When I was first introduced to Chinese Medicine in massage school, I was instantly intrigued. Rooted in the natural world and on the knowledge gathered by observant ancestors, it was poetic, mysterious yet it felt so innately ‘KNOWable’. It made sense that the spiritual aspect of health as well as the physical must be appreciated to work toward becoming balanced, happy, whole being. A trip to Beijing, China in 2004 to study Tui Na (a type of bodywork) rekindled that flame of curiosity and desire for deeper understanding. I knew I had to attempt to scratch the surface of what those ancient teachers discovered so long ago! I was able to begin my acupuncture studies in earnest in 2006 in my home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico at Southwest Acupuncture College. I completed my Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine at the Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley in 2011 and will be learning from all my patient-teachers for many, many years to come.
The hybrid of acupuncture and body work, along with other modalities, allows me to address the varied needs of my clients both physically and emotionally. No need to turn someone away because they are afraid of needles – we can work with massage, acupressure, Tui Na and Qi gong. Different tools also allow space to those not ready for a lot of touch- needles can be placed and the treatment continues while a client quietly rests. Respect for my clients’ needs and boundaries are paramount. All treatments are geared to inducing well-being and reducing symptoms that inhibit a healthy and comfortably happy life!
Reconnecting people to their bodies, reminding them what
it is to relax, creating space for emotions to unwind from within
twisted muscle….that’s the good stuff!I love seeing patients’ eyes brighten after a treatment. It’s what inspires me every
day, to engage in this journey of discovering what well-being
means to each individual. It’s an exercise for both of us, a
synergy of will and trust that I’m honoured to be a part of!
My clinical experience ranges from the specialty intern training in Japanese Style Acupuncture and Tui Na I received at SWAC, to low-income Women’s clinics supporting perinatal and oncological care. I have been privileged to work with patients through Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Care Clinic in Oakland, LifeLong Medical in Berkeley, the Homeless Prenatal Clinic in San Francisco, and the Community clinics of both my Colleges.
I currently offer community style acupuncture in Berkeley, private acupuncture and massage sessions in Oakland, and occasionally bike to home visits!