My Approach
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine for Well-Being
Treatment Centered on Your Needs
When you come to my office for the first time, we’ll sit down together to talk about your symptoms, how you feel in your body—and how you want to feel.
Because no two patients are identical, I’ll use what I learn from our conversation to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs. Since Chinese medicine works to balance all systems, we can often treat more than one concern at a time.
Each visit includes an acupuncture treatment where I’ll gently insert needles as you lie on a heated table. Then you’ll relax for 30 minutes with the needles in place (many patients fall asleep at this stage). Once I’ve removed the needles, we’ll go over any necessary post-treatment information (herbs, follow-ups, etc.), and then you can go out and continue your day.
After the first treatment, I’ll recommend a treatment schedule based on the conditions you want to address. On follow-up visits, I’ll check in to see how you’re feeling, and I’ll adapt your treatment accordingly.
Once your initial symptoms are gone, you may opt to come back for regular “tune-ups” to keep you feeling great—many of my patients do!
As an expert practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, I have two tools in my kit: acupuncture and herbal medicine. We can use them separately or together to restore balance to the body.
What You Need to Know About Working With Me
- Listening is everything. I aim to create a space where you can feel seen and heard, and I welcome feedback.
- I meet you wherever you are, and don’t require you to give up the things that give you pleasure.
- I don’t make promises about the outcome of any treatment. (No matter who you choose to work with, be wary of anyone who guarantees a result.)
- Your treatments are a respite from your everyday life. I want you to feel refreshed every time you step out of my office.
- I believe that traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine can be complementary. I’ll never ask you to choose between the two.
- I want you to feel welcome, safe, and free from judgment when you’re with me—especially my LGBTQ+ patients. If I can be more inclusive, whether in my language or otherwise, I am always open to hearing from you.
- It’s okay to feel skeptical about acupuncture or herbs (I used to, too). I’m always happy to answer your questions.
Acupuncture treats the whole system
Reduces pain
Interrupts pain signaling and acts as a natural analgesic.
Regulates immune system
Enhances cytokines, T cells, and other immune markers.
Activates
Activates hypothalamus, pituitary, and other endocrine glands, with a normalizing influence on hormones
Promotes relaxation
Shifts nervous system into the parasympthathetic rest and relaxation mode, and regulates stress compounds such as cortisol.
Reduces inflammation
Brings down inflammation and blood inflammatory markers.
Enhances athletic performance
Regulates nitric oxide and improves heart rate variability, a measure of training readiness.
It’s time to:
Be heard
Your story is important. My goal is to help you achieve what you want, while also being honest and realistic. I’ve been doing this work since the late 90’s and have witnessed the wondrous, and many successful outcomes of treatment. I’ve learned there is always hope, but I won’t promise a certain outcome. Integrity is important.
It’s time to:
Be efficient
I may be the only acupuncturist with two degrees from Harvard. My background, and who I am, makes me a unique acupuncturist. An emphasis on depth, rather than breadth keeps my practice grounded in the continual study of herbal medicine and acupuncture. I stay in my lane, offer referrals to other practitioners when appropriate, and aim to be the best acupuncturist and herbalist I can be. My focus promotes efficiency and efficacy.
It’s time to:
Feel better, without being perfect
I avoid lecturing, telling my patients what they should do. We all know what is best for our bodies, and I recognize that you know your body better than anyone. My work allows room for being human. At the same time, I see how acupuncture and herbal medicine (if desired and needed) can foster greater resiliency, proper functioning, and ease in the body. I use my skills to help you meet the demands of life with flexibility and fortitude.
Herbal Medicine
Experienced
I am a nationally Board certified herbalist with 20 years of clinical experience and an understanding of pharmaceutical medications and any possible interactions.
High Quality
Tremendous care is taken to source high-quality herbs that are extensively third-party tested and don’t use threatened species.
Effective
Herbal formula is customized and specific to the patient and modified over time to adapt to changes in the body, enhancing effectiveness.
Straightforward
Formula is provided as an easy-to-take liquid, or powdered tea, with clear instructions.
Patients say…
“Having never been to an acupuncturist before, I was hesitant and wary prior to my first meeting with Kristi. Almost immediately upon meeting her, I was put at ease not only by her professionalism and knowledge, but also the passion she exhibited for Chinese medicine. We began a course of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs to address my ongoing digestive issue. Within a very short amount of time, this issue that had been plaguing me for several years came under control. I can’t truly express the positive impact this change has made in my day-to-day life. I am extremely thankful to Kristi and highly recommend her.”
— Neil V.
“I came to Kristi having severe difficulties with hives. I’ve seen dozens of doctors and been on myriads of medications without effect. Within two sessions, Kristi had halved the number of hives I got and within a month they were under control again. Her acupuncture treatments and herbal formulas work. Plus, she has a lovely, relaxing facility. I continued to see her for general wellness, and then as I was trying to conceive, and after an early miscarriage. I got pregnant again, and saw her throughout my successful pregnancy. I recommend her to anyone looking for an acupuncturist.”
— Jocelyn H.