Alissa Lamb (she/her) is the newest member of our expert provider team here at Turning Pointe!
Alissa is an NCCAOM Board Certified Acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist specializing in orthopedics, myofascial issues, and chronic pain.
As a life-long student of movement, she has over a decade of experience dedicated to the healing arts from teaching yoga and therapeutic exercise in physical therapy clinics to massage therapy in chiropractic clinics and wellness centers.
She has advanced training in sports medicine acupuncture and enjoys helping her patients identify the root cause of pain and movement dysfunction to avoid future injuries and return to activities that they love.
Check out her full bio here and continue reading below to get to know a little more about her!
Alissa Lamb, LAc, MAcOM in a Turning Pointe treatment room.
Q: What drew you to the study of Chinese medicine and acupuncture?
A: I always knew I wanted to go into health care in some capacity.
After almost 15 years pursuing physical therapy, yoga, and medical massage modalities I received my first acupuncture treatment and knew right then that was the path for me. Chinese medicine and acupuncture embodied everything I was in search of in all those other practices: a holistic system of healing that focuses on balance.
Now I get to bring all my education, training, and passion for anatomy and physiology together in a truly comprehensive practice.
Q: How do you describe your approach and care style?
A: I approach each person who arrives in my treatment room as a whole being, not just a collection of symptoms to be managed.
My style of treatment has been described as gentle and assertive at the same time. I utilize orthopedic and muscle testing, postural and gait analysis, as well as Chinese Medicine diagnostics to get a clear picture of what might have led to the pain, injury, or imbalance someone is experiencing and what the path forward might look like.
Q: What is something you’ve learned over your years of practicing acupuncture that has surprised you?
Something I have seen again and again in practice is that the healing journey is not linear and often in the midst of it one can lose sight of how far they have come. Progress can be measured in many ways. Sometimes the smallest effort can create a big shift in someone.
Q: What might you say to someone who is hesitant to try acupuncture for the first time?
A: I see a lot of folks who are very wary of acupuncture for many reasons. I actually really enjoy working with people who have never had acupuncture or been exposed to Chinese Medicine. If you show up in my treatment room hesitant for any reason, let’s talk about it!
Before you get on the table, I will explain what you can expect before, during, and after treatments. I encourage folks to ask questions. We can go over anything you are curious about or afraid of and how your goals can best be met. I love seeing folks who were unsure if acupuncture was right or would even work for them move beyond what they initially sought treatment for and ask, “What else can acupuncture do?”
Q: What is one of your favorite acupuncture points?
A: Gall Bladder 34. It feels like a warm hug!
Q: What is your favorite self-care practice that you employ regularly?
A: I just love my facial guasha and cupping tools! It feels so luxurious to come home after a long day, take some grounding deep breaths, and treat myself.
Alissa at the start of an SF bike tour!
Q: How do you most enjoy spending your time outside of the clinic?
A: I enjoy spending time with my partner and two endlessly entertaining cats. I like to bike tour and try to get out for overnight bike camping adventures whenever I can. In the past couple years, I have discovered my knack for fiber arts and enjoy doing macrame, felting, and have been knitting and crocheting for many years.
Most often these days, I can be found out hiking, enjoying a concert, or home cozy with a book and my kitties.
