Maria Portnaya L.Ac., EAMP, MAcEAM
Over the years in clinical practice, Maria’s passion has become rooted in the process of healing. She explores with patients what is health and balance, and how together we can facilitate a change towards greater state of well-being. Maria feels grateful for the entry into patients’ health through the eastern classical route. Within this medical approach there is ancient wisdom that is relevant to our well-being today. Maria uses Acupuncture and Chinese medicine modalities to facilitate a resolution of ailments while providing education and knowledge for patients to maintain their own optimal health.
Maria received her Master’s education at Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine (SIEAM), where during a period of three years, she studied Classical Chinese Medicine. Maria is trained in traditional Chinese acupuncture, Japanese acupuncture and Sotai, Chinese herbal medicine, Auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), scalp acupuncture, Tui Na (Chinese medical massage), ZangFu Tuina, cupping and gua sha therapy, moxibustion therapy, facial rejuvenation acupuncture, Qi Gong (exercise), and Chinese medical language.
Maria utilizes her training in treating a variety of health complaints. One of her greatest strengths is in palpation and listening to the body. Her passion is empowering patients to support their own wellness through embodied experience and education. She has extensive experience treating digestive complaints, women’s health, sports injuries, and allergies/dermatology cases.
Maria serves as an adjunct faculty at SIEAM and enjoys teaching clinical skills, working with students in the clinic treating patients and being part of the growing community of East Asian Medicine practitioners.
Outside of the clinic, Maria spends her time with her family enjoying being outdoors rain or shine, playing tennis, exploring in nature and cooking up something delicious. Pike Place Market means a lot to Maria, often you can spot Maria connecting with her community, shopping for seasonal produce at the stands, and soaking in the vibrant energy.
Credentials and Certifications:
- Master’s degree in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAcEAM)
- Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.,) and East Asian Medicine practitioner (EAMP) in Washington State
- Board Certified Chinese Herbalist with a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Certified in Clean Needle Technique, Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM)
- National Association for Detox Acupuncture (NADA) certification
- Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal certification
Colette Marien L.Ac., EAMP, DAcHM
Coco’s passion for Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine is centered around its incredible ability to promote healing and transformation in all bodies. Acupuncture is part of an ancient medical system which views the body as a unified whole, encouraging health by balancing and regulating the yin (fluids) and yang (movement) through all systems. Coco utilizes acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other therapeutic approaches to support individuals on their path to inner connection and whole health. Coco has experience treating a wide range of conditions including digestive issues, fertility concerns, menstrual disorders, pain management, sports injuries, psycho-emotional imbalances, and sleep disorders.
Coco obtained her Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine from the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine (SIEAM). Her comprehensive training involved three years of intensive study and clinical practice in various styles of acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tuina (Chinese medical massage), cupping and gua sha therapy, Qi Gong, and biomedicine. She is currently pursuing her doctorate degree at SIEAM.
When Coco isn’t working with patients or otherwise geeking out on acupuncture theory, you can find her snuggling with her cat, doing crafts (jewelry, pottery, crocheting – you name it!), exploring new restaurants with her husband, diving into a great fiction book, and of course, catching up on the latest TV.
Credentials and Certifications:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAcHM), Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine
- Master’s degree in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAcEAM), Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine
- Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.,) and East Asian Medicine practitioner (EAMP) in Washington State
- Board Certified Chinese Herbalist with a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Certified in Clean Needle Technique, Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM)
- Bachelor of Art & Sciences in Sociology, Colorado College
Valerie Samuels L.Ac., EAMP, DAcHM
Valerie’s career into Traditional East Asian Medicine originated with her path in Western Medicine studies in biomedicine, osteopathy, and goal to become a surgeon. She has dedicated a lifetime of study in biology and medical sciences and over a decade of training in multiple hands-on techniques. As her curiosities about complementary and alternative therapies grew, and she traded in her scalpel skills to pursue the art of using acupuncture needles. Valerie pivoted her career path and instantly fell in love with the practice of Acupuncture, Tuina, and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Valerie is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. She trained at the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine (SIEAM) in modalities including Chinese style acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, qi gong, cupping, gua sha, east asian nutrition, diet therapy, herbal medicine, and biomedicine. Her speciality interests are in Restorative and Longevity Medicine but treats all kinds of aliments and illnesses. Valerie has also completed a fellowship in advanced clinical training of East Asian Medicine for Oncology patients and cancer survivors. She is a scholar at heart, continuously learning and enhancing her skills. Valerie is presently receiving further training in Japanese style techniques such as teishin, kampo, shiatsu, and sotai!
Outside of cultivating her skills in East Asian Medicine, you may find Valerie enjoying the beautiful outdoors or traveling! She is eclectic in her interests of culture and food, fancies the fine arts of crafting and dancing, and is always trying new things! On a rainy Seattle day, Valerie enjoys a warm cup of coffee while journaling or watching movies.
Credentials and Certifications:
- Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (DAcHM), Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine
- Master’s degree in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine (MAcEAM), Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine
- Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.,) and East Asian Medicine practitioner (EAMP) in Washington State
- Board Certified Acupuncturist with a Diplomate in Acupuncture from the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM)
- Masters of Science in Biomedical Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine – Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate TN
- Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Sciences Pre-Medicine, Tarleton State University Stephenville TX
- Associates in Chemistry, Tarleton State University Stephenville TX
- Associates in Business Administration, Tarleton State University Stephenville TX
- Certified in Clean Needle Technique, Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM)
- Certified Reiki Master in Japanese Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki
- Trained in Osteopathic Craniosacral Therapy, The Upledger Institute
- Trained in Life Coaching, Neuro Transformation Therapy
- Graduate Work in Life Science Research and Molecular Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Current Training Bodywork Skills in Shiatsu and Sotai
