Essential Acupuncture Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Kristina Aschenbach, L.Ac.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, I am the owner of Essential Acupuncture, PLLC.  I earned my Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree in the four year graduate program at AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, in Austin, Texas. AOMA is one of the leading graduate schools of acupuncture and Oriental medicine in the nation and the first stand-alone, single-degree granting graduate program of Oriental medicine in the U.S. to be regionally accredited.

 Additionally, I am a NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Diplomat of Oriental Medicine having met the certification requirements through a rigorous board exam process for both acupuncture and Chinese herbology. My license to practice in Virginia is issued by the Virginia State Medical Board.

I have a gentle technique and diverse clinical experience with proven success treating a variety of issues including: musculoskeletal, reproductive, psychological, respiratory and digestive. As an herbalist, I possess a comprehensive knowledge of the Chinese Materia Medica as well as a deep understanding of herbal safety and herb-pharmaceutical interactions.

Although I am trained to treat a wide variety of issues, the focus of my study and practice has been in the area of Women's Health. My self-study, continuing education and experience has included, but has not been limited to:Infertility, IVF Support, Menstrual Irregularities (PMS, Fibroids, Endometriosis), Menopause Symptoms, PCOS, Emotional Issues (Depression, Stress , Anxiety), Support During Life Transitions, Weight Loss and Support for the Female Athlete (Sports Injury and Enhance Performance). 

In addition to my Master's degree from AOMA, I hold Master of Education degrees in Special Education and School Counseling from James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University. I worked in the education field as a middle school special education teacher and school counselor prior to becoming a Licensed Acupuncturist.

In my spare time, I love to be on my feet or on my bike, in nature, with my dear husband and our two adorable pups.

 "Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is." 
 Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey