Amanda Anuraga

For the 65th week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. Amanda Anuraga is an East Asian Medicine practioner in Tacoma offering acupuncture, cupping, bodywork, and more.

4EVRGRN: Hey, Amanda! Tell us a little about yourself.

AA: Years ago, I was hit by a car as a pedestrian and introduced to acupuncture to relieve deep and lingering pains which is how I came to know this medicine. After a few visits, not only was I able to get back to my daily activities, I learned first-hand that Traditional East Asian Medicine can also improve many aspects of the physical and emotional body. I received my Masters of Acupuncture through the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine. There I was introduced to many methods of healing that I utilize in my clinic today. Women's health, digestion issues, relief for pain, stress, anxiety and recovery support for post-surgery, PTSD, substance abuse, and eating disorders are underserved populations that inspire me to provide healing.

1) Best meal in the PNW?

AA: I LOVE the carne asada burrito from Vuelve a la Vida, or the Pad Kee Mao from Loak Toung Thai, or Pho from Vien Dong especially during the fall and winter.

2) What’s the one thing anyone who visits must see or do?

AA: Hiking/backpacking through the old growth forests in the North Cascades and Olympics

3) Best local product?

AA: I'm kind of obsessed with Calm and Cure Candle Co at the moment, and I sell the whole collection at my clinic. Hand poured locally by 12-year-old Uzziah and his mom, his mission is to calm the world. We need that more than ever and that's what I try to nourish in my acupuncture clinics as well.

4) Favorite PNW season?

AA: I love the spring when everything starts to bloom and colorful flowers start popping up, but also in the beginning of fall when the sun is out but it's cold enough to bundle up and be cozy.

5) Biggest misconception about Eastern Medicine?

AA: Biggest misconception is that it hurts and that it's only for musculoskeletal issues like a hurt knee or sciatic pain. And it is fabulous for those things, but there are so many other issues that acupuncture is great for - digestive challenges, menstrual pain, anxiety, stress, depression, sleep struggles, PTSD. I often use bodywork in combination with acupuncture to achieve the results we're looking for. Many patients feel that the treatments are relaxing, and most are able to take a little nap. I always tell patients that snoring is complement in my clinic!

6) Is there a large community for Eastern Medicine in the PNW?

AA: Yes, I think we all can use a little more rest and self-care, but some are not familiar with the full benefits of acupuncture. I love this medicine and am happy to chat with anyone that is motivated to elevate their wellness journey, or just curious about what East Asian medicine is and how it can benefit our bodies. Consultations are always complementary.

7) Can you tell us more about your Monday clinics at Fern and Foster?

AA: Thank you, I'd LOVE to! I want to be as accessible and inclusive as possible for our diverse community during these challenging times. Health equity is social justice. The Free Hilltop! Acupuncture Clinic is every Monday from 3-6 (I'm altering my hours in November and will increase them as the clinic grows to capacity) at Fern and Foster I offer a standard acupuncture protocol to generally help relax the parasympathetic system in our body. It has been proven to help with stress, anxiety, sleep, and aiding in processing PTSD. In our busy lives we are often in go-mode. This body system becomes stimulated and makes it hard to unwind. I want to give everyone an opportunity, in a socially distant and COVID conscious environment, to settle and relax for an hour in a calm space. This service is donation based with all donations supporting the family of Manuel Ellis.

*We're sad to hear of the closure of Fern+Foster but are glad to hear the Monday Clinic will still continue at the same location.

You can meet Amanda by going to the Monday clinic or make an appointment on her website www.tacomaeastasianmed.com Find her on Facebook Tacoma East Asian Medicine and Instagram @tacomaeastasianmed (still in development).