Heather has been working as a Natural Health Practitioner for the past 14 years. She has worked in private practice both in Australia and overseas, and worked as a consultant for the Hospital Board in Jamaica, West Indies. Heather's broad range of modalities and extensive experience will allow her to develop a treatment program specific to your needs.
Prior to becoming a Natural Health Practitioner, Heather spent a number of years in the Information Technology arena both as a computer programmer and technical writer. She obtained a Bachelor of Business in Australia, and then travelled overseas to study Naturopathy. Her qualifications in the Natural Health Field include a Master of Science (Natural Health), Doctor of Natural Health, and Diploma of Herbal Medicine which she completed in the USA. Additionally she has obtained an Advanced Diploma in Acupuncture in Brisbane, Australia.
Whilst Heather has wide experience in all aspects of Natural Medicine, her main interest lies in musculoskeletal (arthritis, sports injuries, back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, rheumatism) and other painful conditions. She also has extensive experience in the treatment of fertility, skin conditions, anti-ageing and women's health issues.
Heather takes a holistic approach to understanding the processes of disease and uses a number of different treatment methods for a range of health conditions. Depending on your condition and your individual needs, naturopathy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, SLM Bodywork or herbal medicine may be used within the same treatment consultation. This ensures that you get the maximum benefit for minimum time and cost.

John Howard completed his degree in acupuncture from the Maryland Institute of Traditional Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. John holds two professorships; one in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the other in Western Medicine from George Washington University (GWU). Professor (Prof) Howard lectured on suturing and minor trauma management.

Upon completion of his degree Prof Howard entered into a five-year fellowship with the US military under the direction of Dr. Richard Niemtzow, MD, PHD. Prof Howard is both a clinician and an Academician. As an academician, he provides national and international lectures in acupuncture and auriculotherapy. He has authored five books and 21 articles on these two fields. He is also dedicated to the promotion of knowledge and has been awarded the dissemination of seminal works of Dr. Raphael Nogier (The RAFT (Radial Artery Food Test) and of Dr. René Bourdiol (Elements of Auriculotherapy).

In 2014 Prof Howard served as the vice president of the 8th International Symposium of Auriculotherapy in the United States. In 2016 Prof Howard became a consultant for ZeroMed (a holistic medical goods company) to design auriculotherapy protocols. Currently he is the President of the United States branch of the Raphael Nogier School of Auriculotherapy.



Research

John is currently conducting studies on the use of Auriculotherapy in distance runners to enhance performance. Some of men on team USA who won the world 100k gold medal in the Nederland’s in 2011 used his protocol.

The Acupuncture Center of La Jolla has been serving Southern California since 1989.

Throughout the years, we have worked as a part of the community to provide complementary methods of healing that best serve our patients. We coined the phrase, "Chinese Medicine for an American Lifestyle" back in 1989 to establish our desire to bring this most ancient form of healing into the modern world.

Just ask our patients. They are, after all, our biggest advocates. Ask any of their friends and family as well...more than likely, they are patients, too.

We invite you to come and experience the difference that acupuncture can make in your life.

Mrs. Sparks is nationally certified by NCCAOM and is licensed to practice acupuncture by the Ohio and Kentucky Medical Boards. Mrs. Sparks has over 26 years experience in acupuncture and medical research. She specializes in pain relief, including neck, shoulder, back, and joint pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, headaches, migraines, painful menses, stroke paralysis, Bell's palsy, depression, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension, gastrointestinal issues, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, OB/Gyn disorders.

Mrs. Sparks was trained as a physician in China in both western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, with a specialty in acupuncture. She graduated from Yunan university of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1985, and then completed 2 years of advanced acupuncture training. Early in Mrs. Sparks' career she worked under the supervision of Zunxin Guan, one of foremost acupuncture experts in Yunan, China. Later on Mrs. Sparks was a principal clinical researcher running projects funded by China's Bureau of Traditional Chinese medicine and material medica. Mrs. Sparks also worked seven years at the University of Cincinnati College of medicine in cardiology research. Overall she has been involved in Acupuncture practice, Chinese herbal medicine, and biomedical research more than 26 years.

South Portland, Maine I focus on treating pain, both physical and emotional. My practice combines acupuncture (traditional Chinese and orthopedic techniques) and Naturopathic medicine. You will receive treatment that is specifically tailored to you. This will include acupuncture, western herbs, and nutritional supplements. This medicine works with the body's natural healing abilities to strengthen your system and treat the root cause of your condition (so your symptoms go away and stay away.) Patients see relief from addiction, pain, anxiety, insomnia and more! I provide a safe, judgement free space, and all are welcome. My goal is to help you feel your best so you can live your life. Call or email for a consultation. Acupuncture and Western herbal medicine. A unique blend of East and West: I combine my background in research and modern healthcare with teachings of Naturopathic and Chinese traditional medicine to provide the most effective and comprehensive care.