About the Acupuncturist
Clients often ask me how I came to practice acupuncture. It was always my intention to become a doctor.
I received my Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in Pre-Medicine. After graduating I became a health worker at All Women's Health Services, a holistic clinic in Eugene, Oregon. The clinic utilized an integrative approach; medical doctors, a naturopathic doctor, an acupuncturist and nurses all worked side by side to provide basic health services. Truthfully my intention was to follow and learn from the naturopathic doctor, but after receiving my first series of acupuncture treatments I changed course. What was this 3000 year old medicine? And how did it work almost like a miracle for me? I applied for and was accepted into the 4 year Masters degree program at American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM). I moved to San Francisco and began my program of study.
I graduated from ACTCM with a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Certification in Tui Na Massage Therapy. I fulfilled my clinical residency studies in diverse, integrative settings including the California Pacific Medical Center's Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit, St. James Infirmary for Sex Workers, The ACTCM Auricular Clinic, and The ACTCM Community Clinic.
In 2006, I took a semester away from my degree program and traveled to China in order to gain experience in holistic gynecology. I trained at Zhe Jiang University affiliated hospitals in Hang Zhou, China. Chinese Medicine practice in China more closely mirrored my nursing experience. Clients saw the acupuncturist for not only herbs and acupuncture, but their annual pap smear, and fertility and abortion services. While there I also completed advanced training in the dermatology, cardiology, and pediatrics.
In 2012, I returned to school again, this time for a Doctorate specialty in Chinese Medicine with an focus on women's health, pediatrics, and pain management. My doctorate capstone is an academic study of insufficient lactation. My doctorate mentors included Raven Lang, famous midwife and acupuncturist and Claudia Citkowitz who practices Chinese Medicine on a Labor and Delivery unit of a Brooklyn Hospital.
Professional Experience
Nikki's Doctorate labor and delivery intensive at Lutheran Medical Hospital, Brooklyn, New York.
Current Experience
2008 - Present
Acupuncturist, New Mission Acupuncture, Sole Proprietor
Past Experience
2007 - 2014
Acupuncture Continuing Education Coordinator, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2009 - 2011
Acupuncturist, Acupuncture Kitchen, Independent Contractor
2008 - 2010
Community Outreach Acupuncturist, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2007 - 2009
Instructor, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Points Location Course
2005 - 2008
Certified Massage Therapist, Noe Valley Tui Na Massage Clinic, Sole Proprietor
2002 - 2003
Nurse, All Women's Health Services, Eugene, Oregon
Education
2012 - 2015
Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Women's Health & Pain Management Specialty, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, San Francisco, California
April 2014
Doctorate Apprenticeship Retreat with Raven Lang, L.Ac., Arcata, California
November 2013
Labor & Delivery Intensive with Claudia Citkowitz, L.Ac., Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
January & September 2013
Doctorate Apprenticeship Intensive with Raven Lang, L.Ac., Santa Cruz, California
2003 - 2007
Master's of Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, San Francisco, California
Fall 2006
Senior Internship, Zhe Jiang Traditional Chinese Medical University, Hang Zhou, China
1998 - 2002
B.S. in Women's and Gender Studies and Preparatory Medicine Program, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
Selected Post Graduate Trainings
An Integrative Medicine Approach to Treating Infertility
Recognition and Prevention of Herb-Drug Interactions with John Chen, Ph.D., Pharm. D., L.Ac.
Obstetric Complications in Pregnancy: The 'Red Flags' for Acupuncturists
Study of Life Patterns and TCM Spirituality
Anatomical Roots of TCM Spiritual Psychology
The Art of Nourishing Life: Synchronicity Through the Classical Texts of Chinese Medicine with Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallee
Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal™ with Mary Elizabeth Wakefield
Environmental Medicine and Environmental Toxicity: A Hidden Root of Disease
Extraordinary Vessels in the Treatment of Mood Disorders: Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
Certifications and Affiliations
State of California Acupuncture Board Licensed, L.Ac., #AC12308
Tui Na Massage Certification, C.M.T.
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Trained
Clean Needle Technique Certified
First Aid and CPR Certified
Reiki Level II Attuned
Student Interns
Nikki continues to accept student interns interested in her areas of specialty to follow her in her private practice.