Treat the body,

not just the symptoms.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system, not only a complementary therapy, that has been practiced for 4,000 years. TCM can successfully be used in the treatment of not only chronic diseases, such as arthritis, but also acute disease, such as acute pneumonia, and even in emergencies, such as asthmatic attacks.

Three Powerful effects of TCM:

RELIEVE pain and increase circulation
REDUCE inflammation anywhere in the body
RESTORE your body’s internal ability to heal itself

Infertility and Pregnancy

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

Stress and Digestion

Cupping and Myofascial Release

Herbal Medicine

Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Neuropathy and Pain

Food and Exercise Therapy

the greatest wealth,

is health.

Erin West, TCMD, LAc

Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Licensed Acupuncturist
Functional Nutrition Consultant

Dr. West graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cellular Biology from California State University Fullerton in southern CA where she was raised. She then completed a 5-year Doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) at Pacific Rim College of Integrative and Complementary Medicine in Victoria, British Columbia Canada. Dr. West is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine by the NCCAOM and licensed with the State of Arizona.

Dr. West has always been passionate about medicine, healing, preventative medicine, and working with her hands. During all of her educational years she worked as an emergency Veterinary Technician which has refined her skills and intuition, whether her patients are humans or animals, to facilitate the best care to those she treats. With an emphasis on internal medicine, infertility, and pain management, Dr. West strives to bring her knowledge, compassion, and experience to an expanding healthcare field where she can help her patients start living the life they always wanted.

When Dr. West isn’t working, she is spending time with her family, exercising, learning to better care for her patients, volunteering her time as a certified hospice volunteer for Hospice of the West, and helping with animal causes. She met her husband during graduate school in Canada and he has since left the Royal Canadian Air Force to move back to the US with her where he is now working with Mend Acupuncture as the Office Manager. They have a high energy young Boston Terrier named Mia Hambone.

Melinda Lee-Knopf, DACM

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Assistant
Certified Earseeds Practitioner

Dr Mel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Life Sciences from Arizona State University West in Glendale, Arizona. She also received her Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona. She then went on to earn her Doctorate degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California. She is currently working on completing her boards certification by NCCAOM.

Dr Mel was raised since birth by her great – great grandmother, a Dine Navajo Medicine woman, who was an expert in the centuries old traditional Navajo medicine. The knowledge Dr. Mel gleaned from her grandmother gave her the passion for caring for others as well as wanting to perpetuate the heritage of her culture and people. It was amazing when she started Chinese Medicine school in 2010 how much the two medicines blend together and harmoniously complement one another.

Dr Mel in her leisure time likes to watch Asian dramas and listen to Korean pop music. Dr Mel also has a weakness for Asian food of all kinds in which she enjoys dining out with her husband and friends. Dr Mel enjoys learning from experts in alternative oriental medicine treatments and modalities so that she may offer those treatments to her patients in the future.

Success Stories

Chinese Medicine Doctors are trained in primary care, which includes all types of pain, internal medicine, skin disorders, and hormones. Our areas of specialty is Holistic Endocrinology, Digestive Disorders, Stress, and Reproductive Medicine.

Allergic Asthma & Chronic Sinusitis

Asthma

Female Infertility Case

Infertility

Cervical Disk Herniation Case

Neck Pain

View All Success Stories

What to Expect

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Generally, there is no pain. Different sensations can be felt as the points are stimulated. The needles are solid and about the diameter of hair. We carefully talk you through the process, especially for anyone who has never had a treatment before. We buy the highest quality needles in order to ensure painless insertion and comfort to our patients.

How long is the treatment session?

The first treatment includes an exam in which we will carefully go over your intake and any health concerns you have. Your physical exam may include checking your blood pressure, examining any area of concern, tongue and pulse diagnosis. After the acupuncture needles (or “pins”) are in place, you will then listen to music (or silence) and enjoy the down time while your body responds to the pins.

First session will last up to 1.5 hours long
Follow-up treatments will last 45 minutes – 1 hour

How long do the needles remain inserted?

The needles will typically be in place for 20-30 minutes.

How many times do I need to come?

Once you have been properly diagnosed during your first exam, you will be recommended a treatment plan specific to address your needs. This is will include frequency and duration. The goal is to not under-treat or over-treat. It will be important to follow the treatment plan to get the most out of the healing process.

Are there any side effects of Acupuncture?

Bruising is the most common side effect. Please be sure to have eaten a small snack before your treatment to avoid any dizziness after a treatment.

Are the needles ever reused?

Never. All of our needles are individually wrapped and sterilized for single-use only. Acupuncture needles are considered a surgical device and is regulated by the FDA.

How should I prepare for my treatments?

It is best to wear lose fitting clothes, however if you don’t, we will be able to provides sheets to allow us to access the areas we need to while still keeping you covered as much as possible. It is best to eat a small meal or snack at least 1 hour before your appointment.

Our mission is to help you get healthy and happy without the use of surgery, radiation, or medications.