Kiya Hunter is a licensed Scottsdale acupuncturist and owner of Scottsdale Family Acupuncture. “Scottsdale Family Acupuncture is a holistic health clinic that supports the entire family. My mission is to end suffering. It breaks my heart to think of people not getting to do the things they love or need to in life because of a physical or mental health issue.” Learn about Kiya Hunter…
Follow at: @kiya.hunter
Hometown: Ontario, OR
First job: I worked on a pheasant preserve when I was 11. I built pens, fed, and watered the birds— it was hard and dirty work.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: I love spending time outside. I enjoy camping, hiking, and paddle boarding.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment happens every time I’m able to improve someone’s life. I spend so much time learning to improve my skills and when I can help ease someone’s suffering, that’s a beautiful accomplishment.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My biggest obstacle was overcoming my own limiting beliefs. I had very poor self-worth, making it hard to start a business. I’m sure there will always be something to work on there, but I’ve gotten out of my way and have helped many people because of it.
Someone who inspires you and why: I get the pleasure of hearing so many stories of resilience and dedication every day from people who have suffered, pushed forward, and haven’t given up on life. I see that in my family, friends, and patients. Your story may seem insignificant to you, but it can inspire someone else.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Get your hands on as many people as possible. Day one you can start looking at tongues, listening to pulses, observing how someone walks, talks, and looks. You can palpate acupuncture points and do acupressure. You can learn how to ask questions that get you a diagnosis. It’s great to learn theory, but until you’re hands-on, you won’t know how amazing this medicine is and how to treat it without experience properly. Job shadow before you start school to see what the clinic is like, then intern a few different practitioners because we’re all so different.
Favorite quote: “Treat Yo Self!” —Parks and & Recreation, season 4, episode 4
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I’m introverted. People seem surprised because I’m very friendly and can talk to anyone, but I prefer to hang out alone or with my husband and son.
What makes someone fabulous is authenticity. I love it when people show up as themselves and are completely comfortable doing so. It’s fabulous.