Since youth, I have been interested in the elements of Chinese Medicine but didn't know of its existence. I moved to San Francisco after graduating from the University of Virginia and tried acupuncture for the first time. I enjoyed it but didn't keep up with it for long. One year later, a life threatening car accident rendered me immobile for two weeks. Once partially mobile, I visited my acupuncturist again and she proceeded to peel back the layers of pain, tension, and trauma with acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha. Within two months, I recovered and haven't had any residual effects since.

Through the dialogue with my acupuncturist, I realized this system of medicine embodied what interested me from an early age and could benefit so many people. Fortunately, one of the oldest and best programs in the country was in San Francisco, at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

While completing this rigorous 4 year Master's program, I also studied with several masterful practitioners in the Bay area including Bob Levine, Dr. Kang, Brian LeForgia, and Angela Wu. They graciously shared knowledge of in-depth pulse techniques, specialized herbal formulation, treatment for chronic degenerative diseases, and fertility.

I sought further post graduate expertise through five months of study at ZheJiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Medicine Hospitals in Hangzhou, China, and one year of intensive meditation study in India. Eager to apply my knowledge but also craving more guidance in how to be most effective, I was grateful to be accepted into the clinic of master Chinese medicine physician Cynthia Wallace as her apprentice for 5 years. Through this experience with Cynthia, I honed what it means to truly treat the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. I also further developed my ability to address the main concern at hand, while simultaneously addressing future health and establish long term wellness. If the root of the problem is not properly addressed, symptoms treated may disappear, but others will appear somewhere else later on. To truly resolve an imbalance, a skillful lens and alert persistence must be used.

I have also been immensely fortunate to study extensively with Jeffrey Yuen, a 88th generation Daoist Priest who downloads his Chinese medicine tradition with heart, clarity, and immense spirit. Due to Cynthia and Jeffrey's teachings, I'm one of the few local practitioners working from the Classical Chinese medicine perspective and applying the 5 channel systems (sinew, luo, primary, divergent, and extraordinary). The 5 channel systems provide great flexibility to address the duration and depth of an imbalance and offer complete resolution. I've complimented this base with the amazingly effective Master Tung acupuncture system and Dr. Tan Balance Method.

I moved to the Raleigh-Durham area in 2011 and have enjoyed creating community here ever since.

Teachers:

I am so grateful for the immense influence each has had on my practice

• Cynthia Wallace: My guiding light. For me, she illuminates how to practice from the heart of the medicine. My practice is a direct reflection of this. I work to harness the potency of the medicine to offer peace, health and humanity to individuals and the community. 

• Jeffrey Yuen: Classical Chinese medicine

• Bob Levine: Pulse diagnosis, herbal medicine, acupuncture

• Brian LaForgia: Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis

• Susan Johnson: Acupuncture, Master Tung points

• Dr. Kang: Herbal medicine, acupuncture

Click here to review more information on my training and certifications.

I treat these and many more, such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, Graves', type 1 diabetes, etc.).

I meet you where you are and address your main concerns. I also help you experience a deeper sense of authentic balance. We work together to secure your long term wellness, and more importantly inner resonance.

Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. O.M.)

A Diplomate of Oriental Medicine is a practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to practice both acupuncture and herbal medicine. It is a considerable professional achievement to earn the designation Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. NCCAOM certification indicates to clients and peers that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbology as defined by the acupuncture and Oriental medicine (AOM) profession. National board certification in Oriental medicine has been the mark of excellence in AOM since the inception of the Oriental Medicine Certification Program. Every certified NCCAOM Diplomate abides by the NCCAOM Code of Ethics (NCCAOM).

Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)

I am licensed to practice acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Oriental medicine in the state of North Carolina by the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board

What Training does an NCCAOM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine have?

Comprehensive training in traditional differential diagnosis and proper treatment methods requires that a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) completes three to four academic years of education at the master’s degree level in an Oriental Medicine Program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). ACAOM is the only accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education as the authority for quality education and training in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. In addition to graduation from an ACAOM accredited program, a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) must demonstrate professional competency by passing NCCAOM certification examinations in Foundations of Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, Chinese Herbology, and Biomedicine (NCCAOM).

What is the difference between a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and other healthcare practitioners who practice acupuncture and/or herbs?

Generally, the NCCAOM Diplomate training and competency verification is in sharp contrast to the acupuncture and Oriental medicine training of other healthcare professionals (medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, etc.) who typically receive 40-300 hours of abbreviated training. In addition, other healthcare professionals who study acupuncture are not trained or assessed to practice Chinese herbal medicine, nor the philosophy of this rich wisdom tradition which is the basis for treatment in its modalities (nutrition, qi gong, acupuncture, herbs, and feng shui). Diplomates and Licensed Acupuncturists are also trained in standard medical history gathering, safety and ethics, and recognition of when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals or consult with other medical practitioners (NCCAOM).

Continuing Education Coursework

• Jeffrey Yuen: Primary Channels Series, Divergent Channels, Luo and Sinew Channels, Pulse Diagnosis, Endocrinology Series, Fire Toxins and Cancer, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ling Shu, Bi-Obstruction Syndrome, Latent Heat, Spirit of Healing, Treating Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Roots, Essential Oils, Stone Medicine, Chinese Medicine Food Therapy Series

• Susan Johnson: Master Tung’s Acupuncture Points Beginner and Advanced Series, Cupping, Bleeding Therapy

• Dr. Tan: Points and Balance Method Basic and Advanced Classes

• Certified Yoga Instructor