About

I came to Traditional Chinese Medicine to help each patient improve their quality of life. In my cozy San Rafael office, I practice the philosophy that every body holds its own healing wisdom. I encourage and support that healing through a combination of acupuncture, herbs, and Eastern-style bodywork.

Acupuncture changed my health and my life

In college, I sought help for debilitating menstrual cramps, which my OB/GYN suspected were caused by endometriosis. Acupuncture and herbs helped reduce my pain, and other health issues also improved. I was sick less, and had more energy and less anxiety.

I want to share this powerful, natural style of healing with others.

My TCM training

I went to the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland for my master’s, learning classical Chinese medicine as it’s practiced in China. I focused on needling and herbal medicine, taught by leaders in the field from the US and Far East.

I extended my expertise with an apprenticeship in orthopedic acupuncture from Whitfield Reaves, an authority on treating musculoskeletal sports and performance injuries and pain.

Asian bodywork background

Before I became an acupuncturist, I built a thriving massage practice in San Rafael. I began this healing arts education at Berkeley’s Acupressure Institute, incorporating Tai Chi and Qi Gong to support the good health and stamina I need to help patients.

East Asian Studies

My undergrad studies also pointed me to a Chinese medicine career. At UC Davis, where I graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa, I earned a BA in East Asian studies and minors in plant biology and cultural anthropology.

I studied in Taiwan for nine months, learning Mandarin Chinese and teaching English. While I was there, I was privileged to accompany one of my adult students to her hometown over Chinese New Year. I learned from her mother how to use local plants for food, soup, and medicine.

Lifelong interest in Asian culture and plants as medicine

My family lived and traveled through China, Korea, India, Japan, and more, all before I was 12.

My particular interest was how plants are used for healing. In Indonesia I watched a local medicine woman brew teas from plants and water that she carried on her back as she walked through town.

I also toured the local herbal medicine factory and saw how commercial herbal powders, very similar to those used in Chinese Medicine, were produced.

Much of my childhood was also spent in Marin County, outdoors. I was big on gardening, camping, and peppering my parents with questions about the natural world.

On the personal side

Now, I recharge my batteries by hiking Marin trails, taking modern dance classes, learning about California wines, and spending time with friends and family (especially my favorite niece).

Learn more
About acupuncture
About herbal medicine