My name is Lucinda Kotter and I am a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc). I hold a Masters Degree in TCM from Five Branches Institute (now Five Branches University) in Santa Cruz, CA. I studied acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, and Chinese nutrition. I also hold a Diploma of Acupuncture from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
I was raised in southern California and have a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley where I studied forestry and environmental justice. After graduating, I worked in forestry and habitat restoration. Inspired by the results I received from acupuncture treatment, I decided it was time for a career change and began my graduate studies in TCM. I have been living and practicing in Healdsburg since 2004.
I have seen people's lives profoundly changed by TCM. Often patients choose acupuncture as a last resort, after years of frustration and pain. They are skeptical and maybe a little scared.
When they get results they often declare, "I should have come to you sooner!" I urge them to tell their friends because more people need to know about the effectiveness of this medicine. It is my hope and goal to see more people come to an acupuncturist at the first sign of trouble. TCM can be an alternative to pharmaceuticals or invasive surgery. Acupuncture is also safe, effective and compatible with conventional medicine. Healthcare should be a collaboration between patient and provider, where the patient feels empowered, not helpless. I am happy and to work with your other clinicians to help you attain your health goals.