Affectionately known as Dr. T by her patients, Dr. Teresa Wlasiuk brings over 11 years of experience in East Asian medicine, along with exceptional training and a deep passion for integrative acupuncture, to Akasha. She holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(DAOM) and a Master’s in Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor’s College, following a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science and Biochemistry from UC Davis.

From Biomedical Research to Integrative Healing

Dr. T’s approach to acupuncture is firmly grounded in science, thanks to her extensive background in biomedical research. At Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, she used protein crystallography to study tumorigenesis, later joining Columbia University’s Institute for Cancer Genetics, where she focused on pediatric brain tumors and breast cancer.

A transformative 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat inspired her transition to integrative medicine, leading her to specialize in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She expanded her expertise through clinical training at world-renowned institutions in Asia:

• China Medical University Hospital (Taiwan): Specialized in orthopedic and neurological acupuncture, including scalp acupuncture for neurodevelopmental disorders, stroke rehabilitation, and ocular acupuncture for degenerative eye diseases.
• Meiji University of Integrative Medicine (Japan): Trained in Japanese acupuncture techniques, such as gentle needling, pediatric shonishin, and da-shin hammer therapy.

Committed to Serving Diverse Communities

Dr. Teresa has worked with a broad range of patients, from elite athletes to underserved populations, ensuring access to high-quality, holistic care:

• Veterans: Interned at the VA Hospital Pain Management Center (NYC), treating phantom limb pain, neurological disorders, and chronic pain conditions.
• Native American Tribes: Volunteered at Standing Rock during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, providing acupuncture care for activists and indigenous communities.
• Global Health: Since 2014, she has worked with The Global Healthworks Foundation in Guatemala, offering acupuncture and herbal medicine to indigenous communities with limited healthcare access.
• Elite Athletes: Provided acupuncture and recovery support for Marine Staff Sgt. Charlie Linville, the first combat-wounded amputee to summit Mt. Everest.

Specialties

With extensive training across multiple disciplines, Dr. T specializes in:

• Pain Management &  Sports Recovery
• Women’s Health, Fertility &  Pregnancy Support
• Pediatric Acupuncture
• Neurological Conditions & Phantom Limb Pain
• Stress, Sleep Disorders & Holistic Wellness

Beyond the Clinic

When she’s not practicing or mentoring science-based integrative acupuncture, Dr. Teresa enjoys competing as an endurance triathlete, creating as an oil painter and modern quilter, and innovating as the co-founder of Smol Dream Lab, a sustainable children’s product company. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of a wonderful 7-year-old boy.