Many Disciplines. One Patient.

In the spirit of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a primary goal of Essential Health Acupuncture is to provide our patients with a broader understanding of health and more lasting sense of well-being. Instead of a disease-centered focus, Traditional Chinese Medicine applies a patient-centered approach that addresses the whole person rather than simply his/her symptoms.

Essential Health Acupuncture combines the disciplines of modern science with the wisdom of ancient healing and takes advantage of the knowledge of several disciplines including, acupunture, tui na (Chinese body work), cupping therapy, diet/nutrition education, physical, mental and emotional health, and Chinese herbology. Other medical modalities that are being utilized are also taken into account to provide the utmost care for the individual. This allows patient and provider to work together to develop an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic plan that will best address the whole patient.

I’m Dr. Shannon Freeman, D.Ac., L.Ac., Eastern Medicine Practitioner. I am a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (Ojibwe/Cree/Metis) in Belcourt, ND. My heritage and upbringing are much of why I do what I do. I first became a Certified Nursing Aide in 1992. I then became a Licensed Massage Practitioner studying under Zdenka Daucik, a European physiotherapist who incorporated specific, long-lasting, deep treatment work into her practice. I received my Eastern Medicine Practitioner License in 2013. I recently received my Doctorate of Acupuncture from Five Branches University, researching allopathic and Eastern Medicine treatment of Lyme Disease, Epstein Bar, long-haul post-Covid, and any other treatment protocols using acupuncture and supporting healing methods. I am currently in a two-year Doctor of Chinese Energetic Medicine Program (D.C.E.M.) awarded by Bian Hua Gong (The Temple of Change and Transformation) Daoist Temple.

The most common patient complaints are pain, emotional issues, fertility, adrenal fatigue, and exhaustion. Through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I provide Chinese medicine diagnoses, acupuncture, and other TCM modalities applicable to the patient’s condition.

My holistic approach includes creating patient-specific ongoing post-treatment goals and recommendations, including nutritional, dietary, lifestyle, and exercise recommendations for orthopedic issues, pain reduction, and improved function. Also, your treatment plan may include meditation and Qi Gong exercises.

I believe that combining Western and Eastern Medicine is optimal for a patient to heal.

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.

A holistic Yoga and Acupuncture center. A safe haven where everyone, regardless of age or level of practice, can participate in the process of wellness through the knowledge and experience of our teachers and practitioners.