My Education
I graduated from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies in Glenside, PA with a Masters in Acupuncture. The Won Institute is the only graduate school in PA to have an ACAOM accredited acupuncture program. It is a rigorous 9 semester, 123 credit program covering extensive course work in areas such as Anatomy and Physiology, Pathophysiology, Chinese Medical Diagnosis, Treatment planning, Ethics, Nutrition and of course, many Acupuncture courses! I studied several types of Acupuncture including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), 5-Element Acupuncture, Korean Acupuncture and Acupuncture Physical Medicine. I have also been trained in Electric Stimulation, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxabustion and Tui Na massage that I can combine with Acupuncture when needed. In addition to the course work, we were required to treat patients or observe treatments for over 2 years in the student clinic where we treated a wide range of conditions. While attending the Won Institute, I also helped conduct an Acupuncture research study at a well known Philadelphia retailer with several classmates. We saw first hand how acupuncture can help reduce stress in the workplace! Additionally, because of a strong interest in pain management, I took a course in Denver with the world renowned Acupuncture pain expert, Dr. Richard Tan. I feel so lucky to have had that opportunity to work with him and my patients benefit greatly from this knowledge. Prior to attending the Won Institute, I received a BS degree from the University of Maryland and I am currently Licensed as an Acupunctist by the Pennsylvania State Medical Board.
Marianne Hoover, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Why I Became an Acupuncturist
I experienced my first Acupuncture treatment in 1999 for neck pain and was so inspired, I decided to become an acupuncture practitioner. I had tried everything from pain killers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers to physical therapy and injections. Everything I tried had either unpleasant side effects, adverse health effects, or little effect at all. I was frustrated and in pain. As with many patients, Acupuncture was my last resort. I was thrilled when my physical pain started to go away, but as an added bonus my mood and overall wellbeing was improving too. I didn't realize how years of pain had effected me mentally and spiritually. My goal is to share this wonderful medicine so others can experience an improved quality of life, naturally, like I did!