About Dr. Jennifer Cruz

The journey is the destination. Thus far, my journey has enriched me with the ability to make a difference in this world by way of healing and educating as many people as possible and I have only just begun. In order to fulfill my life’s purpose, it is paramount that I keep advancing my education. My Doctoral and Ph.D. research in Oriental Medicine serves as the catalyst to propel me forward and allow me to explore the incredible capacity of my mind and soul. Medicine, just like the universe, is constantly moving, changing and evolving, therefore, I believe the day I stop learning is the day I stop flourishing.

Over the last eight years I set a series of small goals and put the wheels in motion to accomplish each one. My first goal after graduating in August 2013 was to work and intern in China, which I did for approximately four months. I started in Hangzhou for six weeks, where I had over 150 Clinical hours and lectures. I then spent two weeks in Nanjing working in Orthopedics and the Traumatology Department, which provided invaluable hands-on experience in both pre and post-surgery acupuncture, herbs, and rehabilitation. Lastly, I went to Kunming where I had the honor and privilege of working with the Yao Family in gynecology.

Upon returning to the United States, I was accepted into the Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program with Whitfield Reeves in Boulder, Colorado. In September of 2014, I completed my apprenticeship and became certified in advanced training for the diagnosing, assessment, and treatment of pain and sports injuries. My next one-year commitment was the Tung Orthodox Acupuncture Certification with Dr. Palden Carson. I completed all three levels of training allowing me to become an advanced practitioner in May of 2015.

After returning home in 2014, while pursuing my advanced training, I started renting out a commercial space with a colleague 4 days a week so I could put all of my education and training to work. During that time, I earned the confidence and trust of my patients and the community at large. This invaluable experience would plant the seed and serve as the blueprint of what was to become my future entrepreneurial endeavors.

In March of 2016, just two years and three months later, Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness was born and found a home in Plantation, Florida. In the last two and a half years, my partner and I have laid a strong foundation putting together a team of practitioners that are aligned with our mission and vision, to “Educate as many people as possible of the bodies innate ability to repair itself.” We put together a practice management system, processes, and procedures that gave us the tools we needed to scale our practice and help a larger scale of people.

In the past year not only have we expanded at our current location but have also founded a non-profit organization, AcuMantras with its core mission to provide affordable and accessible East Asian Medicine to all communities with a focus on and commitment to community enhancement. We also assist East Asian Medicine physicians become doctors so they can own and successfully run independent practices consistent with AcuMantras standards. We now have a space where research can be conducted and data can be collected to scientifically validate East Asian medicine. This will be at the forefront of a monumental and historical change in our medical system.

The goal of both AcuMantras and Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness is to educate the community and by expanding awareness of the practices of East Asian medicine and investigate the key role it plays in enhancement of well-being and disease resistance. AcuMantras first focus is affordable sliding scale East Asian Medicine for all communities, with a focus on and commitment to community enhancement. We would like to help acupuncture physicians to grow successful East Asian medical practices and achieve doctoral status. Lastly, we would like to provide community education and clinical research to investigate validate and disseminate East Asian clinical methods. Eastern Acupuncture is a primary care facility that’s core focus is combining east and western medicine to offer tailored individualized treatment.

EXPERIENCE

*Executive Director, AcuMantras, Plantation, Florida. January 2020- Present

*Faculty Position, Clinic Supervisor, Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. May 2021- Present

*Co-owner and Doctor of Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine, AcuMantras; Plantation, Florida. January 2020- Present

*Co-owner and Doctor of Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine, Eastern Acupuncture And Wellness; Plantation, Florida.

January 2014- Present

*Co-owner and Licensed Massage Therapist, TJ Advanced Massage Therapy; Broward and Dade County, Florida. 2008-

2014

*Licensed Massage Therapist, Holistic Massage, Hollywood, Florida 2007-2009

PUBLISHED AUTHOR

*Publication: Properties of the Novel Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula Qu Du Qiang Fei I Hao Fang Warrant Further

Research to Determine Its Clinical Efficacy in COVID-19 Treatment. Medical Acupuncture Volume 33, Number 1, 2021 #

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1466.

*Publication: Remyelination is enhanced by Astragalus polysaccharides through inducing the differentiation of

oligodendrocytes from neural stem cells in cuprizone model of demyelination. Brain Research DOI

10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147459.

*Publication: A Feasibility Study on Treatment of Uterine Fibroids with Tung’s Acupuncture. MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Volume 31, Number 6, 2019 # Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1385.

EDUCATION

*Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine- PhD. Oriental Medicine, expected presentation of Dissertation

defense December 2021

*Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine- Doctrine of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, March 2019

*Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine- Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Bachelors of Health Science

August 18, 2013

*Florida College of Natural Health- Massage Therapy Certification, April 2007 Broward Community *College- B.S,

Criminal Justice and Crime Scene Investigation June 2004

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Acupuncturist without Boarders, April 2017

Tung’s Advanced Acupuncture Certified, May 3, 2015

Advanced Sports Acupuncture Apprenticeship Certification 10/2014

Zhejiang Chinese Medical University pain and Neurological Certification 9/2013-11/2013

Nanjing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Certification in Orthopedic Acupuncture and Traumatology

Department 10/28/2013-11/9/2013

Florida State Licensed Acupuncture Physician 2013 #AP3349 National Acupuncture Detox Specialist (NADA)

2013 Certified Level 1 Qi Gong Instructor 2011 Certified Tai Massage levels 1-3 in Chang Mai Thailand 2008 Florida

State licensed Massage Therapist 2007 #MA51421 Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork 2007

#535436-07 Certified Personal Trainer NCCPT 2006

ORGANIZATIONS

International Women’s Federation – Nominated Member – July 2021 – Present

Entrepreneurs Organization Accelerator (EOA) Strategic Alliance - Partnership Chair, August 2018 – Present

Relay For Life, Plantation– Board - August 2018 – Present

Florida State Oriental Medicine Organization – Member 2013- Present

Weston Chamber of Commerce - Member 2017- Present

Plantation Chamber of Commerce - Member 20136- Present

Sunrise Chamber Commerce - Member 2018- Present