A TEAM practitioner seeks to determine the deeper, underlying causes of your condition. The diagnostic process uses skills and techniques with which you may be unfamiliar. Before each treatment, your provider will evaluate your health by asking you questions about how you feel. They may ask to feel your pulse, not just to check its speed, but to judge its condition. They may also examine your tongue. The tongue and pulse allow them to understand numerous aspects of your physiological processes.  Please be assured that each question is asked and each diagnostic step is performed to help determine the best therapeutic approach for your health needs. After this exam, you will begin your treatment. Most people go into a state of deep relaxation and some even fall asleep during their treatment.

Many insurance plans do cover acupuncture, but coverage varies depending on your provider and plan. We recommend that you contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits.

If your insurance plan includes out-of-network benefits for acupuncture, we’re happy to provide you a superbill (receipt with medical coding) that you can submit to your insurance company so that they will reimburse. you for what they choose to cover. Some clients choose to use their HSA or FSA accounts to pay for services.

We take most Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) and Work Injury claims.

We kindly ask that you give 24 hours notice if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment time. This will avoid a full price cancellation fee for the time reserved.

Yes, you're welcome to book acupuncture as a stand-alone service if that’s what you prefer. However, our packages and programs are designed to offer deeper support, faster and more sustainable results, and better overall value. By enrolling in a package or program, you’ll gain access to a more comprehensive set of services, ongoing guidance, and bundled savings that go beyond what a single service can provide.

If you're unsure which option is best for you, please Book A Consultation with us. We’re happy to help you choose what fits your goals and needs.

First, we kindly ask that you complete your New Client paperwork before your appointment. You can find this in the clinic’s Online Portal.

Treating yourself with the utmost and gentle respect will help your healing process. Do your best to honor the time and commitment you have made to yourself to create profound healing. Your intentional efforts to get the most from yourself and your sessions by arriving prepared, on time, and ready to receive will greatly enhance your healing journey.

Please avoid vigorous exercise or sexual activity in the hour before treatment. While you should not have recently eaten a large meal, it is recommended that you eat within the 2 hours prior to your visit. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is also not recommended prior to or just following a treatment. Please arrive wearing clean & comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Many individuals, including your provider, are highly sensitive to fragrances. Strong scents can trigger headaches or migraines, which may result in needing to pause or cancel appointments and end the workday early. As such, and to ensure a positive experience for everyone, we kindly ask that all clients avoid wearing strong scents, including perfume, cologne, or heavily scented body products.

Every person is different, and treatment length depends on your specific condition, how long you’ve had it, and its severity. Acute issues—like a cold or flu—may respond within 1–2 treatments. Chronic conditions that have developed over years typically require a longer course.

Most people begin to notice improvements within the first 4–6 sessions. Consistency, emotional and physical health, and following your doctor’s recommendations all influence progress.

In some cases, treatment may need to continue even after symptoms improve to fully address underlying issues and prevent recurrence.

In most cases—especially for pain—weekly treatments are recommended for the first month or two. This helps build momentum, as acupuncture’s effects are cumulative. Our packages and programs makes this frequency more affordable and accessible.

As symptoms improve, treatments are typically spaced out to every few weeks or monthly. Once balance is restored, many clients wisely choose to come in periodically for maintenance and ongoing wellness.

Many people begin to notice positive changes within 2–3 treatments. For recent or mild issues, improvement can sometimes be felt after just one session, with only a few treatments needed for full relief.

Chronic or long-standing conditions may take more time, but progress is still very possible with consistent care. Our goal is to support your healing journey every step of the way, at a pace that’s right for your body.

The acupuncture needles are as thin as human hair and are tapped in through a tiny tube. They are solid (not hollow like hypodermic needles used in Western medicine) and made from surgical steel. They are disposable and used only one time.

It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first acupuncture treatment and each person experiences acupuncture differently. When done by a well-trained, compassionate provider, most people are pleasantly surprised by how gentle the experience is.

The needles are very thin—much finer than those used for injections—so insertion typically feels like a quick pinch or a light tap, if anything at all. Sometimes, you may feel a mild sensation once the needles are in place—like warmth, heaviness, tingling, or a dull ache. This is called the “Qi” (pronounced chee) sensation and is a normal, therapeutic response. If there ever is any discomfort, just let your provider know and the points can quickly be adjusted to your comfort level.

Your provider will guide you through the entire process and check in regularly to make sure you’re at ease. Many people relax and even fall asleep during their healing sessions.

Dry needling is a form of orthopedic acupuncture. While both acupuncture and dry needling treat trigger points in the muscle, acupuncture encompasses a broader therapeutic approach, supporting not only muscular release but also the structural integrity, circulatory function, and nervous system regulation.

For your safety, we suggest you look into the education that acupuncturists and those that do dry needling receive. There is a VERY significant difference! You can read more in our blog post here.

For a comprehensive discussion on the subject, we highly suggest you read this fact sheet from the American Society of Acupuncturists.

No. Acupuncture does not rely on belief to be effective. Research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, influences neurotransmitter release, improves circulation, and modulates pain—regardless of a person’s mindset.

Acupuncture has been successfully used on children and animals—clients who do not understand or “believe in” the process—yet often respond very well to treatment.

While a positive attitude can enhance any type of therapy, acupuncture works through physiological mechanisms that do not depend on mindset. That said, positive expectations can support better outcomes. If you have any questions or concerns before beginning treatment, we encourage you to discuss them with us—we're here to support you.

Traditional East Asian Medicine uses many methods to restore balance to the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. The therapies are customized to each individual’s needs, addressing the root cause of illness. To learn more, please read our Blog post, “How Does Acupuncture Work?”

Our clinic offers facial services through single sessions, packages, and holistic facial rejuvenation programs. Treatments may include Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture, Claircupuncture™ (Dr Sandra’s Signature Method), Microneedling, Nanoneedling Therapy, Infrared/Heat Therapy, LED Light Therapy (Red, Yellow, and Blue Lights), Cupping, Gua Sha, Rolling, TCM Herbal Serum Therapy, TCM Herbal Medicine, Ultrasound Therapy, Microcurrent Therapy, Crystal Shi Fa Therapy, and more.

The best way to get the greatest results, while saving the most money possible is through one of our Holistic Facial Packages or Facial Rejuvenation Programs. In the packages and programs, we combine multiple therapies that have proven to get the best results. We offer them at a discounted rate than if you were to pay for each service alone. Of course, you are welcome to pick and choose your services separately if you’d like. As someone who is highly results drive, Dr Sandra recommends participating in one of the packages or programs. As the Rejuvenation Program includes the most modalities, the results will likely happen at a quicker pace.

Both therapies are based on 3000 years of Traditional East Asian medical principles of moving qi (pronounced chee, meaning energy), moving blood, and engendering flesh. From a Western biomedical standpoint, both therapies increase keratinocytes and stem cells which then produces more collagen and elastin in the face. Both therapies can be performed by Acupuncturists. You receive the most benefit when you incorporate both therapies into your healing sessions.

Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture is better for:

• Firming, Lifting, Tightening

• Treating sagging neck, cheeks, or eyelids

• Addressing the whole body

• Using Chinese herbal medicine to treat aging constitutions

• Treating the source of the problem, as well as the symptoms/manifestations

• More inexpensive than Microneedling, with the average time of service cost about $150.

• On average, takes 12-24 treatments to see results

Microneedling is better for:

• Treating wrinkles, age spots, scars, skin tone, and acne

• Increasing facial product absorption by 3000%

• Incorporating topical Chinese herbal serums and apple stems cells into treatment

• Improvements can be seen days after a session

• Results can last a few years

• More expensive than Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture, with the average time of service cost of $650.

• More often sought out than Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture

We offer options to receive Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture with or without Microneedling.

Yes, absolutely! Here are 11 ideas to help. Feel free to combine any of sort of way, or, if you prefer, ask for guidance on what would best serve you.

1. Add on LED light therapy. Red light therapy increases collagen reproduction by 200%

2. Add on Claircupuncture™ sessions to get to the core of the issues and heal at body, mind, emotion, and spirit levels. Our face is the mirror of our thoughts, feelings, and habits. Heal the root of the problems and feel vibrant.

3. Use our arnica sprays to reduce pain & greater soothe your skin after Microneedling.

4. Use our aloe vera products to reduce redness & soothe your skin after Microneedling.

5. Take home a collagen supplement to boost your body & improve skin elasticity.

6. Take home a Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal serum to continue healing your skin at home.

7. Take home our hyaluronic acid products to further hydrate your skin at home.

8. Purchase a gua sha tool and begin daily home therapy to improve facial and neck lymphatic flow.

9. Purchase a roller tool for quick, effective smoothing of the skin home care.

10. Only doing Microneedling? You’ll get greater benefit from using a combination of Holistic Therapies. Do one of our Holistic Programs.

11. Only doing Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture? Add on Microneedling and see your face improve quicker.

Microneedling, aka collagen-induction therapy, is a nonsurgical treatment that uses tiny needles to create micro channels in the skin to rejuvenate your skin and improve your appearance. The wound-healing response creates a structural and cosmetic benefit by producing collagen and elastin. This results in tighter and smoother skin, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, evening of skin tone, reducing enlarged pores, fading scars and stretch marks. It is much less expensive than lasers or chemical peels.

83%! How amazing is that!

• Improves skin texture and tone

• Reduces fine lines, large pores, and roughness

• Boosts overall smoothness and glow

• Reduces acne scars & stretch marks

• Stimulates collagen production to help fill in pitted scars

• Often used on both the face and body

• Minimally invasive

• No surgery required

• Quick recovery time

• Redness and minor irritation typically last 1–3 days

• Most people return to normal activities within 24–48 hours

• Enhances product absorption

• Increases the skin's ability to absorb serums, such as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid

• Safe for most skin types

• Especially compared to laser treatments, which can pose risks for darker skin tones
  

• Temporary side effects

• Redness, swelling, dryness, or peeling are common for a few days

• Skin may feel sunburned or sensitive post-treatment

• Multiple sessions needed for best results

• Not ideal for active skin conditions - acne, eczema, or rosacea flares

• Risk of infection or irritation

• If done incorrectly (especially at home), it can lead to infection or worsened skin issues

• Results take time

• Collagen rebuilding takes weeks to months, so changes are gradual

• Cost can add up - but are still much cheaper than a facelift

• Professional treatments range from $200–$700 per session

The face, chest, and hands are Microneedled to improve appearance. The head is Microneedled to improve hair growth. Areas of the body with stretch marks, such as the belly and thighs, are done to reduce the stretch marks.

Benefits of Microneedling include boosts collagen and elastin production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and tone, fades acne scars and other scarring, minimizes pore size, enhances product absorption, brightens dull skin, it’s safe for most skin types and tones, and has little to no downtime.

It’s really important to have proper expectations regarding what Microneedling can offer you. You need to know that Holistic Therapies are not a quick fix, nor are they a surgical facelift. It takes at least 4 treatments to even see changes as each treatment builds upon the previous ones. When you come in for Microneedling, we take before and after pictures so we can track, and celebrate, your progress. Your results are dependent upon many things such as your age, exposure to sun, state of your skin when you first begin treatment, your diet and lifestyle, aftercare routine, how well you follow recommendations, and more. We pride ourselves in offering outstanding Holistic Healing and think that you will be delighted with your results.

You can receive 1 Microneedling treatment per month for facial care, and 1 treatment every 2 - 4 weeks for hair growth care. This gives the skin enough time to heal and avoids over treatment. In order to get the best results, people often decide to have acupuncture or nanoneedling treatments during the remaining 3 weeks of the month.

If you have any of the following conditions, Microneedling is not recommended for you: active acne, local infections, warts, eczema, psoriasis, blood disorders (clotting, bleeding, etc.), keloid scarring or tendency, current chemotherapy/radiation, actinic keratosis, or herpes simplex. If you are pregnant or nursing, we cannot do Microneedling but may be able to do modified Nanoneedling Therapy instead.

There are many differences. Dermarollers must be under 1mm in length. Microneedling can penetrate much deeper, with the average depth being .5mm to 1mm. There are many cheap Dermarollers on the market that have poor quality needles that are curved and bent. You really need to make sure you use a high quality Dermaroller if you choose to use one. Dermrollers create a much wider “hole” in the skin as the needles go in at an angle, rotate upward, and continue rotating until the needle leaves the skin. These “holes” become much larger if the needle is bent, and caused a greater risk of scarring. Microneedles go in straight up and down, leaving a much smaller wound.

$625!

1-3 days. We can provide you with soothing products to assist the healing process.

Yes! After receiving Microneedling, it’s important to avoid being outside in the sun. You should avoid exercising/sweating afterward. Do not use any facial soap or products other than what we provide/recommend for 24 hours after your session. Do not wear makeup for 24 hours either. It’s ok to use hyaluronic acid when you feel dry and before bed the day you have treatment. Know that you will be red for 8 - 12 hours after the treatment. Aloe vera can be used to cool the skin and reduce redness. Remember it takes 2 - 4 weeks before you start to see improvement. Return every 4 weeks for your follow up sessions, as your sessions build on one another. You can return during the other 3 weeks for Nano Therapy and other Holistic Treatments.

Nanoneedling is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses tiny, cone-shaped tips—often made of silicone or stainless steel—to gently exfoliate the skin and enhance the absorption of active serums. Unlike microneedling, nanoneedling does not puncture the skin, making it completely pain-free and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Nanoneedling Therapy allows for up to 97% of topical serum/product absorption. It is ideal to treat fine lines & wrinkles, and swollen or sagging skin.

Nanoneedling Therapy allows for up to 97% of topical serum/product absorption. Nano Therapy is better to treat fine lines & wrinkles, and swollen or sagging skin. Microneedling is better for deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and acnes scars.

You can do this 2-3 times per week. It’s like a facial and is the least invasive. It’s a great option if you are sensitive to Microneedling or are elderly.

Light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. It provides the cells with the energy to increase ATP production and get the mitochondria to function properly. Different colors of light—like red, blue, and near-infrared—have unique benefits and target various skin concerns by affecting how your skin cells function and heal.

Light therapy is a completely painless and relaxing treatment. During the session, you’ll feel a gentle warmth or a soft glow on your skin from the LED lights. Most people find it soothing and comfortable, similar to basking in sunlight—without any harmful UV rays. There’s no discomfort, and you can lie down and relax while the light does its work.

No, it won’t tan you. No, it doesn’t have any UV light. Spectral lighting has no UV light.

The red wavelength is about 640nm, the yellow is around 583nm, and the blue is approximately 423nm.

Blue light kills bacteria, cleans the skin, activates the cells, promotes injury recovery, sterilizes the skin, and helps with wound prevention. It causes the C.Acnes bacteria to destroy itself.

Yellow light improves cellular oxygen utilization, promotes circulation, removes redness, and helps remove pigments.

Red light has the most penetrating power. It regenerates skin cells, increases blood oxygen content, stimulates circulation, reduces acne, improves wound healing, eases pain, increases energy, promotes collagen production, brings more oxygen and nutrients to the area, reduces redness and inflammation, enhances immune and lymphatic response, enhances skin tone and firmness, accelerates wound healing, can be used post surgery and improves wrinkles.

Combining the colors works synergistically, enhancing results. It decreases recovery and discomfort, and improves outcomes. Accelerates tissue repair, accelerates wound closure, reduces redness and inflammation. Used before surgeries, it can reduce the incidence of scarring, keloids, and hyperpigmentation. Activates mast, macrophage and neutrophil cells to decrease inflammation and protect agains inflammation.

In more modern times, light therapy has expanded to include artificial lights that are full-spectrum, ultraviolet, infrared, LED, and lasers. Light therapy has been used to treat neonatal jaundice, rickets, psoriasis, acne, eczema, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), depression, cure tumors in hamsters, to help astronauts prevent muscle and bone loss while in space, and for hair loss reversal. It’s been used to increase vitamin D levels, for pain management, cosmetic purposes/anti-aging, and wound healing.

There are many modern scientific studies showing that photobiomodulaton, or light therapy, successfully helps many health conditions by stimulating ATP synthesis, increase mitochondria energy production, improve skin tone and texture, improve skin elasticity, increase collagen density & production, increase elastin content, reduce appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, reduce chronic facial edema in cancer patients, and reduce the severity of acne vulgaris. It can be used to relieve muscle pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, improve digestion & gut health, ease joint pain & inflammation, increase flexibility and range of motion, reduce symptoms of chronic conditions, reduce symptoms of PMS & menopause, improve circulation, improve athletic performance & recovery, reduce stress & anxiety, reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, reduce asthma and other respiratory condition symptoms, reduces anxiety & depression, promote relaxation, improve sleep, alleviate arthritis symptoms, improve bone health, reduce risk of osteoporosis, support the body’s natural healing process, boost energy, reduce fatigue, improve mental clarity & focus, support weight loss & detoxification, increase metabolism, alleviate headaches & migraines, reduce symptoms of chronic stress & burnout, boost immune system, reduce chronic pain, help the detoxification process.

Our clinic offers multiple forms of light therapy:

• Acumat™ - an Infrared Crystal Mat

• TDP Lamp - infrared heat therapy

• Aculight™ - a LED light therapy

• Moxibustion - infrared heat therapies

We also offer other vibrational therapies such as flower essences, crystal and color therapy.

The Acumat™ is a warming mat that has adjustable heat settings that allow heat to penetrate over the entire body. It’s filled with multiple types of crystals - amethyst, blue agate, sodalite, green aventurine, yellow aventurine, carnelian, and red jasper. It has 2-3x deeper impact than a traditional infrared sauna. You simply lay on it during your treatment, relax, and bask in its healing effects.

• Improved sleep

• Promote relaxation

• Enhance detoxification

• Stimulate lymph flow

• Promote circulation

• Improve blood flow

• Support the body’s natural healing process

• Reduce blockages of energy and blood flow

• Reduce inflammation

• Stimulate the body’s natural cooling mechanisms

• Promote balance and harmony in the body

• Clear excess heat in the body

• Ease muscle and joint pain

• Improve mobility

• Reduce stiffness

• Promote tissue nourishment

• Tonify and nourish the internal organs

• Boost the immune system

• Improve digestion & gut health

• Reduce stress

Each type of crystal also has its own healing properties and benefits.

Amethyst:

• Support emotional healing and balance

• Enhance intuition & spiritual awareness

• Calms the mind

• Soothes emotions

• Protects against negative energies

• Enhance mental clarity & focus

• Promote spiritual growth & development

Blue Agate:

• Calms & soothes the mind & emotions

• Enhances self-expression

• Clears blockages in the throat chakra

• Promotes clear & effective communication

• Promotes harmony, balance, tranquility

• Enhances creativity & artistic expression

• Promotes clarity & focus

• Strengthens the aura

• Protects against negative energies

Sodalite:

• Promotes inner peace & calm

• Enhances empathy & compassion

• Encourages self-discipline & self-control

• Strengthens willpower & determination

• Enhances dream recall

• Promotes clear thinking & decision-making

Green aventurine:

• Promotes abundance & prosperity

• Enhances the heart chakra

• Promotes love, compassion, & emotional balance

• Promotes physical health & wellbeing

• Promotes personal growth & development

• Enhances leadership abilities

• Improves decision-making

• Amplifies mental clarity & focus

Yellow aventurine:

• Enhances the sacral chakra

• Promotes creativity, sexuality, & emotional balance

• Support self-healing

• Tonifies the immune system

• Promotes confidence in social situations

• Helps release old patterns & negative habits

• Encourages optimism & positive outlook

• Enhances connection to Earth & Nature

Carnelian:

• Increases courage & self-confidence

• Enhances sacral chakra

• Promotes creativity, sexuality, & emotional balance

• Promotes physical vitality

• Enhances mental clarity & focus

• Promotes emotional healing & balance

• Helps release negative emotions

• Promotes peace & tranquility of the mind & emotions

• Promotes abundance & prosperity

• Enhances solar plexus chakra

• Improves self-esteem, confidence, and personal power

Red jasper:

• Enhances physical strength & vitality

• Grounds & stabilizes the body

• Enhances root chakra

• Promotes a feeling of safety & security in the world

• Improves courage & self-confidence

• Increases emotional healing & balance

• Helps release negative emotions

• Increases peace & tranquility of mind & emotions

• Promotes a deeper appreciation for the beauty of Earth & nature

Using light as healing has been used since ancient times. One of the oldest ancient Egyptian medical texts, The Ebers Papyrus, dating to 1550 BCE, describes heliotherapy (sunlight) to help vitiligo, wounds, and jaundice. Like many ancient people, they worshipped the sun. Ra, the sun god, was one of their most important deities. The Athara Veda, from 1200 BCE, is an ancient India text discussing using sunlight to balance the Ayurvedic doshas, treat skin and psychological conditions. The ancient Indians also used chromotherapy, or colored light for healing. Ancient Greeks have been using heliotherapy since Hippocrates wrote the Hippocratic Corpus in 400 BCE, also using it to treat skin and psychological conditions, as well as tuberculosis. The Huang Di Nei Jing, or Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, written in ancient China around 300BCE, mentions sunlight as being essential to balance the body’s internal environment. The use of moxibustion, a form of infrared heat therapy, to tonify and circulate the body’s energy, unblock energy pathways, relax the tendons & ligaments, help regenerate tissues, and help detoxify is just as important as acupuncture needles in Traditional East Asian Medicine. The use of color therapy has long been used to balance the body’s internal organs and elements. There are ancient qigong (energy cultivation exercises) forms that work with the sun and sunlight. Galen, an ancient Roman physician, wrote around 200 BCE about using sun for skin and joint health. In this millennium, Islamic texts by Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna, around 1025 CE discuss using sunlight and color for healing the skin and the bodily humors. In Europe, during the 1800s, light was used to heal tuberculosis and rickets. In 1903, Niels Ryberg Finsen was awarded a Nobel Prize for work using ultraviolet light to treat lupus vulgaris.

No—taking herbs, supplements, or vitamins is not required. However, depending on your current medications, health concerns, and goals, they may be strongly recommended to support your body’s healing process and help you achieve more complete and faster results.

We always tailor recommendations to your unique needs, and we’ll never suggest anything unnecessary. If you have concerns about taking supplements, we’re happy to discuss alternatives and work within your comfort level.

Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) is a holistic medicine system that has been in use for over 3000 years. To achieve balance in the body, TEAM offers many modalities, one of which is Chinese herbal medicine.

Natural substances, primarily plants parts (roots, bark, flowers, seeds, fruits, leaves, and branches) and minerals are used to promote healing and good health.

In China, there are over 3000 different substances that can be used for medical purposes. However, only about 200 to 500 of these items are commonly used in the US today.

Chinese herbal medicine is not used in the same manner as herbs and medicine are in the Western systems. For example, with Western systems, the materials are used to treat symptoms, produce certain effects, and used singly, like St John’s Wort or Prozac to counter depression.

In TEAM, we first determine the source or cause of depression, then a combination of herbs would be used to treat the source of the problem, as well as the symptoms. One way to think of it as getting just a flute solo (Western) or the whole orchestra (TEAM). 

If you are considering using Chinese Herbal Medicine, you should consult a Licensed Acupuncturist who specializes in Chinese Herbology. This is very important as not every acupuncturist receives herbal training. Chinese Herbal Medicine can offer symptomatic relief in acute cases and can strengthen bodily systems for chronic conditions.

There are three main functions of herbal medicine:   1) treat acute diseases and conditions, such as killing bacteria or a virus, or resolving pain from a sprain; 2) heal chronic conditions by strengthening the body and promoting the body’s natural ability to heal; 3)maintain health by keeping the body in balance. 

Disease prevention is a very effective way to maintain health. For example, there are herbal formulas that can prevent headaches from starting and also work to resolve the problem that causes them in the first place. Other formulas are used to prevent colds, allergies, menstrual cramps, and numerous other conditions. Tonic herbal formulas can be used to for health maintenance, to increase energy, slow the aging process, and for cosmetic purposes.

Chinese herbal medicine is quite effective to treat stubborn symptoms that are difficult to treat, like mononucleosis and autoimmune illnesses, and conditions often undiagnosed by Western medicine.

Many people today take a number of different conventional drugs daily. Chinese Herbal Medicine is a very good alternative for people who are looking for a natural replacement to conventional western medicine, dependent upon their condition.

When compared with chemical conventional medicine, Chinese herbal medicine is much more gentle and safe. Most Chinese herbs do not cause side effects. Of those that can cause side effects, they can be easily counteracted/balanced with other herbs. For these reasons, many people turn to Chinese Herbal Medicine for their health conditions.

Many people in the US are learning the benefits of Chinese Herbal Medicine and are relying on herbs as alternative after conventional allopathic medicine failed them or didn’t fully heal their condition.

Chinese Herbal Medicine can also be taken to reduce the side effects of other medications. For example, during chemotherapy, the white blood cell count drops causing fatigue, and lack of energy and appetite. Chinese Herbal Therapy has proven to be successful in relieving the side effects of chemotherapy and strengthening the immune system.

Chinese Herbal Medicine can treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. If you have questions whether or not it can help a specific condition, please contact us.

Love of Life is a professionally run TEAM clinic that uses the highest quality available substances and uses the most exacting methods of quality control. The herbs used in all of our prescriptions are organic or as close to organic as possible to obtain at this time. They are subjected to rigorous lab testing for pesticide residue, heavy metals, species identification, and more.

Many acupuncturists are only nationally board certified in acupuncture, which is just one branch of TEAM. We are fully trained in all facets of TEAM and Nationally Board Certified in East Asian medicine, which includes Chinese Herbal Medicine. 

All of the herbal products used at our clinic are FDA Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant. We investigate each distributor thoroughly, which means our herbs are of consistently high quality.

All products are analyzed for the presence of heavy metals, bacteria, species identification, pesticides, and sulfites. We strive to deliver the highest quality of herbs that are demonstrably safe and effective.

Most of the Chinese herbs used have very low toxicity compared to even common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When they are prescribed correctly according to pattern diagnosis, they should have virtually no negative side effects, only beneficial healing results. 

We offer multiple forms of herbal medicine. We have pills, tinctures, salves, topical plasters, oils, and powdered herbs. Some may be for internal use, some external use, some both.

In addition, we offer over 200 bulk raw herbs to create personalized formulas for each individual and condition. The bulk herbs are made into a decoction, and drank as warm tea. The body absorbs tea quickly, so it’s a highly effective and economical method.

Herbal prescriptions are typically taken 2-3 times per day. Internally, they can be taken with food, on an empty stomach, two hours after eating, or before bedtime, dependent upon the person and condition. Some herbs can be somewhat hard to digest and you should avoid raw, cold, greasy or hard to digest foods while taking them.  

You may be allowed to fill the prescription a certain number of times or for a certain period of time. Many practitioners will need to see you and talk with you in order to adjust the herbs and dosages. If refills are permitted, please call the clinic and request the refill.

LOL prepares the formula labels in accordance with the Nutritional Labeling and Education Act (NLEA). We include all ingredients listed by their pin yin name, the amounts of herbs, best used date, storage information, dosage, and special instructions.  

We believe that in general, if the formula is crafted well, the taste will be tolerable. However, some formulae can be bitter to the palate. Some people can find the taste strong at first but then become used to it. People often say the first taste is the most challenging, but then after that, they notice their body “craves” the formula in a way where they just “know” and “feel” the formula is good for them. You may mix the tea or decoction with honey to make it more palatable if needed. However, we recommend you taste the formula before you sweeten it as the honey may also change the flavor.

If you have any adverse symptoms, stop taking the herbal prescription and contact your licensed practitioner and explain the problem immediately.

Chinese patent herbs are premixed herb formulas created according to the traditional formulas developed by TEAM experts over the last 3000 years. They are similar to over-the-counter-drugs, like a general remedy, usually coming in the form of pill, capsule and liquid. Patents are convenient and easy to take. However, they are generalized and not tailored or personalized to the individual’s full needs. Prescribed herbs are mixed by a herbalist according to an individual’s symptoms and diagnoses. Prescribed herbs are more effective than patent herbs because they are personalized to your symptoms and conditions and exclusively created for you. 

Although Chinese patent herbs are relatively safe and have less side-effects, we do not recommend you buy Chinese patent herbs from herb stores or other places without first obtaining advice from a licensed herbalist. You can injure yourself or worsen your condition from taking incorrect remedies.

TEAM herbalists usually do not prescribe single herbs for their clients. Chinese herbal formula usually are used in combinations of 8 to 15 herbs. Formulas are created based on many qualities of how the herbs work together, which a licensed herbalist learns after many years of study.

Mutual Reinforcement method involves combining two or more similar herbs together to create a stronger effect.

Mutual Assistance method is used with one herb helping another to work better.

Mutual Restraint method is used for one herb to reduce or eliminate side effects of another herb. Having a knowledgeable herbalist is vitally important as other reactions can happen.

Mutual Inhibition method occurs when one herb reduces another' herbs effectiveness. Incompatibility occurs when the combination of certain herbs produces side effects or becomes poisonous.

When herbs are used properly, they create wonderful methods for restoring health. One of the most important advantages of TEAM is the power of mixing the herbs to created personalized formula.

Your healthcare provider should be aware of ALL medications, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and recreational drugs you are taking. Combining any of these substances may or may not be a good idea. It is important to rely on the advice of your trained practitioner before you combine any herbs with medications.

Nowadays, vitamins and supplements often contain Chinese herbs, which is not always in your best interests. Taking one herb or one group of herbs is never good for all people. Using vitamins or supplements which contain herbs is not a good idea in our opinion unless you have been advised by your healthcare provider to do so. 

A while back, there were diet products that contained a Chinese herb, Ma Huang, also known as Ephedra.  While shown to stimulate the metabolism, Chinese medicine used this herb for acute asthma conditions.  Long term use of this herb can have damaging effects on the body, and at a high enough dose could stimulate the body so much it could possibly produce a heart attack. This herb is fantastic with potentially life saving qualities for acute asthmatics, but when used incorrectly, has the potential for serious problems, which was found in the case of said diet products. Due to this incorrect use, Ma Huang was yanked from the market as “dangerous.” Anyone properly trained to use Ma Huang would have known it was being used incorrectly in the diet products. This improper use has had a detrimental impact for asthma sufferers as Ma Huang is no longer available, nor is there an equivalent as-effective substitution for it. This is a prime reason why only those professionally trained in TEAM should be using it.

In the US, the requirements vary from state to state. In some states, acupuncturists are Primary Care Providers, while in others, acupuncture is not regulated. Most states require a four year undergraduate degree prior to a three or four year full time acupuncture program, with the end result being a Master’s degree. However, each state has different requirements for what is learned and the number of hours met. For example, Dr Sandra’s Masters program was 3600 hours at OCOM in Oregon. She was taught in all facets of TEAM - acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Asian bodywork, qigong, in addition to receiving 500 hours of Western medical training. In contrast, a students at a school in Arizona go part time to receive 1600 hours training in acupuncture.

In Oregon, acupuncturists are required to pass the national board examinations from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). There are multiple parts to this certification. One is the acupuncture portion, and when passed, the practitioner becomes a nationally board certified as a Diplomate in Acupuncture (DiplAc). Another certification is the Chinese Herbal Medicine portion (DiplCH). To receive the Diplomat in Oriental Medicine (DiplOM) covers the entirety of all aspects of Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese medicine. These credentials indicate that the National standards for Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine have been achieved. Health care providers without an education and licensing in Oriental Medicine are not necessarily qualified or sufficiently trained to practice Chinese Herbology safely and ethically.

There are two main differences between Chinese and Western Herbalism. Western Herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headache, runny nose, stomach pain, etc. Chinese Herbal Medicine is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis, as well as disease diagnosis. In Chinese Herbal Medicine, a person receives a custom written formula to treat the symptoms, the disease, and also their individual pattern. The specific pattern is determined through the signs and symptoms they exhibit as well as their emotional well-being, and body constitution. Western Herbalism primarily uses single herbs or groups of herbs which treat the same symptom or disease. Chinese Herbal formulas range between 5-15 herbs carefully crafted to include herbs to treat the person's main symptoms while using other herbs to treat the entire pattern and underlying cause of disease or constitution. 

Yes, if prescribed appropriately by a professional Chinese Herbal practitioner. Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat many obstetric conditions and symptoms that arise during pregnancy without harm to the fetus. Breast-feeding mothers can take Chinese Herbal Medicine safely as long as they are prescribed properly by a certified Chinese Medicine herbalist. It’s important to work with a certified Chinese Medicine herbalist as there indeed are some substances that are nor appropriate to take while pregnant or breast-feeding.

Yes, pediatrics is a specialty within Chinese medicine. A child has to be given a reduced dose appropriate for their age and weight. There are specially prepared pediatric medicines in pill, tincture, and granular form.  Chinese medicine can treat many conditions such as colic, teething issues, earache, diarrhea, and fever in babies, and sprains, pains, and other conditions in older children.

In acute cases, results can be seen the same day the formula is taken. In chronic conditions, a person should start to see some results within 2-3 weeks. Many chronic conditions require taking Chinese Herbal Medicine for a longer period of time.

Choosing the right offering depends on your goals, the level of support you’re seeking, and how consistently you’d like to engage in your healing journey.

Stand-alone treatments are ideal if you’re looking for support with a specific acute concern, want to try a service for the first time, or need occasional relief. They can also be used for ongoing maintenance once your health has been balanced & restored.

Treatment packages are recommended when consistent care is needed to support lasting results. Packages are thoughtfully structured to build upon each session. They are offered at a discounted rate, making them a more cost-effective option than individual treatments.

Holistic healing programs offer the most comprehensive level of care and the greatest value. Programs are designed for deeper, long-term transformation and include multiple services and ongoing guidance at a bundled rate, making them the most cost-effective option for those ready to commit to their health & wellness goals.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we recommend booking a consultation to help clarify which option best aligns with your needs and budget. During this session, we’ll discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend an approach that aligns clinically, holistically, and financially with your goals.

Our philosophy is to meet you where you are, and to support your healing with intention, expertise, and care.

Dr Sandra’s work is rooted in a rare integration of advanced medical training, extensive clinical experience, and intuitive insight.

She holds a Doctorate in Traditional East Asian Medicine and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She approaches care with both compassion and discernment, drawing from her broad and continually evolving knowledge base. She’s worked in an integrative cancer hospital and regularly works alongside MDs and holistic physicians, providing effective collaborative care.

Over the years, she has added to her areas of specialization, including anxiety and depression, pain, chronic and complicated conditions like autoimmune issues to cancer support and facial rejuvenation. She utilizes a wide range of modalities beyond acupuncture, creating treatment plans that are highly individualized and responsive to each person’s needs.

What further distinguishes her approach is the integration of developed intuitive abilities. This allows her to perceive subtle patterns and imbalances that may not yet be fully expressed physically, supporting earlier intervention and more precise care. Intuition is used ethically and responsibly, alongside and not instead of, clinical assessment and medical reasoning.

Rather than offering standardized treatments, Dr Sandra works with people in a highly personalized, investigative, and whole-person manner. Each healing session is designed to address root causes, restore balance, and support healing on physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

Clients choose Dr Sandra for her depth, personalization, and integrative approach. This combination of advanced training, clinical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and intuitive awareness creates a level of care that is both deeply grounded and distinctly evidence-based.

The cost of care varies depending on the type of service, the level of support needed, and the complexity of your condition. Offerings range from individual treatments to treatment packages and comprehensive healing programs.

Many clients choose packages or programs, which are thoughtfully designed to provide consistent care and greater overall value, with significant savings when compared to single sessions. Comprehensive programs offer the highest level of support and the greatest savings for those seeking deeper, longer-term healing.

During your consultation, we’ll review your health needs and wellness goals. Then, we’ll provide our best recommendation along with transparent pricing. This ensures that your care plan is clinically appropriate, aligned with your intentions, and respectful of your investment.

Our focus is on delivering high-level, individualized care designed to create meaningful and lasting results.

Yes. Payment plans may be available for treatment packages and holistic healing programs.. When appropriate, plans are structured thoughtfully to support continuity of treatment while making healthcare more accessible.

Payment plan options can be discussed during your initial consultation, once your recommended course of care has been determined. All terms and pricing are reviewed clearly and transparently before your care begins.

Our goal is to support your healing in a way that is both clinically sound and financially sustainable.

Because each course of care is personalized and thoughtfully prepared, all services and products received are non-refundable.

We understand that circumstances can change. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, unused sessions within a package or program may be refunded less the full price of the service and products received. Any discount from the package or program will no longer apply. This ensures continuity of care while honoring the time, preparation, and resources dedicated to your treatment.

All policies are reviewed in advance so that expectations are clear, transparent, and supportive from the outset.