I first encountered acupuncture as a college student, searching for a way to balance the stress of dancing in the studio all day and working at night. I experienced a dramatic response of qi flow and rest throughout my body. Since then, receiving this medicine from heart-centered practitioners has been a respite throughout the different challenges of my life, helping me build trust in my body and grow resilience to weather the storms along the way.

My practice of acupuncture is informed by my lifelong study of movement and dance, and experience with creative collaboration in both performance and social justice movements. As the internal pull towards healthcare work took me through a winding path studying emergency and wilderness first aid and street medicine, I recognized that learning East Asian Medicine was a path that could integrate my interests and strengths for the long haul. I studied East Asian Medicine for four years in the southern Appalachian mountains that I call home at the Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, graduating in summer 2024.

As I build my acupuncture practice, I also spend time teaching dance and GYROTONIC, study taiji and qi gong, and get out into the woods and by the water with my family every chance I get.

In the treatment space, I aim to accompany patients as they move towards engaging with their health challenges. I enjoy incoporating manual work including tui na, gua sha and fire cupping into sessions. I work to gently hold the space for folks to show up as they are. My hope is to deepen living liberatory values through this practice, and be a source of support for my communities through the practice of this powerful medicine.

I first encountered acupuncture as a college student, searching for a way to balance the stress o... Read More

A long time student of Taoist and Buddhist qigong and meditational systems, I have been a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine therapeutic bodywork for 30 years. Along the way, to be a more complete healer, I have added the modalities of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to my skillset.

I began my studies at the Maryland Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1999 and have graduated with a Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a concentration in custom herbal formulation from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon. During my career, I have been fortunate enough to have studied directly with many master doctors and qigong teachers. In 2010, encouraged by my Taoist teacher, Mantak Chia, I traveled deep into the mountains of central China to study with cave-dwelling hermit monks at the Taoist monastery Hua Shan. Soon after my return to the US, in 2011, I began a multiyear clinical apprenticeship in Northern Virginia with renowned doctors for the Chinese olympic team who instructed me in the techniques of TCM orthopedic and sports injury medicine.

I believe that the key to health and happiness is leading a serene and harmonious life, one that balances work with play, rest with activity, the external with the internal. I am passionate about making a difference in the world and know that my work in helping people overcome the stress, pain, and suffering of modern life is the best way for me to realize this goal. Outside of the clinic, I enjoy hiking in the mountains, practicing Tai Chi, and cooking nutritious and delicious food for my friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and helping find your way to a healthy, happy life.

A long time student of Taoist and Buddhist qigong and meditational systems, I have been a practit... Read More

My path to becoming a massage therapist was a winding one. In early adulthood, I began exploring different aspects of taking a holistic approach to one’s health. Some of these curiosities became strong enough interests that I decided to pursue them professionally. I studied zen shiatsu massage and colon hydrotherapy, and after three years decided to pursue a master’s degree in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine. About halfway through my education, I became pregnant with twins, and my professional path took an indefinite pause. When my kids were young, my family moved to Maryland, and I eventually came back to the calling of working with my hands. In early 2021 I graduated from the Potomac Massage Training Institute in Silver Spring, MD. Because of my interest in Chinese Medicine, I also trained in cupping therapy for massage practitioners and love to incorporate that into my sessions with clients.

I’m so grateful to find myself on a career path that fulfills my desire to have a meaningful impact on those around me. I believe that massage therapy helps humans thrive and stay grounded in this chaotic world. I hope that by receiving massage, my clients will have less anxiety and stress and will realize the potential for easeful movement and decreased discomfort that is within them. I have personally experienced and have observed for others that massage strengthens the mind-body-spirit connection and encourages all these aspects of self to heal. Life is more enjoyable when you feel good in your body, and when you get some time to fully unwind and take care of yourself. I also believe that safe and compassionate touch can make you feel more complete as a human, and more connected to yourself and the world around you.

My path to becoming a massage therapist was a winding one. In early adulthood, I began exploring ... Read More

I was introduced to acupuncture in middle school through my grandmother and father’s weekly appointments but it wasn’t until I had graduated from college and decided myself to try acupuncture for treating my digestive issues that I understood the medicine’s healing power. Acupuncture helped me understand that my digestive troubles were a signal from my body to look deeper at other issues in my life, and that by addressing those deeper issues I could help my body heal itself.

This experience led me to a deep curiosity about the whole system of East Asian medicine and a decision to change the course of my life to study it. I graduated from the Maryland University of Integrative Health with a degree in Acupuncture in 2017 and another in Chinese Herbs in 2019.

I am excited to now use this knowledge and these medicines to help others in their healing journeys as well. I am also fluent in Spanish and can treat patients exclusively in Spanish.

In my free time I prefer to wander in the woods, host big Shabbat dinners with family and friends, wonder about the mysteries of the world with dear ones and ride bikes with my kids and husband.

I come to the treatment room ready to care deeply about your journey as a human dancing through this life.

I was introduced to acupuncture in middle school through my grandmother and father’s weekly appoi... Read More

A first generation Latina, I was born and raised in Silver Spring, MD. A proud Co-Owner of Pulse Community Care, I am dedicated to helping the community that helped raise me.

As a young child, I always had a passion for biology and the sciences, but growing up watching my sisters go through medical school, I knew that wasn’t my path. After an acupuncturist helped me get rid of chest pains I had lived with all my life, and that doctors were never able to explain, I was hooked.

My passion took me to Bastyr University in Seattle, WA where I completed a 3 1/2 year Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, during which I also became certified in Massage Therapy. After Seattle, I traveled to Chengdu and Shanghai where I completed multiple hospital rounds, most with a focus in Chinese Herbal Medicine, under the supervision of renowned Doctors of Chinese Medicine. These rounds included cardiology, gynecology, dermatology, pediatrics and rheumatology, to name a few. I then traveled back to my hometown of Silver Spring and became licensed in Maryland and DC as well as Board-Certified through the NCCAOM.

In 2015, Janaye Volk and I opened up Pulse with the intent to help others achieve a better quality of life here in the DMV. I love that I can treat everything from physical ailments to mental and emotional pain. I especially love sending my patients out the door with laughter and a brighter outlook on life.

A first generation Latina, I was born and raised in Silver Spring, MD. A proud Co-Owner of Pulse ... Read More

I identify with being an empathic, calm, and loving personality that helps patients feel heard and understood. I am passionate about helping my patients reduce suffering and live their optimal lives through the gifts of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

In addition to acupuncture, I incorporate different modalities of Chinese Medicine in my treatments such as fire cupping, herbal medicine, gua sha, moxibustion, and Chinese nutrition and dietary therapy counseling.

I have supported my patients with chronic pain conditions, digestive issues, migraines/headaches, insomnia, and anxiety/depression. I have a special interest in women’s health and supporting women through all stages of their lives such as with their menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy & postpartum care, menopause, and other hormonal imbalances.

I received my Masters of Acupuncture degree from the Maryland University of Integrative Health and am currently working to complete my Doctorate of Acupuncture by April 2023. When not in the clinic, I love to travel, watch movies, be out in nature, and try new foods.

I identify with being an empathic, calm, and loving personality that helps patients feel heard an... Read More

I have always been drawn to the arts and humanities – a story, a photograph, a dance performance, or a piece of writing – I have found that these are the cherished gifts that help bring more beauty to the world. When Chinese Medicine and my own healing journey helped me live my days with a little more ease and a little less pain - and a little more beauty - I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time than to help others do the same.

​ I received my Master of Acupuncture degree from Maryland University of Integrative Health, and my certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC. I am also a certified in Zero Balancing, a bodywork therapy designed to help release stress and tension from the body. I love holding a warm, compassionate, and respectful space in the treatment room and empowering you to fully be yourself.

I have always been drawn to the arts and humanities – a story, a photograph, a dance performance,... Read More

I like to say that Traditional Chinese Medicine found me as opposed to the other way around. In the midst of studying pre med and bodywork, I had my first introduction to Chinese medicine theory through meridian massage and yin yang theory. The very first time I experienced acupuncture and cupping, I was hooked.

Studying Chinese medicine has changed the way I view and think about the world and life, and I love to share the insights and connections its given me. While in school, I trained in multiple specialty clinics including Oncology, HIV/AIDs, and Addiction/Methadone. I have studied under practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Acupuncture, and Five Element. While in Shanghai and Chengdu, I studied with Doctors of Chinese Medicine in multiple specialities including cardiology, gynecology, fertility, dermatology, pediatrics, rheumatology, and traumatology.

I love to combine all of these modalities and tools to offer patients the best treatment possible. Coming from a background in bodywork, I believe in the power of touch, the body’s natural ability to heal itself, and the ancient art of Chinese medicine to gain the optimum level of health and enjoyment from life.

Through my time with the practice and all that comes with being a small business owner, I’ve come to realize my love for design and inclination towards operations management. Jackie and I remain fully committed to keeping Pulse running with the same care and love we started it with, and continue to foster patient and practitioner wellness at Pulse.

I like to say that Traditional Chinese Medicine found me as opposed to the other way around. In t... Read More