Path

My path into medicine was a not a direct one. I grew up reading Song Dynasty poetry and Daoist classics, and developed interests and appreciation for Daoist philosophy and ancient Chinese cosmology. I attended Pratt Institute majoring in Fine Art and minoring in Art History. At Pratt, I was introduced to Tibetan Buddhism meditation techniques to cultivate inner peace and to dive deep into the well of inspiration, the meditation practice eventually inspired my thesis collection Aurora. Like many new college graduates, I took a job to support myself and later decided to enter a Master of Fine Art program. During this time, the research on ancient cultures’ healing traditions opened the window to a world of healing and personal growth. Oriental Medicine sparked interests in me.  The principal of living in harmony with nature deeply resonates with me, as my creative expressions were a pursuit of beauty inspired by nature. At this time, I experienced life challenges that propelled me to discover more about healing. This calling led me to leaving art school and entering a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. 

During graduate school, I received extensive training with three different styles of acupuncture: classically-oriented Chinese Medicine style, Kiiko Matsumoto style, and Acupuncture Physical Medicine(Myofascial trigger point/dry needling). I had the fortune to study with master practitioners and scholars such as: Kiiko Matsumoto, Elisabeth Rochat, Jim McCormick and Dr. Yongen Shi. These teachers helped me form a solid foundation for the lifelong study of the Oriental medicine tradition. During graduate studies, I completed my clinical internship at Tri State College of Acupuncture and Pacific College of Oriental Medicine clinics, as well as at a Community Auricular Acupuncture Clinic utilizing NADA protocol. I’m trained in Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine, studied with master herbalists Sharon Weizenbaum and Dr. Yu Guo-Jun. I graduated with a Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

After graduate school, I worked with patients in busy community and private clinics in Manhattan and Brooklyn, with an emphasis on sports medicine, pain management, women’s health and fertility. I feel honored and humbled to provide care for all walks of life, support their healing journey and personal growth. Through working with patients, I continue to deepen my understanding of human health and disease, along with the healing power of acupuncture and eastern herbal medicine. In 2021, I decided that being closer to nature would be more nourishing to my wellbeing and relocated Aurora Acupuncture from Brooklyn, NY to Raleigh, NC. 

I enjoy daily meditation, walking in nature, yoga, painting and translating Classical Chinese medicine text with a small group of scholars.

Approach

I practice an integrated style of acupuncture utilizing extensive training and unique background with three different styles of acupuncture: classically-oriented Chinese Medicine style, Kiiko Matsumoto style, and Acupuncture Physical Medicine (Myofascial trigger point/dry needling). My goal is to develop an understanding of each individual and their needs, to support their unique healing journey and personal growth with customized treatment plans. I offer patients ways to understand their own body and healing process, to be an active participant in healing and nourishing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.