Steve Eddleston had already established a presence in Rhode Island’s health and fitness industry when he changed direction this fall. The owner of 17 Planet Fitness locations in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, he sold the gyms to a local franchisee and opened Modern Acupuncture in Cranston. The clinic is the national chain’s first location in Rhode Island and the second in New England. Eddleston, of Bristol, discusses how acupuncture can boost health and beauty routines, as well as his decision to open up shop in Rhode Island.
PBN: What is the demand for acupuncture services in Rhode Island?
EDDLESTON: Across the U.S. less than 10%, approximately, of the population has experienced acupuncture. We at Modern Acupuncture believe that everyone can benefit from acupuncture to improve their overall health and wellness for any aches, pains, sleep disorders, fertility issues, as well as cosmetic nontoxic facial benefits.
PBN: How are people using acupuncture? Is it a supplement to other medical treatment, a preventative measure, or simple self-care?
EDDLESTON: It’s really based on customer preference, but for many it’s an alternative, drug-free, natural and holistic medical treatment that dates back 3,000 years in China. We create a unique treatment plan for each client that works to resolve his or her specific issues and then proceed to a maintenance plan to ensure the benefits continue to be achieved over time.
PBN: Where does holistic treatment such as acupuncture fit into the larger medical industry, particularly in Rhode Island?
EDDLESTON: Acupuncture has been used by the Providence VA Medical Center since 2017 and is even being offered at Lifespan. We at Modern Acupuncture are glad to contribute to the growth of the treatment in Rhode Island by offering accessible and affordable acupuncture for all.
PBN: Have there been any recent advances or changes in how acupuncture is used?
EDDLESTON: According to Dr. Charles Anderson, a physician and entrepreneur who is a Modern Acupuncture strategic partner and regional developer in New England, Western scientific research on acupuncture has resulted in a wider range of applications for the medicine. He says that acupuncture treats the entire individual and an area of particular focus has been on stress. According to Dr. Anderson, acupuncture affects neurotransmitters in the brain and blood flow and when you think about healing, healing is about blood flow.
PBN: Your clinic is the first Modern Acupuncture location in Rhode Island. Why decide to open up here?
EDDLESTON: We liked the fact that Garden City is very central in Rhode Island and easy for residents to get to no matter where they live or work. We will of course look at other locations in Rhode Island in the future but felt that the natural synergy we have with other merchants and service providers here in the shopping heart of Cranston was a great place for us begin to serve the local market.
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN staff writer. She can be reached at graham@pbn.com.
