Acupuncturist Cara Dinote On Her Healthy Reading Pursuits

I’ve long been drawn to the Chinese healing arts. Specifically, acupuncture is a health maintenance practice that I engage in regularly through the support of San Diego L.Ac Cara Dinote. 

I met Cara there three years ago while she was building her practice. Unlike many acupuncturists I’ve had who stick needles in you before sauntering off somewhere, Cara remains in the room with her clients throughout a session. This is my view is a critical part of one’s healing process.  

A little about Cara — She grew up in Philadelphia with a passion for the outdoors and animals. But given that she wasn’t a fan of cold weather and snow, she packed her bags and moved to Southern California to pursue an education. 

While studying psychology at San Diego State, she found herself curious about the inner workings of mind, body, and spirit. As a part of her undergraduate immersion, she had the opportunity to work with patients suffering from physical and emotional conditions. It was here where she administered Neurostar Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a treatment regimen for depression. She also facilitated biofeedback therapy sessions and did counseling using exercise and nutritional therapy.

This, she says, was the beginning of her path to becoming a healer. Says Cara:

“My intention was to continue my education and obtain my Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) license; that was until I had a chance encounter with an acupuncturist. Traditional Chinese Medicine was exactly the field that was calling me and I immediately enrolled in the Master’s program at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine instead.”

Today, as a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, Cara embraces a holistic practice approach that focuses on aligning the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her clients. She has a particular interest in Esoteric Acupuncture and Reconnective Healing which focuses on prevention, wellness, and spiritual growth

In her free time, Cara says that she enjoys nature and animals. I am an enthusiastic hiker and traveler, she can be found on trails around the country, enjoying her family. She practices meditation regularly and is also an avid reader. It’s this latter interest that is the focus of my latest “Great Books, Great Minds” interview featuring Cara. 

What book has had the greatest influence on your life outlook?

My spiritual awakening began after reading A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle. That book blew my mind! It definitely influenced my pursuit of obtaining and raising higher consciousness. The theory and fundamentals of TCM and acupuncture are very esoteric as well as scientific. They are also highly influenced by nature and spirit.

In what ways, if any, has the pandemic and racial justice protests impacted your reading interests and habits?

I was greatly impacted by the racial justice protests and felt it was important to educate, donate, and participate in the cause. I immersed myself in reading about Black History. I wanted to watch more series and movies that were directed and cast by people of color including those who are a part of the LGBTQ community. I am committed to donating monthly to organizations and charities that serve the Black, Native American, and queer POC communities, as well as supporting black artists, authors, and businesses.

Were there any particular books that you read to gain a better perspective on the current political and social climate? 

I read a ton this summer. Here are a few of the books that captured my attention: 

• Stamped From The Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, by Ibram X. Kendi

• How To Be an Antiracist by Ibram Kendi

• Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson.

• Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, by Janet Mock.

• Our Time is Now: Power, Purpose, and the Fight for a Fair America by Stacy Abrams

• Becoming by Michelle Obama

• The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis

• Rage by Bob Woodward

• COVID-19: The Pandemic that Never Should Have Happened by Cynthia Barrett

What is your reading preference: Traditional/Hardcover, ebooks, and/or audiobooks?

Kindle and Audible are my favorite reading platforms

Are there any specific book topics or themes that you aspire to explore over the next 6-12 months?

Anything that has to do with social justice, equality, science, and politics.