Five Questions For ... Patti Safian

Patti Safian is a licensed acupuncturist who, just last year, announced the "radical" expansion of her NJ Acupuncture & Fertility Center.  

In addition to acupuncture services, Safian offers Yoga for Fertility classes in The Sacred Space, a private yoga studio located in the Center at 70 Park Street, Suite 208, Montclair.

Montclair Patch recently asked Safian five questions in order to learn more about her.

Q) How long have you been in Montclair and what do you do here?

A) We have been living in Montclair for almost eight years now ... hard to believe it has already been that long! I am a Mom and Acupuncturist in town. My Acupuncture practice focuses on Women's Health and, more specifically, on Reproductive Health. However, I end up treating many other people with lots of other health issues. Many of the women I see send their husbands, their mothers, their friends and even their children for various other aliments.  

I have an Acupuncture and Wellness Center in town called NJ Acupuncture Wellness and Fertility Center that's located at 70 Park Street. I also have been a yoga teacher since 1996 so aside from Acupuncture, we have a studio space for Yoga for Fertility classes to help women deal with the stress involved in their journey to conceive; yoga is a very healing powerful modality. Qi Gong is another physical healing practice used in Chinese Medicine and we offer classes in this as well.

This weekend, on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., we are having a Women's Wellness Free Event—that will feature Aromotherapy, Massage, Facials, Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation, and some great food (by the wonderful Alma Schneider)—to show how the center can support ALL women in a multitude of ways. We will even having a wonderful psychic there for the fun of it!

Q) What are your favorite restaurants/stores in Montclair? 

A) I love and am a regular at The Bread Company right on Walnut down the street from my office. I have been gluten-free for years so it has always been a godsend for me to have such a delicious bakery that makes a great vegetable gluten-free dairy free pizza. I was very sad that the owners Sally and Will had to leave abruptly and return to Australia but I am happy that The Bread Company is still going strong with a new baker and owner Rachel. She has given the place a beautiful face lift! 

I also love the store , though I rarely get there. When I used to work in the film business as a set decorator, I would kill to find a store like that with so many precious original papers and trinkets. And it is right here in Montclair.

Q) What don't you like about the town?

A) All the driving. I have become a prisoner of suburban culture. I miss the urban lifestyle of walking to get places and at least having part of my day for a stroll. Montclair does offer that—it is just that I tend to be too busy! I am trying to change that, at least for the spring and summer. Pause ... I need to stop and smell the Iris'!!

Q) How do you juggle work/family?

A) I think calling it a juggle is the best way to describe it. I have a lot of support because I have a babysitter and she helps with the housekeeping and our meals. We spend our time with the kids chauffeuring them to their activities or we just hang out and play. Somehow there is always more to do, but we have learned to lower the bar and appreciate what we have. We do not have the perfect yard ... just ask our neighbors! Since I work in town, I can make it to pick up and see the kids before I  return to work and I can also quickly buy a few groceries on the way home or in the middle of the day on a break. Belonging to a bi-monthly vegetable coop in town called Boxed Organics helps reduce some shopping and I also keep organic frozen meats and fish delivered from Greater Organic Foods (ask for the Patti Special) so there is always something healthy in the freezer if we're in a jam.

Q) Any good summer plans ... places to visit or camps you could recommend?

A) We go to Wellfleet (Cape Cod) every year and we also have a family country house in the Berkshires that we have been going to for over 40 years. We are renting it out this summer if anyone is interested!! Should I give you the link?? It's here. Our son has been going to the same camp for a few years and our daughter does a combination of school camps and others. One of her favorites is a horse farm in Watchung, New Jersey that is a blast.