The loss of my father at the age of 8 seemed to have a life altering impact on me. From this point onwards I became quite introverted. I rarely desired to play with friends. Rather, I took refuge in the woods behind my house. My family used to refer to me as a recluse. However, for me, the woods had everything! Beauty, quiet, and harmony abounded in that little patch of woods behind my house.

 As the years went by, my interest in Japan began to thrive. I started listening to Japanese classical music and practicing Karate. I almost felt as if I was born in the wrong place! For every time I practiced Karate or listened to Japanese music, my mind would travel far off. I felt at home as if I was living in Japan. Not feeling all that comfortable at home, I told my mom at the age of 12 that I needed to go to Japan. Knowing that she could not convince me otherwise, she frantically attempted to find a contact in Japan. Luckily, she did… and this is where my life’s journey truly began.

After spending several years in Japan and then Korea, I finally found my true passion in Oriental Medicine. This was not an easy path. I was deathly afraid of needles growing up. After hurting my back while living in Korea, I decided to take a friends suggestion to try acupuncture. Well, needless to say, I fainted on the spot. But after I opened my eyes again something amazing happened. I was in love. The acupuncturist at the time certainly did not think so, however. Dripping with sweat and shaking all over, one would think I could never try it again. Yet, I went back again and again, twice a week for 3 months. I slowly overcame my needle phobia while studying more and more about Oriental Medicine.

After graduating with a B.A. in Asian Studies, I immediately enrolled in Korean language classes and completing several years of Oriental medicine training in Korea. In 2002, I opened my clinic doors for the first time in Yachats, Oregon. After 4 years of getting my feet wet, we decided to move to Portland to follow a passion of teaching about Oriental Medicine (at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine).

While working in Portland, I decided to pursue a PhD degree in psychology. I felt that this was a necessary step in order to contribute to the integrity of Oriental Medicine in the US. I thought that there was more to being an “acupuncturist” than just acupuncture. In 2010, I received my PhD after 4 years of intense study in the fields of psychology and acupuncture research.

My passion for Oriental Medicine is endless. It is my life, flowing through every cell of my being. Every day I seek to deepen my understanding of this beautiful medicine and philosophy by translating ancient books, teaching at the college and in the community, and interacting with my beloved family, clients and friends.