Meet Kim Truong, L.Ac. | Acupuncturist and Medical Herbalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Truong, L.Ac. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?

We all know what the medical landscape is actually like, but what would you say if you were asked to describe what ideal medicine means to you? Of course we’d want a remedy that can heal pain and disease, but that’s a narrowed singular concern. What else would we want to get out of a medicine that promises us good health?

What most people would say is that we want a medicine that not only heals but also empowers. By empowerment, the medicine should remind us that we have an innate biological system that is designed for self-restoration, and in essence, strengthen the very core of our nature. It would be healthcare that considers both our present as well as our future health. The ideal medicine corrects yet supports and strengthens who we are. This is the basic philosophy of Eastern Medicine, and this is what I do.

Let me illustrate a better insight into how this medicine basically works:

In general, the reasons we encounter pain and disease is when there is either degeneration or some form of obstruction to our body’s intricate network, a wrench in the system, if you will. Illness may arise from various reasons- like through dietary intake, lifestyle habits, physical or emotional injury or trauma. However, the human blueprint is immaculately designed. The root cellular function of our bodies is meant to replenish and heal itself. All of our bodily systems have independent function yet work cooperatively, like clockwork.

Every part, every space, every function has their roles that work both individually and complementarily with every other part of our body. The role of one affects the whole.

For us to function the way that we do in our daily activities is a collective act of every physiological function working in combination. For example, the mere act of walking combines the efforts of respiration, circulation, nervous signaling, cognition, myokinesis, and thermoregulation. In order for everything to work together as a unified system, each individual part of those systems must be healthy and capable of maintaining synchronization. Have you ever observed the inner mechanics of a clock? It is many working parts coming together in perfect synchronicity. If even one singular part were to falter, there is a ripple effect on the function of the clock as a whole. This is the basic idea behind the view of holistic physiology.

It sounds complicated but it’s actually not. It’s about harmonizing all the functions of every system. It is looking at small details in order to see the big picture. It is taking the wrench out of the system. This is what I aim to do in my clinical practice- provide each person whole health naturally.

This is essentially my work as an acupuncturist and herbalist, and how patients find so much overall improvement in their health and lives- I help set the biological functions back into optimum motion. Many will find sweeping changes for the better.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

When I was a younger child, my mom was hospitalized for pain. The condition was severe but luckily had healed and resolved on its own. Afterwards, my family was professionally advised to put her through surgery only for preventative measure. We definitely did not want her to go through something so harsh after all that she had already endured, but we were also scared of a recurrent episode as warned. So she decided to comply with the surgical procedure. It was heartbreaking to see my beautiful, strong mother go through so much ongoing pain and then needing caretaking. I still recall that sense of feeling so extremely scared, so hopeless, and so lost for options. I now realize that my mom’s condition did have options and that she didn’t need to have gone through a procedure that resulted in residual health issues to this day. Of course, there are undoubtedly cases where such procedures are necessary. However, I never want anyone else to feel that way. I want people to have access to gentler, more natural approaches to healthcare. I want to contribute to your medical options.

There is now a very strong general movement towards natural medicine as first resort medical care. It used to be a default for patients to go through various conventional therapies first, and despite having received rather aggressive treatments, they’d be frustrated to find their illnesses often still persisting. It used to be people would exhaust all of their options before seeking Eastern medicine. However, “alternative” medicine is no longer just alternative, but definitively integrated into modern healthcare. People with various conditions are realizing that they often respond best with natural remedies that complement and enhance the body’s systems, not work against it or control it.

Why not apply the gentlest options first? It is the most practical sequence. With Eastern medicine being a comprehensive medicine- capable of treating both external pains as well as internal medicine- it’s often the wisest and safest first step in modern health care for anyone of any age. Complete health care offers integrative solutions and it’s really all about prioritizing what is best suited for each person- to provide you your best health in the simplest ways.

In my clinic, patients are assured that they not only feel welcomed, but feel supported, heard, and safe. I care about how you are when you come to see me, and how well you heal throughout. It is such a great joy for me to restore hope in a person’s health and wellbeing. Whole health means that both mind and body are in good states. With my care, I encourage patients to take into account how their health improves in the every day, and in the big and small. Helping people feel better is not only my job but my absolute joy.

Good health is not about just getting by, but seeing the impact of how it betters your life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If you’re in Texas, well I mean, you can’t pass up doing a BBQ run- that’s a given. We have so many great spots! We have traditional Texas BBQ and also creative variations with different cultural influences too. As a visitor, it’s a must to experience our beloved smoked Texas brisket and ribs.

Houston is all about diversity. It’s our bragging right, and it clearly shows in our vibrant and varied cuisines. My clinic is located within bustling Spring Branch, which is the heart and soul of Koreatown. We have some of the best Korean eateries, whether you enjoy a traditional layout with an array of banchan side dishes displayed in a gorgeous geometric table spread, or a modern tableside grill with Kpop blaring on the speakers.To beat the Southern heat, we have many paleterias in the neighborhood for fresh and fruity Mexican popsicles.

Then to work off all the incredible cuisines we have to offer, a bike ride along Buffalo Bayou is a beautiful and healthy way to see the Houston downtown skyline and catch the outgoing vibe of the entire city.

And last but not least, Houston is home to the world renowned Vietnamese Master Chef, Christine Ha. Her newest restaurants, Blind Goat and Stuffed Belly, are right within Spring Branch. So come see me for acupuncture, then indulge in world-class cuisine all within one neighborhood.

That would tap your visit right into the heart of Houston, Texas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Life will have its ups and downs. Seasons change, people come and go from our lives. That’s just the nature and beauty of life and living. But if you’re really lucky, you have certain people who remain constants in your life. For me, my sister has been my rock through the brightness of days and the darkness of nights. No one knows my story like she does. She’s been along for the ride, helped me shoulder the weight when it’s heavy, and reminds me daily that laughter really is the best medicine as well as the true fountain of youth. She’s true blue, tough, fun, and all you can ask for in a big sis. She reminds me in her own way of the true values of life and why we do what we do. Life is a little bit easier when you’ve got someone looking out for you and to enjoy this life tour with. I want to thank my entire family for relentlessly caring about me unconditionally, every single person has their own way of looking out for me. To my dear friends who know who they are- who have been so stubbornly there for me through it all, a heartfelt and gratitude-filled thank you. You all support, love, encourage, and inspire me.

True success in life is one lived in genuine love of life.

The intention of my career is to help make other people’s lives better. So I am happy to give recognition to loved ones who better mine.

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