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I always wondered how people choose their living. For me, a significant influence in my life was my father, who introduced me to acupuncture at the age of 13.
My journey to acupuncture came through training in both Swedish and sports massage, which I studied at the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy. In 1997 I was invited to study Chinese massage called Tuina at The Academy of Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China. Later on I added Shiatsu, Japanese bodywork, to my skill set and have been teaching and practicing both for over 20 years.
Tai Sophia Institute in Maryland is one of the oldest accredited acupuncture schools in the US. I graduated from there with a specialization in Five-Element acupuncture in 2001.
After graduating I wanted to have a more embodied experience of acupuncture, so I decided to travel to Asia, the origin of this practice. I went to Vietnam and studied electrical acupuncture in a Catholic monastery in Bien Hoa. The concept of treating paralysis through acupuncture emerged in my clinical practice after witnessing patients treated during my time at the monastery.
In 2007 my family moved to Pacific NW and I continued to expand my scope of work by adding Japanese needling techniques and moxibustion to my practice.
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Since graduating from the Tai Sophia Institute, I have practiced in three different states. I have also taught both shiatsu and acupuncture in the US and the Czech Republic, conducting classes focused on medical acupuncture for licensed physicians. I am incredibly grateful for these experiences, as they have given me a solid foundation from which to draw from. They have enabled me to be able to view client’s symptoms through many different lenses and subsequently offer the best possible treatment plan. At the present moment I am happy to be a practitioner with the Sylvan Chiropractic and Wellness Center team.
When I am not busy in my practice, I enjoy spending time in solitude at the Hoyt Arboretum, biking, reading, paddleboarding, creating glass mosaics and tango dancing. I live with my husband and two sons in Portland, OR.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my practice. I look forward to meeting and working with you.
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About Me
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Tai-Sophia Institute - Laurel, MD
Graduate Degree in Acupuncture, Specialization Five-Element Acupuncture, 1999-2001
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Ohashiatsu Institute - New York
Studied Ohashitsu Technique, 1997-1999
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Catholic Monastrery - Bien Hoa, Vietnam
Studied electrical acupuncture for facial/body paralysis
alongside physicians and monks, 1998-2000
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Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Beijing, China
Studied Chinese Massage called Tuina, 1998
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Additional Training and Certification:
New England School of Acupuncture - Jeffrey Yuen, Nej-jing, 2000
NCCAOM - Japanese Needling and Moxibustion - Portland OR, 2009-2011
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Other Degrees:
MA in Russian English and Literature, Palacky University - Olomouc, Czech Republic, 1989
MA degree in World History, Palacky University - Olomouc, Czech Republic, 1989
Education and Certifications
My Philosophy
My Philosophy
I came to acupuncture in a fateful way. Chinese medicine was introduced to me by my father. After his tragic death, I chose to follow in his footsteps.
In 2003 I went through a personal tragedy of losing a child. Ten months later I stopped sleeping and found out I was carrying another life inside of me.
I did not think any kind of pharmaceutical intervention was the right choice for me, so I chose acupuncture. Regular treatments made a huge impact in my life. As a result, I decided to offer the gifts I received from acupuncture back to others who might also be in need.
I treat a variety of conditions. If you are a new client, I prefer you contact me via phone - text or call. I always do my best to respond within 24 hours. If you are an established client, you can schedule your appointment online anytime here.
In the beginning I generally see people 6 times over a period of 6 weeks, evaluate and then make a follow up plan. The exception is acute pain, for example sciatica, where I might ask a patient to come twice a week for several weeks. Part of my practice includes clients who come once a month or on a quarterly basis seeking preventive “seasonal" treatments.
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Your first appointment can last anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes. During this session I will establish a diagnosis and administer your first needle treatment. In my acupuncture treatments I generally use Japanese needling, as it is an elegant, gentle and pain-free technique of needling. I may also combine this with moxibustion, shiatsu, tuina and cupping.
I accept a wide variety of Medical Insurances and can check your policy for you upon request. If your insurance covers acupuncture and I am a preferred provider, you will pay just a copay. If your insurance does not cover acupuncture, you will pay a discounted rate that will be due at the time of treatment.
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What should you know about me? I listen and I subscribe to the Golden Rule. If you think my services would be a good fit for what you are looking for, please contact me any time.