Rachel Erickson, EAMP, ND

With over 10 year of experience, I bring knowledge and wisdom to the treatment room. My high level of education began by receiving a Bachelors of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin. I then went on to earn a Naturopathic Doctorate degree and Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, OR graduating in 2011.

Growing up I would go on hospital rounds with my father who as an Internist. I was inspired by his patient centered approach, kind bedside manner, ability to make a patients laugh, and deep desire for returning his patients to greater states of health.

Throughout college I was a dedicated premed student studying to follow in my father’s footsteps to become a medical doctor. Along the way, I found myself battling significant asthma symptoms. After a number of medical appointments with traditional doctors left me dependent on medications and even with those I was still really struggling. I went to see a Naturopath and Acupuncturist. I was amazed by the natural approach to health care. The Naturopath was able to heal my asthma with natural therapies and I was able to wean off asthma medications. I was so deeply appreciative to have a greater feeling of health and wellness than I had had before that I decided to leave the MCAT class that I had been attending and apply to naturopathic and acupuncture school. My father had integrated acupuncture into his private practice and I was able to experience the power of Chinese medicine as a young girl. It helped me to recover from sports injuries and balance menstrual irregularities. I wanted to bring the two forms of medicine together for a greater range of healing modalities and harnessing the Qi of the body to heal itself.

With my patients I focus on uncovering the hidden causes of chronic illness. I utilize diagnostic tools from Naturopathic medicine and Chinese medicine along with laboratory testing to find the underlying cause of disease that is often missed without taking the time to look a little further. At times a gastrointestinal test will help uncover bacteria, parasites or yeast that may be the cause of dis-ease. Food and environmental allergy testing can help to heal many health conditions, from sinus issues to headaches to longterm chronic GI disorders. Testing for mold, heavy metals, looking at the body’s metabolic pathways or assessing the body’s toxic burden from environmental exposures may help reveal reasons for peoples ailments. Conditions include but are not limited to: fatigue, anxiety, depression, infertility, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances, asthma, musculoskeletal pain, headaches and more.

Hormonal balance can be the key to health as well. Comprehensive hormonal evaluations can reveal the cause for a variety of conditions such as sleep disorders, hot flashes, sexual function, mood, energy, menstrual irregularities, cognition and more. Additionally, adrenal function is part of the complex web of the body. Treating perimenopause and menopausal symptoms are a passion of mine to help women through life's transitions in a way that is empowering. Basic blood work includes screening for pre-diabetes, diabetes, thyroid function, anemia and more. I use herbs, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements to help detoxify and balance out the body’s systems. Furthermore, hormonal therapies, compounded medications, and pharmaceuticals are used when needed. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are utilized alongside naturopathic therapies to balance and enhance the Qi in the body. My style of acupuncture is a gentle style that values patient comfort.

I have a firm belief that the body has the ability to heal itself and I love being able to walk alongside my patients on their journey towards health and vitality. I support helping people to establish good self care habits, healthy nutritional choices, living with the seasons, exercising regularly, stretching the body, practicing mindfulness techniques, and so much more.

The heart houses the spirit in Chinese medicine. Caring for your heart and vascular system is important. Acupuncture can help care for the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of the body. Using advanced cardiovascular markers and complex lipid assessments can assess cardiovascular risks. I tailor treatments that result in regulating levels of cholesterol, inflammation and improved cardiovascular health. Caring for you heart is central to being able to show others, yourself, and the planet the love and care we all deserve. Also, mental health is central to our wellness and can be a part of almost every patients treatment at some point.

The recent novel coronavirus that entered our society brought a focus on immune health. There are many viruses that can cause chronic illness. My own journey healing from Long Covid leading to MCAS and reawakening Epstien bar virus has brought key insights into treatment that I can share with others on that same path.

The Classical Chinese Medicine Program at NCNM focused on the roots of this ancient medicine by teaching a way of thinking that stems from the classical writings of Chinese Medicine. In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas I studied Qi Gong. I traveled to China in the summer of 2005 to study Qi Gong with Master Wang, where I further developed a love for the practice of energy cultivation. I completed a two-year course in advanced homeopathy at the New England School of Homeopathy. Five Element acupuncture has also been a compliment to my practice of Chinese Medicine. I participated in a mentorship program with David Berkshire to learn Five Element Acupuncture and Homeopathic Drainage. Biotherapeutic Drainage is a form of homeopathy that helps in detoxifying the body and restoring function. Through training with Dr. Anne Hill, ND I learned Core Synchronism a practice that is similar to cranial sacral therapy.

My desire to study ancient wisdom also drew me to study of Ayurvedic Medicine where I learned panchakarma treatments, pulse diagnosis, herbs, and the guiding principles of the medicine at Ayurveda Plus Rejuvenation Center. I completed a yoga teacher training in 2005 with the Living Yoga Program in Austin Texas.

To cultivate my own wellbeing I spend time with my husband and two children out in nature. Along with spending time knitting, weaving and many other forms of arts and crafts. Cooking nourishing healthy meals for my family plays a key role in keeping our family strong and healthy!