giving you a healing experience, while teaching you to find and cultivate your inner

strength.

Annette McDowell, MAcOM, LAc.

Healthcare has always been a point of comfort and interest of mine. When I was

younger I spent so much time at the hospital with my Mom who is a nurse that it felt like

a second home. My Dad taught me the merits of good nutrition, exercise, and spending

time in nature. I immediately connected with oriental medicine when I heard of it in the

disease, as it is linked to disconnection with nature, I was inspired. Through my life I

noticed how suffering and poor health results from being disconnected with nature.

Growing up in Alaska I often found retreat and comfort in the pure beauty of nature. The

outdoors had many times helped me find peace and healing. I wanted to become a

healer to refine the gifts nature had given me, into tools I could use to help others.

My journey to finding out acupuncture and oriental medicines place in the culture

of the United States led to a rich tapestry of experiences that inspired me and

encouraged me to become an acupuncturist. My first experience with acupuncture

epitomized compassion, as dozens of homeless people gathered into a church and sat

peacefully together, with looks of relief on their faces, as they received free

acupuncture. When I tried acupuncture for some of my own ailments it just worked. For

lifelong stubborn allergies it gave me a relief I could never find from standard

medications. It was able to touch my shoulder pain, and care for it in ways I didn’t know

possible. Also, I loved the acupuncturists. They were good listeners, intuitive, kind, and

compassionate. In the compassionate presence of the acupuncturists I was able to

discover that hiding pain and stresses was counterproductive.

Today I am better able to identify aggression as fear, anger as hurt, and to

respond to negative feelings with mindful compassion. I hope to help break the cycle of

inner turmoil being transferred to others in the form of abuse. In my own life I have more

tolerance for shortcomings and acceptance of imperfection. I’m here to provide a safe

and caring environment for those who need it. I want to help people become aware

what isn’t working in their lives and to let go of those things causing more suffering.

Then to add more of what is working to create a life of peace, joy, and balance.

Acupuncture treatments calm the nervous system and release feel good chemicals in

the brain, naturally helping you focus on the positive. Once your mind and body are in a

state of positive relaxation everything feels easier and the natural processes of your

body work more efficiently. It’s easier to fall asleep at night, digest your food, complete

important tasks, enjoy community, and be your best self. Holding onto tension is

reduced and pain releases. For women being in a relaxed and natural state of being can

also make it easier to get pregnant, have a natural and joyous labor, and to recover

from childbirth to more fully enjoy your new baby.

To experience the profound benefits of acupuncture and oriental medicine call me today

to schedule a free phone consultation to find out how I can help you at 907-376-

PATH(7284).

Education and certification: Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Certified by the National Certification Commission

for Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Licensed acupuncturist in the state of Alaska. Board

certified Chinese herbalist.