Acupuncture and herbs may help to:

  • Reduce chronic pain
  • Calm and reduce anxiety and depression
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Improve sleep
  • Benefit focus and concentration
  • Boost your immune system to keep you healthy through the seasons

Trans Kids & Teens

Growing up is always eventful and often tumultuous. For trans and gender non-conforming kids and teens, the stress and chaos can be magnified. Many studies have shown the importance of allowing trans kids to express their identities; it greatly reduces their suicide risk and imroves their lifetime mental and physical health. However, it can be difficult for parents to know how to approach this, especially when so many effects of prescription hormones are irreversible.

Prism Integrative Acupuncture provides a safe, supportive space for kids and teens to explore their identies and start the process of transitioning in a mild and natural way, while allowing parents time to adjust to these changes. For gender non-conforming or gender variant kids who may not want to transition, this can be an especially important method of exploration. Whether your child is taking hormone blockers, HRT, or nothing at all, acupuncture and herbs can help them feel more comfortable in their bodies and identities while reducing their overall risks and long-term effects. We happily work with MDs, therapists, and other types of healthcare providers to give your child the most well-rounded care possible. Each person’s gender journey is unique and our mission is to provide you will all of the available options and power to make your own informed decisions.

We also provide whole family care: sessions for parents, siblings, and other family members who may be having a hard time adjusting. When you feel supported, have less stress and anxiety, and have a space to talk about the difficulties of a child transitioning, you will have more energy and patience to support your child.

Acupuncture and herbs may help to:

  • Connect gender creative/non-conforming kids with their bodies to reduce dysphoria
  • Create space to explore identity and gender expression without judgement or irreversible treatments
  • Reduce anxiety surrounding the menstrual cycle
  • Slow a heavy flow, ease cramps, reduce PMS and bloating to make cycles more comfortable
  • Prevent spotting between cycles, which can be a side effect of prescription progesterone or testosterone
  • Calm and reduce anxiety and depression, to help improve school attendance rates
  • Smooth side effects of prescription hormones or hormone blockers
  • Reduce compression pain, back pain, chest tightness, and skin lesions from binding and gaffing
  • Reduce Acne
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Improve sleep
  • Benefit focus and concentration
  • Boost your immune system to keep you healthy through the seasons

We also treat family members!

  • Reduce stress and anxiety during your child’s transition
  • Learn more about your child’s options and what to expect

I started studying acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to be able to offer other LGBTQ folks a holistic alternative to the dehumanizing healthcare experiences I’d been subjected to. My personal connection to queer and lesbian communities has, and continues to be the driving focus of my private practice.

I love guiding patients through times of upheaval, allowing them to stay grounded despite the emotional turmoil that often accompanies times of illness.

At Prism, you will not just receive healthcare, you will become part of a journey to regain ownership of your healing process, reconnect with your body, and make positive changes in your life.

We address not only your symptoms but also their underlying cause -and improve your general well-being- in a welcoming and comforting environment. We want everyone to be able to access the healthcare that they want and need without fearing judgement or misunderstanding.

We actually love working with people who are skeptical of healthcare and not used to taking care of their physical and emotional selves. Our practice is about healthcare for individuals, but it’s also about healing the systems that tell women their well-being is less valued and tell trans people their identities are a pathology. We are here for you.

There is no magic pill, no cookie cutter plan, no one-size-fits-all recipe for health. Each of us has different goals for wellness, our bodies have unique needs, and care should look different for each of us too.

Wherever you are, you’re in the right place. Whatever you’re dealing with, we can work with that.

I’ve historically had a lot of mistrust for healthcare professionals and I understand the complicated need for someone who has the knowledge to guide you, without taking charge of YOUR health. You know your body best, but we all need a little guidance!

My goal is always to empower you with information and resources, use acupuncture to help your body heal itself, and guide you in making your own healthcare decisions.

Prism Integrative Acupuncture Mission

To provide a cutting-edge integration of modern Western and classical Chinese diagnosis, via intuitive acupuncture and herbal treatments tailored to YOU, to help you achieve your personal wellness goals and improve your quality of life.

To create a safe, inclusive healing environment where you can access the healthcare you need and deserve, free of discrimination and judgement.

To make you an active participant in the healing process by forming a one-of-a-kind holistic care plan that supports your unique journey towards self-realization, empowerment, and wellness.

“Katrina has been at the forefront of acupuncture and integrative medicine for the queer and trans community for as long as I’ve know her… She was always the “go-to” person for information in how to best support the LGBTQ+ community with acupuncture and herbs. Her education and skill in creating hormone balance and promoting optimal reproductive health goes beyond that of your average acupuncturist – she is truly among the best.” -M.J.

“Katrina at Prism Integrative Acupuncture has a wealth of knowledge that she shares generously. As a transmasculine person early on in HRT, with many questions and concerns, Katrina has been an invaluable, grounding resource. She has always made me feel comfortable and l recommend her to anyone, queer, trans, cis, who are looking for a nonjudgmental, open and knowledgeable acupuncturist”. -H.L.

“I loved working with Katrina… and found her to be extremely knowledgable… I loved how Katrina was always open to answering my (many) questions, and I never felt judged.  I felt like we were a team, getting my health back on track”. -R.H.

Normally I charge $150 for initial appointments and $100 for follow-ups, but I’d like to offer you two things:

1. Sign up for a FREE 15 minute consultation to see if Prism is the right fit for you.

2. If you let me know that you found me through this post, you’ll get your first visit for only $120 ($30 off!).

Tell me all about what you’ve been struggling with and take advantage of this limited discount to get the results you deserve, and take back your life!

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION NOW

“As a transgendered man, […Katrina] impressed me with […her] competence in providing healthcare to a trans patient. The intake forms I was asked to fill included a box to indicate my transgendered status. This was only the second time I’d encountered this in a medical setting, and it made me feel especially welcome and understood as a patient. I have often dealt with discomfort and anxiety from healthcare workers around my body and gender, and it was a pleasure to find that this was not the case” -M.S.

“Katrina has a very open and friendly demeanor that I absolutely appreciate. It can be difficult to talk about my physical, emotional and mental stresses that can factor into treatment – it’s easy with Katrina. She is also very willing to work with my financial needs! I can really tell she cares”. J.G.

About Acupuncture:

The great thing about Chinese Medicine is that we always work from a constitutional root. We look at the person’s tongue and feel their pulse to identify the root of a person’s pattern and work on that as well as the symptoms. It feels like magic being able to instantly identify the systems that are out of balance and why! The goal is always to bring the patient into alignment with their constitution, reducing their symptoms by returning them to what is natural for their bodies.

Acupuncture is an ancient holistic system that brings patients back into balance by fixing the root of a problem rather than just the symptoms. Some acupoints trigger a release of calming hormones, some rewrite pain pathways, some awaken the immune system, have anti-inflammatory effects, or increase circulation. Together, they help the nervous systems switch from ‘fight or flight’ (stress) mode into ‘rest and digest’ (healing) mode. This helps us keep calm, sleep well, build our immune systems, repair cellular damage; and it does wonders for the overall mind-body connection.

Acupuncture works in a series of treatments. The more scientifically identifiable effects of an acupuncture treatment (including changes in nerve and pain pathways, as well as endorphins and other brain chemicals that are released) last about four days after a session. We start with more frequent treatments to allow this healing momentum to build up. You can never have acupuncture treatments too close together, but you can have them too far apart. When the effects of treatment start to last longer than four days, that tells us that something has actually shifted and begun healing at deeper levels in the body. When we stretch out the time between treatments slowly, this allows the body to adjust to the changes being made and to actually maintain the healing process.

Perhaps the best part of acupuncture is that is just leaves everyone feeling relaxed and reconnected to their bodies and their minds. It allows you space to let go of blocks, introspect, and get guidance on how to best care for yourself. There is nothing on the needles, acupuncture just resets your system so that it can continue caring for itself. Sometimes we just need a little boost to be able to do what our bodies do best: heal and thrive!

In terms of transgender medicine, generally I’m using herbs, acupuncture, and nutrition to support western medicine for their gender transition. Herbs are great at reducing side effects of prescriptions hormones, like hot flashes, acne, hair loss, vaginal dryness, blood pressure imbalance, edema and bloating, and many other effects. Acupuncture is great for reducing chest tightness and back pain from breast binding, as well as for reducing pain and swelling and speeding healing after surgeries, post-surgical numbness, and neuropathies. Acupuncture can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars, including keloid scars, improve circulation to reduce the chance of blood clots and edema, and regulate blood pressure. By increasing or decreasing estrogenic foods in the diet, as well as by eating a balanced diet aimed at encouraging detox and flushing out of excess hormones, nutrition can be an important part of a patient’s transition plan too.

Rigorous scientific studies in recent decades have confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture on specific conditions. A 2012 meta-review of 29 studies involving 17,922 patients concluded that acupuncture is effective for treating chronic pain[i]. A 2016 study of 209 peri- and post-menopausal women found that acupuncture decreased vasomotor symptoms of menopause by 39.6% compared to an increase of 6% in the control group[ii]. A February 2018 study of 102 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy at Mount Sinai Hospital in NY saw a 26% reduction in opioid usage post-surgery compared to the control group[iii]. These are just a few of many studies showing the efficacy of acupuncture.

[i] Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, Lewith G, MacPherson H, Foster NE, Sherman KJ, Witt CM, Linde K, Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration FT. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med, 172(19): 1444–1453. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654

[ii] Avis, N. E., Coeytaux, R. R., Isom, S., Prevette, K., & Morgan, T. (2016). Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) Study: A Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial. Menopause, 23(6): 626–637. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000597

[iii] Yoselevsky E. et. al. (2018). A prospective randomized, controlled, blinded trial of pre-operative acupuncture in the management of pain in gynecologic surgery. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 218(2): S890. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.199

“Katrina is truly a gem.  In addition to being thorough and deeply knowledgeable, Katrina is a thoughtful care provider who listens and interacts with patients in a good-humored, clear, and respectful manner… I always leave appointments feeling better.  She’s a wonderful  provider, and approaches her work and her patients with an open, accepting, and supportive manner that only enhances her technical skills.” -S.L.

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“I have been to several acupuncturists over the years but it was not until I started seeing Katrina that I really felt it working for me. She is incredibly knowledgeable and intuitive, easy to talk to, and clearly cares about the well-being of the people she treats.” -N.K.

“I can be completely open with her when I am getting a treatment. She understands what I’m trying to tell her when I discuss my symptoms because she is passionate and informed about trans health.She has great bed side manner, great skills and calming energy. Also she has really helped create a safe space and I appreciate that more than anything.” -C.H.

“My million trivial but life-interfering-with medical problems, especially migraines, taken seriously and resulted in actual diagnosis and actual treatment plan… non-scary, trans-friendly, skilled and interested in helping.” -L.B.

“Katrina’s treatment style is lovely. She had a non-judgmental way of asking detailed health related questions and receiving the answers. I felt like I was comfortable being honest with her. The actual needle part of the acupuncture treatment was not painful and the cupping felt great!” -S.B.

Non-Discrimination Policy

We strive to create a patient-centered, body-positive healing culture for people of all identities and backgrounds. Our commitment includes but is not limited to inclusion of people of any sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, belief system or religion, body size, relationship status, kink identity, sex worker status, racial identity, ethnicity, nationality, mental or physical ability, citizenship status, or socioeconomic status.

Does acupuncture hurt?

You may feel a tapping or slight pricking sensation on needle insertion, but most people feel nothing at all. If you have any pain or discomfort, speak up so that I can make your treatment as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

What if I don’t want a particular treatment or a particular area of my body needled?

If you have specific concerns about the treatment or if you are not comfortable with certain areas of your body being touched or needled, please let me know. If you need to remain seated rather than lying down, are more comfortable on your side, would prefer to have your hands free during treatment, or have other concerns, please let me know during the intake and I will make sure your needs are accommodated.

How long does the appointment last?

Appointments last about 50 minutes; the first appointment is a little longer. You should arrive 10-15 minutes early to your first appointment to fill out intake forms if you have not already filled them out electronically (you will receive the electronic forms in your confirmation email).

What should I wear to my appointment?

Loose fitting comfortable clothes that provide access up to your elbows and knees. You are welcome to bring a change of clothes or use the gowns we provide.

Is there parking at your clinic?

There is plenty of free parking on the surrounding streets and metered parking directly in front of the entrance. Watch our for street sweeping on Tuesdays and park accordingly.

Is your clinic accessible?

Tables can be raised or lowered for your convenience. There is an accessble entrance and treatment rooms, however the restroom is small and has two steps up to the door.
The clinic is fragrance-sensitive, but uses moxibustion (burning mugwort) and essential oils, which are optional during your treatment. Please be respectful to others who may be sensitive to fragrances, including pregnant people, people with migraines, asthma, allergies, COPD, or MCS, by not wearing perfumes, colognes, or scented products for your treatment.

All advice on this site and blog is for educational uses only. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, or schedule an acupuncture appointment with Katrina to get your own personalized herbal formula and acupuncture treatment. Questions? Check out the FAQ or resources pages or contact.