324. Michelle Larivee, Founder & CEO of WTHN
Fitt Insider
Barriers to accessing acupuncture
Michelle outlines obstacles: where to go, practitioner choice, cost, environment, myths, and education gaps.
Today, I'm joined by Michelle Larivee, founder & CEO of WTHN.
With five NYC clinics and a recent Ulta Beauty launch, WTHN is modernizing acupuncture — offering personalized TCM treatment plans and tools to address bodily dysfunction at its root.
In this episode, we discuss taking ancient healing practices mainstream.
We also cover:
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Ulta and Canyon Ranch partnerships
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The healthcare-meets-wellness studio model
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Breaking down barriers like myths, access, and education
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WTHN's Website: www.wthn.com
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Michelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-larivee-35640012/
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Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:17) WTHN's mission
(02:02) Personal healing journey
(03:35) Why acupuncture is inaccessible
(05:30) Barriers to entry
(07:00) Progress in New York
(08:22) Education as the key
(09:21) Following yoga and meditation's path to accessibility
(10:32) Omnichannel strategy
(12:00) Core of the business
(14:15) Physical expansion strategy
(15:15) Why New York
(16:33) Operational challenges
(19:43) Consumer trends
(21:00) The original longevity tool
(22:15) Healthspan over wellness
(23:30) Balancing medical legitimacy with accessibility
(24:24) Membership model
(26:15) 2026 priorities
(27:00) Ulta and Canyon Ranch partnerships
(27:30) Corporate wellness and hospitality convergence
(29:43) Breaking down barriers between practitioners
(30:30) Where to try WTHN
(31:32) Conclusion
Keywords:
Fitt Insider, Joe Vennare, Michelle Larivee, WTHN, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wellness, Longevity, Preventative Healthcare, Pain Management, Fertility, Stress Management, Nervous System, Studio Model, Omnichannel, Corporate Wellness, Health Span, Business, Entrepreneurship, Fitt Insider Podcast
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