Katrina Hanson LAc of Prism Integrative Acupuncture, a lesbian queer acupuncturist in Oakland, Bay Area, California
Prism Blog

The Story Behind Prism

The story behind the name:

I created Prism Integrative Acupuncture to fulfill a community need for transgender-inclusive, integrative hormone care. I focus in transgender wellness, but also in fertility, menopause, and other hormone-related issues. So, in thinking of a name, I wanted something that was at once clearly LGBTQ inclusive, but not exclusive to everyone else.

I like ‘Prism’ because it not only brings up a visual of a rainbow, and thus flags queer inclusive, but it also implies multifaceted-ness. One stream of light through a prism can create an entire rainbow.

I like this image both in reference to identity as a prism, but also to healing as a prism; a multifaceted, integrative process. I don’t just do acupuncture in my practice. I also prescribe herbs, discuss nutrition and lifestyle, supplements, interpret lab results, and confer with a patient’s western providers. Holistic medicine to me is not natural medicine only, it is integrative, it incorporates everything that can help a person so you can get the most well-rounded and effective care possible.

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My story:

I’ve been passionate about herbal medicine for as long as I can remember; likely the result of being raised by a botanist with a deep love of plants. This passion sparked my interest in the holistic health field and was enough to get me interested in starting AIMC Berkeley’s rigorous 4-year Master of Science acupuncture program, where I could study not only the herbs I love but also acupuncture and so many other amazing healing modalities. Through the clinical program at AIMC Berkeley, I interned at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and San Francisco’s Homeless Prenatal Program, as well as at AIMC’s school clinic, which allowed me to practice acupuncture in a variety of environments and with a broad spectrum of patients.

I went into the program with the intention of focusing in LGBTQ medicine, and this continues to be a driving focus of my practice, in addition to my specialty in hormone regulation. I love guiding patients through times of hormonal upheaval, allowing them to stay grounded despite the emotional turmoil that often accompanies times of illness. My favorite part of my job is watching people regain ownership of their healing process, reconnect with their bodies, and make positive changes in their lives.

In addition to maintaining a private practice, I am also a guest lecturer at AIMC Berkeley, teaching students about supporting transgender health and creating an LGBTQ-friendly practice, as part of their Masters curriculum. In my spare time, you can find me hiking or camping with my partner and our dogs.

Katrina Hanson MSOM DiplOM LAc
Founder, Owner, Acupuncturist

All information in this blog is for educational uses only. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, or changing or discontinuing your medications.

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