About
It’s nice to “meet you” here.
This will give you an overview of my Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) qualifications and how I might help you:
- Doctor of Acupuncture – one of only a handful in the state.
- 3,400 hours of clinical and classroom training in TCM
- Over 20 years’ experience as a Licensed Acupuncturist in Minnesota
- Tens of thousands of treatments, helping thousands of patients
- 100 percent safety record
- 94% plus effective in improving health, as reported by patients
Doctor of Acupuncture – April, 2020
My Doctor of Acupuncture degree is from the Pacific College of Health Sciences, in San Diego, California.
Minnesota Board of Medical Practice Licensed Acupuncturist/NCCAOM
In 1999, I received my Minnesota Acupuncture License from the Minnesota State Board of Medical Practice. This board issues licenses for Medical Doctors (MD) and other providers in our state.
To get my Licensed Acupuncture (L.Ac) credentials, I had to pass my national board examinations in acupuncture, through the NCCAOM.
The NCCAOM serves as the gatekeeper in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine, nationwide.
Master’s of Science in Acupuncture Degree: 1996-1999
In 1999, I graduated from the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture & Natural Medicine (NIAOM), in Seattle, Washington. NIAOM consistently ranked in the top three programs in the USA.
My TCM education consisted of 3,400 hours of training, in total. This was divided into 2,450 classroom hours, and 950 hours of supervised clinical training.
As a result, after nearly four years of full time study in the field of acupuncture and herbal medicine, I graduated with a Master of Science in Acupuncture degree.
Joining the Top Natural Medical Program in the Nation
In 1999, NIAOM merged with the world-renowned Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. To this day, Bastyr University remains in the top 5% of Natural Medical programs in the U.S.A
Herbal Training at the Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute:
Branching out from my training at NIAOM, I enrolled in the Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute’s (RMHI) program in Hot Springs, Montana to study herbal medicine.
Bachelor’s Degree:
My B.A. degree is from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, MN
A relaxed and approachable acupuncture experience:
My goal is to help you have a relaxed, and healing experience during your acupuncture treatments. Here as some things you can expect, when you come in for a treatment:
- Your treatments are relaxed, and non-clinical.
- The treatment room is quiet, with soft lighting and calming music
- This is your time for quiet reflection and uninterrupted relaxation
- You get to rest quietly with your acupuncture needles in place (even nap!)
- It is common to feel rejuvenated, refreshed and restored after a treatment
All of this helps your body tap into its natural healing ability.
This approach puts Traditional Chinese Medicine a million miles away from a sterile, clinical environment. As a result, the calm treatment space gives you a you a place to relax and heal during your session.
Starting Out
I didn’t go into acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine without my fair share of soul searching, false starts and re-direction.
Born and raised in Central Minnesota:
I grew up about 10 miles outside of St. Cloud, and lived in this area until I moved away to work in Germany, after college.
My original plan, after college, was to work in Advertising and Marketing. The first job I landed was in an advertising agency in Dusseldorf, Germany.
After being disillusioned with advertising, I began searching for something to do that would be more meaningful and helpful to others.
During this time, I became more and more curious about “Eastern” healing and the mind-body connection. This interest guided me in a new direction.
The Journey
This soul-searching process took me on a journey that lasted about seven years.
At the end of my search, I found myself enrolled in a three-and-a-half year, full time Traditional Chinese Medical program in Seattle, Washington.
That was from 1996-1999, and here I am (some 20+ years later), helping other people feel better and live better lives, with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The Return Home
To summarize: After leaving Seattle in 1999, my wife and I moved back to St. Cloud, where we opened our first acupuncture clinic.
There have been some bumpy patches along the way, and many challenges in starting a new business. But overall, our blessings are what we continue to count the most.
I am grateful every day for the opportunity to do the work that I am doing, while bringing joy and healing to the world.
With decades of proven results, I am confident that I can help you achieve your health goals in the shortest amount of time.
If I do not think I can help you, I will try to refer you to others who are a better fit for you.
Please reach out to me to get started, using the contact information on this website. We can have a “no strings attached” conversation to see if this is right for you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Services