My Practice
This is why I do my work…
I marvel at the body. I am continually inspired by how we regenerate.
How we move or don’t move, what we eat and drink or don’t eat and drink, how we rest or don’t rest, how we care for ourselves, including acupuncture—with all of this, we are creating the body we will have tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. When we understand this from our own experience, it becomes a powerful guide in our lives. It empowers us to make healthy choices, not because we “should” but because we have connected the dots and we understand that we are choosing what we most want. Whether it’s drinking more water, doing some stretching, taking a walk in the fresh air, or getting acupuncture to heal and re-balance ourselves, it’s an investment in our immediate and future health, in ourselves, in our aliveness. This inspires me.
I watch patients heal and get back to the life they love, sometimes feeling better than ever before. I see them learn to listen to the feedback loops within, to hear and understand how their body is communicating with them. I see them gather new tools, grow in their ability to care for themselves, and become more sustainably healthy. Each day, I see patients relax deeply and find a restorative place of ease within.
These things make a difference — a big difference. This is why I do what I do.
This is what I want for my patients…
- To be free of pain and able to move your body in a way that brings you joy
- To feel ease inside yourself
- To have an inspired relationship with your body and your health
- To enjoy the fulfillment that comes from these things
This is how I do it…
I offer Chinese medicine as a system of holistic care. I use acupuncture and other supportive therapies to naturally and effectively address your needs for recovery, health, and self-care.
And I put my heart into it.
About Susan Wilmoth, Acupuncturist, MAcOM
I bring to my work a fascination with anatomy, a lifelong love of movement, and a deep respect for humanity. My style as an acupuncturist is gentle and precise, weaving a strong anatomy-based orientation with my knowledge of Chinese medicine to offer an uncommonly integrated approach.
My practice is based in a charming Victorian in east Portland and also branches out into our community. In addition to my private practice, I provide end-of-life acupuncture support in home hospice and facility settings and I teach acupuncture students and providers about treating hospice patients. I feel honored to serve people along the full spectrum of vitality, from vibrant living to graceful dying.
I am a graduate of Purdue University and the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, nationally certified by the NCCAOM, licensed in Oregon by the Oregon Medical Board, and I hold a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the four year post-graduate program at OCOM. During my acupuncture training, I served as a clinical intern at the Oregon Health Science University (OHSU). I am a whole-hearted advocate of integrated care where eastern and western medicine come together in order to provide the best options for patients.
My academic background prior to studying Chinese Medicine was in Cultural Anthropology, Philosophy, and Religious studies. Cultivating awareness and understanding has been a labor of love throughout my life.
I am an avid gardener and appreciator of the natural world. Having my hands in the dirt is my healing elixir! To me, tending the outer and tending the inner have a great deal in common. I find joy in a steady diet of nature, swimming, hiking, sharing food I’ve grown with people I love, and my own life’s journey toward ever-deeper contentment and connection.
Chinese Medicine
The Elegant System of Chinese Medicine
Welcome to a system of medicine that enhances your body’s innate healing mechanism. For over 3000 years, Chinese medicine has been an established diagnostic and treatment system for chronic and acute illnesses and pain, as well as for preventative health maintenance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a body of medicine with 5 branches. The 5 branches of Chinese medicine are acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage, nutrition, and the internal arts (meditation, tai chi, qi gong, etc.). Thus, treatment goes beyond what happens on the treatment table to include lifestyle and self-care.
Chinese medicine views the body holistically, much like an individual eco-system, wherein balance is essential for maintaining good health. If the balance is disrupted, then vitality is impaired and sustainability is compromised. Utilizing Chinese medicine, I strive to recognize the imbalances at hand, to nourish that which is depleted, quell that which is excessive, and support that which is balanced and thriving.
Chinese medicine has its own comprehensive model of human anatomy which often illuminates connections and patterns that may be overlooked by conventional medicine.
Testimonials
Yuka Iino
Susan kept me feeling my best under the constant physical demands of ballet during my years as a professional ballerina in Portland. She helped me rehabilitate through two meniscus surgeries and got me back to dancing my absolute best again. She supported me through some of the most difficult physical and emotional obstacles of my career and life. Susan is a truly wonderful acupuncturist and she helped me overcome my challenges with such loving support.
Angela Kautz
I have seen Susan for years and she is a life-saver. I lead a very active life but also have a desk job, which creates various issues for my body. I find that no matter what hurts, Susan can always help. She has given me relief from chronic headaches, TMJ, neck pain, lower back pain, dizziness, and many sports injuries. Susan is incredibly knowledgeable, skilled, and uses a variety of techniques. As a runner and a dragon boat paddler, I depend on her amazing care to keep me moving.
Chris Scarzello
I see Susan monthly for my acupuncture and cupping treatment. I find the combination helps keep my muscles relaxed, happy and balanced, and relieves my chronic neck and back soreness. One of the great things about working with Susan is that she knows so much about anatomy and Chinese medicine, and she always has suggestions for supplemental treatment and home care for issues that take more to address. Susan’s practice is in a lovely old Victorian house that has a calming effect as one enters. I always feel better after my treatments!
M.P. Gardener
Susan is terrific! I love how gentle she is. There is a calm about her; she brings a peace with her that immediately made me feel comfortable. Her treatment room compliments this peacefulness. I also love the way she listens. When I first came to her I was new to acupuncture and wasn’t sure what to expect. Susan explained everything before hand and her touch is amazing. This is why I turned to her again to help me recover from my cancer treatment. Her calmness and her compassion are just what I needed to help me through this challenging time.
Fabio Defrietas
I’ve been an active person my entire life. Two years ago I began suffering debilitating arm pain. Ultimately, I questioned whether or not I would ever be able to do the many things I love doing or even get dressed without pain. Thankfully, I came across Susan. For the past several months I have been absolutely pain free for the first time in a year and a half. Susan is an exceptional acupuncturist and just as extraordinary as a compassionate caregiver. She is a thoughtful, respectful and super knowledgeable practitioner.
Eden Dabbs
Susan is a touchstone for me. She is a healer of the highest order, she treats not only the body but the whole being, she treats the body, mind, soul and heart. She is intuitive about listening to my needs and always has the perfect response, even if it is to be quiet. She is gentle, kind, and compassionate. Every week I know that I am going to turn down the dial, go to a safe space, have her treat me, and feel more centered when I come out.
Olga Krochik
As a professional ballet dancer I’ve seen many acupuncturists, massage therapists, chiropractors and physical therapists and Susan’s work has had the most benefit for my body. She’s an excellent communicator, whether she is listening to me I explain my issues or listening my body directly. Our sessions give me the relief I need to return to work refreshed, healthy, and with a renewed confidence in my body and in myself. Susan is a truly exceptional caregiver. I’m so happy to have found her.
Todd Jackson
I see Susan myself and I send my clients to her for treatment. Susan’s ability to be present and attentive throughout the treatment process is rare among acupuncturists. She takes the time to palpate with accuracy and precision before treating, ensuring I receive the most potent quality of healing. Quiet, patient and exacting, Susan’s ability to guide me back to health when other approaches failed has repeatedly given me the confidence from which to refer clients and family in need.
Heidi Craddock
Susan has a pain-free touch with the needles. Absolutely everything about an appointment with her is calm and healing. Her calm, easy-going style put me instantly at ease upon my first visit. She listens closely and is very intuitive. She has treated me for everything from digestive issues to back pain to running injuries. I highly recommend her to anyone, especially those who might be nervous about trying out acupuncture for the first time.
Jill Emmert-Tricarico
Susan is my go to practitioner when my active lifestyle catches up to me. I recently sprained my ankle playing volleyball. With regular treatment, I was able to return in under 6 weeks strong and ready to play again. For me, it feels like the needles directly affect the treatment areas, and I love the immediacy. During each treatment, I can feel change happening. I rely on Susan’s knowledge and skill for speedy recovery in a holistic way, avoiding prescriptions and surgery.
Sue Butler
Susan is a master of the human body and its systems. As an elite athlete, I depend on my body to perform at its highest level and regular acupuncture has been instrumental in keeping me healthy. Susan has helped me heal from various injuries and back surgery. She has helped me recover faster, supported my immune system, and improved my general health. I count on acupuncture as part of my holistic maintenance and I always leave Susan’s office feeling that I have made an excellent investment in myself.