Meet LeeAnn Little | Acupuncturist (L. Ac) & Herbalist

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

Hi LeeAnn, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is a fine line of not crossing over into one area too much. I’m a girlfriend, have a rich social life, a dog mom, cat mom, business owner, wanderluster, homebody, surfer, thrill-seeker, and also love a good night of sleep. Combining all of these interests plus work while maintaining my mental and physical well-being has been a discovery of how much I can and cannot handle. If I work too much I’m stressed out and not able to give to my patients to my full potential but if I don’t work enough my purpose and why I’m here isn’t fulfilled. Balance to me means preserving myself to be the best I can be in all areas of life. I want to be the best partner I can be, take care of myself, and fully show up for the patients that come to me for help.

At the beginning of my career, I worked six days a week with odd hours. Only one year later I felt myself burning out and asking myself if this is how it will always be. Chinese Medicine theory is based on the principles of Yin and Yang, one cannot exist without the other. In order for one to stay alive, the other must be present. For me, this rings true in life. If my life is filled with work and no play I’m stressed and don’t enjoy life to its fullest capacity. When my life is filled with play and no work I lack direction, purpose, and a sense of belonging, something I need so deeply.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been trained in both massage therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Being trained in both has helped my understanding of the human body and provides a powerful outcome in helping people with their pain. Massage and acupuncture each offer their own benefits but combining them simultaneously increases their collective outcome. Combining both acupuncture and massage together in one session allows for deeper pressure point stimulation, prompting the body to begin healing and restoring afflicted areas faster. This unique combination treatment known as Acussage has helped set me apart from other acupuncturists, as most Acupuncturists are not trained in massage or do not offer massage.

I began my business in April 2020, at the height of the Pandemic. Many challenges were presented to me due to this but I kept rolling with the punches, not letting failure be an option. Opening my own practice has been one of the most rewarding, difficult, and gratifying accomplishments. Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are my passion and I wouldn’t change what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start by taking them to see the seals in the La Jolla cove. From there a kayak tour of the La Jolla caves. For dinner and drinks, Wonderland Ocean Pub where we can catch the sunset at the same time. The next day I would take them for a drive along beautiful Sunset Cliffs, have a beach day then a bonfire at night to wrap up the day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My girlfriend, Briana, who encourages me and tells me she is so proud of me daily. The professors who taught me this ancient medicine and all it has to offer. My lifelong friends who have watched me grow from grade school to now. The friends that I made in school, I couldn’t have made it without them through the late-night study sessions and licensing exams. Also, the patients that step into my office, I wouldn’t have a practice without you. I’m grateful you trust me in helping with your healing process.

Website: littleacupuncture.co

Instagram: littleacupuncture

Yelp: Little Acupuncture

Other: Google: Little Acupuncture

Image Credits
Alexandra Dye