**My Story: Licensed to Practice** Before relocating to Washington State in 2020, I practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine in California, earning my Master's degree from Five Branches University in 2003. I am nationally certified by the NCCAOM, which allows me to practice acupuncture, Eastern Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, and TuiNa Massage Therapy in WA. My journey into acupuncture began long before I became a practitioner. For decades, I received acupuncture treatments that transformed my health in profound ways. My early interests in Eastern philosophy and meditation, including time spent with Eknath Easwaran in the 70s and daily practice with my Hatha Yoga teacher, paved the way for my dedication to healing. Following a childhood illness with poliomyelitis that affected my strength, I found renewed vitality through yoga at 19. Deciding to deepen my impact as a therapist, I took pre-med courses and ultimately graduated with my Master's in Traditional Chinese Medicine after four years of study. Experiencing acupuncture firsthand instilled in me the understanding of Qi—our body's vital energy. This understanding, along with my expertise in craniosacral therapy, forms a unique blend of modalities I use in my practice. Additionally, my extensive training in Continuum movement with Emilie Conrad has enriched my healing practice, allowing me to explore the connection between movement and energy. Continuum promotes awareness-based movement, helping many heal from trauma, which complements my approach in treating clients holistically
My Story
My journey began in my teens, where I was drawn to meditation and Eastern philosophy. A significant turning point came when I met my yoga teacher, Ann Erikson, at 19. Ann had transformed her own debilitating arthritis through yoga, a story that even featured in Life Magazine. Inspired by her experience, I committed myself to daily yoga practice with Ann over the next four years, which helped me transform lifelong physical weaknesses stemming from a childhood illness.
My fascination with Eastern Medicine deepened as I studied under Eknath Easwaran at the Blue Mountain Center for Meditation in Berkeley during the 1970s. His teachings on Vedic scripture opened a path toward personal growth and enlightenment that continues to guide me.
In 1986, I experienced my first acupuncture session while training as a Massage Therapist. This sparked my interest in discovering deeper healing modalities. After 26 years in therapeutic practice, I pursued pre-med studies and earned a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA. Since becoming a practitioner in 2003, I have experienced firsthand the transformative power of acupuncture, which focuses on reaching the **Qi**—the body’s vital energy—to correct imbalances that lead to dis-ease and enhance overall wellness.
In addition to acupuncture, I integrate Cranial Sacral Therapy into my practice, creating a harmonious blend of techniques I’ve refined over the past 20 years. My holistic approach is further enhanced by more than two decades of inner exploration in Continuum movement, inspired by Emilie Conrad’s teachings. This practice has deepened my understanding of the body’s organic rhythms and the interplay of attention and intention in moving energy.
Innate sensitivity combined with intuition and touch, allows me to focus on both physical and emotional well-being in my healing work. I believe in the profound potential of these modalities to foster healing and recovery from physical and emotional trauma.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. I look forward to helping you on your path to wellness.