health and disease come from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, generic, environmental, lifestyle, and other factors. I prefer safe, effective, non-invasive and supportive therapies to treat a patient as a ‘whole person’ to restore the

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.

Mary Anne Matta combines functional medicine and acupuncture for total wellness. Working with her physician husband, Dr. Steve Matta, DO - they bring a true East meets West approach to holistic care.

Elena LaCasse is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). After graduating from The New Earth College in Scarborough, Elena has worked extensively with motor vehicle accident patients, professional athletes and people suffering from chronic pain. Passionate about her work, Elena combines different modalities of Acupuncture such as Gua-cha, Cupping, Electro-acupuncture, Auricular acupuncture, etc. to achieve the best possible results. Through her continuing education, Elena is always looking for new and different approaches to better heal her patient’s health problems. She strongly believes that the human body is a complete unit, a self-regulating and self-healing mechanism. She has an eclectic practice where she treats patients of all ages with diverse health problems, but her special interests are women's health, depression disorders, addiction problems, trauma and chronic pain. Also, she is proud to propose to her patient Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment, where she has outstanding results. For more information please visit her web-site www.acupuncture4you.org.

Tessa Olson, Ma.O.M., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. practices acupuncture in Columbus, Ohio.

My first experience with acupuncture came in 2002. My dog, Milo, was struggling with arthritis in his legs, so I took him to my vet for treatment. The results for my 110 pound dog were amazing; Milo ran around like a puppy and was able to get in the car again by himself. I had developed an interest in natural health while living in Eugene, Oregon for 6 years, but wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. After seeing the results for Milo, acupuncture became my interest and passion.

Tessa received a master’s degree with honors in Oriental Medicine -- specializing in acupuncture and Chinese herbs -- from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minneapolis, MN. She is board certified in acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and licensed by the State Medical Board of Ohio. Her prior experience includes work at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis with an Integrated Therapy Team – including reflexologists, music therapists, massage therapists, and aromatherapists. At Abbott Hospital, Tessa treated patients recovering from orthopedic surgery and also helped prepare patients for surgery. While at the Courage Center in Minneapolis, she treated patients recovering from stroke or paralysis. Tessa also worked at the Edith Davis Clinic in Bloomington, MN.

Tessa feels like we live in a society that is too fast-paced and stressful; acupuncture and Chinese medicine helps us to slow down, pause, heal, and reset ourselves. She is drawn to Chinese medicine because it provides individualized medicine based on the unique needs of a person. This is an important part of a lifestyle approach to whole body healing and wellness.

Education

University of Oregon. BA in Sociology and Special Education
Northwestern Health Sciences University. Master's in Oriental Medicine.

Continuing Education

Great River Symposium, 2011. Minneapolis, MN.
Great River Symposium, 2012. Minneapolis, MN.
Great River Symposium, 2013. Minneapolis, MN.
Great River Symposium, 2014. Minneapolis, MN.