Michelle Whittaker, LAc has been assisting people on their healing journey since 2007. She specializes in chronic and acute pain, those recovering from sports and auto/work injuries, digestive disorders, headaches, stress/anxiety, depression, insomnia, stroke, Bell's palsy, facial paralysis, and trauma.
Michelle was first introduced to the world of natural medicine during her studies at Naropa University in 2003 and has since become an avid believer in the powers of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Upon completion of her master's degree in Oriental Medicine at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she completed a four-month internship at Yueyang Hospital in Shanghai, China. There she studied with Dr. Shi Xue Min, recognized by the Chinese government as a national treasure for his contributions to acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, learning the techniques he developed for stroke rehabilitation, Bell's palsy, and brain disorders.
In her practice, Michelle found that many patients were seeking relief from sports and chronic injuries. In 2016, she completed the S.M.A.C. Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification course with Matt Callison.
After practicing in multiple settings combining chiropractic, medical massage, and acupuncture, Michelle was astonished at the power of integrative therapy. She was inspired to start D'Vida in Beaverton, Oregon, in 2012 to combine the three modalities under one roof. The name D'Vida stems from a memorable yoga retreat in Costa Rica, where she was moved by the local mantra Pura Vida, or Pure Life. Analogously, acupuncture, a key component of D'Vida, seeks to uphold the uninterrupted circulation of the life force, or qi, within the body.
Michelle loves being able to draw on a team of practitioners to achieve the highest results for patients, combining chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage into individualized treatment plans.
During a typical session, Michelle tends to favor traditional fire cupping, and uses essential oils and simple regulatory breathing techniques alongside acupuncture needles to help reset the nervous system. The profound effect typically leaves patients reset and uplifted following a session. Treatments can also be adjusted for patients who are needle-averse, using press tacks, acupressure, gua sha, and cupping.
In her leisure time, Michelle enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and traveling, with yoga a central element of her daily routine. On weekends you'll often find her honing her DJing skills with her husband, Jack, and their friends.
