Located on 55th Street in Manhattan, the flagship store of Phoenix Care, a traditional Chinese medicine clinic, celebrated its grand opening on February 18th. The clinic integrates the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with holistic medical concepts, emphasizing the management of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to tailor professional healthcare services for mainstream customers.
Dr. Serene Feng, the founder of Phoenix Care, completed her basic study of traditional Chinese medicine in China before pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in the United States, accumulating over 20 years of clinical experience. Currently, she owns three clinics in Flushing and Manhattan and a professional medical clinic in upstate New York.
In recent years, Dr. Feng has visited Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and other regions to explore leading beauty institutes, learn the latest techniques, and recruit professional talent. Unlike traditional Chinese medicine clinics, as a flagship store, Phoenix Care is rooted in Western society. Dr. Feng stated, “This is a very unique breakthrough as we are stepping outside the boundaries of Asia and truly entering Western society.”
The clinic’s team comprises professionals from various countries, including Winson Shen, the COO of a top-tier Taiwanese traditional Chinese medicine and cosmetic clinic, Dr. Seonjoong Lee, a physical therapy doctor with an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine background from South Korea, and Al Jankowsky, the Chief Revenue Officer and internal medicine expert with extensive medical management experience. Furthermore, the clinic’s legal advisor, Charlie Chi, provides professional support for the institution’s development.
Dr. Serene Feng mentioned that Phoenix Care combines beauty acupuncture, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage, and traditional Chinese herbal therapy to provide a unique medical experience for mainstream American customers. In the field of cosmetics, the clinic particularly emphasizes the value of facial acupuncture. Through facial acupuncture, not only can one improve their appearance but also regulate internal health, achieving a holistic enhancement “from the inside out.”
Legal advisor Charlie Chi reflected on the development of acupuncture in the United States since its introduction in 1972. He pointed out that top universities such as Harvard and Princeton now offer acupuncture departments in their medical schools, and many hospitals in the US have established acupuncture departments. He stated, “Acupuncture’s popularity in the United States has far exceeded our expectations, with an increasing number of Americans beginning to accept and trust this therapy.”
Furthermore, he shared some news: Currently, the New York State Assembly is advocating for an “Acupuncture for All” bill, with 100 state legislators supporting it. The legislation is expected to be passed as early as April or May. Once it becomes law, 1.5 million people will be able to access acupuncture treatment through insurance, further promoting the integration of traditional Chinese medical practices into the mainstream healthcare system in the US.
Winson Shen from Taipei participated in the design of the clinic’s space. He utilized earth tones, warm lighting, and a relaxed musical atmosphere to create an environment vastly different from traditional Chinese medicine clinics, allowing customers to receive professional treatment in a relaxed state.
He also emphasized that aesthetic acupuncture, utilizing traditional Chinese diagnostic methods to achieve effects similar to hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections without invasiveness or side effects, has been well-received in Taiwan, including notable celebrities like singer Jam Hsiao. ◇