Carla Thomas
As a Milwaukie-based, board-certified acupuncturist, I specialize in sports medicine, pain management, and reproductive health, helping patients of all backgrounds find balance and vitality. With a B.A. in Economics from Lewis and Clark College and a Master’s in Acupuncture from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, I bring a unique blend of expertise and compassion to my practice.
My approach is rooted in collaboration, guiding you to uncover the root cause of your pain and create a personalized path to wellness. Drawing from the latest research, yoga teacher trainings, and my volunteer work with the Acupuncture Relief Project in rural Nepal, I integrate acupuncture, therapeutic movement, and lifestyle strategies to empower lasting results.
In our sessions, expect a tailored treatment plan using acupuncture and complementary therapies like cupping, gua sha, and electro-acupuncture to help you feel rejuvenated, pain-free and in control of your health.
“Ring the bell that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
Let’s empower your health together.
What conditions do you treat?
Low back pain, knee pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches/migraines, tennis/golf elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ/TMDD, sciatica, insomnia, painful periods, infertility, digestive disorders, emotional health, allergies, colds, and so much more!
My acupuncture story
In 2018, I started seeing an acupuncturist to help with chronic low back pain that I had since a teenager. I had seen numerous providers and I was unable to get long-lasting relief. Unfortunately (but fortunately I was already seeing an acupuncturist), I started to experience daily nausea. While eliminating more serious causes with my PCP, my acupuncturist helped manage my symptoms and my worsening anxiety. I quickly started to lose weight, I was barely staying on top of my courses and struggling to participate in my senior season on the tennis team. My acupuncture treatments quickly became my safe haven.
After graduating, I dived deep into a yoga practice and completed a 200 hour yoga teacher training at Elk Rock Yoga. That was the beginning of my formal training of the body and how powerful acts of self-care can be in your well-being. I began to work in tandem with an acupuncturists, naturopathic doctor and a chiropractor and started to see my health improve. I wanted to use my own experiences to help me guide others to feeling better in their bodies. I decided to pursue acupuncture due to its wholistic view of health. I started at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in September 2020 and graduated with a Masters of Acupuncture in June 2023.
In my free time, I’m often finding joy with movement or quality time with my loved ones. I love strength training, bouldering, and muay thai. My dog, Lola, and I love to go on leisurely walks through the numerous city parks. At home, I love to cook and read/listen to my newest epic fantasy series.
