I began my journey of learning natural medicine almost 20 years ago as an herbalist. I then studied Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Western herbalism with Michael and Lesley Tierra. I went on to teach at their school and then travelled to Shanghai with them to attend rounds at the Longhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Along the way, I also earned my massage therapy license and opened a small practice and apothecary in Oregon. But, I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to take my education to the farthest reaches, so I applied to one of the most prestigious universities of natural medicine in the country: NUNM in Portland Oregon, where I earned my Doctorate of Science in Oriental Medicine. There, I learned from masters in every discipline within Chinese medicine. I mentored with Heiner Fruehauf, who taught me how the cosmos can be contextualized within a single acupuncture point or herbal formula. I learned the gentle art of Japanese acupuncture from Bob Quinn, who was actually teaching me how to create sacred, healing space and how to “be” an acupuncturist. My teachers at NUNM were beacons of light and love, and I can only hope to honor them by bringing a part of that to my own patients and students.
I also spent a few months in the Wudang mountains of China at a Daoist temple in 2018. The abbott of that temple took us to stay in a bone setting hospital, and introduced us to many herbalists and healers along the way. I learned a bit more about the philosophical and spiritual roots of this medicine, and it opened my eyes to how profound being in service to others can be.
I suppose I should also say that I am Nationally Board Certified (NCCAOM) with the prestigious title of Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, the highest achievement allowed for an acupuncturist. I am licensed in the state of Ohio in addition to having both my masters and doctorate in Classical Chinese medicine. In addition, I am a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild, where I served as a chairperson in 2015-16. My undergraduate degree is in molecular biology.
I began my journey of learning natural medicine almost 20 years ago as an herbalist. I then st...
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