About the Acupuncturists
Emily Konstan, Lic.Ac.
I was born and raised in Springfield, Mass. My interest in natural health began at a young age. Each year, my mother grew a garden in our backyard, and I was fascinated to learn that many of the herbs and flowers that we used in our home also had medicinal properties.
As I grew up, I sought out jobs that allowed me to work in nature or in health-related fields. As a Paralegal for a legal aid organization, I worked with many low-income families who had one or more disabled family members. That was when I decided that I wanted to be more directly involved in health care, and in helping people feel better. I entered the New England School of Acupuncture in 2003 and graduated with a Master's Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. I am nationally certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine and am licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
I practiced private-room acupuncture in Central Mass. for several years, but became discouraged because most of my patients couldn't afford to pay the higher rates and still come often enough to get better. I moved to Worcester and started my Community Acupuncture practice (at that time called River Valley Acupuncture) in 2009. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received the support of the community, which has helped the business to continue growing and serving more people.
Marina Apostol, Lic.Ac.
I was born and raised in Worcester, MA. After graduating from Notre Dame Academy and UMASS Amherst, I moved to New York City. I was fortunate to find a job working in public relations and event marketing for the charitable arm of a national beauty company. I enjoyed my job, but never felt I had found my place.
In the Spring of 2006, I moved back to Worcester. During that time I aggravated an old back injury. I went to several Western doctors, and the only options they had for relieving the pain were pharmaceutical drugs. I was discouraged by the lack of treatment options, and I began to seek out other methods of healing. I decided to try acupuncture, and was amazed at the results I experienced. Not only did the acupuncture manage my back pain, I also began to sleep better and my general mood improved.
Inspired by the benefits of alternative pain management, I began a study of traditional healing methods, including herbal remedies, exercise, and massage. After becoming a licensed massage therapist through The Massage School, Easthampton, MA I knew it was time to take my passion for healing to an advanced level.
I graduated from the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) with a masters in Acupuncture in the spring of 2011. I joined the Down to Earth Acupuncture team that September. I also enjoy my role as a teaching assistant at NESA where I share my knowledge and skills with students. The balance between the two helps me feel that I have finally found a place where I belong.
