Today we’d like to introduce you to Pun Chang
Hi Pun, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started getting acupuncture for my back pain and after just one treatment, I saw immediate and lasting results. At that time, I was working in a different field, one that I genuinely enjoyed, especially because of the amazing leadership there. However, I didn’t truly feel fulfilled. I realized I wanted to help people in a way that brought a deeper sense of purpose.
One day after an acupuncture appointment, I had an epiphany: I should become an acupuncturist. It felt like the perfect combination of a growing career and my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. That moment led me to pursue my Master’s degree in Chinese Medicine. Fortunately, the school was just 30 minutes away, so I applied, got accepted, and began my journey.
After graduating and passing my state boards, I made the decision to open Healthqi Acupuncture. With the help of a broker, I was able to negotiate the lease for my current location. The process went more smoothly than I expected. It felt a bit like working on a school project, though it involved a lot of decisions from choosing the dimensions of a sink to sorting through endless shades of paint colors.
None of this would have been possible without my partner, who was my greatest support throughout the journey. He gave thoughtful feedback, shared his opinions, and made sure to be present as much as possible for every tour and meetings with contractors. He also handled so much behind the scenes like drilled in the curtains, custom-made my logo sign, created a holder to neatly stack two dish racks on top of each other (for drying cups and other tools), and even cleaned up all the packaging from furnitures after we moved in.
He truly is my backbone and the backbone of Healthqi Acupuncture. I’m endlessly grateful for his help and partnership. This experience has taught me so much more than just about business but about how important it is to choose the right partner in life. Their support and belief in you can help you shine and reach your full potential.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth but every challenge has been an opportunity for growth. One struggle was in school during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an uncertain and difficult time for everyone. We adapted to virtual classes and online clinic sessions which was a huge adjustment. Thankfully, my school did an amazing job managing everything online for the first few months, making it possible to continue my education despite the circumstances.
Starting my own practice brought its own set of challenges. I’m the first in my family to start a business from scratch and really, anyone around me, so there were limited people I could lean on for business advice. A lot of it involved researching on my own and sometimes it felt like walking in the dark with your hands searching around for balance. Despite these challenges, I never had moments of doubt. This was the only way for me and I was determined to make Healthqi a reality.
I’ve also had to overcome the challenge of building rapport with new patients in this competitive industry. It takes time to establish a reputation and every small step from offering stand-alone treatments to educating my community followers on social media about acupuncture has contributed to the growth of Healthqi.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Healthqi Acupuncture?
Healthqi (pronounced “health chi”) is a combination of “health” with a play on “qi,” the Chinese term for vital energy. The name sounds like “healthy,” which reflects my mission to inspire wellness and vitality. That’s why the tagline is “Stay Healthqi”—a reminder to stay healthy and balanced in life. At Healthqi Acupuncture, I provide personalized, integrative care rooted in traditional Chinese medicine to foster wellness by addressing the root causes of health concerns. I strive to balance body, mind, and spirit to promote long-term healing and overall well-being.
During appointments, patients are welcomed to a private health history consultation. This includes checking their pulse and observing their tongue to better understand their condition. During initial and follow-up appointments, patients receive acupuncture needles placed for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. If I feel it would be beneficial, I also include supporting therapies like cupping, moxa, gua sha, or ear seeds at no extra cost.
I specialize in pain management, mental health, UTIs, digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and overall wellness.
What sets me apart is that I include supporting therapies at no additional charge for acupuncture appointments. I also offer stand-alone treatments such as cupping and gua sha for those seeking targeted care. Recently, I added gift card purchases and package deals which offer significant savings to make care more accessible.
Patients often share that the environment at Healthqi feels calming and cozy, both inside and outside the treatment room. I want every patient to feel comfortable and supported on their healing journey. The treatment room has windows on two entire walls, offering a beautiful view of a large tree just outside. In the summer, sunlight filters through the leaves and patients often say it feels like they’re relaxing under the tree itself. In the fall, the golden leaves create a warm, grounding atmosphere, and in the winter, it’s peaceful to watch the snow falling gently outside. This connection to nature, combined with the cozy design of the space creates a serene environment that supports the healing process.
Brand-wise, I’m proud of the name Healthqi and what it represents. It reflects my passion for combining traditional wisdom with modern wellness and it’s a reminder for patients to “Stay Healthqi” in both body and mind. Beyond the name, I’m proud of creating a space where patients feel supported, heard, and cared for which are values I believe define the Healthqi brand.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about New Hope is its strong sense of community. The city has great parks and recreational areas like Northwood Park, which offer a peaceful place to relax. I also appreciate how New Hope offers the best of both worlds like tranquility in a suburban setting with easy access to Minneapolis for those seeking more activities and events.
What I’d like to see more of in New Hope is a more active community presence. While the city offers great amenities, there’s room for more local events or gatherings to help bring people together and create even more of a buzz.
Earlier this year, my brother said, “New year, new you, New Hope,” when he was promoting my business on social media. It’s a great way to highlight the fresh, positive energy that New Hope brings!
Pricing:
- First Initial Appointment – $120
- Follow Up Appointments – $90
- Acupuncture On-The-Go – $50
- Standalone Cupping Therapy – $50
- Standalone Gua Sha Therapy – $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://healthqiacu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthqi_acu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564953927530
