I’ve always been captivated by the intricate connections and complex interactions between mind, body, and spirit. As an undergraduate, this interest led me to the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. With funding from the Howard Hughes Foundation, I conducted, published, and presented original research concerning how gene-environment interactions affect emotionality. Based on my research and committee defense, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with highest honors from Mount Holyoke College.

I initially planned to follow up my undergraduate, pre-med path by studying Western medicine, yet fate intervened and turned my attention firmly towards Chinese Medicine. During this part of my journey, I witnessed firsthand the profound healing power of the ancient protocols taught by Jeffrey C. Yuen, a distinguished 88th-generation Daoist priest of the Jade Purity School lineage. This experience left an indelible mark on me, and I immediately immersed myself in Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM). This comprehensive, holistic medicine, originating over 5,000 years ago and rooted in Daoist philosophy, added the final piece missing from my earlier studies: spirit. Over the next four years, I was fortunate to study extensively under Master Yuen and other distinguished teachers at the Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts in Asheville, NC.

Now, as a general practitioner of CCM with over a decade of clinical experience in treating a vast range of conditions, I emphasize preventative care to maintain mind-body-spirit harmony. However, if injury, disharmony, or disease should arise, my priority is to alleviate any immediate distress before addressing root causes. I utilize all five CCM meridian systems (Sinew, Luo, Primary, Divergent, and Eight Extraordinary), each with distinct meridians/channels, functions, qualities, and potentialities to correct the flow of qi throughout the body and release pathology. I also offer various Alchemical Healing treatments to facilitate the release of obstructions that restrict and confound our ability to be fully present, to live authentically, and to follow our true paths.

I see one patient at a time for the duration of each appointment. This allows me to focus my full and undivided attention throughout the treatment on patient pulses and other diagnostic indicators so that I can choose CCM modalities that are best suited to return patients to a state of wellness. Depending on each patient’s unique clinical presentation, these modalities may include acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, acupressure, electro-acupuncture, herbal and essential oil prescriptions, and dietary/nutritional recommendations. Fear of needles should not deter anyone from seeking care. I have extensive training and experience combining CCM modalities to guide patients to desired health outcomes without needling.

I am ever grateful to the universe for guiding me to this path and to all those who so generously devoted their time, energy, and knowledge to enable me to find a place within this ancient, yet ever-evolving field of medicine. As I continue onward, I strive to embrace every opportunity to cultivate and deepen my knowledge of CCM so that I can offer my patients the best care possible. I look forward to meeting you in the heart of downtown Northampton at the peaceful healing space provided by CLINIC Alternative Medicines, which is filled with a number of talented practitioners across many fields of the healing arts.

Raili Raud, L.Ac., MAOM, and Dipl. of O.M. (NCCAOM), is licensed by the Massachusetts Board of Medicine as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She is a practitioner of Classical Chinese Medicine and the founder and owner of Be Free Acupuncture. She holds a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MAOM) from Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts and is nationally certified as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. of O.M.) by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

To schedule your initial appointment, please call (413) 727-5093 or email Raili@BeFreeAcupuncture.com.

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