ACUPUNCUTRE
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Ariel Donofrio
Ariel is a nationally board-certified licensed acupuncturist who works with her patients to help them reach their wellness goals and take control of their health. She believes that healthcare should be focused on getting to the root of the cause of health concerns, and not just masking symptoms.
Ariel earned a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Health and Science in Chicago, IL in 2019. Her education included thorough training in Western science, anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and Eastern physiology, pathology, differential diagnosis, acupuncture, herbology, and adjunctive healing techniques. She believes that while our society benefits greatly from advanced Western Medicine, in a lot of cases, traditional holistic healing modalities can be a great first step to take towards reaching health goals before leaning into pharmaceuticals and surgeries, which can potentially have life long side effects. She believes that when Eastern and Western medicine are used in an integrative setting, they are very complimentary and a complete form of healthcare. She was drawn to Traditional Oriental Medicine because it places an emphasis on treating the person as a whole instead of isolating organ systems, and each person as an individual rather than lumping them into a disease category.
Ariel continues to learn as a health care practitioner and has experienced different techniques that she can use in clinic to best suit each patient. While she mainly uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques, she has also studied and practiced Japanese style acupuncture, which employs a very gentle needling technique that is perfect for patients that are uncomfortable with needles.
Education and Certifications
Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine
Pacific College of Health and Science
Diplomat of Oriental Medicine - National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The NCCAOM is responsible for the development and administration of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and Oriental Medicine Certification Programs. The NCCAOM evaluates and attests to the competency of its National Board-Certified Acupuncturists(TM) through rigorous eligibility standards and demonstration and assessment of the core knowledge, skills and abilities expected for an entry level practitioner of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Certified in CNT (Clean Needle Technique) - Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
CNT Certification is the nationally recognized standard in acupuncture safety that trains acupuncturists in safe and sanitary handling, insertion, and removal of acupuncture needles. This is a requirement for NCCAOM certification.
What is your “why”? Why do you do what you do and how does that impact your work?
I have a strong passion for learning about health and wellness and I love to teach others more about their body and how they can take their health into their own hands.
If you could snap your fingers and be anywhere in the world right now, where would that be?
Mexico or somewhere in Central or South America. I love warm climates and have always felt that the culture in these regions is the right mix of laid back and hard working. They tend to be more open to holistic and spiritual healing practices. Also I love their cuisine.
Favorite thing to do in your free time?
Just be outdoors, preferably near water. Growing up I spent almost every weekend in the summer at the lake with friends or family. Now, any chance I get I like to go paddle boarding with my husband.
One piece of advice you give to ALL patients [clients].
Consistency over time is what leads to success. Keep your health goals in mind every day and remember even small steps can make a big impact on your health.