Exploring Life & Business with Marc Weinrick of MQT Acupuncture and Bodywork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Weinrick. 

Hi Marc, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My first introduction to acupuncture came as the result of a severe injury while studying martial arts in South Korea. Acupuncture and its various adjunctive modalities enabled a swift recovery and inspired me to seek a deeper understanding. This led me to Midwest College of Oriental Medicine (Chicago) where I received a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition. Followed by Pacific College of Oriental Medicine with certificates in both Massage Therapy and Asian Body Therapy. Though my training was based heavily in traditional Chinese medicine, I remained fixated on the orthopedic/sport medicine applications.  After 10 years in Chicago, an opportunity presented itself in Marquette, MI (my hometown). My wife and I purchased a dilapidated 125-year-old church and renovated it to become our family home. The renovation project is ongoing, but I opened my acupuncture practice in 2016, where I focus on pain management exclusively. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges to being an entrepreneur. I feel as though there is never a time when you can “rest on your laurels”. It is a constantly shifting environment we navigate, and if we fail to adapt and change with the times, we can get left behind. The practice of medicine is constantly evolving as well, and even in the world of acupuncture: It’s a complete system of medicine that has been around for over a millennia, but it’s never stopped evolving. Even more so today. There are so many doctors who are pushing it forward, not just into greater acceptance from the medical community, but to the forefront. Especially when it comes to addressing pain. The opioid epidemic makes it that much more critical to integrate care. 

Acupuncture is one of the greatest modalities that we have available to address pain and improve quality of life for millions. It’s non-invasive, non-addictive, little to no side effects, time tested, quantifiable… It’s rather unfortunate that I see people almost daily that have come to me as a last resort when in actuality, acupuncture should be thought of first. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At MQT Acupuncture and Bodywork, we specialize in integrative pain management. Traditional East Asian Medicine is a comprehensive and dynamic system with a broad spectrum and application. Under its umbrella, you can find things like herbal medicine, meditation, movement therapies like Tai Chi, and techniques to manipulate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones of the body manually or with acupuncture. 

These can be used to restore balance and function in a non-invasive way. At MQT Acupuncture, we aim to change the conversation around “alternative” therapies. We want to remove the veil that separates them from the allopathic approach and integrate into the standard of care by communicating openly with your primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, neurologist, or physical therapist. 

We do this in a way that you and your team of providers can easily understand. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
On a professional level, I am constantly listening to podcasts, attending workshops, reading blogs, and books, etc from some of the best orthopedic practitioners in the world. These are only interesting to a very small group of niche professionals and ortho geeks, such as myself. 

On a personal level, I try to avoid technology as much as possible. For recreation. I tend to enjoy activities that get me outdoors. The UP is an amazing place for recreation year-round. Bike, hike, run, and fish in the summer, ski, snowshoe, and shovel in the winter. 

I’ve found the art of Bonsai (keeping small trees in pots) to be quite rewarding. It is a great way to pull the mind out of the instant gratification mode. It forces you to consider what is best for a tree, not only in the moment but also next year or even five to ten years down the line. Here in Marquette, founded Gichigami Bonsai Guild with a couple friends. It’s a very therapeutic and rewarding hobby. 

Contact Info:

• Website: mqtacu.com
• Instagram: mqtacupuncture
• Facebook: MQT Acupuncture and Bodywork
• Youtube: @mqtacupuncture

Image Credits
Nick Jensen