Meet Rachel

My Story

During my 25 years of practice people often ask how I became interested in acupuncture. My journey to become a healer started in the late 90’s (!) when I was an acupuncture patient in college. I was pleased that not only did the symptoms I sought treatment for improve, other aspects of my life and health also changed for the better as I came into balance.

Then came the heart call. I vividly remember lying on the acupuncture table for my treatment in a very relaxed state and a quiet but strong voice came through with the clear message “this is what you are meant to do”. Late into my senior year, I changed my graduate school plans and enrolled in acupuncture college to earn my Master’s degree. I knew in my heart changing career paths was what I had to do. Though it was an unconventional career at the time, it was one of the best decisions I have made and I truly love my work.

I am fortunate to have worked in many different practice settings over the years. Upon graduating from acupuncture college in 2001 and moving to Cleveland, OH, I started subletting office space from established practitioners. I was later given the opportunity to establish the acupuncture program at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine. Collaborating with Dr. Tanya Edwards and many other skilled practitioners from different fields helped me to see how acupuncture can work beautifully with other modalities including western medicine, psychotherapy, massage, physical therapy and nutritional counseling. These experiences provided me with the foundation for the vision of my own acupuncture practice where I give each patient my undivided time, care and attention.

After moving back to the Philadelphia area, I started Great Spring Acupuncture in 2012. My office is a comfortable and inviting space where healing occurs and lives are transformed. I practice in a way that reflects my healing philosophy and how I have evolved as a practitioner, incorporating energy work, stone medicine, aromatherapy and guided meditation into the treatment experience. Each patient has my full attention and time to receive personalized treatments tailored to their own patterns of disharmony.

Truly personalized care…every time

Rachel Rizzi, M.S., L.Ac.
Acupuncturist
215-559-4655
greatspringacupuncture@gmail.com

My Philosophy

From ancient times and across different continents wise sages have spoken of the natural ability of the body, mind and spirit to exist in harmony. These elements may be thrown out of balance by lifestyle, accident or illness. It is the goal of Chinese Medicine, of which Acupuncture is one part, to bring the individual back into state of balance and wellness.

Though you may be facing a health challenge, there is always hope that it can be overcome and harmony of the body, mind and spirit can be restored. My role is to walk with you on your journey of healing, to hold the vision of healing and transformation for you until you experience and see it for yourself. I use the wisdom of Chinese Medicine to address underlying patterns of disharmony and the modalities of acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, crytals, essential oils and meditation to transform health challenges into healing.

One who lives in harmony with oneself lives in harmony with the universe.
— Marcus Aurelius

My Treatment Style

My  treatment style is based in the tradition of Classical Chinese Medicine as taught by Master Jeffrey Yuen and looks at both the symptoms with which a patient presents, as well as the root causes of the condition.  This approach is rooted in the 5 Channel System that offers relief from symptoms affecting the body, the emotions and the challenges of life which can affect the spirit.  There are three levels of qi that can be accessed depending on the type of condition being treated. During the intake process I assess the areas of blockage in the channels based on symptoms, take the pulses and look at the tongue.  Together we will discuss the goals and the intention of the treatment.  Acupuncture points are then carefully selected based on both specific function and the feeling of energy at the point indicating the point is important to restoring flow within the system.   

My Experience & Education

  • Owner and Practitioner at Great Spring Acupuncture, Ft. Washington, PA, established 2012
  • Lead Acupuncturist, Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, Cleveland, OH
  • Master’s of Science in Acupuncture, Tri-State College of Acupuncture, New York, NY
  • Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick
  • Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture, NCBAHM Licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Hours of Operation
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: Closed