"Lita is a wonderful doctor. She is patient, gentle and very skilled at treating my family's health concerns with acupuncture, massage and herbs. My daughter also appreciates her non-insertion needle techniques as she does not like traditional acupuncture. We would highly recommend Lita as an effective and compassionate doctor."
~T.K.
Dr. Lita Buttolph, DSOM, LAc
Email: dr.lita@vitallifepdx.com
Dr. Lita Buttolph (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Qi Gong Instructor. She provides gentle, compassionate care to patients, helping to enable their own self-healing and empowerment.
Lita's love of Chinese Medicine began over 20 years ago through the study of Wild Goose Qi Gong, a 1700-year-old Chinese movement art. After her first month of practice, she experienced dramatic improvements in her health and overall well-being. She continued to practice and eventually received her teaching certification in 2005. She currently teaches Qi Gong classes throughout Portland, including specialized classes for people with MS and other neurological conditions, and people with mental health conditions. For information about her Qi Gong classes visit www.wildgooseqigongpdx.com. Through her study of this subtle form of Qi Gong she has come to recognize the power of gentle approaches to treating illness.
Lita works with patients of all ages and abilities, including children and elderly patients. Her gentle techniques are particularly suitable for sensitive individuals. A typical treatment session includes a thorough intake, Chinese pulse and tongue assessment, and a combination of acupuncture, moxabustion and gentle bodywork. She may also prescribe a Chinese herbal formula, recommend simple qigong exercises, and make dietary recommendations based on Chinese medical dietetics. She also offers individual qigong sessions in addition to leading group qigong classes.
Lita has always had a love of nature. Prior to studying classical Chinese medicine, she worked as an ecologist/social scientist in natural resources management. She has spent her life enjoying and playing music, studying the koto (a classical Japanese string instrument) since the age of five. Lita is the mother of two wonderful kids and enjoys spending time with her family, practicing qigong, hiking, gardening, and crafting.
Areas of Expertise
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Acute and Chronic Pain
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Pediatrics
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Women's Health
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Geriatrics
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Neurological Conditions
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Gastrointestinal Disorders
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Cancer Support
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Depression and Anxiety
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Motor Vehicle Accidents
Commonly Used Therapies
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Acupuncture (including non-insertive techniques)
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Moxibustion/Heat Therapy
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Qi Gong
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Cupping and Guasha
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Chinese Herbal Medicine
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Sound Therapy/Tuning Forks
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Aromatherapy
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Gentle Bodywork (Cranial Sacral/Myofacial Release/Qigong Tuina/Sotai)
Education
Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Masters in Integrative Medicine Research, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR
Doctor of Philosophy, Utah State University, Logan, UT
Masters of Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Arts, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Licenses and Associations
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Licensed Acupuncturist, State of Oregon
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Diplomate of Acupuncture, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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Member, Oregon Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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Member, American Society of Acupuncturists