Our Philosophy

SLO Acupuncture is guided by the principle of patient empowerment. Our practice strives to educate men and women about their body, their symptoms, and the practice of Chinese medicine in a reliable, yet approachable manner. In doing so, we hope to enable our patients to take charge of their health and become more aware of their body. It is our goal to help each individual achieve their personal level of optimal health.

Our Facility

SLO Acupuncture is conveniently located in the San Luis Business Center. This professional, welcoming environment creates a tranquil atmosphere in which our patients can relax, unwind, and focus on their health.

MEET YOUR PRACTITIONER

Therese M. Powers, L.Ac.

Known for her patient-centered approach to medicine and gentle demeanor, Licensed Acupuncturist Therese M. Powers, L.Ac., brings sincerity, warmth, and individualized care to each interaction at her San Luis Obispo acupuncture office. Here, she combines time-honored traditions with results-based practices to best meet the unique needs of her patients. Through a series of natural therapies including acupuncture, herbal treatments, and nutritional counseling, Therese provides complete, balanced healthcare to suit your lifestyle.

As a trusted adviser and medical professional, Therese takes her clients’ healthcare seriously. She values the relationship between practitioner and patient and honors this essential dynamic by being respectful of her clients’ trust, privacy, and personal needs. At SLO Acupuncture, every patient is treated as though they are the only client for the day and only those treatments that are most beneficial are recommended.

Because Therese is genuinely concerned for the well-being of those she treats, she is happy to offer referrals for individuals who find that Chinese medicine is not appropriate for them. Her goal is to help you feel and live your best – whether through acupuncture or more conventional methods of medicine.

Areas of Specialization

Although Therese has experience treating a wide variety of conditions her passion is treating pain. Therese specializes in all types of pain management, including acute, chronic, and sports-related pain. She received postgraduate training and certification in the Acupuncture Sports Medicine Apprenticeship Program with Dr. Whitfield Reaves – a pioneer in sports medicine acupuncture and author of the book The Acupuncture Handbook of Sports Injuries and Pain. Therese now serves as an assistant for this advanced program alongside Dr. Reaves and Dr. Jenny Nieters, acupuncturist for the San Francisco 49ers. Together, they train the next generation of licensed acupuncturists in the latest pain management techniques.

In her office, you can expect a gentle hand and precision. Each treatment is customized to your individual needs, incorporating a combination of traditional Chinese medicine theory with electro acupuncture, dry needling, motor point needling, fire cupping, gua sha, and moxabustion.

Training and Credentials

Therese has demonstrated her dedication to the practice of Chinese medicine through extensive graduate education and training. Some of her academic and professional accomplishments include:

  • A Masters Degree from the nationally recognized Five Branches Institute in Santa Cruz, California – one of the only accredited alternative medicine institutions in the United States.
  • Official licensure from the State Board of California, a regulatory agency that recognizes only those practitioners that have undergone extensive education and training, passed a national examination, and uphold strict ethical codes of conduct.
  • Completion of more than 3,000 hours of training in both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
  • Participation in an advanced study program at the Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (China) in the field of internal medicine and pain management.