Mary Jean Brinkman

My path to Oriental medicine came through my own personal health struggles. I was referred to an Acupuncturist after having been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I was desperately looking for relief and answers and what I found was a practitioner who cared, was compassionate, and really listened to my needs. I also found more relief from my symptoms than I anticipated and left each appointment feeling relaxed and renewed.

This experience inspired me to make a radical shift in my life.  I had spent the first ten years working in social services with the elderly and disabled populations and was ready for a new direction.  Becoming an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner felt like a natural next step for me and once I decided on that path, I knew that was what I was supposed to do.  I feel lucky everyday to have discovered this as my life’s work.  This medicine not only offers beauty and simplicity, it is also highly effective and it allows me to continue to work with and help people.  I feel passionate about this medicine and helping people find their own path to wellness.

I also personally believe that I must live my medicine and therefore I lead an active and healthy lifestyle.  I have a strong interest in nutrition and firmly believe that food can be medicine.  I personally eat a whole foods diet, practice Qigong, exercise regularly and enjoy the outdoors.  I love to work with people to help them find ways to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices and improved nutrition into their lives.  I am honored everyday to be given the opportunity to be a part of my patient’s healthcare journey and would be happy to answer any questions that you have to see how I may also be of service to you.

When not in the office, I can be found on one of the many hiking trails in the area, in my kayak, out in my garden, on the couch with a good book or spending time with my husband and friends.

My Training & Credentials

I am board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbology and hold a Master’s Degree from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). After I completed my education at OCOM, I traveled to Nanjing, China where I worked with several doctors associated with the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This experience deepened my understanding of the medicine and honed my skills as an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist.

I also hold a BA in Sociology and Human Relations from St Cloud State University, am a certified Qigong instructor from the Ling Gui International Healing Qigong School and have completed advanced study in the Shen-Hammer Pulse Diagnosis system, NAET,  Sports Acupuncture and Kiiko Matsumoto/Nagano Style Acupuncture.  In addition, I have served six years on the board for Oregon Association of Acupuncturists (OAA).