focus on women allowed me to specialize very quickly in helping this segment of the population. I enjoy treating and counseling women on how to better improve their health. And I feel honored to be a part of their journey, often from the beginning of infertility, to delivery and beyond.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
This is always difficult! When I decided to change careers, I only focused on how I would help people. I didn’t think much about how time consuming running your own business would be. But having previously been in the corporate world, I’m good at time-boxing tasks and planning ahead so I can be more efficient with my time. My two boys are still quite dependent, so it’s very important to us that their needs are met and that we have plenty of time for family activities throughout the week. I’ve also gotten better at carving out time for myself each week (eg yoga, walking, catching up with friends and family). This helps me have a happier mindset and a stronger body, which then flows into my family and my clinic.
