I have skill and interest in helping people resolve the kinds of chronic, debilitating conditions that they cannot seem to find help for anywhere.
Digestive problem that just won’t go away? Menstrual problems that make every month a living hell? Auto-immune condition with no solid diagnosis? Endless series of colds, flus and allergy attacks that leave you winded and feeling broken? I have experience with helping people in these situations and many more to find lasting health and a better orientation towards their bodies and the healing process using Chinese medicine.
While I do practice acupuncture, my primary focus is on Chinese herbs, and my practice is increasingly oriented towards this work. Herbs and acupuncture are excellent companions. Herbs are a little like getting an internal acupuncture treatment daily – they treat you over a longer period of time and in a gentle, gradual way. Acupuncture is a bit more direct, almost a “bigger dose” of the qi movement or whatever it is we are trying to accomplish, so it can really help things on their way. Both are wonderful!
Afraid of acupuncture?
At your first appointment, we’ll discuss what treatment options will be best for your situation. If you have a strong fear of needles, we can discuss non-insertive “acupuncture” methods, bodywork and other non-needle treatments that will be helpful. In these cases, we will mostly focus on herbal formulas & lifestyle changes, however. You do not need to do anything special to set up this kind of treatment, we’ll just discuss during your intake.
In Chinese herbalism, I follow a methodology that sticks as close to the Han and pre-Han dynasty classical texts of Chinese medicine as possible. These texts articulated a method for treating human disease that is timeless. While the environments we live in have changed quite a bit since 200BCE, the human body continues to manifest reactions in similar ways as it always has – further – the treatment philosophies laid down by the ancient Chinese simply WORK, no matter the time and place. I continue to study for hundreds of hours every year, mostly through the Institute of Classics of East Asian Medicine and Classicalchinesemedicine.org.
I also see it as part of my job to discuss with you what’s going on in your life.
Truly holistic medicine embraces all features of a person. I’m not a counselor, of course, and I certainly don’t pry where I’m not wanted. However, often during the therapeutic relationship, issues of life, vision, hope, personal organization and occupation come up. I’m there for you as a non-judgmental ear, ready to connect you with resources, brainstorm strategies, or simply listen. While this is a rarely discussed part of Chinese medicine, I believe it is an important one.
Something a little personal?
I live in Astoria, in Uniontown, and have since 2016 with my wife, Amanda Barp. We came from Portland, where we lived for 10 years, and I’ve been in Oregon since 1995, when I moved from Idaho. We have a grown daughter who lives in the Portland area attending college. We also have two cats at home who are a source of endless amusement and joy.
I am Buddhist and attend events and meditation retreats at Great Vow Zen Monastery in Clatskanie, OR. I enjoy studying Buddhist philosophy, Classical Chinese language & history and, of course, Chinese herbal medicine. I also love being on the beach, in the forest, or in any natural area connecting with the animals, plants and land that make our lives possible.
Education & Training
- Dual BS degrees from OSU / Biology & Philosophy
- MA work at OSU / Applied Ethics
- MSOM at National College of Natural Medicine, with Honors
- Board certified in Acupuncture from NCCAOM
- Diplomate in Canonical Chinese Medicine (DCCM®) from ICEAM®
- Herbal discipleship & clinical training from Heiner Fruehauf, PhD
- Ongoing Canonical Chinese Herbal training from ICEAM including advanced seminars and SHL Lines Retreat
Professional Activities
- Co-owner and CMO/CEO of Watershed Wellness
- Webmaster and participant with Society for Philosophy in the Contemporary World
- Assistant Instructor at Institute of Classics in East Asian Medicine®
- Owner, teacher & coach at Whole Life Practitioner
- Previously (2009-2019) adjunct faculty at National University of Natural Medicine
- Served a year term with the Oregon Association of Acupuncturists
I am currently in-network with most insurance companies, and also accept MVAs, PIPs and worker’s compensation claims.
NOTE : Not all insurance companies cover herbs-only practice if that is your preference. Please talk to us about your insurance benefits so we can make sure things are squared away before you come in.
To learn more about insurance billing click here.
