Megan Odell, LAc

What is your practice philosophy? I combine the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a respect for evidence, conventional medicine, and collaboration. Holistic, compassionate, and safe, I meet each person where they are, utilizing whichever approaches and techniques will help most on their healing journey.

What are you passionate about? And why? I am passionate about humans. I am passionate about helping every person, in all their complex and beautiful uniqueness, to find a way to life that is balanced, whole, resilient, and fulfilled. This work is an incredible honor.

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: Legislator because I see that too often health challenges are caused or exacerbated by other difficulties in patients' lives, whether that's poverty, food scarcity, housing issues, threat of violence, lack of justice, etc.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you?

Before I was a provider, I was a professional dancer. I acquired a neck injury that threatened my ability to perform. A fellow dancer persuaded me to see her acupuncturist and I vividly remember everything about that first visit: the questions she asked, the sensations during the treatment, and, most importantly, how warm and agile my neck felt afterwards. And, most important, I was back on stage that night. After that formative experience, I was inspired to begin my own formal studies into acupuncture, initially planning to use the tool to help other performers and athletes manage injuries.

Something I have learned from my patients is: That every single human has a rich story to tell, that we all have our own dreams and fears and challenges -- and that, perhaps obviously, these are usually the things that will help us feel better or worse within our health conditions.

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is (and why): I love getting to know my patients and their unique journeys, helping them in whatever way I can.

My personal health goal is: To maintain some of the good habits I started while living in England -- to primarily use my feet and bicycle to transport myself and my family.

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? My journey managing Hashimoto's thyroiditis was incredibly rewarding -- and my colleagues at the Penny George Institute were immensely helpful in that process.

What are you most proud of? Most proud of? That's a challenge... I'm proud of moving to a new country and helping advance their work of bringing Integrative Medicine into the mainstream. I'm proud of moving back to the US when it was clear it was the best thing for our family. I'm proud of my work as a mom. I'm proud of the ambitious and risky work I made back when I was making shows as a dancer/actor/mover. And I'm very proud of any positive impact I've had on my patients' lives while supporting their big changes.

What are a few of your personal achievements? I was the co-founder and co-artistic director of an award-winning physical theatre company. I have opened and operated a private practice in two countries. I am raising two awesome kids.