ACUPUNCTURE
Gentle. Intentional. Compassionate.
Acupuncture treatment is one aspect of Eastern Medicine and involves the insertion and placement of fine needles into specific points on the body to provide relief and resolution of acute or chronic symptoms. An emphasis on building rapport, trust and partnership with each patient enables the practitioner to identify the root cause of the illness and disease. In addition, acupuncture treatment can support the healing process, and assist the body in building resilience against the physical, mental and emotional stressors of everyday life.
Eastern Medicine is more than acupuncture alone. It is a time tested proven modality that incorporates nutritional therapy, herbs, cupping, guasha, tuina, moxibustion, and Qigong exercise/ therapy. This allows for a more balanced holistic approach to wholeness and health. Coherence offers private 60-90 minute appointments Monday - Saturday, as well as a walk-in acupuncture clinic to address urgent needs such as pain and stress relief. The walk-clinic is open Wednesdays, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
The acupuncture providers are independent practitioners committed to serving the needs of community, improving accessibility of care, empowerment through education and support, and developing partnerships with our patients to better align with health and wellness goals. As independent practitioners, we know the value of meeting regularly to discuss patient care, problem solve and provide peer review for one another. Patients benefit from a team like approach, and providers continue to grow and expand their skills and passion for the medicine.
Insurance Coverage: Payment is due at the time of service. A superbill can be provided for insurance reimbursement. Reimbursement is subject to deductible, and in/out of network provider coverage.
Our Collaborative Acupuncture Practitioners
Elsa Del Toro, D.Ac., AEMP - Doctor of Acupuncture
Elsa Del Toro completed her Doctor of Acupuncture degree in December of 2019 and has been a Licensed Acupuncturist and Eastern Medicine Practitioner since 2011. In addition to maintaining a busy private practice, she worked as a faculty member at Middle Way Acupuncture Institute in Mount Vernon for 13 years, and currently teaches health and wellness classes at Coherence.
As a healthcare practitioner she has devoted her life work to meeting the individual needs of each patient. She works daily to hone her listening skills, recognizes the importance of operating in a slow intentional manner, provides a gentle touch and technique in treatments, and offers steadfast support and words of encouragement when needed. Elsa understands the importance of providing a safe, relaxing and comfortable space to learn about each patient and provide the best care. While most people seek out acupuncture for physical ailments, many are unaware of the healing potential acupuncture can have on the mental, emotional and spirit levels. Elsa has a passion for and excels at treating these levels. She considers it an honor to work with patients, continually strives to listen and acknowledge each patient’s experience, and advocates for her patients when necessary. In addition, she is dedicated to collaborating with other providers, and creating new systems in her practice to address the gaps in the delivery of healthcare.
Elsa practices Five Element acupuncture and has an integrative approach that also includes Japanese and Traditional Chinese acupuncture. She’s a general practitioner that also specializes in pain management; chemotherapy and radiation induced side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue); emotional health: anxiety, depression, grief and PTSD; hospice and palliative care. In addition, Elsa draws on her midwifery training and education to treat gynecological conditions, fertility, pregnancy induced symptoms, menopause and labor induction.
Call Today: (360) 399-7467 or email her directly.
Clayton Cruce, L.Ac., AEMP - Acupuncturist
Clayton Cruce is a graduate of Middle Way Acupuncture Institute and has an Herbal Medicine degree. He offers acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, guasha and electro-acupuncture therapy. Given his origin story of using acupuncture as a patient to heal significant trauma, Clayton has taken a special focus on healing from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and neuro acupuncture modalities.
Call Today: (360) 399-7467 or email Clay directly.
Anna Palucci Young, L.Ac., AEMP - Acupuncturist
Anna Palucci Young, L.Ac, AEMP, began her career in Eastern medicine in Chicago, IL graduating in 2006 from Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS). This rigorous, four year program of study combined both acupuncture and herbal medicine along with a strong emphasis on biomedical science.
Anna started a private practice after graduating and also took on the challenging role of Director of Clinical Services at PCHS. In 2011 she began teaching and supervising in the student clinic and eventually became a full-time faculty member. All of these experiences helped Anna to deepen not only her knowledge and understanding of Eastern medicine but also her ability to find practical, clinically effective solutions to help patients with challenging health issues using acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Anna is a general practitioner but has considerable experience treating chronic pain, repetitive stress injuries, acid reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sinus headaches and infections, asthma and seasonal allergies, hot flashes and menopausal imbalances, premenstrual syndrome and painful menstruation, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
In 2017, she embarked on an adventure and moved to Seattle with her husband and their puggle Buddy. During that time, she changed gears and focused on treating patients in community style clinics. She is excited to now be living in Skagit Valley and to be back in private practice.
Call Today: (360) 399-7467 or email Anna directly.
Elizabeth Otten, L.Ac., AEMP - Acupuncturist
My goal is to offer a soft landing in healthcare—a space where you’re heard, supported, and validated. I’m drawn to Five Element and Japanese-style acupuncture, which mirror nature’s rhythm, bringing art and beauty to healing. Gentle, yet powerful treatments guided by your body’s cues.
During my third year at Middle Way Acupuncture Institute, I delved into pediatric acupuncture with a specific focus on Shonishin, a pleasant Japanese technique designed for children. This method uses soft tapping, brushing, and stroking along the skin—no needles required! Other modalities that may be utilized during your treatment include cupping, moxibustion, electro, gua sha, medical qi gong, laser therapy, and tui na.
Call (360) 399-7467 to schedule your acupuncture appointment.
Linda Munson, MTCM, L.Ac., AEMP - Acupuncturist
Linda Munson, Ph.D. (ABD), M.T.C.M., L.Ac. Linda Munson is a licensed acupuncturist (2002). Board-certified in acupuncture by the NCCAOM, she has taught at Middle Way Acupuncture Institute since 2008. Prior to studying Chinese Medicine, Linda worked in Arctic Alaska for 16 years as a Native teacher trainer with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and as an elementary school teacher with the North Slope Borough School District. Before that she spent 5 years in highland Guatemala with the Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin writing a grammar and teaching literacy in Mam, a Mayan language. She also has extensive experience working with Southwest Native tribes developing bilingual curricula through the University of California, San Diego. Linda holds a B.A. in French Language and Literature from the University of California, Los Angeles (1970), and an M.A. and ABD in Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego (1983). Linda maintains a private personal practice as well as joining Coherence Wellness Center in Mt. Vernon.
Call (360) 399-7467 to schedule your acupuncture appointment.
Would you like to join our team? Reach out today!