Chinese language is not alternative language.  Chinese food is not alternative food.  So why is Chinese medicine called alternative medicine?

We prefer the term integrative medicine. Our patients see a variety of providers for their health concerns.  Want the best of both worlds?  Then integrate both western and eastern medicine.   In fact, we regularly communicate with our patient's doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, naturopaths, and chiropractors because we believe that when we work together as your healthcare team, you are get the best support possible.  

We don't just believe in integrating east with west, we also integrate all that Chinese medicine has to offer.  Many people come to us in for acupuncture but what they may not realize is that acupuncture is just one branch on the five-branched-tree that is Chinese Medicine.  The other branches include Chinese herbal therapy, massage therapy, nutrition & lifestyle, and meditation & exercise.   Our patients tell us that they always go away with much more than they came for.  

Our Provider

Dr. Elie Cole, DAOM, L.Ac.

Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine & Licensed Acupuncturist

One of my earliest childhood memories is of my Mom holding me when I felt sad.  She let me cry until I had no tears left. Then she asked me why I was crying and I said, in my little 5-year old voice, “Because there are sad people and animals in this world.”  I've always had empathy and compassion for those who are suffering so it was no surprise that I ended up in a healing arts profession.  I became a Chinese medicine doctor to answer that call to alleviate suffering in those around me.

I traveled the globe for my undergraduate education.  I got a Bachelor degree and a very full passport.  #ExtraPages

I lived and learned all over Central America, South Asia, the Southwest United States and West Africa for over 4 years.  Health and healing was a thread that I followed through each culture I lived in.

In Costa Rica, my host mother, Mama Marta, had an aching back from laboring without the convenience of modern appliances. Mama Marta nurtured everyone, but no one nurtured her.  One night when I massaged Mama Marta’s aching back, her tight muscles melted under my hands.  I thought to myself, “Wow, maybe I should learn more about this hands-on healing thing.”  Inspired by Mama Marta, I began my studies in natural healing in 1999.

I strive to practice what I preach to my patients in the clinic.  Ever notice how our culture wears busy-ness as a badge of honor?  My badge of honor is life-work balance.  I have designed my life so that I have free time to do what brings me joy.  That includes lots of yoga, kayaking the Willamette, enjoying my hot tub, salsa dancing like nobody's business, gardening the heck out of my yard, and cherishing my amazing friends that I'm so grateful to have in my life.  Lucky for me, what I do for a living is also one of my biggest sources of joy and gratitude.  I think that's the natural result of answering my soul's calling.

If you'd like to know how I can help you with whatever creates suffering in your life, please schedule an appointment.

Education

My degrees include:

• Bachelor of Arts Women & Sustainable Development from Global College Long Island University 2002
• Massage Therapy certificate from International Professional School of Bodywork 2003
• Master of Science, Traditional Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine 2007
• Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine 2016

I normally work half-days Monday-Friday (see life-work balance above).  Schedule with me here.

Dr. Elie Cole is fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19 and believes that vaccines are an important part of public health and safety.