Individual Sessions:
Where East Meets West for Your Health
Individual Sessions: Where East Meets West for Your Health
Two Paths to Sustainable Wellbeing
- Path 1: Medical Acupuncture
- Path 2: Health Strategy Sessions
“I am deeply grateful to Barbara de la Torre for her work and presence. Even after just one or two sessions of her Korean Hand Therapy, I noticed a significant improvement in my overall well-being. There was a sense of calm and inner stability that settled in — something gentle, yet very real.
Barbara has a rare ability to help you understand what is happening in your body and how to work with your state, rather than fight it. Her approach feels both intuitive and grounded, and the treatments created a clear sense of direction, balance, and emotional steadiness for me.
I would especially recommend Barbara to healthcare providers — those who care for others and often forget to care for themselves. Her work is subtle, intelligent, and deeply supportive. I personally plan to continue my sessions with her and truly value this path of healing with her guidance.”
Path 1
Medical Acupuncture
Ancient Wisdom with Modern Medicine
Experience acupuncture from a board-certified physician who bridges both Eastern and Western worlds. Unlike traditional acupuncture or dry needling, my approach combines:
- Western medical diagnosis and safety protocols
- Classical and traditional Chinese medicine point selection and theory
- 20+ years of integrated clinical experience
- Treatment plans that complement your conventional care
- Enhanced lifestyle recommendations from Chinese dietary theory and medical qigong philosophy
- Practical and accessible self-care training from East Asian medicine and Western modalities infused with Chinese medicine principles: Korean Hand Therapy, Tapping (EFT), Medical Qigong forms and routines
What conditions respond well:
- Chronic pain (back, neck, joints, headaches)
- Stress-related issues
- Digestive problems
- Emotional imbalances (anxiety, depression, addiction, prolonged grief, trauma)
- Hormonal imbalances (menstrual issues, menopause)
- Fatigue and burnout
- Side effects from conventional treatments
Path 2
Health Strategy Sessions
I’ve been offering this deeper approach to healthcare for three years,
combining my Eastern and Western medical training to help you
understand your health patterns more completely.
The program includes:
Pre-Visit Health Strategy Assessment ($500)
– I review your comprehensive health questionnaires and records
– You have two weeks to complete materials at your own pace
– This preparation allows our in-person time to be focused and productive
Initial 1-Hour Session ($390)
– We dive deep into what your assessment revealed
– Create a practical plan based on both medical perspectives
– No rushed 15-minute visits here
This structured approach works best for:
– People with complex health patterns
– Those who want to understand the ‘why’ behind their symptoms
– Anyone ready to invest time in thorough care
Beyond The Clipboard
This comprehensive approach goes far beyond the standard one-problem visits and basic health questionnaires you typically receive.
For those choosing the Health Strategy Program, we begin with an in-depth assessment of your health patterns from both Eastern and Western perspectives. You’ll complete comprehensive questionnaires at your own pace, and I’ll thoroughly review them before we meet.
For those preferring standard acupuncture sessions, we still take time to understand your health story – just in a more focused way during your initial visit.
Either path ensures you receive the time and attention your health deserves.
Time to Dig Deeper
AREAS WE MAY COVER
Your History:
- Family history and dynamics
- Medical history
- Trauma history
- Relationships
- Sexual history
- Financial history
- Occupational history
- Allergy history
- Education and life experience
Your Lifestyle:
- Social engagement
- Nutritional history
- Stress management
- Level of activity past and present
- Injuries or other physical trauma
- Sleep habits and evening rituals
- Environment and climate exposure
- Work patterns and schedules
- Hobbies and leisure activities
Your Energetic Balance:
- Discover the Energetics of Living Systems: understanding your inherited and acquired energetic health patterns (known as your constitution) from a Chinese medicine perspective
- Become skilled with adapting Chinese medical theories into daily living (Yin/Yang, 5-Element, Daoist philosophy)
- Use Chinese dietary therapy: matching your energetic balance with the energetic properties of foods
Your Environment:
- Examine your past and current living and working environments
- Match your environment to support your constitution and needs through designing therapeutic spaces
- Learn how to live and eat with the seasons
Your Healthcare Education:
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Know how to make the best use of each of the healthcare systems in the U.S.
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Understand the complexities that cause confusion and conflicting health and wellness information
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Recognize the influences by third-party health crashers: pharma, insurance companies, healthcare, and hospital organizations
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Create a Health Strategy to play a more active role in your healthcare
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Discover how to become your own best advocate
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Learn about the side effects, interactions, and potential nutrient depletions from prescription/supplements/over-the-counter (OTC) medications
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Adopt lifestyle methods and create a plan with your physician to reduce or possibly eliminate the need for prescription and/or OTC medications
Individual Session Structure & Investment
Acupuncture Pathway – New Visit
Initial Visit (2 hours, in person)
($390) – Payment due at the time of the initial appointment
Includes:
-
- Comprehensive health history and assessment from both medical perspectives
- Physical assessment as appropriate
- Treatment and consultation based on your needs
- Initial strategy development
- Clear next steps
Health Strategy Pathway – New Visit
Part 1 —
Pre-Visit Health Strategy Assessment
($500) – Prepayment to start the Online Review
Includes:
- Review of online questionnaires and relevant health records
- Questionnaires are distributed through a secure portal over an average of two weeks
- You have the ability to journal, provide records, and communicate through a secure client portal
- I thoughtfully prepare by reviewing your information to create a focused and productive first consultation visit
Part 2 —
Health Strategy, Initial Visit (1 hour, virtual or in person)
($390) – Pre-payment required to secure your initial appointment
Includes:
-
- Comprehensive health history and assessment from both medical perspectives
- Physical assessment as appropriate
- Treatment or consultation based on your needs
- Initial strategy development
- Clear next steps
Total investment for the initial Health Strategy Session = $890.
For Health Strategy Program participants, this visit builds on your pre-visit assessment for accelerated results.
Acupuncture and Health Strategy
Follow-Up Visits
All Follow-Up Sessions (except house calls), 60 minutes ($145)
Payment due at the time of in-person appointments
Pre-payment due when booking virtual appointments
May include:
-
- Acupuncture treatments
- Qigong instruction
- Nutrition counseling from Eastern dietary therapy
- Acupressure techniques you can use at home
- Mind-body approaches for emotional patterns and limiting beliefs
- Mindfulness practices adapted for busy lives
- Ongoing health strategy refinement
Bundle packages: After your initial visit, continue with individual visits or save with 3, 6, or 9-session packages
What Makes My Approach Different
Time for Real Understanding
No rushed 15-minute visits because your health needs time and attention.
Bridging Two Worlds
As a Western-trained physician with extensive training in Eastern medicine, I bridge the gap between systems, helping you benefit from the best of both.
Not Your Primary Care
I complement your existing healthcare team, adding perspectives and tools they may not offer.
Get the answers you need for the concerns that were overlooked.
Investment Philosophy
Pre-payment ensures:
- Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you
- You receive dedicated preparation and attention
- We both commit fully to your health transformation
This approach allows me to maintain sustainable practice hours while providing exceptional care to motivated individuals ready to invest in their health.
Practical Details
Location and Scheduling
– Portland area clinic with free street parking
– Clinic visits with virtual options for Oregon residents
House calls- Limited availability:
New patient (2 hours): Starting at $600
Follow-up (1 hour): Starting at $350
Travel fees apply based on location
– 24-hour cancellation policy
Payment and Insurance
– Health Strategy Assessment: Prepayment upon booking
– Acupuncture/consultations: Payment at time of service
– All Virtual visits: Prepayment required
– HSA cards accepted for Oregon residents
– Superbills provided for potential reimbursement
– No direct insurance billing
– Bundle packages available
Ready to Begin?
Begin with a 2-hour initial session, where we’ll thoroughly explore your health from both perspectives and develop a personalized approach tailored to you.
For the most comprehensive care, consider beginning with the Health Strategy Assessment.
*Start with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your health goals and determine if we’re a good fit to work together. This conversation helps ensure you choose the right path for your needs.*
Questions? See our FAQ below or contact us to schedule a brief consultation about which service best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Our Services
What's the difference between Medical Acupuncture and Health Strategy Sessions?
Medical Acupuncture involves actual treatment with needles and/or other East Asian medicine techniques, combining Western medical diagnosis with traditional approaches. Health Strategy Sessions are educational sessions where we develop strategies for your health using both Eastern and Western perspectives, including tools like qigong, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Many people benefit from both. In Oregon, these can be combined in a single in-person visit since they’re the same fee.
What's included in Medical Acupuncture sessions?
While I use “Medical Acupuncture” as the service name, my clinical sessions encompass much more. As a physician trained in multiple East Asian medicine systems, I may use:
- Various acupuncture approaches (medical acupuncture, Korean Hand Therapy, Japanese techniques)
- Moxibustion
- Medical qigong
- Mind-body techniques for emotional balance (EFT/tapping, specialized mental health tools)
- Bodywork incorporating both osteopathic and Chinese medicine principles (Zero Balancing method)
- Self-care instruction tailored to your needs
Each session is tailored to what will serve you best.
What conditions do you commonly treat?
I see patients for many conditions, including chronic pain, stress-related issues, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia. I particularly specialize in working with healthcare practitioners, and I understand the unique stresses they face, often putting their own health last. I also work with people who have complex conditions that haven’t fully responded to conventional treatment alone.
What is the Health Strategy Program?
This is our most comprehensive approach, starting with a $500 pre-visit assessment where I thoroughly review your health questionnaires and records over 2+ weeks before we meet. This allows our initial 2-hour visit ($390) to be highly focused and productive. It’s ideal for individuals with complex health patterns or those seeking the deepest understanding of their health.
Choosing Your Path
How do I know which service is right for me?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation where we’ll discuss your health goals and determine the best approach. If you have specific conditions that respond well to acupuncture and other East Asian medicine treatments, that path makes sense. If you’re looking for comprehensive health planning and education, consultations are ideal. Many clients use both services.
Can I see you if I don't live in Oregon?
It depends on the service:
- Medical Acupuncture and clinical treatments: Oregon residents only (in-person or virtual)
- Health Consultations/Strategy Sessions: Available to anyone, anywhere, as these are educational services, not medical treatment
- Virtual options: Oregon residents can receive all services virtually; out-of-state clients can receive educational consultations only
How often will I need to go to appointments?
This varies by service and individual needs:
For Medical Acupuncture:
- Initially: Usually once weekly
- As you improve: Taper to monthly or quarterly for maintenance
- Timeline depends on your specific condition and response to treatment
For Health Strategy Sessions:
- Highly personalized based on your goals
- Options range from: one-time assessment and planning session, 12-week programs with weekly meetings, monthly appointments for ongoing support, or seasonal check-ins
- We’ll design a schedule that fits your needs and goals
Investment and Payment
How much do sessions cost?
I offer two distinct paths based on your needs:
Medical Acupuncture Path:
- Initial 2-hour visit: $390
- Follow-up sessions (1 hour): $145
Comprehensive Health Strategy Path:
- Pre-visit Health Strategy Assessment: $500
- Initial 1-hour visit: $390
- Total investment: $890
- Follow-up sessions: $145
Which path is right for you?
- Choose Medical Acupuncture if you’re primarily seeking treatment for specific conditions
- Choose Health Strategy if you want the deepest understanding of your health patterns with comprehensive preparation
Additional services:
- House calls: Starting at $600 (new) / $350 (follow-up), plus travel fees based on location
- Bundle packages available after initial visit
Each path offers unique benefits. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss which approach best serves your goals.
Do you accept insurance?
I don’t bill insurance directly, but I provide superbills you can submit for possible reimbursement. For clinical visits in Oregon, I accept major credit cards and HSA cards.
Here’s what you should know: Insurance coverage for acupuncture changes frequently, and many plans are adding barriers to care. For example, Portland’s largest insurer is now requiring prior authorizations through third-party companies, creating delays and denials even for established patients.
By staying outside the insurance system, I can:
- Provide care based on what you need, not what insurance approves
- Spend full appointment time with you instead of on paperwork
- Keep my fees reasonable without insurance overhead costs
- Treat you immediately without waiting for authorizations
Many patients find that the quality of care and time spent with them makes this investment worthwhile. Some also receive partial reimbursement through their superbills.
When do I pay for services?
- Health Strategy Assessment: Prepayment required upon booking
- In-person acupuncture/consultations: Payment at time of service
- Virtual sessions: Prepayment required
- 24-hour cancellation policy applies
Your Visit
How long are appointments?
Initial visits are 2 full hours – no rushed 15-minute visits here! Follow-ups are 1 hour. This allows time for thorough treatment and education. I limit my practice to 1-1.5 days per week to ensure I’m fully present for each patient.
Will you coordinate with my other doctors?
I encourage open communication with your healthcare team and can provide documentation of our work together. I’ll guide you on how to effectively communicate with your other providers about integrating Eastern and Western approaches. Direct coordination between providers is time-intensive and would significantly increase visit costs; so, I empower you to serve as the bridge between your providers.
About My Practice
What's your training in acupuncture?
As a medical acupuncturist, I’m a physician (MD) who has extensive training in acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Beyond the foundational medical acupuncture training, I’ve pursued advanced study in medical qigong, moxibustion, Korean Hand Therapy, and women’s health. I’m board-certified in medical acupuncture and a Fellow of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. My approach bridges multiple acupuncture traditions with Western medical knowledge.
Do you prescribe medications?
While I maintain my medical license and ability to prescribe, I don’t prescribe medications in this practice. I focus on Eastern medicine treatments and health strategies. However, I can help you understand your current medications and guide you in working with your prescribing doctor to potentially reduce medications through lifestyle changes when appropriate.
A Client’s Journey
In my first session with Barbara, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to focus on, but her intuition and skill were evident from the start. She quickly identified a few issues, and we narrowed the focus as we went, almost like an expert detective, with keen intuition.
We started with physical symptoms like tension, pain, and shoulder issues. Barbara used Korean hand therapy and pulse reading, showing a deep understanding of how our bodies mirror our emotional states. She focused on where symptoms pointed to rather than just treating them. We went down the rabbit hole, and eventually, she addressed my anxiety and a limiting belief.
Barbara’s grounded, integrative approach is profound and practical. She met me where I was and helped me find clarity. A true breakthrough that was effortless, momentous, and unforgettable.
Common Client Concerns
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Frequent Colds
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Addiction
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Food sensitivities
- Painful/Heavy Periods
- Pregnancy & Fertility
- Menopause
- Heart disease
- Skin problems
- Poor memory
- Attention problems
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Digestive problems
- Lack of motivation
- Burnout
- Allergies/Asthma
- Weight gain
- Anger issues
- Relationships
- Chronic pain
- Urinary problems
- Cancer
Individual sessions are beneficial for you if:
- You’ve seen multiple doctors for your concerns but your symptoms have persisted
- You’re tired of pill-for-every-ill solutions after brief visits with doctors
- You’ve been told there’s nothing more you can do and pain or chronic disease management is your only option
- You’re frustrated by the lack of time and true care you receive from medical practitioners
- You suffer from chronic pain and are motivated to explore all the options that serve you best
- You want to explore reducing or getting off your prescription and over-the-counter medications
- You want to understand your health from both Eastern and Western perspectives
- You’re ready to invest time and resources in comprehensive care
Individual sessions are NOT intended to:
- Diagnose or take the place of your regular physician/healthcare provider
- Address current emergencies (contact your primary healthcare team, call 911 or go to urgent care)
- Take the place of the work you will do to make positive and lasting changes
- Promise a cure (though we keep it in the realm of possibilities)
- Blame or vilify specific medical models or people – we want you to gather the best from each medical model available
- Provide quick fixes without your active participation
- Replace conventional treatment without collaboration with your healthcare team