Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is the medicine I was looking for my whole life. Health has always been my interest and priority, but acupuncture resonated with me, and it made me feel better than I had in years. Acupuncture opened my eyes to how my job, my relationships, and my lifestyle were all connected and impacting my health. I craved that “balance” my practitioner spoke of, and I realized I knew many people who felt the same way. After acupuncture, I felt so hopeful about the power of the human body to heal, and I wanted to share that with others.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
You will feel cared for when you come to me for treatment. I work very hard for my patients, and understand the challenges they face in their everyday while trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Just like most people, I also strive to find balance in my life. We can’t always control our circumstances, but I have seen this medicine do amazing things for people. The human body is capable of tremendous healing. I believe in taking an integrated approach, utilizing both Western and Eastern medicine, in order to give patients the most comprehensive care possible, and make them feel wholly taken care of. Many people search for the right thing to help them with their health, and often they end their search here.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
My interactions with patients are the best part of my job. Working with people to improve their quality of life is an incredible way to invest energy. I am inspired by the people I meet, and filled up by the stories and strength of the patients who come in my door. We are all trying to get through life in the best way that we can, and to be able to help someone along that road makes this a most rewarding profession.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
People often believe acupuncture does not work because they did not “get better” in one or two treatments. We might spend years pushing our bodies and neglecting our health, yet we expect to be symptom-free overnight. There are certainly times you will see amazing results after just a few treatments. More often than not, it takes time for our bodies to come back into balance, as well as commitment from the patient to the treatment plan.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Running, spinning, and climbing make me feel stronger both physically and mentally. Music, travel, and people inspire me and make me happy. I spend time outdoors and with the people I love. I get acupuncture. Eating whole foods keeps me energized, and finding a good Pinot noir keeps me from being too serious.

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acupuncturenwpdx.com
acupuncturenorthwest@gmail.com
(503) 493-9389
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2262 N. Albina Ave, Suite 110, Portland, OR 97227

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Chinese Medicine has been a significant part of my life since about 2004. I was looking at a somewhat dismal medical diagnosis and felt compelled to try something different from pharmaceuticals. I found an acupuncturist/Chinese herbalist and six months later I found myself without symptoms. I knew that I had found something worth sharing and decided that pursuing my own formal training was one of the best ways I could give back.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I’ve worked with a wide variety of populations throughout my life and I’ve shared and learned from all of them. The one thing that everyone seems to need, regardless of what they do or how they live their life, is a safe and comfortable healing space where physical, mental and emotional experiences can be expressed and resolved. I do my best to provide that kind of space to everyone who I support with acupuncture.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
There’s nothing better than seeing someone get off the table feeling more like themselves, whether that be without pain, without stress or simply more like their “usual, happy self.” It’s so humbling and rewarding to support others as they begin to see and engage in their own healing and overall wellbeing, and to see those positive effects trickle into all other areas of their life as well.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
While the overall impression of the power behind acupuncture continues to change, many people still believe that it really only can help them with pain, specifically musculoskeletal pain. Acupuncture is really more about promoting life. This can be understood in a literal sense, as it does improve fertility in both men and women, but it also means that instead of dealing with seasonal allergies, emotional turmoil or digestive issues as permanent aspects of your existence, acupuncture can bring about bigger change so that you can bring your focus away from what ails you and back to the life you want to live.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Staying healthy involves many areas of your life. I maintain a “nutritionally balanced life” by keeping things in some kind of balance. I do my best to eat more vegetables than carbs or meats, incorporate meditation and either tai chi, yoga or qigong into my daily routine to keep me focused and centered, and get outside and play as often as I can. I also set aside time to laugh and feel supported by the people I love as well as time to support them. Life can be crazy, but making sure that you give yourself the best chance to feel balanced will allow you to take part in what really matters to you.

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metta-acupuncture.com
erika.lyn.lac@gmail.com
(503) 662-2815
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2706 SE Lincoln Street, Portland, OR 97214

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I became an acupuncturist after Chinese medicine and needles healed me. When I became sick in 2003, a friend simply said, “You need needles.” I did not even know what she meant. But one year, many needles and countless herbal concoctions later, I was not only better but I also was changed. I quit my advertising career and began my journey to help others with Traditional Chinese Medicine, using the tools of needles and custom herbal formulas. Now, I humbly watch as my patients heal from their pain, be it physical or emotional. For me, a healer healed herself to guide others on their journeys of optimal health.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I believe what sets me apart from other acupuncturists is my ability to listen. When I am listening to my patients with an open heart and listening ears—not a pre-meditated diagnosis—they always tell me what I need to do to help them. I look at each patient as a constitutional puzzle—they have all the pieces in their story and it is my job to put the pieces together, allowing for four solid corners and knowing the main picture changes daily. Everything is connected and this changes daily in nature as it does in each of us. The weather, what we ate last night, a good night sleep or a fight with a loved one is part of the puzzle of imbalance. I need only pay attention with respect for me to then place the map of needles that helps restore balance for each one of my patients.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
So many of the people I treat—from 3 years to 89 years old, male, female, rich or poor—come through my door because they are ready for change. Biomedicine has let them down, no pill has fixed them, or a friend or family member has gently suggested acupuncture. I bear witness that after a handful of visits—usually three-to-six—people get better, whatever “get better” means for them. This is rewarding on a daily basis for me. Through active listening and the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, patients find balance.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
I think the biggest misconception I still hear about acupuncture is that it only treats pain. Yes, we treat pain, but Chinese medicine treats any biomedical disorder as well. And it is not just about needles. I have been trained to evaluate lab work and diagnostics to treat internal health, and I often work with the naturopaths in my clinic. I use Chinese herbs and custom formulas with my patients but I see food as medicine as well. We are what we eat and nutrition is a corner puzzle piece. Acupuncture quickly resolves physical pain, but I see the physical leading to the emotional which leads to the spiritual journey we are all trying to get into balance. It is all connected.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I stay healthy in my own life by trying to walk my talk. While guiding my patients to a balanced lifestyle that includes diet and exercise, I practice this as well. I eat an organic Paleo diet as best I can. I exercise weekly with running. I sign up for races to have goals. I try to take time off to be in nature. I find less is more, most of the time, and try not to over schedule. But, life can get out of balance for me as well, and it is in times of imbalance that I know what tools to reach for. My tools include acupuncture, rest, eating right, chiropractic care, naturopathic care and the natural world.

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dmelanson@elixiawellness.com
(503) 232-5653

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Elixia Wellness Group: 8113 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
As a patient of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, I experienced significant transformations both physically and emotionally. After suffering for years with conditions I had come to believe were unchangeable, I was amazed by the degree to which acupuncture and herbs were able to improve my health and enhance my life. My experience left me completely enamored and in awe of Chinese medicine. I knew I needed to learn everything I could about this amazing medicine and share its capacity for dramatic but gentle healing with every person I possibly could. That realization led me on my journey to becoming an acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My approach to treatment is organic and adaptable, emerging out of my interaction with a particular patient and the health concerns or conditions being addressed. I believe that each patient is unique, with needs and circumstances that are specific to his or her individual situation. We are diverse, dynamic creatures in a constant state of evolution and flux. I believe a model of healthcare that is equally dynamic and free from orthodoxy is essential for stimulating the body’s own innate capacity for healing and bringing about long-lasting transformation. To this end, I draw upon multiple traditions within the field of Chinese medicine, tailoring each treatment to the individual patient and merging styles when necessary, rather than strictly adhering to one particular tradition or approach to treatment.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love watching patients realize they don’t have to feel sick or tired or live in constant pain. I love when patients realize that they can feel better, that their health can improve, and that feeling good is possible. A lot of people live with health concerns or conditions to which they have simply become accustomed, perhaps believing their particular problem or issue is permanent and unchangeable. Even a single acupuncture treatment can help these patients understand the possibilities for improved health and well being. I love helping my patients understand that being healthy and feeling good is their right, that they don’t have to resign themselves to a life of permanent and constant discomfort or pain, and that their bodies want to be healthy and are inherently capable of healing.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it doesn’t work because we don’t understand how it works. I have seen amazing transformations and healing occur through the application of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and I have experienced the transformative power of this medicine myself. We might not be able to identify or describe the exact mechanism responsible for acupuncture’s effects, but that does not negate its capacity to heal.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to maintain balance in my life on a daily basis. I strive to eat well, sleep well, exercise often, and have as much fun as possible. Being in nature energizes and inspires me, and I strive to make contact with the natural world every day. I read as often as I can whatever I can get my hands on, laugh frequently, rest when necessary, and surround myself with an amazing, supportive community of family and friends. And I strive to invoke gratitude daily.

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organicacupuncturepdx.com
caylychristensenlac@gmail.com
(503) 302-4303
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3735 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
As a teenager I had a lot of digestive issues and was in a lot of pain. I tried all the medicine that MDs had to give me and felt worse. Out of desperation I tried acupuncture and felt 80 percent better in three treatments. I was hooked and wanted to learn more, so I read what I could on my own, integrated acupuncture and herbal medicine with my conventional healthcare, and was so passionate about Chinese medicine that I went on to get my master’s degree to practice this transformational medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I primarily work with women’s health issues, treating menstrual to menopausal issues with a specialty in fertility and pregnancy care. Because Chinese medicine treats the person and not the symptoms, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia and pain are resolved along with supporting optimal health.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working one-on-one with patients as their health coach to meet their health goals. I meet people half way and start where they are ready to make changes, in nutrition, stress and lifestyle choices. I do not dictate strict guidelines. This is your health, your body, your life. I offer information and then support you to make your own healthcare choices!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
The biggest misconception is that it is all about the needles and can only treat pain. As licensed acupuncturists, we are trained to evaluate Western lab work and diagnostics to treat internal health. We have in-depth knowledge about nutrition and often start with food as medicine. Yes, acupuncture quickly resolves physical pain but we also work on the emotional blocks that are causing spiritual and emotional discomfort.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
To maintain my personal health, I balance time with my children with my medical practice. We avoid FrankenFoods—they hurt our tummies and are lousy for our moods. Instead we eat organic meats and produce that we cook together at home. Pizza, ice cream and buffalo wings are not completely off our meal plan, though. We play outside almost every day—biking, walking, gardening and skiing when we can get to the mountain. We integrate our healthcare with MDs and chiropractors, and of course everyone gets (and enjoys) acupuncture from Mom.

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willowtreeclinic.com
kine@willowtreeclinic.com
(503) 281-0030
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1607 NE 16th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
After struggling with my own allergies and resorting to acupuncture as a last ditch effort, when my doctors told me there was nothing else they could do, I finally got relief. Three years of being unable to drive because my eyes were so badly affected were counteracted by just one month of acupuncture and herbal treatment. I wanted to be able to help people out of that kind of desperation and into health, as I had been helped.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
In college, my plan had been to go to veterinary school. When I discovered acupuncture and how well it worked for me, I decided to go to vet school and acupuncture school so that I could use natural medicine to treat pets. I was accepted to acupuncture school first. While in school, I apprenticed with a veterinary acupuncturist who taught me all the ins and outs of treating pets. I also learned that I could work with pets without having to go through four more years of vet school! It was perfect—I get to work with pets and people using the medicine I have come to love!

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love when patients graduate from acupuncture treatment. It’s always bittersweet because in this medicine patients and practitioners spend so much time together working toward health. It’s hard to say goodbye when patients are feeling better! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want my patients to have learned how to maintain the health they’ve gained!

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That the needles are scary. People finally come in because they’re not getting relief for their conditions elsewhere and they’re desperate enough to brave the needles. Then when they get their first needle inserted, nine times out of 10, I’m asked, “Was that it? Is it in?” Yep! Acupuncture needles should be called something other than “needle,” because they are nothing like what we’re used to when we think about needles.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
It’s always a challenge to do all the things that we need to do to stay healthy. I think I’ve finally come up with a formula of diet, exercise, work, family time and “play time” that works for me. And that’s part of the fun in this line of work, getting to help people find their formula for a healthy life!

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thriveacupuncture.org
becca@thriveacupuncture.org
(971) 285-4825
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3701 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Suite G, Portland, OR 97202

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
As a child I was drawn to herbalism and massage, treating my family during week-long backpacking trips with yarrow poultices and chamomile-oil calf rubs. As an adult I wanted to provide preventive, effective, low-cost medical care that empowers people to feel in control of their health. Acupuncture and East Asian medicine fulfill this goal in an elegant and enjoyable way, using the principles found in nature to embody optimal health. I view the body as an ecosystem, and draw inspiration from time spent in wild nature and from the fields of neurology and microbiology. I am passionate about both the art and science of acupuncture, and I love the opportunity to create lasting change within moments.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I enjoy treating people who are new to acupuncture (especially skeptical folks!), and I combine acupuncture with two effective and gentle acupressure massage techniques: Thai traditional massage and Zen Shiatsu massage. Both types can be used in place of needles if necessary, and they enhance the treatment effect of acupuncture. Thai massage works on the musculoskeletal level to integrate the body’s structures while harmonizing the immune system. Zen Shiatsu creates a deep relaxation that calms the mind and rejuvenates the over-worked body. I also give self-care homework and constantly strive to help you manage or prevent illness. Simple herbal medicine and dietary recommendations also fall into this category. My goal is to get you out of the treatment room and into a satisfying life!

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I greatly enjoy meeting and interacting with my patients, who teach me and inspire me every day. I am constantly awed by the power of this medicine and I relish the opportunity to use both the intensely analytical techniques of herbal medical prescription and the creatively synthetic techniques of in-the-moment acupuncture and massage treatments.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it will be uncomfortable. Sadly, in some cases this comes from a bad previous experience with acupuncture, which I honor as a real disincentive to try acupuncture a second time. However, when patients discover that acupuncture actually feels good and experience a sense of security and empowerment, this is the greatest reward and greatest way to remove these misconceptions. People are also surprised that acupuncture can treat symptoms of serious internal medical conditions like cancer and multiple sclerosis. I love describing current research in these areas when asked.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I stay healthy by feeling gratitude every day. This is a foundation of all of my practices, which include meditation, qigong, playing soccer with a women’s league in Portland (go Belles!), riding my bike to work and for fun, and taking time to enjoy whole food-based meals whenever possible. I use acupuncture, herbal therapy, and massage as preventive medicine, and incorporate herbs and spices into my diet in a delicious way.

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catalystacupuncture.com
bethlac@bambuclinic.com
(503) 274-9360
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838 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 330, Portland, OR 97204

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Between childhood broken arms and a blown-out PCL playing college rugby, I spent a lot of time in physical therapy. I think it was there that my fascination with the body and healing started. Somewhere along the way I came to the conclusion (through both my own and others’ experiences with injury and illness) that healing had to include both body and mind, that focusing only on one or the other seemed hopelessly incomplete. Despite having had acupuncture treatment, growing up doing martial arts, studying Japanese language and Eastern philosophy, it had never occured to me that one day I would become an acupuncturist. It sort of took me by surprise one day, while trying to figure out how I could best help people heal in both body and mind, everything clicked and I thought “that is exactly what I want to do!” And it still is.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My particular approach comes out of a background in neuroscience and love for the scientific process, and it is also shaped by playing competitive sports, being injured, having to decide on major surgery, and experiencing how scary, lonely and challenging rehabilitation / recovery / healing can be. I strongly support integrative medicine. There is a time and a place for various techniques and philosophies, and my goal as a practitioner is to help my patient find out what choice is right for them and then support them as best I can on their path. Sometimes, I can use different modalities (bodywork, e-stim, kinesiotaping, etc.) to achieve this, but sometimes this means being in the recovery room when a patient wakes up from surgery, making a house call, or attending a PT appointment. Healing happens in many ways, and I encourage them all.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Meeting people, learning what they love doing, and helping them get back to doing it. What that takes is different for every person (sleeping better, reducing pain, improving digestion, etc.), but in the end it comes down to being able to do what they love.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
“I’m not sure I believe in it.” As far as I know, acupuncture is not a belief system but rather a form of medicine—one that may or may not work for you (just like any other modality in the world). To me, the most interesting studies on acupuncture are ones where “belief” has no part (e.g., animal studies that show how acupuncture mitigates the effects of alcohol withdrawal, or increases the ability of the animal to withstand a painful stimuli, or functional imaging studies on humans that show a point on the foot used for eye conditions lights up the visual cortex). These studies show a demonstrable effect of acupuncture that has nothing to do with belief. A positive attitude of healing is helpful (no matter what form of medicine you choose) and has been shown to improve outcomes. And placebo is a topic for another time…

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I practice yoga; eat local, fresh and in-season whole foods; make sure to get sleep; receive acupuncture and bodywork; have alone time; and get outdoors.

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anatomyacupuncture.com
alexis@anatomyacupuncture.com
(971) 219-2394
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Anatomy Acupuncture, LLC: 4804 N. Albina Ave, #1, Portland, OR 97217

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Chinese medicine, to me, represented the best way to fulfill my two greatest goals in life. The first goal is to make the world a better place. Healthy people are the most important building block to a better world! The second goal is to live in a state of inspiration and excitement. While I find all types of medicine fascinating, it was only Chinese medicine that truly captured every part of my mind, body and soul in a way that felt sustainable over a lifetime. With these two goals being fulfilled in my life on a daily basis, I cannot imagine doing anything else with my time!

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I suppose it is my intense focus on Chinese herbal medicine that really sets me apart from the majority of people who practice acupuncture. From the first day of school, it was herbalism that interested me, and I turned out to have a real knack for it. All of my specialized training and most of my free time goes into becoming a better herbalist. While I love acupuncture and have seen it work miracles, there’s no doubt that I’m an herbalist first. Other than that, my patients say that my extensive questioning and unrelenting focus on finding solutions to their problems is what makes me a truly unique and effective practitioner.

It’s also important to me that you know that, because of my varied life experience, I am a great choice for people who find themselves disenfranchised in the contemporary medical environment. In particular, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender / transsexual and generally gender non-conforming individuals will find a very comfortable environment in our clinic. We are also fat positive, kink positive and open to a WIDE VARIETY of dietary configurations including veganism and vegetarianism. We consider Watershed Community Wellness to be a judgment free zone.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
The most rewarding thing about being a medical practitioner is definitely going to bed each night knowing that I’ve made a positive difference in the lives of my patients. However, it’s knowing that these healthy people are more likely to go on and make a positive difference in the world that really sets my soul on fire.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it’s only good for pain. I rarely treat pain in my practice, instead focusing on multi-dimensional chronic diseases that Western medicine has trouble treating. These may involve pain, but are much more than muscle strains or headaches. If there’s one thing I’d like you take from reading this profile it is this: Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that can provide you and your family with care throughout your life.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I start with fresh, varied, delicious food shared with friends and family. Beyond that? I am sure to include movement every day—even if it is just some gardening or a walk around my neighborhood. I also pay close attention to the movement of the seasons and live in accordance with them when I can. Finally, I feel that keeping my mind engaged and interested is one of the most important things I can do to ensure a long and vibrant life. So, I start and build businesses, I read, I go outside my comfort zones mentally every single day. It’s a good life!

Learn more and get in touch
watershedcommunitywellness.com
eric@watershedcommunitywellness.com
(503) 820-8040
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1988 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I had been working for 10 years as a healthcare business journalist, covering the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The experience, while inspiring at times, provided an up-close look at modern medicine’s shortcomings and led me to explore other perspectives on health. Acupuncture was the modality that intuitively felt right to me.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Because of my background in writing about Western medicine, I feel I’m able to articulate acupuncture theory and principles in ways that make sense to people. I often use Western analogies to explain acupuncture concepts. I don’t see this as minimizing acupuncture, or as a suggestion that Western medicine is superior. I just know my audience and want to make acupuncture as accessible as possible.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Acupuncture has helped me see the world in an entirely new way. In regards to health, of course, but in other ways as well. By teaching us to slow down and be more intentional, acupuncture provides a new lens for seeing all aspects of modern life. It brings awareness to our patterns and helps dismantle the ones that hold us back from realizing our full potential. Sharing this with people is the best part of my job.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it doesn’t work because it cannot be consistently proven through double-blind clinical trials. Clinical trials are to thank for many medications and technologies that have extended and improved life for countless people. That does not mean they have the answers to everything. They are merely one way of looking at efficacy. When we fail to acknowledge this, we miss the opportunity to consider other perspectives and limit access to the therapies that might help us most.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Running, cycling, walking and yoga keep me mentally and physically awake. Whenever I can, I like to substitute one of those with hiking—there’s lots of it in Oregon! Eating whole foods and remembering to step away from the computer / phone also have a big influence on my overall state of health.

Learn more and get in touch
acutakehealth.com
sara@acutakehealth.com
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