To provide compassionate, individualized care that treats the whole person — not just symptoms. We meet patients where they are, identify root causes, and build lasting relationships grounded in listening, trust, and clinical excellence in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Deschutes Acupuncture is an integrative medicine clinic in Bend, Oregon, blending evidence-based Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern biomedical understanding.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that has been practiced and refined for thousands of years. It views the body as an interconnected whole, where physical, emotional, and spiritual health are deeply linked.
Rather than treating isolated symptoms, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of imbalance and restore harmony through modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and moxibustion. This comprehensive approach supports the body’s innate ability to heal, adapt, and thrive.
Doctorate and Masters level training means your practitioner has undergone the most rigorous education available in Chinese Medicine. This includes advanced clinical experience, integrative medical knowledge, and specialized training in complex case management.
For patients, this translates into more thoughtful assessments, more precise treatments, and a higher level of confidence that their care is grounded in both tradition and modern clinical standards.
Doctorate and Master’s level training means advanced clinical education, extensive supervised patient hours, and years of deep immersion in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
While all licensed acupuncturists meet state requirements, many do not complete these advanced levels of education. Pursuing a Master’s and Doctorate requires significantly longer clinical hours, deeper herbal and diagnostic training, and more time dedicated to understanding the full complexity of the medicine. That additional time in study and clinic shows up in the treatment rooms at Deschutes Acupuncture.
Dr. Aleia Tipton believes that effective medicine begins with careful listening and thorough assessment. Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, integrating classical diagnostic principles with modern research to deliver precise, individualized care.
As a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) — a credential held by approximately 7% of acupuncturists nationwide — Dr. Aleia has advanced training in acupuncture, herbal pharmacology, chronic pain management, and complex case management. Her doctoral education emphasized integrative medicine, collaborative care models, and the application of current research within traditional frameworks.
As owner of Deschutes Acupuncture, she has established a practice centered on unhurried, one-on-one treatment that addresses root causes rather than isolated symptoms. Her clinical work focuses on comprehensive pattern differentiation and personalized treatment planning, utilizing acupuncture, custom Chinese herbal formulas from the clinic’s bulk apothecary, nutrition, movement therapy, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Dr. Aleia completed both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, California. Prior to that, she studied Integrative and Indigenous Medicine and International Public Health at the University of Oregon and the University of Tarapacá in northern Chile. This academic foundation informs her systems-based approach to health and her commitment to delivering rigorous, compassionate care to the Central Oregon community.
In addition to clinical practice, she formulates customized herbal prescriptions and carefully ages select tinctures in-house to ensure quality and precision. Outside the clinic, she enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and spending time in the Central Oregon mountains with her two dogs.
CREDENTIALS
-Oregon State Licensed Acupuncturist and Nationally Board Certified
- Doctorate Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DTCM)
- Masters Degree of Chinese Medicine (MTCM)
- University of Oregon and University of Tarapaca in Northern Chile studying integrative and Indigenous medicine and International Public Health
- Certified and trained in Medical Qi Gong
- CNT and NADA Protocol Certifications
Dakota is a licensed acupuncturist with advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, specializing in women’s health, emotional well-being, and musculoskeletal conditions. Her clinical approach is grounded in careful assessment and pattern differentiation, drawing from core TCM principles to support balance and functional healing. Dakota prioritizes patient advocacy and individualized care. She integrates TCM theory with nutritional guidance and psycho-emotional support to create thoughtful, effective treatments tailored to each patient’s unique health journey.
CREDENTIALS
- Oregon State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
- Nationally board certified by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM)
- Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Denver, Colorado
- Bachelor of Independent Studies from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis
- Clean Needle Technique (CNT) certified
- Certified Doula
Dakota is a licensed acupuncturist with advanced training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, specializing in women’s health, emotional well-being, and musculoskeletal conditions. Her clinical approach is grounded in careful assessment and pattern differentiation, drawing from core TCM principles to support balance and functional healing. Dakota prioritizes patient advocacy and individualized care. She integrates TCM theory with nutritional guidance and psycho-emotional support to create thoughtful, effective treatments tailored to each patient’s unique health journey.
CREDENTIALS
- Oregon State Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)
- Nationally board certified by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM)
- Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Denver, Colorado
- Bachelor of Independent Studies from the University of Minnesota Minneapolis
- Clean Needle Technique (CNT) certified
- Certified Doula
Rae Kersten is the Office Manager at Deschutes Acupuncture, where she oversees office operations, scheduling, and coordination, keeping the clinic running smoothly and efficiently. You may recognize her for her gentle sense of humor at the front desk or for welcoming you into your treatment room with a cup of Feel Good Tea. Rae brings a diverse, people-centered background and a calm, adaptable presence to her role. Her favorite part of the job is fostering meaningful connections with patients and being part of their healing journey. With a natural ability to anticipate needs and navigate challenges with care and creativity, Rae is always happy to help—just give us a call or stop by the front desk!
Rex Shepard helps run behind the scenes operations at Deschutes Acupuncture and also acts as a receptionist several days a month. He was born and raised in Bend, Oregon and is the Head Ski Coach of the Big Mountain Program for Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. You can find Rex skiing at Mt. Bachelor and the backcountry in the Winter and biking the local trails with junior athletes regularly during the Summer season.
Jaime Shippen is a part-time receptionist at Deschutes Acupuncture, where she brings a warm and calming presence to the clinic. She’s grateful to be part of a team that values connection and care and enjoys contributing to a welcoming experience from the moment patients arrive. An Oregon native, she lives in Bend with her husband, three children, and dog. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys reading, tackling home projects, traveling, and spending time outdoors while embracing all that Central Oregon has to offer.
Century West Location
339 SW Century Dr
Bend, OR 97702
Suite 103
Mon-Thu 10am-5pm
Fri-Sat 10am-3pm
Century West Location
339 SW Century Dr
Bend, OR 97702
Suite 103
Mon-Thu 10am-5pm
Fri-Sat 10am-3pm
Copyright 2019-2026 Deschutes Acupuncture | All Rights Reserved | A Bend Oregon Acupuncture Clinic and Chinese Herbal Medicinary located at 339 SW Century Dr, utilizes treatments focused on the root of the imbalance with a suite of health and wellness practices.