Life Tree Acupuncture
Theresa Valenzuela, MS, East Asian Medicine Pracitioner
Theresa Valenzuela, MS, EAMP, RWP
Theresa has been studying and practicing in the natural health field for over 10 years. Her experiences have brought her all over the world and taught her that listening and compassion are key to the healing environment.
She graduated from Bastyr University with a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2003. For the following three years, she gained practical clinical experience managing acupuncture clinics aboard cruise ships. In this setting, she was able to introduce Traditional Chinese Medicine to hundreds of passengers and cruiseline employees through education and treatment. Between contracts with the cruiselines, Theresa spent time in Chile, where she was able to treat low income and disabled patients in a variety of settings.
In 2007, Theresa, her husband Gabriel, and their six-month-old son ventured to the North West in search of a more settled life. She acquired the practice of a retiring acupuncturist in Sequim, WA where she has been happily living and practicing ever since. Theresa and her family enjoy camping and exploring nature on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.
Credentials and Experience
Master Of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine -
2003, Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
Certified in Acupuncture by National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Restorative Wellness Practioner (RWP) Level 1- 3, 2020-21 (Functional Nutrition)
Licensed East Asian Medicine Pracitioner (EAMP) WA State DOH
-formerly called Licensed Acupuncturist or L.Ac. in WA before 2012
Degree in Massage Therapy, 2001, Brenneke School of Massage, Seattle, WA
BA Anthropology, 2000, Penn State University
Acupuncture at Sea - Clinic Manager and Practitioner on Celebrity Cruises 2004-2006, Open Seas
Acupuncture Healing in Sequim, Inc. - Current practice in Sequim, WA since 2007
How did I come to study acupuncture?
So many people ask me this question that I decided to answer it here to give people a chance to understand me better.
At the age of 18, graduating at the top of my class in a rather small rural high school in Central-Western Pennsylvania, I was confronted with the question from my parents, teachers, and peers: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE?
My only answer at the time was that I truly wanted to help people, but wasn't quite sure how that would look. So I enrolled in a large state university in order to have access to every career path under the sun... architecture? medicine? international relations? Interestingly enough, the only courses at the time that drew my attention were courses in anthropology, the study of human cultures and evolution.
During the course of my studies, my health suffered with all the demands of student life and a poor diet. At various times, the medical profession either proclaimed that I was perfectly healthy or prescribed pills that did not alleviate my health conditions. I continued to have severe fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, and chronic sinus infections, just to list a few of my symptoms... Until one day, one kindly cultural professor noticed that I didn't look well and suggested a few natural remedies that were easily found at the local drug store. I was amazed and grateful when my symptoms improved within an hour after 2 courses of antibiotics failed to help at all. This sparked my interest in the healing power of nature, and I began tailoring my studies to include a future focus in natural medicine.
Two years later, I was still somewhat unsure as to what my next step in life would be, and graduation was just around the corner. My last semester presented a surprise in my schedule that turned out to be a Tai Chi exercise class. I had never heard of this peaceful martial art, but by the end of the course I was helping the instructor to teach the class because the practice came so naturally to me. In this course I was introduced to the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, nutritional therapy, qi gong (meditation), and tai chi (martial arts for health and longevity). Within that first month of my Tai Chi course, I had already submitted my application to Bastyr University, which has the most highly esteemed Oriental Medicine program in the country.
Who helps me?
All of your scheduling, purchasing, and payment transactions will be performed by my dedicated husband, Gabriel, or Gabe for those who choose not to attempt the Spanish pronunciation of his name. Gabriel is originally from Santiago, Chile. He has completed a 5-year degree in Social Work from an accredited university in Santiago, Chile. Interestingly, he doesn't technically need his degree to assist us at the acupuncture clinic, but his experience, understanding, intuition, and passion for for helping people certainly come in handy in our healing space. He genuinely cares for all of our patients and we believe that authentic caring and trust is the true foundation for any healing process.
