About Michelle Buchanan

Michelle Buchanan: Family, Business, and Growth

My thirteen years as Michelle Buchanan brought blessings and growth. I enjoyed a healthy family, a thriving business, and a journey of self-discovery. Each challenge taught valuable lessons. These lessons became the foundation for my teaching and mentoring, which still brings me joy.

In 2004, I married Page Buchanan and changed my name. Soon after, our son William was born. My husband stayed home with him for two years, so I could focus on building my acupuncture practice. In late 2004, a local health maintenance organization (HMO) hired me to help launch its new acupuncture department.

The following year, I turned my private practice into Isthmus Acupuncture Center. Word-of-mouth referrals helped my practice and HMO work grow quickly. We hired more skilled healers, which allowed us to serve more people. I enjoyed teaching colleagues palpation-style treatments, so clients received consistent care. Soon, I gained recognition for fertility enhancement and pregnancy care.

Integrating Essential Oils into Acupuncture

In 2009, we started using essential oils in our treatments. Personally, I noticed a significant improvement in my health immediately. Clients also reported amazing benefits. In fact, many said treatments felt less effective without essential oils.

After months of research, I categorized essential oils using traditional Chinese medicine terms. I spent the next five years testing their effects on acupuncture meridians. As a result, the Center became so busy that we needed to expand.

Expansion, Teaching, and Recognition as Michelle Buchanan

Because of our growth, we moved into a larger location with a classroom and fifteen treatment rooms in 2011. I started designing workshops, which led to writing books. This process helped me improve my teaching style. Within a few years, Isthmus Acupuncture was the largest center in the Midwest.

In June 2015, our community named Michelle Buchanan and Isthmus Acupuncture Center as Madison’s Favorite Alternative Healthcare Providers. This felt like the peak of our success. However, the Center’s demands soon overwhelmed me. I was interviewing, hiring, managing, and keeping the books. At the same time, I saw about 50 clients each week, led workshops, raised two kids, and spent time with my husband. Eventually, I became emotionally and physically exhausted. My sleep suffered, and I rarely exercised.

Michelle Buchanan Faces Burnout and Seeks Balance

As a result of burning the candle at both ends, in October 2015, I fell from a horse I had ridden for years. I spent five days in the hospital and six weeks recovering at home. During this downtime, I reflected on my goals and what I needed for balance. While recovering, I decided to simplify my practice and work independently. This would give me more time to write and teach. I realized that, without change, my Body-Feedback techniques would only reach a few clients.

The next year, I sold Isthmus Acupuncture to Ishtmus Wellness and immediately started a solo practice. This allowed me to focus on my own healing and learn the business module of how the majority of acupuncturists practice. I rediscovered myself and reignited my passion for teaching. After many months of having balance in my life, I could begin a new phase as an author and educator. I am grateful for the experience of building a business. Now, I find fulfillment in mentoring other acupuncturists and helping them reach their potential.

As a result, changing my name to Michelle Meramour helped me to consciously close this chapter of my life. With this newfound identity, I was free to create a life built on balance, healing, giving to the community, and family values. See About Michelle Meramour for the next chapter of my life.