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    Integrating Acupuncture and Medicine in Victorian Village

    “In Thailand, during a World Cup Muay Thai fighting match, I injured my shoulder badly,” says Hope Vitellas. “Back home, my doc told me I needed to undergo pretty invasive surgery, but I sought out alternative medicine and found an incredible acupressurist. My shoulder totally recovered without surgery, and I went on to fight several more times, escalating my fighting career, and eventually opening up my own school.”

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    Her experiences with Asian therapies led Vitellas to study acupuncture and other healing arts. Now she and business partner, Dr. Linda Chun, M.D. have opened Vitellas Chun Integrative Medicine + Acupuncture at 929 Harrison in Victorian Village.

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    “A few years back, Linda and I went to India to study yoga,” says Vitellas. “During that time we really set in motion mentally moving forward towards a practice where we integrated both Western medicine and Eastern medicine. It was our dream to open a practice together that could combine all the different components that each of us bring to the table.” Vitellas became licensed to practice acupuncture in Ohio in 2012.

    Her business partner, Linda Chun concurs, “For several years, Hope and I wanted to work together. We wanted to create a place that feels healing and special. When the [space at Harrison and First became available], we knew we had to take advantage of the opportunity. With my integrative medicine approach and Hope’s amazing acupuncture skills, I knew we would make a great team.”

    Linda Chun is not only board-certified in internal medicine, but in 2008 she completed a fellowship in the integrative medicine program directed by the well-known Dr. Andrew Weil.

    “I am so grateful that I was able to do the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona, […] I feel it is the top fellowship program available to practitioners who want to transform how they practice medicine,” says Chun. “My fellowship training taught me about all the elements of integrative medicine, like acupuncture, botanicals, nutrition, etc. More tools in the toolbox! Conventional medical approaches are often not enough to take care of our patients, especially when it comes to chronic issues, and I am certain most physicians agree on this.”

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    Hope Vitellas, LAc also had many positive experiences outside of conventional Western medicine.

    “While training, I was introduced to many Asian healing modalities, not just the martial arts.” she says. “I finally decided to get my degree in acupuncture and study Traditional Chinese Medicine. Martial arts and Chinese medicine both gifted me with insights into the human body I could not have found elsewhere. My hope is that my story and our space will encourage others to seek various therapies to promote their happiness, health and overall well being.”

    Chun and Vitellas place a high priority on listening to their patients.

    “My goal is to spend whatever time is needed with each person. I worked almost 10 years in busy hospital-associated clinics and am ready to change it up and spend more time with patients,” says Chun. “Perhaps you want to try and decrease your use of pharmaceuticals, I can help with that. Maybe you are suffering with side effect from an aggressive treatment, we can help with that. People can come see Hope or I for our individual services, or we are also excited to offer joint consults where patients sit down with both of us together in one visit.”

    Dr. Chun is also known for her yoga practice and teaching at Yoga On High.

    “I became committed to Ashtanga yoga as a third year medical student when I was stressing myself out and feeling unsettled internally,” she says. “I became committed to teaching yoga early on and always in the context of learning or practicing medicine. I believe this has shaped how I interact with both my students and patients. The yoga world exposes us to various healing modalities that promote overall wellness. You can’t ignore the benefits of these approaches.”

    Vitellas studied yoga as well, and both she and Chun do Muay Thai. Vitellas also travelled to China and became a Qi Gong teacher certified by the famous monks of Mt. Emei.

    Photos by Lee Oldfield of InForm Studio.

    The Vitellas Chun office is in the converted First Avenue School at 929 Harrison, Suite 203. Parking and the entrance are on the West side of the building. For more information visit vitellaschun.com) or call 614-725-1885.

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    Nancy Alkire
    Nancy Alkire
    Nancy Alkire has practiced yoga off and on since WOSU broadcast Lilias, Yoga and You in the 1970’s. She has attended classes with Charlotte Bell, Bryan Kest and Kino MacGregor. Since turning 50, she has become much more interested in fitness and often calls on the expertise of athletic trainer, Jennifer Schiff, and Daniel Snider (almost a) PhD in physical therapy. “I am open to polite suggestions for other yoga or fitness experiences. I love documenting and sharing.” Get in touch with her by email.
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