About Erica Shepard, MAcOM, L.Ac.
y mom's health issues sparked my interest in natural medicine, which eventually led me on my path to becoming an acupuncturist. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 13 years old. Rather than using Western Medication to control her symptoms, she chose to manage her symptoms naturally by changing her diet, exercising, and receiving acupuncture on a regular basis. The acupuncture treatments produced a dramatic effect and were extremely beneficial to her health. It has been 18 years since my mom was diagnosed with this debilitating disease. She is a healthier person today then she has ever been and shows no physical symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.
After seeing the results my mom achieved with acupuncture, she suggested I try treatment for my chronic migraines. I started suffering from migraines at age 10. By the time I was 16 I was taking several different prescription medications in order to keep the pain under control. I starting seeing an acupuncturist once a week and taking a Chinese herbal formula. Before starting treatment I would have up to four migraines a week. Within months this number was cut in half, and within a year I was having as few as one per month. Now I rarely suffer from migraines. When I do feel one coming on, I am able to prevent it from happening with acupuncture and herbs.
Throughout my mom's care and mine, I was amazed at how caring and compassionate the acupuncturists were during treatments. It truly inspired me to seek out an education in this type of alternative medicine. As an acupuncturist, it is my goal to bring the same relief and support to people who are suffering.
Education and Specialties
Erica Shepard has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Oregon University. She attended graduate school at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland Oregon where she graduated with her Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2008. Erica is a Licensed Acupuncturist, certified by the California Acupuncture Board and the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She is also a Certified Massage Therapist through the California Massage Therapy Council.
She offers safe, competent and effective care with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Tui na massage. Her specialties are as follows:
- Urinary Incontinence
- Pain Management
- Pre/post-surgical recovery
- Infertility
- Pregnancy/postpartum conditions
- Emotional and Mental Disorders
- Stress and Anxiety Management
- Peri/postmenopausal conditions
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cancer symptom relief
