Melani Leonard Cooper — C.SMA of the Month (Oct. 2021)

Melani Leonard Cooper, L.Ac, C.SMA

Melanie Leonard Cooper completed the SMAC program in September 2017, and is now a practicing sports acupuncturist in Long Beach, California.

“Firstly, I firmly believe that bridging the gap between Eastern and Western Medicine is essential for furthering acupuncture in our country. We need to be able to communicate with Western medical professionals, our patients and the general public, in order to explain what and how we can help others. By gaining a better understanding of the body when it comes to anatomy, bio mechanics, physiology, myofascial connections, etc., I am able to explain in detail,  the connections of all of these things as they relate to musculoskeletal dysfunction and pain. My patients generally love the information, they are able to understand it and it allows them to feel validated.

Secondly, the cadaver labs, motor points, orthopedic tests, manual muscle tests, corrective exercises, specialized techniques that are taught in the program have helped me pinpoint issues in my patients that I would not have been able to do otherwise. There isn’t much orthopedic training in acupuncture schools, in general. Being able to see what tissue, muscle or area that I am actually needling into by seeing it on a cadaver, is nothing less than absolutely incredible. Being a visual learner, this has given me an actual x-ray view of what I am doing when I am needling patients or palpating a particular area. In return, this has increased the efficacy of my treatments, confidence and my skill set.

Lastly, completing the program has allowed me to see a better overall view of how the body functions as a whole. Being able to see the “bigger picture” of the body, allows me to see the body in a different way, where I can see things that may have been missed. Then, as things are ruled out or narrowed down, the root cause of an issue can be discovered. I am now better able to see how repetitive movements, previous injuries and compensatory patterns can contribute to dysfunction as a whole. Instead of just seeing a tiny piece of the picture, I am seeing more of the entire picture.

I have been practicing acupuncture for 13 years and my SMAC training has increased my treatment efficacy more than anything else that I have done.  The efficacy of my treatment protocols have increased significantly since finishing the program and because of this, I have been able to help so many more people. So, this program has allowed me to help others more than I could have ever imagined. I am very grateful for all of the hard work and effort that all of the teachers and aides have put into what it takes to teach us throughout the program. I am forever changed and I have SMAC to thank for that!”

To connect with Melani Leonard Cooper, visit her C.SMA Directory Listing.