While I was living in Hope, Alaska, a man called Skip, who was the "healer in town", introduced me to acupressure. He showed me that healing with natural medicine can be incredibly beneficial to health and a lot of fun at the same time.
Ever since then, my goal has been to practice friendly, fun and effective medicine. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is mysterious for most people who aren't emerged in it for years as I have while becoming a practitioner. Most people just want to know if it hurts!!
I'm fully aware of this. As a result, I have remained focused on making this alternative medicine and its theory as comfortable as possible and easily understood for those wanting more answers.
I believe each and every person who walks through my door is there for a reason. And I am willing to spend as much time and energy as needed to find out not only why, but how to get you to a more healthy place in your life.
I trust my patients, as far as where they are in their path to better health. I want them to feel comfortable letting me know what kind of change or result they are ready for each visit, because every day can be is different in the healing process.
Each person who works in my clinic or onsite at a business feels just the same . We want you to feel like you "get" Acupuncture and comprehend what it can do for you!
In Good Health,
Lara License #AC01068Lara graduated from Evergreen State College in Washington state with a Bachelor of Arts in Heath Science and History of Past and Present Wellness Theories. She graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is certified in Virginia Doran's Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, and has also taken Facial Acupuncture classes with Shellie Glodstein L.Ac. She is also a NADA certified detoxification specialist.
I had been searching for a career that mirrored my need and desire toreally make a difference in people’s lives when I stumbled, literally,upon Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
In 2002, I moved to Portland, OR and made this great city my home.Years later, I found Chinese Medicine after taking a spill on Mt Hood.Broken arm, no insurance. A friend introduced me to a Chinese Healernamed Shizeng Yang. We worked closely for 2 months, having visitsevery 5 days or so. He practices Tuina and had been a sports medicinedoctor in China and served as an inspiration to me. After 3 ½ weeksof treatment, my arm was healed and back to almost normal. I hadfinally found something to believe in that would have enormous impacton the lives of those who received it. Since my introduction to thismedicine, I personally have overcome migraines and endometriosis. Isee what a difference it makes to choose such a holistic medicine;treating mind, body, root and manifestation, seeing the body as awhole.
I enrolled at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2005. Theircurriculum in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Chinese Medical Theory,Shiatsu, and Clinical Internship was very comprehensive. During myclinical internship, I worked with survivors of breast cancer andthose coping with HIV at Project Quest. This led me to becomingcertified by NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association),as well. I am so excited to join the team of healers at PDXAcupuncture. With this medicine, anything is possible. With thismedicine, the body can heal itself!
I was introduced to Shiatsu by a lovely woman, Wendy Ward, who also gave me insight into the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I have a great respect for cultures, confident in the healing nature of plants and their historical existence in the creation of physical, mental, and spiritual balance. Shiatsu, for me, embodies the same healing presence, with the addition of human touch! I am constantly energized by others responses to Shiatsu; something I share with students in Portland at the naturopath college, and with clients, as an LMT.
I am a big advocate of movement within a massage. In order to restore the bodies energy and strength, it is important to provide muscles with full range of motion, also allowing for proper alignment within each joint. With the addition of active and passive stretching during a massage, patients will notice their strengths and weaknesses. This is a building block through which I can help improve through consecutive sessions.
I feel very fortunate to meet and work with those who have chosen Lara as their healer. Combined with acupuncture, or by itself, I look forward to introducing Shiatsu into your treatment, creating a unique, personal session based on your needs. Feel free to ask questions and communicate what you would like from each session! You can also check out my blog at shiatsubear.blogspot.com to learn more about Shiatsu and its benefits.
Originally from Phoenix, AZ I moved to Oregon in 2002. I studied Anatomy & Human Physiology at the University of Oregon where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a background in Athletic Training in 2006. I graduated from Oregon School of Massage here in Portland, where I now love calling home! I am continuously learning from students as I share massage techniques at OSM and NCNM and love the interaction with those committed to the future of holistic healthcare. You can always find me biking about, enjoying the local luxories close to home.
My love of Shiatsu is in large part thanks to Jim Cleaver, who developed the style of Shiatsu I practice, and his protege and my mentor, Wendy Ward. During my first Shiatsu class, I felt a deep connection to the work and loved how amazing it felt to both give and receive this style of massage. The type of Shiatsu I practice is focused on enhancing the flow of qi and blood circulation throughout the entire body, which can feel both renewing and energizing. On its own, and even more so in conjunction with acupuncture, Shiatsu is a powerful tool for preventative care and regular sessions are recommended as a basis for maintaining health.
I am excited and very honored to work with the lovely and talented ladies of PDX Acupuncture and Achieve Through Massage. As do both Lara and Krissy, I work with a strong commitment to clients' individual needs and goals, and encourage feedback and open lines of communication at all times. In addition to Shiatsu, I also offer Swedish massage and integrate multiple modalities into each session in order to achieve maximum benefit for clients. Be on the lookout for specials and new techniques from me, as I am always looking to expand my knowledge and skills and find new ways to promote health and well-being.
An Oregonian for over 20 years now, I received my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Redlands in 2004 and graduated from the Oregon School of Massage in 2008. When not working, I am usually biking, baking (and eating!), practicing yoga, and just all-around enjoying Portland.
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