ACUPUNCTURE

Holistic Wellness

I specialize in systems of classical herbalism and acupuncture to address modern health issues such as autoimmune, adrenal, mental-emotional and respiratory conditions as well as acute and chronic pain. My approach prioritizes immediate progress while moving toward lasting health outcomes, and focuses on enhancing quality of life along the way. Herbs and gentle bodywork are employed alongside acupucnture to support health transformation.

Rooted in Nature

Growing up in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, I have a lifelong appreciation for the changing of seasons, the beauty of the outdoors, and the bounty of nature. My love of nature and passion for holistic health lead me to the study of East Asian Medicine, where the same natural principals of transformation and symbiosis create a framework for promoting wellness & understanding the interdepedent nature of vitality in the human body.

Nourishing Life

My approach to acupuncture centers personal growth and sustainable health transformations. On a practical level, this means drawing on the tools of acupuncture, bodywork and other gentle modalities nourish and circulate the body’s resources where they are needed most for each individual, taking in to account individual illness, health history, and constitution as well as season and environment. The goal of treatment is always the resolution of presenting illness and symptoms, but for many living with chronic pain or illness, resolution is a slow and long process. Along the way of healing, my work emphasizes quality of life, promoting individually meaningful wellbeing & vitality in the here and now. It is possible to live a full and fulfilling life even as the arc of healing plays out, and my goal is to help patients reach their health goals while living a life rich with purpose and joy along the way.

In the past, I have worked in public health clinics and worked extensively with mental-emotional complaints including depression, anxiety and PTSD. For many, mental-emotional discomfort comes along with chronic pain, fatigue and inflammation. I specialize in untangling these interconnected webs of discomfort, addressing all aspects simultaneously. Sharing my love of nature with my partner and our two children is my favorite pasttime. When not practicing, I spend time with my family, hiking and camping, reading and drinking tea

Educational and Contemplative Services

I am a graduate of the Doctoral program of East Asian Medicine (DSOM) at NUNM here in Portland, OR. Among my areas of study is the Classical Chinese symbol science of BaZi, similar to astrology. With this tool, it is possible to understand individual narratives of health, constitution and personality through the symbols of the Five Elements and Chinese Zodiac, as well as provide guidance to further promote ease of living and quality of life. I offer personalized readings and seasonal guidance for health and wellness. I offer seasonal Qigong instruction in the Jin Jing Gong lineage and Tea Service, modalities for reflection and internal balance.

Learn More about James at  Willamette Valley Acupucnture

Early Passion for Healing

I began my studies of Chinese Medicine in 2014 at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon. My interest in this medicine began in my early 20s, as a patient. I was seeking support for overall fatigue and mental burnout. I was a believer after my first session! I felt deeply relaxed and at home in my body, something I had not experienced in a very long time. As I aged and grew with the medicine I found it more and more interesting, I was captivated. True healing is just so interesting! And although I came to this medicine to heal myself, I knew on some level that in order to fully embody it, I needed to share it with others. While in school I found myself naturally drawn into the healing art of Shiatsu massage, which has informed much of my practice to this day.

Doing the work and going abroad

After graduation and completion of the 3 board exams required for acupuncture licensure, as well as the additional 4th (optional) Chinese herbal board exam, I flew to Nepal with the Acupuncture Relief Project. This was an amazing experience that pushed me to grow. I gained so much knowledge and confidence as a beginning practitioner. It was a little bit like acupuncture bootcamp, I performed over 515 treatments in 8 weeks! And was so lucky to work with the Nepali people there. It was an experience that made me feel humbled and expansive, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.

A love for holisic healing

Since being back in the states I’ve enjoyed growing and diving deeper into this work as the years go on (I’ve been practicing for 5 years now), there is so much to learn! I love exploring and learning about the nervous system, trauma, and addiction, and how acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle can dramatically turn things around. I love practicing and studying orthopedic acupuncture, the muscles, palpating on bodies, and needling into release points. I love working with Chinese herbal formulas for emotional, spiritual, digestive, and physical health. And I love cupping and Shiatsu massage to provide a deep, often instant relief for aches and pains, to create room for physical ease and health to flourish.

Healing journey with you

My current acupuncture style focuses on Orthopedic and sports acupuncture techniques, as well as working to calm the central nervous system to facilitate the body’s natural healing capabilities. I especially enjoy working on Sciatica, low back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, IBS and other autoimmune dysfunctions, insomnia, and anxious/depressive feelings.

I’m thinking of an idea that was shared with me recently: something can only be considered medicine if it heals you, as well as your patient. I have spent the past 5 years growing and expanding into my role as a healer, and do believe this medicine has helped me heal. I am grateful, excited, and humbled to share that healing with others.

Notable credentials include:

License of Acupuncture with the Oregon Medical Board (LAc)

Master’s of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (MAcOM)

Diplomat of Oriental Medicine with the NCCAOM (Dipl. O.M.)