Mari Greenly, LAc | Acupuncture in Portland
I have been practicing Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in southeast Portland since 2005, the part of Portland I consider my neighborhood. I received my Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental medicine from NUUM in Portland (formerly NCNM), where I completed my training in Classical Chinese Medicine. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and then travelled to Asia to do field research before finally settling in Oregon!
Throughout my studies, I worked at Natural Foods stores, learning about nutrition, supplements and western herbs. My continuing education has been wide ranging but mostly focused on pain relief using variations of traditional acupuncture techniques, and extensive studies surrounding women’s health and fertility. Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has also been a part of my practice since training in 2006 with Virginia Doran, a pioneer in facial acupuncture. I love incorporating acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and bodywork in my clinical practice; and I feel so fortunate to have trained with some of the best. Besides work, I love spending time with my two boys and partner; I love art, travel, crafting, volunteering at school, digging in the garden and spinning on my bike (and so many more of the great things in life!).
Many people ask me, “why did you decide to study Acupuncture?”. My answer is truthfully, “because it works, and it has worked for me time and time again”. Although there are deeper reasons why I followed a path that led me into medicine in the first place, it was the discovery that there was a treatment out there that didn’t feel invasive, it didn’t feel dismissive, and it actually felt good! I first discovered the power of acupuncture, when I was running a lot of miles both for myself and to keep my dog happy at the time. My knees have been my problem area my whole life, but when I finally received regular acupuncture, my knee issues were improved and I could continue running. Since then, I have used Acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and to help bring my baby into this world!
There is a lot more to Chinese Medicine than just treating your aches and pains. When I was barely 13, I lost my father to a sudden heart attack only hours after an appointment with a cardiologist. For me, this was a wake up call to be an active participant in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, something more holistic than the paradigm I was familiar with. I was interested in learning a type of medicine that uses a methodology looking at the whole person, not just the compartmentalized view of our physical body. I loved the idea that the same patterns that exist in nature could be applied to the human body like a holograph for all that exists. In Chinese Medicine, our treatments may include dietary changes, herbs, acupuncture, bodywork, and even cosmology. I believe ‘healthcare teamwork’, and the tools in an Acupuncturist’s toolbox can be extremely useful. For many things in life that arise and create discomfort, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can make a huge difference, and the only side effect is typically feeling more calm, and getting a good night’s sleep!
Accreditations & Certifications
Board Certified NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine)
OBME (Oregon Board of Medical Examiners) Acupuncture License
ABORM (American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine) Certified Fellow