Summary
In this Yinspired episode, Elsa Martinez invites us into her world—where healing is personal, communal, and deeply rooted in culture. From honoring her Puerto Rican, Seneca, Black heritage to managing fibromyalgia with movement and energetic practices like Reiki and yoga, her story is a powerful reminder that wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all. She opens up about the intensity of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine college, the need for boundaries, and how navigating race dynamics in medical spaces shapes her approach to care. With insight on burnout, parenting, and redefining wellness business practices, Elsa shares why community, honoring the roots of cultural practices, and finding safe spaces matter. At the heart of it all: she is here to create accessible care and a future of healthcare grounded in equity.
Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Yinspired and Guest Introduction
05:09 Elsa's Journey into Wellness and Medicine
10:53 The Role of Movement and Energy in Healing
11:52 Understanding Reiki and Its Connection to Wellness
15:41 The Energetic Paradigm in Medicine
19:46 Balancing Academic Rigor with Spirituality in Education
29:33 Navigating Intensity in Medical Training
31:26 The Intensity of Acupuncture Training
37:23 Navigating Race Dynamics in Education
48:26 Interpersonal Relationships and Boundaries
52:08 Personal Growth Through Education
55:57 Implementing Self-Care Practices
59:10 The Importance of Self-Care and Support Systems
01:02:14 Reframing Narratives and Finding Safe Spaces
01:05:11 The Role of Community in Combating Burnout
01:08:07 Business Acumen in Wellness Practices
01:10:49 The Need for Cultural Sensitivity in Wellness
01:13:51 Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth
01:27:27 The Dual Nature of Capitalism
01:28:19 Redefining Wellness and Accessibility
01:30:17 Cultural Practices and Wellness
01:33:59 Cultural Stewardship and Identity
01:37:19 Disruption as a Path to Change
01:39:18 The Importance of Generational Change
01:42:11 Connecting with the Audience
01:49:57 Wishes for a Fair Healthcare System
Enjoying Yinspired?
Please remember to share a favorite episode with someone you love and subscribe to Yinspired wherever you listen. If you could leave a five-star review and rating, that would help others find Yinspired. If that’s not your thing, don’t worry.
Links to all episode show notes, guests' bios and work, and transcripts can be found at Yinspired.substack.com/podcast