Changing of the Guard

smiling woman with shoulder length wavy hair and glasses

Licensed acupuncturist, Sheila O’Toole [Photo by Dennis Maher]

Peter Stern, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, has added newly licensed acupuncturist, Sheila O’Toole, to his Garberville practice.

Patients have been receiving holistic treatment from Peter Stern and his staff in the quaint, butter-yellow stucco building on the corner of Cedar Street and Pine Lane for the last twenty-two years. From physical ailments to anxiety to detox, Stern uses eastern medicine to provide whole-body treatment.

Renowned for his eastern medicine work, Stern is a gem tucked away in Garberville. Coming to the area as part of the back to land movement, Stern joined a friend attending anatomy classes at College of the Redwoods. Inspired, Stern began his path toward his naturopathic doctorate, that eventually led him abroad to study acupuncture in China.

Returning to Southern Humboldt, Stern practiced at Redwoods Rural Health and then what is now called SoHum Health before beginning his own practice in the stucco on the corner.

Over the years, Stern has trained other acupuncture practitioners. With the licensing process quite extensive, he had quietly decided he’d probably trained his last student. Then he met O’Toole.

In the warm and inviting atmosphere of the house-converted-to-office sitting room, the pair joked about their work love-affair, O’Toole mistaking a comment about “her guy” to mean Stern. And in a way, he is her “other guy”, a deep connection made by souls over the healing medicine of acupuncture.

quaint butter-yellow stucco house turned acupuncture office with blue sky above

Peter Stern’s office on the corner of Cedar Street and Pine Lane [Photo by Lisa Music]

A former employee had insisted that Stern meet O’Toole, the two instantly forming a mutual respect and admiration. At the time, O’Toole was in a nursing school program. Stern recruited her to work for him. Over the course of two years, Stern’s moratorium on teaching withered away until he approached O’Toole about earning her license for acupuncture.

O’Toole credits the day as one of the happiest days of her life.

Stern contacted the medical board about licensing requirements. In the time since his last student, requirements had increased. In addition to the arduous coursework, O’Toole would be required to complete 4000 hours of clinical work with Stern. The process took four years to complete.

Stern hosted a graduation ceremony for O’Toole recently though they’ll be planning another one for a later date when O’Toole’s family is able to attend.

The patients at Stern’s practice are already familiar with O’Toole, her face a familiar fixture over the last six years. Now that she’s fully licensed, O’Toole has begun treatments without the watchful eye of her mentor. She said that she was incredibly nervous during her first treatments without Stern in office, yet she said the patients have been incredibly gracious with her.

a man and woman standing with hands clasped behind their backs in front of a wall of herbs

Stern and O’Toole [Photo by Lisa Music]

Stern has the utmost confidence in O’Toole having supervised her treatments over the last four years, though what he will do with his extra time now remains to be seen. The 74-year-old Stern found himself a bit stir-crazy after his first Friday off with O’Toole holding down the practice.

Impending retirement was one of the motivating factors for Stern in taking on the role of mentor once again. The Southern Humboldt resident has watched other businesses close their doors when the owners were unable to find someone to continue on in their path. Passionate about holistic care options for the community, Stern worried that his lifelong work would end with him when the day of retirement arrives.

With O’Toole, Stern is relieved. Not only can he count on backup help now in the event of illness or vacation, but he also feels confident that the community will have access to acupuncture for years to come.

O’Toole, Stern says, is dedicated to the community, working with other acupuncture practitioners to implement community acupuncture sessions and outreach to the houseless community. With the current economic climate of the area, O’Toole says that patients can benefit from acupuncture to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Keeping costs low is important to the pair, charging $75 per session, a fraction of the average charge for acupuncture in the area.  Acupuncture treatment is often covered by Partnership, VA Insurance, and the private insurance through North Coast Schools. Unfortunately, many private insurance companies do not cover acupuncture as well as Medicare. O’Toole said there’s groups working on legislation that would change policy so that Medicare would cover acupuncture.

“I think especially in rural areas that have significant health disparities, it’s really important to keep an office like this going and this type of healthcare. I imagine that with Peter and I working together …were going to do our best to serve the community,” said O’Toole.

In addition to whole body treatments that arise from acute issues, O’Toole said that seasonal treatments are of great benefit to patients. She said that it’s essentially a seasonal checkup as weather changes affect people, a checkup allows patients balance as they head into the next season.

As a licensed practitioner, O’Toole is able to order labs, imaging, and make referrals. Stern can also write prescriptions if needed.

Additionally, O’Toole wants to remind people that have never tried acupuncture that even those with fear of needles and apprehension leave the office feeling relaxed. “The benefits are tremendous,” she said.

O’Toole’s receipt of her license has allowed a changing of the guard. Stern, with no foreseeable plans to retire, will be working Tuesdays and Wednesdays and O’Toole will be providing treatments on Thursdays and Fridays. To discuss treatment options and/or schedule a treatment, call (707) 923-3644.

 

 

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27 Comments
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Stephanie Boyd
Guest
Stephanie Boyd
1 year ago

Peter has been our primary care provider for over 20 years. My daughters first treatment was when she was 5. She was constantly getting strep and I was over all the antibiotics being prescribed for her. From helping with back pain to allergies and everything in between. We are so thankful for all the years of health Peter and his staff have given. We love Sheila too!! So thankful that your healing energy will be with us for years to come.

Last edited 1 year ago
Dave Kirby
Member
1 year ago

I can only say that Peter knows his stuff. I had an intractable pain issue and went to see Peter as a last resort. He treated me and told me what to expect in terms of recovery. He was spot on and I never had the issue arise again. We are fortunate to have him in our community. Having Sheila carry on the tradition is reassuring.

The Real Brian
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Dave Kirby

It’s good to hear you say that.

I was going to make a snark similar to, “Is accupuncture like neverland, where it only works if you believe in it?”

But I decided to refrain, in respect to the nice folks involved….

So I looked around. And the Mayo institute said it much better:

The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions.

Several studies, however, indicate that some types of simulated acupuncture appear to work just as well as real acupuncture. There’s also evidence that acupuncture works best in people who expect it to work.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763

And beyond;

Twelve weeks after treatment, the acupuncture group had on average 3.2 fewer attacks per month, the sham acupuncture group had 2.1 fewer attacks per month, and the wait-list group had 1.4 fewer attacks per month. These results are modest at best, and carry an approximate treatment cost of $2,000 per month (estimating $100/session x 20 sessions). This figure does not include lost income from time away from work to attend appointments, travel costs, pain from the procedure, and recovery time.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/acupuncture-a-point-in-the-right-direction-or-a-stab-in-the-dark-2017050311672

smh
Guest
smh
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Helping people recognize pseudoscience and fraud is actually being nice.

The Real Brian
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

I thought that was rather tame of me.

What bothers you about this comment, Vet?

I respect your opinion.

Vective
Guest
Vective
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Everything you say reveals much more about yourself than any of your targets.

The Real Brian
Member
1 year ago
Reply to  Vective

So, you must’ve gathered what exactly about me from the above 2 comments?

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

There is no pain from the procedure.

🤔🧐And all this time I thought you were a pro jabber…🤷‍♂️😁

Now suddenly, your an anti jabber…???

SMH.

Irony abounds.

I’m not saying that Peter Stern’s acupuncture and other services do not provide relief, as I have received relief from some very painful issues there, what I’m saying is, you don’t seem averse to what actually is a futile waste of your time and energy, or having multiple needles inserted into you which provide a questionable, ephemeral benefit.

Have you googled any studies of research into the overall measurable benefits provided by snarky naysayers, regardless of whether or not they have undergone 4,000 hrs of supervised training?

I don’t imagine it could possibly amount to much… aaand…

“This figure does not include lost income from time away from work…”

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
1 year ago
Reply to  Guest

Here’s a concept. Some of us are neither pro or anti jabber. We weigh the evidence for ourselves and respect that others can do that too. So, maybe we are neutral jabbers? A ‘neutral jabber’ (or maybe you can find a better term) could choose to not be vaccinated, yet not be triggered or judgmental of those who do. Seems kinda ideal to me!

Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago
Reply to  Ben Round

I’m no anti vaxxer, nor am I a pro jabber.

My attempts at humor don’t always fall upon the ears of conniseurs…😉

His ridicule of acupuncture led me to question his assessment, in a “turn the tables” sort of way..

It was not intended to be taken too seriously…🤷‍♂️

He probably neither knows Peter Stern, nor Sheila O’Toole, nor has he probably ever been treated be either one of them…

I’d wager he knows not of what he speaks.

It has been my experience that Peter Stern is very good at what he does.

He has recognized injuries of mine, and the associated edema, where all other previous doctors missed it…

It’s been about 7 years since I have been to his practice, so I can’t be sure that Sheila O’Toole was his assistant at the time, but Peter Stern, and his assistant, were both very professional.

I was impressed.

I was experiencing sever, agonizing, sciatica, to the point that I could barely walk.

A few courses of acupuncture, and a few trips to the chiropractor, is all the treatment that I received.

Physical therapy was literally unbearable.

It’s taken time to heal, and a lot of rest, but I am currently pain free.

I am grateful to Peter Stern and his assistant at the time, whoever she was…

There is no reason to be disrespectful to his type of practice.

It is totally unwarranted.

That’s what bothered me.

Thanks, Peter Stern.

And Sheila O’Toole, thank you as well for your extraordinary dedication and training, and for your very commendable commitment to treating our community.

Last edited 1 year ago
Steve Koch
Guest
Steve Koch
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Thanks for passing along your research.

wolfofwallmart
Guest
wolfofwallmart
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

pretty sure the effectiveness of something you believe to be happening has a name.. placebo?

Think there might be a couple studies on that

Zipline
Guest
Zipline
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Pointing out the facts is not nice?

Bug on a Windshield
Guest
Bug on a Windshield
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Yeah, my grandpa had prostate cancer several years back. The chemotherapy cleared it up but the radiation did a number on his body which he didn’t recover from. So . . . sham? No, some practices work for some folks and other practices for other folks. Why knock it?

JustMe
Guest
JustMe
1 year ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

Does it only work if you believe in it….
I think it better to say it can work better with focus, as our bodies are very wired and the minds focus controls a share of it.

Liz
Guest
Liz
1 year ago

Congratulations, Sheila!

Cetan Bluesky
Guest
Cetan Bluesky
1 year ago

Peter Stern took very excellent care of me during past severe health issues! I’m sure I’m very appreciative to his diligence and expertise! Changing of the guard is necessary to keep that superb quality of care continues in our diverse community! Welcome Sheila!

Whitethornian
Guest
Whitethornian
1 year ago

Awesome!! Congratulations Sheila for the well earned honor. Congrats to Peter for the retirement, after helping sooo many!!! Blessings and luck to you both. A SoHum gem lives on. In the midst of challenging times, this is a ray of light.

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
1 year ago

From the article I am not sure if it’s title should have been, ‘Adding To The Guard’, or similar.
It’s not clear to me that Peter will not be practicing more. His first ‘Friday off’ doesn’t make that case. And ‘working together’ gives me hope his skillset will still be available. ….Or maybe I am in denial. I had been planning to go back soon for an important issue.
Years ago, after having been told by one of the most renowned clinics on the west coast, for musculature / body function issues, that I ‘would have to live with’ an ankle injury / ache, I went to Peter, where after 1 or 2 treatments it NEVER bothered me again!
I have been to other acupuncturists and could not really tell if the treatments worked. Yet with the above experience, I have long trusted Peter!
“Impending retirement”, fine. ‘Tis the change that each of us needs to accept. I hope to still receive his care though. Is he in the office and treating people?

Ben Round
Guest
Ben Round
1 year ago
Reply to  Lisa Music

Phew! Many thanks for the followup Lisa! Good news.
And yes. As many businesses and people/ institutions in our long heralded community have been lost, it’s good to know that Peter-endorsed care will continue. 🙂

Last edited 1 year ago
Country Joe
Member
1 year ago

Acupuncture can be very helpful for chronic pain…

spamned
Guest
spamned
1 year ago

Cool beans!! Congrats, Sheila!! and yay Peter gets to retire, finally 🙂

smh
Guest
Don Puzin
Guest
Don Puzin
1 year ago

Good story ,very nice pictures, just reading it made me feel better. Thank you

Lynn H
Guest
Lynn H
1 year ago

Congratulations Shelia! I’m sure you’ll do well.

Sheila has wonderful energy BTW..

And congratulations Peter, for being wise enough to know that the energy and time required for passing on the gift is well worth it. There is no other way to pass on community treasures without a good amount of mentorship and investment in younger people.

Marcia Mendels
Guest
Marcia Mendels
1 year ago

Congratulations to you both, Peter and Sheila! I’m so glad your healing skills and knowledge will continue to help so many people in our community…and I’ll bet a lot of your patients are relieved! There is nothing more rewarding than knowing your work has helped others.