Ancient Fern Medicine
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Ancient Fern Medicine
We're here to listen. Our patient-centered holistic healthcare addresses the root causes of chronic disease. At Ancient Fern Medicine we create an individualized treatment plan for each patient. We combine the clinical power of acupuncture and restorative bodywork to provide rapid symptom relief. We integrate functional nutrition and lifestyle medicine to fully restore your health and prevent your symptoms from returning.

Acupuncture is a safe, comfortable treatment that relieves chronic aches and pains, boosts your immune system, balances your mood, and so much more. We offer a wide variety of therapeutic bodywork services. These treatments can be added as a complement to your acupuncture sessions, or booked as a stand-alone service.
Services
We practice a truly holistic approach to patient care. We care about all aspects of your well-being, and will work to discover the root cause of your health concerns. We are a team of holistic medicine practitioners, who also happen to be a husband and wife raising a young family in Portland, OR. We met during our shared time at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) and then became partners in life and business.
All of our services are available individually or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Each new patient receives a thorough assessment and medical history review. At the end of your initial visit you will be provided with a proposed treatment plan, including number of visits recommended, specific services recommended, and complete package pricing.
Have you ever wished you could understand how all your symptoms are connected? The theory behind acupuncture looks at the body as a whole system made up of many interconnected parts. When all parts are working together you experience health. When different systems start to break down, you experience frequent illness, and chronic disease develops.
Experience one of our therapeutic bodywork sessions for immediate relief and lasting results. These sessions typically combine cupping, gua sha, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, or shiatsu massage. These sessions benefit people who have compromised immunity, chronic fatigue, acute or chronic pain, and those who have very high needle sensitivity.
Functional medicine focuses on the application of the most natural, least harmful treatment to promote health and reverse disease. Functional medicine is a health centered approach to medicine, rather than disease centered approach. Conventional medicine tends to diagnose active disease, and prioritizes interventions like medication and surgery.
Reviews (14)
Fit Alliance
Fit Alliance
Jan 25, 2022
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When we refer clients to Ancient Fern, it is with the utmost confidence. The feedback is always positive and I know they are being cared for by professionals who are life long learners. Sarah and Tim are great listeners that truly hold a safe space, enabling you to feel comfortable and discuss what's really going on. We recently referred a client, who is a breast cancer survivor. She has multiple scars from surgery that cause discomfort and restriction in range of motion, but acupuncture has been able to improve her symptoms making her exercises with us more effective. Sarah can also help with
Naomi Reichman
Naomi Reichman
Oct 18, 2021
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Both Sarah and Tim are just great at muscle motor points and the sports medicine side of acupuncture. Sarah is one of the best Chinese herbalists I’ve seen! She’s been able to address issues such as sleep and digestion issues without aggravating other health issues I’ve had going on. Seeing both Sarah and Tim has been a crucial part of a long recovery from a motor vehicle accident that broke multiple bones. So grateful for Ancient Fern and their providers!
Jamie & Cassie Ruff
Jamie & Cassie Ruff
Oct 16, 2021
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Highly recommend Sarah! I have been seeing her for several years and she has helped me tremendously with several chronic health issues. She always goes above and beyond when taking care of my daughters and I.
Sarah B.
Sarah B.
Oct 15, 2021
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Sarah Nelson has definitely helped improve my quality of life. Sarah is very skilled, thoughtful and caring. She listens to my needs and has provided solutions to help resolve anxiety, pain, and other more complex issues I have suffered with over the years. I would not hesitate to recommend Ancient Fern for acupuncture and wellness to friends and family.
Colleen Huntwork
Colleen Huntwork
Apr 16, 2021
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I've worked with Sarah over the last three years. She has been a vital part of my medical team, helping decrease pain and manage stress (grad school!). I recommend her eagerly and regularly to my clients and patients. Sarah uses a variety of techniques, is a compassionate provider, and takes her time. It is such a pleasure working with her!
Jenna Gilbert
Jenna Gilbert
Jan 13, 2021
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Sarah is amazing! Unfortunately, I have struggled with everything under the sun. She truly works to not just put a band-aid on your problems, but she works hard to find the root of the problem. And then she helps you work on doing what you can to find relief. She makes you feel that she is not only your acupuncturist, but your advocate. She makes you feel that she is truly vested in your health and wellness journey, and I believe that is because she truly is. She is caring, patient, kind, and knows her field of medicine well. I cannot say enough good things and I cannot thank her enough for her
Sara Hagins
Sara Hagins
Dec 08, 2020
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After struggling with migraines for years and endless attempts to find reason why I was getting them, I finally found Sarah Nelson at Ancient Fern. She listened to the details of my past medical experiences and all about my failed solutions.After making her own her assessments she came up with a plan, but always continues to research and dig a little deeper into how to solve what’s going on. Sarah is very detailed and beyond knowledgeable. She has worked wonders with my stress levels, gut health and sleep patterns. My migraines have lessened and my overall health has improved. Sarah has not only
Laurie Mooney
Laurie Mooney
Aug 12, 2020
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Sarah is the best acupuncturist I have ever experienced! She has dramatically helped with everything from chronic lower back pain, old injuries, fertility and emotions with life and sadness.. She is very organized, keeps great track of our conversations, takes time to understand how Im feeling, does her needle work, educates me on what she is doing AND prepares Chinese herbs that I very much enjoy as a tea.
Rachel B.
Rachel B.
Jun 27, 2020
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I am seen by Sarah on a weekly basis. Truly, not only has acupuncture changed my life, but so has she! She is truly wonderful and someone I hold close to my heart. Always willing to sit, listen, talk, empathize, and support. I am so thankful I've found Ancient Fern Medicine. I was skeptical of acupuncture at first, but I was at a hard low in anxiety, some depression, and struggled with postpartum intrusive thoughts. Always anxious, wired, and restless. Since I began acupuncture treatment, I've noticed I am WAY more balanced. My anxiety is super minimal and I hardly struggle with PMS symptoms
Gretchen Lawrence
Gretchen Lawrence
Jun 16, 2020
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I saw Tim earlier this year and he helped me with the beginning phases of healing after my car accident. He is really a thoughtful practitioner. He is obviously well trained in Chinese medicine, but he also really wanted to understand and treat me as a whole person, so he took the time to talk through my emotional states as well as my physical ones, which I appreciated. He is a thoughtful and talented acupuncturist, both of which are great attributes in a provider.
Sara Dean
Sara Dean
Nov 25, 2019
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Sarah is a miracle worker. Anytime I have pain I feel better after seeing her. She takes the time to get to know her patients and really digs in to help find what is causing the ailment. She cares about your health and always takes the time to fully understand your whole health picture. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to Chinese herbs and how they can improve your well-being. She is an excellent acupuncturist and I highly recommend her to anyone who is looking to improve your overall health.
The Tender H.
The Tender H.
Oct 04, 2018
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This duo is an amazing team. I mostly work with Sarah but they are both incredible. Sarah Nelson is an angel on Earth. She is brilliantly intuitive and a miracle worker. Her little ears always buzz when I think of her, and I'm almost guaranteed to get a text within moments. She is so caring and so knowledgeable.
Physically I have been to Hell and back. After a terrible accident, my pelvis and sternum were broken into pieces. I had to learn how to walk again! Sarah has always known how to hone into the needs of my body. It's magical.
Truth be told, I'd rather not let the word get
Ron M.
Ron M.
Mar 19, 2017
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I have some complex physical issues. The team at Ancient Fern have helped me skillfully navigate my path to health. They are extremely knowledgeable in acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. They have supported me with my chronic knee pain, back issues and general health challenges. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Bill E.
Bill E.
Dec 01, 2015
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I have been seeing Tim off and on for the last year or so for various treatments. Every Spring and Summer I am pretty debilitated by my allergies. This season, with Tim's help I didn't have any major issues and was able to minimize the amount of medications that I would typically have to take. Additionally, Tim has helped me get back to work from a very painful neck injury. He does a great job of listening and asking pointed questions to get to the root of issues.
Tim takes time to talk to you about your concerns and expectations, and does a great job treating you holistically rather