Pain Management and Lifestyle Medicine – Exclusive Interview with Dr. Nina Jatuparisuthiseen
- Feb 9
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Dr. Nina Jatuparisuthiseen, DAc, L.Ac., LMT, C.SMA, LE, is a board-certified licensed acupuncturist and founder of Nina Acupuncture. She holds advanced training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Lifestyle & Wellness Coaching through Harvard Medical School Executive Education, and specializes in evidence-based pain management, sports injury recovery, mental and women’s health, preventive care, and systems-based approaches to long-term health and resilience. Her work emphasizes mindful, ethical, and patient-centered care.
Dr. Nina Jatuparisuthiseen, Acupuncturist
Who is Dr. Nina Jatuparisuthiseen?
I describe myself from two perspectives, the professional and the human being. From a formal standpoint, I am a Board-Certified Diplomate in Acupuncture through the National Certification Board for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM). I hold a Doctorate in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Health Sciences and have extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification Program, the Electro Acupuncture Institute, Trigger Point Therapy, and Kiiko Japanese-style acupuncture.
My additional clinical training in theoretical and clinical acupuncture, moxibustion, Tuina (Chinese medical bodywork), and health preservation at Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China further enriches my practice. I am a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist, a Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncture® practitioner, a SAAT (Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment) practitioner, an esthetician, and a certified yoga instructor.
On a deeper level, I am a human being who spent much of the first half of my life searching for meaning, and for relief from suffering in the mind, body, and spirit. My early life was marked by struggle and pain. Through life’s lessons, obstacles, and growing self-awareness, I ultimately found alignment, contentment, good health, a loving relationship, and financial freedom. I am a lifelong learner, continually curious about life.
Today, I understand my purpose clearly, to practice Traditional Chinese Medicine. I am deeply grateful each day for the work I love, the wisdom shaped by lived experience, and the dedication to being a light that helps others find their way forward.
What inspired you to become an expert in acupuncture and holistic healing?
To answer that, I need to take you back to my life before acupuncture. Before entering healthcare, I worked as a merchandising manager in Norwalk, Connecticut. At the same time, I was a massage therapist and esthetician at Equinox in Greenwich and Darien. From the outside, everything looked successful, but by the time I was 38, I was completely burned out. The stress was at its peak, and it was seriously affecting my health.
That was my turning point. I had been seeing my acupuncturist on and off for about 16 years, and she profoundly changed my life. One day she told me, “You should become an acupuncturist.” At the time, I didn’t even know this career path truly existed, but it became the best decision I ever made.
I believe in acupuncture because it didn’t just help me manage pain, it helped my pain disappear. I lived with widespread pain similar to fibromyalgia. Today, I live pain-free and without medication.
I also faced another health issue where I wanted to avoid surgery. I asked myself, “Is there something natural and less invasive I can try first?” Acupuncture became that answer. Little by little, it transformed my health, and eventually, my life.
How would you describe your unique approach to wellness and pain relief?
My initial visit is 90 minutes, and the follow-up is 60 minutes, because I believe healing begins with being truly heard.
I use the COACH approach to build a strong therapeutic relationship, starting with curiosity, asking open-ended questions to understand a patient’s goals, history, and lived experience. I practice openness, receiving information without judgment. I meet patients where they are, seeing life through their lens first, and together we identify areas for growth and healing.
I deeply appreciate the trust patients place in me. I lead with compassion, using thoughtful words and intentional actions. When it’s time to educate or make recommendations, I communicate honestly and clearly, grounding guidance in facts that genuinely support long-term health.
From a technical perspective, my background as an athlete, dancer, yoga instructor, and massage therapist gives me a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system. I use a wide range of modalities, including cupping, gua sha, Tuina, Thai Massage stretching, and electroacupuncture, to address pain effectively. Electroacupuncture, in particular, is a well-researched and powerful tool for pain relief.
What are the most common conditions you help clients with, and why do people choose acupuncture for them?
Pain management is the most common reason people seek care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, approximately 51.6 million U.S. adults, about 20.9% of the population, experienced chronic pain. Of those, 17.1 million suffered from high-impact chronic pain that significantly limited daily activities.
At the same time, the opioid crisis has reshaped healthcare priorities. Federal agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and the Joint Commission now advise or mandate non-pharmacologic pain management options.
Acupuncture stands out as one of the most evidence-based, immediately available, non-drug treatments for pain, making it a natural choice for patients seeking effective and safer care.
Can you explain in simple terms how acupuncture works and why it’s effective?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a well-known phrase:, 通則不痛，痛則不通 (If there is free flow, there is no pain. If there is pain, there is no free flow.)
Pain occurs when the flow of qi and blood is blocked. Acupuncture restores circulation, allowing the body to heal naturally.
From a scientific perspective, acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, signaling the brain and spinal cord to release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine. It also reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and helps regulate the nervous system, shifting the body from a stress response to a calm, restorative state.
Brain imaging studies show that acupuncture can change activity in areas involved in pain and stress processing, which explains why it is effective for conditions like back pain, migraines, arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
In short, acupuncture works by restoring flow, calming the nervous system, and activating the body’s natural healing ability.
What is your clinic like and how do you build rapport with your patients?
I am a sole practitioner, which allows me to work without pressure or time constraints. I control my schedule, and that sense of calm carries directly into the treatment room.
My clinic is intentionally designed to feel peaceful, filled with natural light, open windows, trees, plants, and gentle healing music. Every patient receives my full, undivided attention, without rushed visits or long waiting times.
At Nina Acupuncture, I treat illness while building genuine, long-term relationships. For example, my very first acupuncture patient has continued monthly health-maintenance treatments for over five years, we have known each other for more than a decade, dating back to my work as a massage therapist. Today, she is retired and thriving in good health. Another patient I first met as a nursing student is now married with two children. Over the years, I have supported her through stress, neck and back pain, knee pain, insomnia, and postpartum recovery.
These lasting relationships, and the heartfelt gifts, messages, and five-star Google reviews I receive, reflect my patients' trust and satisfaction.
If you’re looking for a place where comfort, continuity, and deeply effective care come together, this environment truly makes a difference.
What are some life-changing results you’ve seen clients achieve in your clinic?
I see three successful outcomes again and again. I provide a case to show you a clear scenario.
Reducing pain without relying on pain medication
A 69-year-old retired nurse practitioner came to me with chronic shoulder pain and thumb osteoarthritis. She wanted to avoid long-term pain medication so she could continue doing aerial yoga and riding her horse. Acupuncture became her first line of care. Over time, her pain improved significantly, allowing her to return to the activities she loves while minimizing her dependence on painkillers.
Effective treatment when surgery is not yet indicated
A 50-year-old competitive amateur tennis player struggled with recurring ankle pain and repeated sprains every winter. She had already tried corticosteroid injections and multiple rounds of physical therapy, but her condition was not severe enough to qualify for reconstructive ankle surgery. Acupuncture became the most appropriate treatment option for her. Since starting care, she has not experienced another ankle sprain and continues to play competitively.
Faster recovery before and after surgery
A 55-year-old restaurant owner scheduled for a total knee replacement was in severe pain and unable to work, despite taking opioid medications. With surgery still two months away, he needed relief to function. Acupuncture helped reduce his pain enough for him to continue working until the day of surgery. Post-operatively, he recovered more quickly than expected, returning to daily activities within two months with continued acupuncture support.
What would you say to someone nervous about trying acupuncture?
Talk openly with your acupuncturist. Needles come in different thicknesses, the thicker ones may be more sensitive. Start with the thin one, and treatments can begin gently with just a few points. You can request accommodations, such as leaving the door open or using a bell or a buzzer if needed.
Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years. You truly have nothing to lose, and much to gain.
How do your training and background prepare you to handle complex health issues?
As a board-certified acupuncturist, I maintain ongoing continuing education and am formally trained in medical history-taking, safety, ethics, and appropriate referral to other healthcare professionals through the National Certification Board for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. This ensures that my care is both clinically responsible and collaborative.
Before entering healthcare, I spent many years in a corporate environment, which gives me firsthand insight into the physical and emotional pressures faced by working adults. Combined with over 10,000 hours of hands-on bodywork experience, I approach each patient holistically, addressing both physical symptoms and emotional well-being.
My perspective is also shaped by personal life experience. I have witnessed close family members suffer from serious illness and trauma, including HIV, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, severe injury from a car accident, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. In my own early life, unhealthy habits, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, minimal movement, also affected my health. These experiences made me deeply aware of how lifestyle choices directly influence long-term health outcomes.
Through education, discipline, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I was able to reverse my own chronic health issues. Today, my family and I are healthier than we have ever been. This combination of professional training and lived experience allows me to meet patients with empathy, insight, and practical guidance, especially when their health challenges are complex.
What should someone expect during their first visit to your clinic?
Before your appointment, our clinic will email simple guidelines on how to prepare before and after acupuncture to help you get the most out of your treatment.
Please allow time before and after your visit so you can arrive relaxed. Eat a light meal and avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least two hours beforehand, as caffeine may increase sensitivity to the needles. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and turn off your phone so you can fully unwind.
Your first visit includes time to discuss your health history and goals, followed by a personalized acupuncture session. Most patients feel deeply relaxed, many even fall into a restful nap.
After treatment, take it easy. Drink warm or lukewarm water, eat warm, cooked foods (such as soup or bone broth), and avoid cold foods and drinks. Rest and good sleep are strongly encouraged.
Responses to acupuncture vary. Some people feel relief right away, while others improve gradually with a care plan. Both are normal. Most patients leave feeling calm, grounded, and restored.
How do you support long-term wellness beyond the treatment room?
Lifestyle Medicine is another core part of my practice. I am trained in Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching through Harvard Medical School Executive Education.
I emphasize patient education through one-on-one guidance, blogging, social media, public speaking, and offering annual immersive experiences such as The Circadian Retreat, which is designed to reset the body’s natural rhythms and teach sustainable lifestyle medicine practices.
As taught in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon): “Superior doctors prevent disease.”
Empowering patients to take ownership of their health is not optional, it is my responsibility. I serve as a guide and health coach, helping patients find the right path while honoring that lasting, meaningful change ultimately comes from the patient themselves.
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