In 2023 Rowan was interviewed by a college student we shall call E. Although nothing much came of the interview, it is presented here for you to read.
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| Rowan Hansen. |
E: Good day Rowan, thank you for joining me.
R: Sure, no problem! Thanks for having me.
E: So tell me, acupuncture? How did you get into it?
R: Well, growing up my mom had migraine headaches. The really bad kind, the kind with hyper sensitivity to light, sound, touch, and smell. It was a rough time! As a little one I wasn't too clear on timelines, but they lasted a long time. My dad took care of things when she was in pain, but it's still rough when your mom isn't able to be there. She tried everything, went to doctors, nothing helped. Until! She tried acupuncture and her migraines went away. I was quite impressed by that, and I wanted to learn how to do that. So I did.
E: That's awesome. Where did you learn all this stuff? How long did it take you?
R: Well, I was always a bit of a home-body, so I didn't want to go too far away. Luckily for me, here in Santa Cruz is Five Branches University. They've been here since the '80s, and have a pretty good reputation. So for me that sealed the deal. I started off with my undergrad at Cabrillo College here in Aptos, got my Associates degree in Science. And then I spent 5 years at Five Branches learning acupuncture, herbal medicine, case management, and so much more. I loved it. It has been a lot of fun.
E: What is one of your favorite things about what you do?
R: That it is versatile, and can be used for just about everything. I really like to help people, always have. Right now, I'm lucky enough to be able to do a lot of house calls for people, which means that I am not stuck in an office, but get to see their pets and gardens. Being outside in the sunshine, listening to the birds, and helping people feel better is an awesome thing.
E: Outside? Really? What about the weather though?
R: Well, if it really is awful weather, then of course we treat inside. But really, who doesn't like to be outside when you can?
E: You say "we", does that mean you work with a team of people?
R: No, not really. However I do a lot of my work through a non-profit, Experience Wellness. Through them I have been able to treat a lot of people in the county. Usually I work by myself, however I am in frequent communication with a couple of colleagues at Experience Wellness. Both of them were my teachers in school, and one of them got me into group sessions here in town.
E: How do group sessions work? It sounds kind of funny.
R: Yes, I can see that. It's really awesome though actually. Everybody circles up in comfy chairs, like zero gravity chairs, or lawn chairs--whatever! And then in those settings, I usually focus on simple treatments like on the ear and face, or elbow and knee treatments. It's a nice way for people to share community while improving their health and well-being.
E: I'm still trying to picture it, haha. But it sounds like fun! Tell me, what is something that you did not expect when you went into this field?
R: Hmm. Well, what I did not expect was how many people do not know what acupuncture does, when to make use of it. Some folks think it's only for old people, or for back pain. But there's so much more than that! And the good that it can do for mental health is very important. I have helped people dealing with heartbreak. That's a powerful one, because people can hurt so deeply, but it's not something you can fix with Advil. You really have to look at it in a different way, and acupuncture helps.
E: Wow! In closing what's one thing you wish more people knew about your field?
R: That it really can be for anyone and everyone. Young, old, you name it. Even babies get acupuncture! The pope! (I'm not kidding, look it up) Animals do too, though the state of California requires a veterinarian to oversee any such practice. I wish more people made acupuncture a part of their routine.
E: Thanks Rowan. And how can people find you?
R: Online I have a web page, and I have Instagram and Facebook. You can call or text for an appointment.
E: Great! Ok, well see you soon!
** Referenced in this interview:
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| Five Branches University |
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| Cabrillo College |
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| Experience Wellness |
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| Pope Francis Gets Acupuncture |