HEALING IN ALASKA
Are you ready to heal?
Specializing in identifying causative factors for
dis-ease
and providing individual treatment with coaching
and providing individual treatment with coaching
for all of YOU
About me and my approach to healing
The graduate school I went to is considered a school of Classical Chinese Medicine. There, I studied Chinese Medicine as it was used anciently and the modern application of the medicine. The difference in this way of practice, as compared with a more modern Traditional Chinese biomedical acupuncturist, is the approach. As a client, you are seen as a whole and the symptoms are pieced into the picture of the whole being. This means that all symptoms are related to one another, in some way, and that finding the connection and the root cause will be part of the process of achieving ultimate health. The trajectory of healing is determined by the full symptom picture.
Credentials: Licensed Acupuncturist
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
-Available services-
Health Coaching
Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine
Functional Medicine
Mindset Coaching
Nutritional Counseling
Heidi's Formal Education and Clinical Experience (tap to expand)
National College of Natural Medicine* 2008-2012
Master of Acupuncture (3,384 hours/792 clinic hours)
My interests at the time were scalp acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture, and, well, anything I could learn. I really enjoyed all the modalities that we studied in depth in school. After getting my Masters of Acupuncture I moved to Alaska and started practicing. I have a varied background in multiple modalities and truly enjoy working with all people who are ready and willing to do what it takes to heal.
*The school has since been renamed National University of Natural Medicine
Credentialing: Diplomate of Acupuncture
Post-Graduate Board Exams include 3 Board exams: Foundations, Biomedicine, and Acupuncture
CERTIFICATION
Diplomate of Acupuncture: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Clean Needle Technique Certificate: Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
EDUCATION
2008-2012 National College of Natural Medicine
Master of Acupuncture (3,384 hours/792 clinic hours)
2001-2008 University of Utah
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies: Focus in Global Health. Minor in Nutrition
CHINESE MEDICINE INTERN EXPERIENCE
July-September 2011 and April-December 2012 (12-week intervals)
Outside-In - Classical Chinese Medicine for the homeless and at-risk population
Asian Health and Service Center - Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Asian community in Portland Oregon
National College of Natural Medicine Student Clinic - Group Acupuncture, Japanese Meridian Therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and bodywork; including myofascial release and shiatsu
Oregon Health Science University Richmond Clinic - Traditional Chinese Medicine, trigger-point release and bodywork for the underserved and at-risk population
Central City Concern - Group Acupuncture, scalp and ear acupuncture for recovering addicts in the homeless and at-risk population, including Dr. Zhu’s scalp acupuncture
CONTINUING EDUCATION
2012-present
Yamamato's New Scalp Acupuncture
Neuropuncture
Classical Chinese Medicine studies of the Shen/Spirit
Currently studying in depth with The Healing Order; Heiner Fruehauf's Classical Pearls. Participating in 2023-2024 apprenticeship
Is your mind open?
Real health involves full and active participation.
Healing can be a lengthy process.
The answers to your questions are usually complex
and the solution requires a multi-faceted approach.
This is why I ask that you read the content on this website
and be ready to familiarize yourself
with all of the participating factors in your health.
What education and experience does an acupuncturist have?
Acupuncturists have a general education that is required by law before they can become licensed and practice, in most states. This education includes biomedicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture point location, and prescription use, and clinical experience. Some acupuncturists have spent an extensive amount of time in herbal studies, bodywork, qi gong, spiritual healing, Chinese dietetics and nutrition, and various other healing modalities. Our education involves extensive clinical experience both in observation and in internship. We are given the opportunity to study beyond that which is required to take and pass the National Board exams. The level of education that is required to be an acupuncturist, and the number of hours in school are variable. Some states require a Doctorate degree. Others require a Master's degree.
Classical Chinese Medicine providers specialize in an expansive understanding of Chinese Medicine as it was used anciently and how it applies to you today.
Is your heart open?
What is contributing to your whole health picture?
STRESS
How does your body feel when you are experiencing stress? Does your tummy hurt? Maybe you get headaches? Maybe you can't sleep. Stress has serious health consequences. I will work with you on how to heal from the effects of stress.
RELATIONSHIPS
Most of us recognize that relationships with others affect our health. Sometimes relationships damage our health significantly and we need support to get our health back. Other relationships add length and joy to our lives. It is important to be aware of the health consequences of relationships.
FOOD
Almost all healing trajectories involve diet change. There are a lot of ideas out there about what we should be eating to achieve optimal health. We do know for certain that food is medicine. Food can also be poison. Coaching with me will help you set realistic goals to change your relationship with food. You will likely lose some weight in the process, if you have stubborn weight that is holding on. There are also ways to help people put on weight who have struggled to keep it on. I will coach you in this.
WORK
Work is valuable for our minds, bodies, and emotional well-being. Sometimes elements of work perpetuate our poor health conditions or have us on a trajectory that takes us away from healing. This is something that is sometimes hard to accept because we all need to work. It is something that needs to be reflected upon if you are hoping to have optimal health in your life.
TRAUMA HISTORY
For those of you with an extensive trauma history, it can be helpful to assess your ACE score so you can validate that you have been through a lot and that you are incredibly resilient. However, trauma is a huge player in illness. It makes people sick on all levels. It is extremely important to treat the illness and the original trauma. This is a strong point of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Especially Classical Chinese Medicine and various acupuncture styles. Working with me to heal old trauma is definitely part of the healing process to complete health. The nice thing about healing with Chinese Medicine is that you do not need to discuss the details or verbally revisit your trauma; simply showing up for your appointment and getting the care you need will start that healing process.
INJURIES/SURGERIES
If only all surgeons recommended acupuncture after surgery! I have seen bodies recover so much more quickly after acupuncture. I have seen nerves regenerate after a series of acupuncture sessions. I have seen clients who have had long-term nerve damage express that they noted improvement in their symptoms after a series of acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture and real healing modalities are also very good for things like frozen shoulder, as long as all aspects involved with the symptom pattern are addressed.
GENETICS
Genetics can play a part in health outcomes, however recent science shows there is flexibility in whether or not our genes will manifest (or express themselves). This expression is based on our external and internal environment. The exciting news is we can have a say in gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
We live in a world of chemicals. Some are made in nature, and some are made in a laboratory. They all have health benefits and consequences. We will discuss this.
ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that act as hormones or block hormone receptors that can affect our health. These include, but aren't limited to, chemical fragrances that persist in essentially all aspects of our modern world.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that act as hormones or block hormone receptors that can affect our health. These include, but aren't limited to, chemical fragrances that persist in essentially all aspects of our modern world.
THE PROCESS OF HEALING
We will discuss your situation at length. We will make a plan. The trajectory will be in the direction of healing. The route you take will be up to you. Healing comes in waves. There are ups and downs. Sometimes the journey seems like you are going backwards even when you are making progress. Stay on top of the wave. If you fall in, you can always get back up and try again. That is the process of healing.
What do you want your health to look like?
Call Heidi to start your healing process.
907-891-8450
New patient? Please schedule a new patient consultation.
Heidi Bruner L.Ac.: Alaska Business License 1007076
National Provider Identifier # NPI 1619215811
