Melissa Sawyer L.Ac
MelissamarieL.ac@gmail.com
(508) 641-5855
Melissa Sawyer is a South Carolina State Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist. She is also a board-certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine, licensed nationally by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Melissa received her four year, Master of Science Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego.
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Though originally from the greater Boston area, she chose to pursue her education in Eastern medicine in California, as the state continues to maintain the most stringent standards for education and examination in the United States.
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Melissa began her studies in alternative medicine over fifteen years ago. Her love of the outdoors led her to pursue her B.A in Geography. While doing conservation work for the National Parks and Bureau of Land Management in Arizona and Southern California she became interested in plants and their natural medicinal properties. She went on to study with herbalists in both these states as well as Colorado. Her interest in the healing powers of herbs and nutrition then lead her to study with Naturopathic Physicians, Acupuncturists, Chiropractic Doctors, Herbalists, Functional Medicine Practitioners, Homeopaths, Nutritionists, as well as energy medicine practitioners in California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Through these experiences, she learned about natural detoxification methods and clean living, and their importance in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
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Melissa believes that one can achieve optimal health of body, mind, and spirit through a natural integrative approach. Melissa combines her knowledge of Eastern medicine and alternative Western modalities to help her patients achieve their health goals. Through the use of acupuncture, cupping/gua sha, massage, herbal medicine, nutrition, supplementation, detoxification strategies as well as lifestyle changes, Melissa offers a holistic approach to health and wellbeing tailored specifically to each patient.
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Melissa is a general practitioner and treats any and all conditions for adults as well as children. These can include but are not limited to pain/musculoskeletal conditions, men and women’s health, allergies, digestive issues, mental emotional issues, as well as pediatrics involving common childhood ailments. She utilizes a gentle needling technique in order to ensure a comfortable healing experience for each patient.
>Outside of the treatment room Melissa is committed to furthering her knowledge of all aspects of health and wellness in order to support her patients, family, as well as herself in achieving optimal levels of health and wellbeing. Her current areas of interest include deepening her knowledge of cellular biology, circadian health, as well as quantum biology and connecting these concepts with the principles of Chinese Medicine. Aside from that she can be found spending time with her husband, 5 year old daughter Lucy and her 2 year old son Oliver at the beach, trails, playgrounds, and any other experiences/adventures that come their way!
I am a Nationally Board Certified Diplomate of Acupuncture, Dipl. Ac. I earned my Master’s Degree in Acupuncture at the well-respected Tai Sophia Institute in Maryland (now the Maryland University of Integrative Health), a fully accredited institution. After completing the 2,600 hours required to earn my degree in 2004, I am Nationally Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Prior to earning my degree in Acupuncture, I attended and earned my Bachelor’s of Arts from University of Maryland, College Park.
I am passionate about well-being, spending time with my clients to get to the root of what ails them, and merging traditional Eastern practices with the realities of modern lifestyle. I founded Seaside Acupuncture in 2004. I have been living and practicing in Mount Pleasant with my family for 20 years.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
My continuing education goes above and beyond requirements. I love my work and I love sharing knowledge and practices with my patients. Below are some of my most exciting continuing education experiences:
In May of 2023 I completed a two year Clinical Integration Program with the renowned Acupuncturist, Teacher, Author, and Scholar, Lonny Jarrett. https://lonnyjarrett.com/about/
The Clinical Integration program focused on Depth Psychology and Analysis, Shadow Work, Five Element Constitutional Diagnosis, Pulse Diagnosis, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Virtue Development, Treating all parts of the human from gross to subtle.
Lisa continues in depth study with Tracy Soltesz Learning Shen-Hammer pulse diagnosis. https://kunlunmtn.com/our-providers/
https://comfoundation.org/about-the-foundation/dr-leon-hammer-md/
Chinese dietary therapy and holistic nutrition with Rylen Feeney, founder of the Wellspring School for Healing Arts.
2 year Chinese Herbal apprenticeship with the renowned Alex Tiberi
Professional practitioner of Arvigo Maya Abdominal Massage Therapy.
Attended Gaiananda Herbal Apprenticeship, 2016 to learn about Western Herbs. Guest speaker in 2017.
Extensively studied Chinese Medicine’s role in supporting women in restoring and enhancing fertility with Randine Lewis.
Chinese herbs, and endocrine health with Heiner Fruehauf.
Online coursework with Claudia Citkovitz, Debra Betts, Sarah Budd Sharon Weizenbaum, who are experts in the field of fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health.
