Meet Kindreth: Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Herbalist

I grew up in Northern New England playing in pine woods, learning the wildflowers and trees by name—a respect for nature and humanity was woven into my childhood. It is a natural outpouring from these early days that my work now focuses on nurturing people with traditional medicine. I am continually fascinated by the body’s affinity toward health and the relationship between the mind, body, and environment. I approach my life and work with the philosophy that we all deserve compassion, integrity, and gentle guidance.

Why are you passionate about working with women with infertility?

I was devastated when my first IVF cycle failed. I truly believed that now that we were doing IVF, it would surely work this time.  Perhaps like you, I was tired of disappointment, tired of medications and changes to protocols, and tired of feeling like my body was failing me.

In a moment of clarity, I finally listened to my intuition when it was shouting at me to take a break from treatments. I spent the summer receiving acupuncture and riding a magnificent Dutch Warmblood horse who reminded me of the strength and beauty in my life. I reconnected with my inner foundation and peace. At the end of the summer, my first son was conceived.

After many IVF cycles, my husband and I have two little boys who melt our hearts. Today, as I watch my sons playing in the garden, it feels like a lifetime ago that we were driving to Boston IVF, eagerly waiting for results, crying, laughing, and finally hearing a heartbeat!

Medical fertility treatments can feel mechanical at times, and you may feel like no more than a number in a system. It is essential to find soul nourishment to carry you through the low points of this journey and that you gather your tribe of support. I am committed to supporting you physically and emotionally and to nurturing you toward optimal health for conception.

Why did you study pain management?

While competing with my own horse and riding on the Mount Holyoke Dressage team I began experiencing sciatica so severe that I could hardly walk after riding.  A chiropractor told me that I should just stop riding. What? Was he crazy? That would be like asking me to stop breathing.  I mustered up the will to get over my fear of needles—yes, I’m an acupuncturist with a fear of needles— and began acupuncture treatments. Between acupuncture and yoga stretches I’m pain free and continuing to do what I love!

If you deal with chronic pain you’ve probably, at some point, struggled with anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia—all of which might make your pain worse. Chinese Medicine, like other traditional medicines, teaches that your social and emotional beliefs and experiences are intrinsic to your state of health.

I believe you are best served by an integrated approach to care.  I don’t think a “one medical system fits all” approach works. My training allows me to balance an understanding of traditional and conventional medical wisdom in order to best inform you of health-care choices that will help you heal.

Why did you create Integrity Women’s Health?

Integrity has a dual meaning. On the one hand, it depicts wholeness of body and mind, and on the other, it stands for a dedication to uphold honesty and trust between patient and provider.

Integrity Women’s Health creates strong families—one woman at a time—by compassionately supporting women from preconception through late postpartum and into graceful aging using traditional medicine and evidence-informed practice.


Professional Background

Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, San Diego, CA

Master of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
New England School of Acupuncture, Newton, MA

Master of Science in Pain, Research, Education & Policy
Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Integrative Women’s Health Coach Certification
Women’s Health Institute, CT

National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach

Mind/Body Medicine Training for Infertility
Domar Center Boston IVF, Boston, MA

Acupuncture for Infertility
Domar Center Boston IVF, Boston, MA

Sports Medicine Acupuncture® Certification Program
New England School of Acupuncture, Newton, MA

Postpartum Doula Certification
Warm Welcome Birth Services, Northampton, MA

Bachelor of Arts in Medieval Studies
Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA

Research: Acupuncture for Pain in Endometriosis, Cochrane Review

http://www.resolvenewengland.org