I began my study of Chinese medicine in the late 1980's. I was first drawn to the vast richness and depth of Chinese medicine through my practice of classical martial arts. Over the decades, I learned various methods of hands-on therapies for the treatment of injuries that would occur during training. I also learned how herbal medicine has been safely and effectively used for millenia to support athletic training. After completing my undergraduate degree and working for a few years as a translator I realized my true calling was in the study and practice of Chinese Medicine.


I received my Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2001 and completed a sports medicine and orthopedics internship treating collegiate athletes at the University of California, San Diego. After obtaining my California State Acupuncture license in 2002, I began to actively study Classical Chinese Medicine under Dr. Jeffrey Yuen, an 88th generation Daoist physician and priest. I continue to study with Dr. Yuen to this day with the belief that it is my responsibility to keep growing as a physician for the sake of my patients. The rich tradition that Dr. Yuen teaches has allowed me to successfully help many patients with difficult neurological complaints, autoimmune disorders and a wide range of functional diseases.

I have personally experienced the shortcomings of the conventional medical system which primarily focuses on the suppression of symptoms and the disempowerment of patients. This motivated me to devote my practice to empowering my patients to take back control of their health and break free from their dependency on medications.

I use a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, tui na, qi gong, and dietary therapy integrated with functional medicine (customized lab work) to decipher the mystery of each unique patient. Although it is a challenging path, I find it immensely rewarding and cannot imagine doing anything else.


I have practiced and taught classical Chinese martial arts and health practices in the US and internationally for decades. A student at heart, I spend much of my free time reading or thinking about how to be a better physician for my patients. My goal is ultimately to help unlock the miraculous healing capacity that is contained in every individual.


Since beginning my practice in 2002 I've worked closely with many primary care doctors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists and gasteroenterologists to provide heart-felt care to thousands of patients.

The most common ailments presented to an acupuncturist tend to be pain related conditions. For example; arthritis, back, neck, knee and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.

Rachel Cherry is board certified Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. Her practice style focuses on an individualized approach, utilizing the most advanced techniques in acupuncture and quality custom herbal formulations to help achieve sustainable symptomatic relief. She cares that you receive the medical care you deserve and are informed about your options in pain management.

NYS Licensed acupuncturist

Vita-Health Acupuncture & Wellness Center is an acupuncture clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL that was founded in 2005 by David and Yelena Pakula, husband and wife acupuncturists. David and Yelena are both Florida licensed Acupuncture Physicians who are Board Certified by the NCCAOM as Diplomats of Oriental Medicine. They each earned a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Together, David and Yelena have completed advanced post-graduate acupuncture training. They successfully completed a 150-hour certification training program in advanced Japanese Acupuncture & Moxibustion techniques in the tradition of Kiiko Matsumoto & Master Nagano. They completed advanced training in Tung style acupuncture and are officers of the World Tung Acupuncture Association, representing the organization in Florida. They also have studied Chinese medicine and philosophy with Daoist master Jeffrey Yuen.
Yelena Pakula was a Medical Doctor in St. Petersburg, Russia, specializing in neurology, osteopathy and acupuncture.