Welcome! In my fifteen years of practice, I have helped many people heal from chronic disease, assisted couples with natural fertility options as well as IVF support, helped many to live free of pain, and treated everything from digestive complaints, psoriasis, anxiety, thyroid disease, chronic eye disease, neurological and autoimmune issues. I would have to say that patients with the most complex issues find me, and in most cases, I am able to help.
In addition to needles and herbs, I also integrate Functional Medicine and nutrition in my practice. Many Acupuncturists do not do this – at least the Functional Medicine part – which includes diagnostic lab testing, analyzing bloodwork, and recommending nutrients found in both food and supplements to treat the actual cause of your complaint. We may look at adrenal/cortisol levels in the case of insomnia, or perform a food sensitivity test for those with inflammation, or choose a gut/stool test for digestive complaints. I have found that this approach, combined with acupuncture, provides the best of both worlds for my patients.
Dr. Sharon Pruss
Sharon Pruss, D.Ac., is a Licensed Doctor of Acupuncture (RI), a Licensed Acupuncturist (CA, MA), and is nationally licensed by the NCCAOM. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine from Samra University, and did most of her training at Yo San University. Although a General Practitioner, Sharon specializes in women’s health, internal medicine, oncology support and pain. Her post-graduate training includes the treatment of chronic eye disease, male and female infertility, nutrition, functional medicine, oncology support and facial rejuvenation. Her work as a Clinical Research Coordinator in the Endocrinology/Bone Disease Program at the John Wayne Cancer Institute provided Sharon with the experience of working within the western medical model of treating cancer.
Sharon’s interest in holistic medicine came from an early experience in her own healing through homeopathy. After an auto accident, Sharon’s neighbor, an Acupuncturist, helped miraculously restore Sharon’s health with the strategic placement of two needles. She has been a believer ever since, and she uses acupuncture and Chinese medicine herself on a regular basis.
A holistic approach to healingSharon uses an integrated, truly holistic approach to treatment, with functional medicine and in-office diagnostic testing and assessments at the heart of her practice strategy. In addition to prescribing Chinese herbal medicine, she also incorporates nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and recommends qi gong, meditation, yoga, Pilates and other movement therapies as appropriate. Her personal view is that environment and lifestyle play an integral role in health, and that all illness is rooted in a psycho-spiritual cause.
She is passionate about the results her patients obtain–always happy when a patient is on a journey toward healing. Sharon has a gentle yet intentional touch, using a Japanese-style of needling. Her empathy and listening skills set her apart. She has a special gift for healing — inspiring patients to participate in the healing process, and developing an immediate trust. Her intention is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care, while empowering her patients throughout the healing process.