Meet Julie
Julie Grogan is the woman behind Radiant Sun Acupuncture and the face you see when you walk in the door. A New York State licensed acupuncturist, she received her Master of Acupuncture from the Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine at New York Chiropractic College.
How did you end up in acupuncture?
Acupuncture literally led me to acupuncture. I’m also a licensed attorney, but a life-threatening car accident in 2003 took me down a new path. After years of trying and failing to find relief for the lasting effects of my injuries, I found acupuncture—and it changed my life. For the first time since the accident, something finally worked, and I was eventually able to wean myself off pain medications. So I’ve experienced the benefits of acupuncture firsthand. I know how powerful a practice it can be. After that, I knew I had found my calling and decided to leave law to fully focus on Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What kind of training do you have?
To become a licensed acupuncturist, you need years of specialized training—as much as many doctoral programs. For me, that meant three years of courses that covered four years of material in acupuncture and electroacupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage), Gua Sha (Chinese skin-scraping technique), Qi Gong (Chinese movement and breathing therapy) and Eastern dietary therapy. Those were complemented by what most people think of as more traditional medical courses in anatomy, clinical skills and nutrition, as well as internships.
What kinds of things do you treat?
The list of things that can be treated with acupuncture is a very long one! I have a special interest in all types of spinal cord injuries and the problems that can arise from them. I also focus on treating pain, digestive disorders, emotional problems, skin conditions and respiratory disorders. If someone is considering acupuncture or wondering whether it can be used to treat something, it’s always best to reach out, because it can treat so much more than I could ever include on one list!
What sets you apart from other acupuncturists?
I have such a personal history with acupuncture, and that helps me connect with and understand my patients. I’ve been there. I know what it feels like to struggle with finding relief. So I have a very deep need to help others who are going through something similar. I’m also the only certified provider of hospice and palliative care acupuncture in Rochester, which is a very specific and intimate relationship between a patient and a caregiver.
What are you most proud of since opening your practice?
Earlier this year, Penfield Business Chamber chose Radiant Sun Acupuncture for its Penfield Pride Award, and that was really meaningful for me. The award recognizes a business that has contributed to the area and the community in a positive and lasting way, which is exactly how I hope people feel about Radiant Sun Acupuncture! Building my practice in this area was an easy choice, so it’s rewarding to feel so welcomed.
Who is Julie outside of the office?
I’m the same Julie! Maybe a little louder. I’m originally from Virginia, and my husband and I lived in Buffalo before settling here with our daughter and three dogs. You’ll see all of them show up in Radiant Sun posts once in a while. My daughter loves to act and spends a lot of time in community theater, which keeps all three of us very busy!
Why did you choose Penfield?
I always knew I wanted my practice to be right where I lived, in an area that really supports both its people and its businesses. We live in Fairport, work in Penfield and Rochester, and have relationships throughout the area. This is our home, and we chose it knowing it would also be home for Radiant Sun Acupuncture. And it’s the best choice we’ve ever made.
Click here to schedule your appointment or connect with Julie to talk about the ways you can bring acupuncture into your wellness routine.