I believe in the strength and resilience of the human body, mind, and spirit. I believe we are connected by common values, interests, and the energetic vibration of our humanity. I look forward to exploring some options together!
The human body is made to move. As an Acupuncturist and “East Asian Medicine Practitioners” (EAMP), I am trained to identify and strengthen weakness, moderate excess, and regulate function to optimize the body’s resources and ability to heal.
My foundation is my life experiences interactions with family. patients, peers, community, and educators and all those who have taught me along the way.
My formal education is a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine earned from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (San Diego, CA). I am certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I’ve been licensed to practice in Utah, Washington and Oregon. I’ve also been awarded a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications. I have dedicated hundreds of hours to continued education and training. I have worked in community medicine, sports medicine, geriatrics, and end of life/hospice care.
~ We stimulate, regulate, and nourish systems to achieve balance and harmony. ~
- We stimulate the circulatory system to regulate “Qi” (oxygen & energy), “Blood” (nutrients), “Yin” (fluids), and “Yang”(hormones and other catalytic processes) to organs, muscles, tissues and spirit.
- The brain and nervous system to regulate function, reduce pain, increase strength, improve cognitive function.
- When the endocrine system and hormones are effectively regulated, the emotions and mind are more calm, and the spirit settles.
- We nourish and tonify organ systems with herbs & diet, lifestyle & relationships, and exercise & breath. I provide counsel and recommendations to bring about holistic balance and homeostasis. the autonomic nervous system we connect and balances multiple systems to relax and benefit the body.
My style of Acupuncture combines Master Tung and Richard Tan’s Balance Method, both of which are founded upon Classics Chinese Medical Texts.
~ ~ ~ The greatest healer is within yourself. We do what we can to encourage and support your process.~ ~ ~Credentials
- Master of Science – Oriental Medicine – Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
- East Asian Medical Practitioner
- Diplomat of Acupuncture
- Licensed Acupuncturist
- Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Holistic Health Practitioner
- Oriental Body Therapist (Specialist – Tui Na & Acupressure)
- Qigong – Exercise Therapy, Medical Qigong and Meta/Remote Acupuncture
- Bachelor of Science – University of Utah
I attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (San Diego, CA) where I earned a Master of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine.
My Story
I was born in California and spent most of my childhood in coastal communities. An active swimmer, boater, and surfer. I also spent summers working, playing and learning about life and nature on a family farm in western Oregon. I became familiar with the ebbs & flow, rhythms, vibrations, and harmony of nature and the earth. Besides developing an appreciation for the law of the harvest, I explored and learned about nature in and around the rivers, meadows and mountains of the Willamette Valley.
I’m a Navy veteran, and returned missionary. I believe in the goodness found within all belief systems, support peace, and do my best to incorporate peace and healing into my daily life.
After a 2-year mission, I worked on the farm until I moved to Utah to attend the University of Utah. I studied Communications, Psychology, and Business. I also worked at the VA Hospital in Mental Health Science. I was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.
I love Utah’s beautiful, mountains, deserts, and canyons and have explored its remote areas and back country extensively.
After graduating I worked in the Food, and Financial industries. I developed skills as a Key Account Manager, Trainer/Team Builder, Leader, and Manager. I was recognized as a top performer and team player. I appreciate and enjoy working in a supportive, team environment. I have also served the youth in church and community groups and organizations. Their sense of infinite possibility and overflowing curiosity and enthusiasm is food to my soul. I enjoy working with others for individual, group, and greater good. I gradually made adjustments to pursue my passion as a teacher, healer, and facilitator.
Oriental Medicine
I grew up active, healthy and strong, but by my mid 30s, I was noticing minor aches and pains that were echoes of accidents and injuries of my youth. I also developed allergies leading to asthma. I was introduced to Chinese Herbal Medicine and acupuncture and my life began to change and continues to improve. Like my patients, I’m a work in progress.
I pay attention to my diet, moderate my lifestyle, and exercise regularly to optimize my own health, wellness and vitality.
I strive to practice what I preach… by doing acupuncture & acupressure on myself, take Chinese herbs regularly, practice yoga, qigong, meditation and prayer. I enjoy gardening working/playing with stones, and growing medicinal herbs. I’m a lifetime student, hiker, and explorer. I get out doors as often as possible.
I respect, honor and thank you for your trust & confidence.
Places Practiced
Sorensen Chiropractic I love working in this collaborative clinic and health center which offers Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Acupuncture, and more… We practice a team approach to healthcare recovery and rehabilitation for patients and those simply wanting to maintain optimal health and vitality.
San Diego Hospice and Center for Palliative Care, As an Intern and Volunteer, I provided comfort care, and palliative services for those in transition, their families and care takers.
Pacific Center of Health I assisted Richard Gold early in my education & training for about a year. Pacific Center of Health is one of the pioneering clinics in San Diego where several PCOM founders, educators, and clinical supervisors have practiced.
The UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project Participating in community outreach and healthcare in conjunction with UCSD students and Residents in training.
Veteran’s Village – San Diego, Serving those who have served us.
UC San Diego Athletics Department providing acupuncture, acupressure, and external herbal application treatments, working side by side with Athletic Trainers, and students for the benefit of collegiate athletes.
AcuSport Health Center I interned as an assistant to Matt Callison for 3 years. I worked with patients, staff and other Interns developing specialty skills in orthopedics, pain management, and sports medicine acupuncture. We combined Chinese Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine with Motor Point Acupuncture, Exercise & Physical therapies into a unique and highly effective style called “Sports Medicine Acupuncture” to support athletes to optimize personal performance, avoid injury, and speed recovery from injury.
Draper Seniors Center I have taught classes and conducted clinics in Acupressure, Auricular therapy, Magnet/Pellet therapy and Hand Reflexology and Qigong exercise.
Shipley Center (formerly named Sequim Senior Center) I love this place! I have offered/provided affordable Group/Community Acupuncture her since 2013. I periodically teach Acupressure classes and workshops open to the community of Sequim, Port Angeles, and the surrounding area.
Misty Mountain Acupuncture aka Sunshine Acupuncture I enjoyed working with the VA hospital and veterans of Douglas county Oregon. As a veteran myself, I love the camaraderie felt as we created an environment where healing can occur. I was instrumental in developing systems, protocols and an environment for treating chronic pain, and reducing or eliminating the need/use of opioids, Working primary on neuromuscular conditions. I was part of a team providing care and improving the quality of life of those individuals who have served us and our country.
Sorensen Chiropractic As of Fall of 2020 I have returned to The Olympic Peninsula and have a part-time private practice. Enjoying life and holding positive intention for the planet full-time.
Continuing Education
For years I have dedicated hundreds of hours to continued education and training. to satisfy certification requirements, develop and expand personal interests, increase knowledge & skills, and collaborate with peers worldwide.
I teach acupressure, and conduct classes & clinics for individuals, groups, and organizations in the communities where I have lived.
I am passionate about the medicine I practice and the impact it has had on a myself and others. I am gratified when I see peoples’, health, wellness, and lives change for the better.