ABOUT US

“Nature and movement have always been healing forces in my life. As a young hula dancer, we would go to the forest to gather leaves and flowers to make our own lei for performances, only after we gave the proper offerings and gratitude to the aina and the plants. We learned dances and chants that honored people, places and plants, rooted in the oral histories of Hawaii. We learned protocol; how to clear negative energy before entering a shared space, how to honor predecessors and teachers, how to cleanse the body and spirit in the ocean, and how to close the mouth and open the ears…..All of these teachings, experiences and practices shaped my relationship and mindset toward learning, nature, community and their innate connectivity to my purpose and my wellness.” - Tai Tai Hawkins studied acupuncture in Honolulu, Hawai'i at the Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine. During her final year of school, Tai completed two externships in China at the Guangzhou TCM hospital and Tianjin TCM hospital and also trained with Facial Rejuvenation pioneer Virginia Doran. Tai has been practicing acupuncture in the state of Hawaii for seven years has also been a licensed massage therapist for over twenty years. She is certified as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine by the National Council on Chinese Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Her areas of interest include facial acupuncture, musculoskeletal issues, women's health, stress management, and herbal medicine. Tai graduated with a BA in Cultural and Social Anthropology and a minor in Dance from Stanford University. In addition to healing through Chinese Medicine, Tai is an ardent believer in the healing power of dance. She now performs, teaches, and hosts dance workshops throughout the islands. Born and raised in Kailua, Tai has been shaped by the multitude of lessons the ocean has to offer to us. One of her favorite sayings about health and beauty comes from a paddling coach who always used to yell from the beach, “feeling good, looking good”; the internal environment is always reflected to the outside world, and in that way, wellness is beauty and vitality.

“I have always been curious about what we share in common across culture, gender and age. Throughout my time in the U.S. as a Japanese immigrant, I’ve become passionate about elements as our universal language and as the essential components of life. I fell in love with Classical Chinese Medicine because it is such a powerful tool to treat our holistic health with a deep understanding of the elements and their alchemy. The intention of my practice is to liberate life by carefully listening to and translating the voices of the elements within us and gently tending and nourishing them for well being.” - Kyoko Kyoko Kato studied acupuncture at National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine. During her 5 years of study, she found that Chinese and Japanese cultures are deeply interwoven, and her practice has become one of the ways she strengthens the connection to her ancestral roots. Kyoko is naturally drawn to Japanese style acupuncture and other gentle healing techniques including acupuncture with stones and working with sound. She has completed specialty training in Teate-hari with Tsuyoshi Shimamura, non-insertion needle technique with Anryu Iwashina, and Japanese style moxa and gentle hands-on techniques with Bob Quinn. Over the past seven years, Kyoko has also been in ongoing shamanic healing and ritual practice training under the guidance of Liv Mokai Wheeler. Kyoko brings a unique perspective to her healing work with a BA in Architecture, and MA in Engineering in Japan. She enjoys applying her engineering mind to acupuncture and spirituality, exploring the alchemy of elements and how they weave with nature’s energies.

Alicia Yang received her masters in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture in Honolulu, Hawai’i from the Institute of Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. As a childhood cancer survivor, Chinese medicine was an integral part of how her family confronted illnesses. Her interests include facial and cosmetic acupuncture, autoimmune diseases, women’s health, sports orthopedics acupuncture, Chinese nutritional therapy and herbal medicine. She trained with master Dr. Shi Zhong Xiao, Joe Bright, founder of Kama'aina Acupuncture in Honolulu, and Whitfield Reaves, founding leader of western sports orthopedics acupuncture, as well as Virginia Doran, pioneer of facial rejuvenation acupuncture. To balance and cultivate her own health, Alicia practices Medical Qigong from the teachings of mentor and master Leon Letoto. Alicia graduated with a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a M.Ed. from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her background comes through a passion for working with communities for healing and social justice.