An Integrative Approach

I combine 5 Element Acupuncture, Sound Healing, and Light Touch Bodywork, to support body-mind-spirit in what we know how to do best: HEAL. I meet you wherever you are in that journey- that might look like ongoing intensive treatment to help resolve a serious condition, or just a simple "tune-up" now and then.  I specialize in working with chronic conditions of all kinds, thyroid and adrenal issues, trauma, and pain. My work is gentle and emphasizes listening and support, making it especially suited to more sensitive people.

In order to help my clients make real, lasting shifts, I work from multiple levels and angles:

-Through acupuncture, we adjust the flow of subtle energy in the body and remind it of its own inherent capacity for well-being and balance.

-Through herbs and diet, we create a daily regimen to support the continuing unfolding of your vitality each and every day.

-Through sound healing and bodywork, we create deep meditative states where your body can unwind old pain and trauma.

How is 5 Element Acupuncture unique? 5 Element acupuncture works on a constitutional level: the understanding that each of us is born with a unique blueprint which expresses itself through the balance of the 5 Taoist elements in our lives. These are: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. I understand our unique constitution and the harmonious balance of the 5 elements within us as the natural seat of our strength and well-being.  By reading your unique elemental make-up I help my clients find a deeper understanding of their condition, and from that place make profound shifts toward health and balance.

About Me

“Healing happens because it’s a natural part of who we are”

-Athene Eisenhardt

A series of childhood accidents and illness directed me onto a path of healing at a young age.  I found solace and inspiration through nature, meditation, and music. Eventually, Chinese Medicine and 5 Elements became my indispensable map for understanding my symptoms and fully restoring my health. By the age of 30 I had completely healed myself from a debilitating chronic illness which medical doctors told me was incurable and lifelong. I share with you the tools that worked for me on that journey...but it's always up to you. That's the most beautiful and important part!

My work emphasizes listening and connection as the foundation of healing. Connection with ourselves and the natural world, and listening to the bodies’ inherent wisdom and flow. I've been in practice in the healing arts since 2015. I graduated with honors from Five Branches University with a specialty in 5 Element Acupuncture and Herbology. I also interned as an Acupuncturist at the first and only integrative medicine hospital residency in the US, Highland Hospital in Oakland, California.  There, I worked side by side with doctors in the Emergency Department to treat acute pain. I completed my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine (DAIM) with highest honors in 2022.

My training as an herbalist includes a BS in Botany, along with years of formal study and practice in Western, Ayurvedic, and Chinese herbalism, and professional work as a Field Botanist. An active teacher, I am currently on the Herbology faculty at Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College (AIMC) Berkeley. I co-lead herb walks for the Evergreen School of Herbology in Placerville, CA, and have also been on the faculty of Cypress Health Institute in Santa Cruz as a college level Physiology teacher. I also spent 2 years of living and training in the indigenous Plant Spirit Healing tradition of the Amazon. I have continued to train rigorously in the healing traditions of the Amazon since 2009.

In addition to all this, I draw upon my 25+ year practice of meditation and yoga to inform my practice and offerings.  I  also completed intensive shamanic training in the US with the Foundation of Shamanic Studies. A longtime didjeridoo and flute player, I perform as a solo artist, and with numerous local bay area artists- the San Francisco Sound Healing Symphony, Savasana Sound, and the Santa Cruz Healing Circle of Sound. I released my first full-length original sound healing album, "Attunements: A Sound Healing Journey" in December 2019.  

Thanks for visiting!

Questions?