Ozarks Profile: Laurie Mecham

Tell us about your practice and what you do.

I treat a wide range of problems, everything from a sprained ankle to chronic back pain and arthritis to hepatitis and cancer. I treat relatively mild to acute problems to difficult internal problems. I use primarily acupuncture and Chinese herbs, augmented with lifestyle and nutrition counseling. I use thread-size, sterile, one-time use needles for the acupuncture. It does not hurt, although some patients may experience dull aching sensations.

Licensing for acupuncturists has just become effective in Missouri. Licensed acupuncturists have to complete a course of at least 1,800 hours and pass the national acupuncture board exams. I have completed more than 2,500 hours in acupuncture and Chinese herbs. I have a masters of science in Oriental medicine. I have passed both my acupuncture and my Chinese herbal medicine national boards.

What drew you to this field?

My own back problems. I was having considerable pain, and Western medicine wasn't helping me. I have been through physical therapy as well and various other routes. I went to the local acupuncturist and felt better after the first treatment. At that time, I wanted to change professions. I was a respiratory therapy technician. I had always been interested in alternative health care and this seemed like a logical next step for me. I wanted to expand my career and my life.

What are the challenges you face in your work?

Acupuncture and oriental medicine is relatively new in the Midwest, so people aren't familiar with everything it can do. It becomes prohibitive in people seeing this as a viable option for health care. Also, many insurance plans do not cover acupuncture yet, so many people can't afford it.

Many people assume acupuncture is a last-resort medicine. This is often when people first try acupuncture. However, once they start and see what kind of results they get, acupuncture may become their first choice of health care. This has happened repeatedly in my practice.

People don't realize what a wide range of problems acupuncture can treat. Part of my job is to educate people about acupuncture because it is so new to this area.

What do you like most about your job?

I like helping people feel better and improving the quality of their lives. I find this very fulfilling.

What do you enjoy in your spare time?

I enjoy traveling. I camp, hike and ride my bike. I am an outdoors person.

What other careers have you considered?

I was a respiratory therapist and I landscaped for a short time. Then I decided on acupuncture. I can see myself doing this the rest of my life.