Hi.
SARA BOWES
I am a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified Chinese herbalist practicing in Portland, OR. I’ve been in practice for more than 12 years, and studying natural medicine for close to two decades. The primarily lens through which I view the human body is Classical Chinese medicine. I also have extensive training in mindfulness-based somatic therapy and interpersonal neurobiology, as well as whole foods nutrition and cosmetic acupuncture.
I work with humans to help identify the root causes and underlying patterns causing them to feel the way they feel. I understand that many of us have a sense we could feel better in our bodies, but don’t know how to get there. Modern medicine is a godsend and saves lives all day long, yet it doesn’t teach us how to find and maintain health and optimal well-being. Traditional medical systems do. The human body is a beautiful mystery, much of which we can never fully understand, but I think it is worth continuing to try to learn how to best care for each of them.
In my off time, I like simple things like blue skies and vast, open spaces, and quiet mornings with a mug of something hot. I like to cook fresh food that I think of as everyday medicine, because it helps me get into my hands and away from the screen. I like moving my body, preferably to music, and appreciating small moments and exploring the world with both my sweet dog and similarly sweet husband.
EDUCATION.
National College of Natural Medicine, Portland OR, 2009-2012 | Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine | Graduated Highest Honors, Best Masters Thesis
University of Washington, Seattle WA, 2000-2005 | Bachelor of Arts | Italian Language + Literature
Mindful Experiential Therapy Approaches (M.E.T.A.) / Hakomi Institute of Portland, 2015-2019 | Hakomi Comprehensive Training as student and staff, Primary Attachment Psychotherapy, Re-Creation of the Self, and other Advanced Trainings
Heartwood Institute, 2007 | Residential Course in Healing With Whole Foods with Paul Pitchford
I understand what it’s like to feel stuck about your health.
My approach to the human body is rooted in the principles of classical Chinese medicine and tailored toward people like you and me: modern humans living modern lives in the western world.
I utilize customized herbal formulations in the tradition of classical Chinese medicine, classical acupuncture as well as trigger point acupuncture and dry needling, manual therapies like gua sha and cupping, and practical lifestyle guidance and nutrition exploration to help people feel better in their bodies.
It is apparent that as modern humans, we are often strangers to some of the basic and crucial components that contribute to a healthy life and a comfortable, well-functioning body. Classical Chinese medicine offers a holistic and complete view of the body and guidance on how to care for them in ways that are sustainable and health-promoting as we move through life.
My training has taught me first and foremost to recognize patterns and locate blockages, and to treat accordingly. This way of working with the body can often provide satisfying answers to the question of why you feel the way you do. Treatments are simple and safe and lasting (with minimal side effects), because we are treating the root cause rather than just suppressing symptoms.
In working with patients for more than 12 years, I have found that much of the suffering we endure is unnecessary and often avoidable. Yes, bodies are mysterious and there is much that cannot be explained. That said, more often than not, there are often lasting, safe solutions (with minimal side effects) for many common ailments from chronic pain to unexplainable fatigue to digestive discomfort to hormonal imbalance to anxiety and depression.
