Dr. Laura Flowers, DACM, LAc
For 15 years, Laura Flowers has been helping a diversity of people, of all ages. Her treatments use an approach that is both individualized and integrative and her relationship with patients is collaborative. Listening is the most important piece of this collaboration.
When there is a sense of depletion or disconnection, treatment needs to reflect that complexity and allow a balance of reserve and flow to return. Patients are then able to unlock their highest potential for health and wellness.
After nine years of running a successful practice in NYC, she relocated to California. She currently practices in North, County, San Diego. Laura specializes in using Chinese herbal medicine to treat dermatological conditions and is a member of the International TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Dermatology Association.
For two decades, Laura was a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher in NYC. She taught dance at various colleges and institutions in New York. She combines this knowledge of body alignment and muscle function, from these years as a professional dancer, with her education in Eastern Asian healing modalities to help patients lead more easy, balanced lives.
For the last ten years, Laura has taught and supervised students at Pacific College of Health and Science on both the New York City and San Diego campuses while serving as a Department Chair while in New York.
Education:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from Adelphi University
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, now known as Pacific College of Health and Science
- Board Certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Licensed to practice acupuncture in California
Post Graduate studies include:
- Two-year advanced training in Chinese Medical Dermatology with Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji. Laura is listed on the International Register of Chinese Medicine Dermatology.
- Two-year Graduate Mentorship Program with Sharon Weizenbaum
- Study with Suzanne Robidoux, in the Feng-Shi Lun Jing Fang Herbal Medicine lineage
- Two-year clinical training in Japanese Kampo medicine with Nigel Dawes
- Certified by Virginia Sandlin in the Sandlin Technique
- Certified by Virginia Doran in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
- Three-year course in Medical Qigong and travel to China to further her practice of Qigong and meditation. Her teachers include Masters Yuanming Zhang and Fukui Yang
- Study of ancient medical classics, and Confucian, Buddhist and Daoist philosophical writings, which deepen her understanding of the roots of East Asian medicine and inform her work with patients.
Ivy Pratt, CMT
Ivy Pratt was born and raised in Southeast Texas where she learned the importance of bodywork from her father, who is also a massage therapist. After graduating from high school, Ivy joined the Navy to travel the world and pursue her varied educational interests.
Ivy worked as a certified nurse’s assistant before finding her passion in the massage program at Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS) in San Diego. In 2017 she received her Associate of Applied Science in Holistic Health Science from PCHS. She currently works as a teaching assistant in the massage program and is pursuing a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Ivy has completed a multitude of professional development that aids her practice and understanding of the human body including completing her yoga teacher training certificate. Recently she added to her wealth of knowledge by receiving her Barber’s license from the state of California.
As a licensed massage therapist, Ivy strives to deliver the best possible experience to each client by prioritizing their needs, whether it be relief from pain, promoting relaxation or maintenance and overall wellness. Ivy’s holistic and compassionate treatment approach blends her therapeutic knowledge with the natural healing power of the human body to create a soothing environment for her clients.
When Ivy’s not practicing massage at Flowers Wellness she can be found in Oceanside pairing her massage and barbering skills with the volunteer efforts at the non-profit organization, Humanity Showers, assisting the unhoused. She loves spending quality time with her wife and two little pups, Samson and Diego.
Luca Tashka, CMT
Luca is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner (TCM), specializing in Tui Na (bodywork using techniques specific to Chinese medicine) and Five Element theory. In his sessions, Luca may incorporate additional modalities. These include craniosacral therapy, IntraOral therapy (for TMJ), deep tissue, visceral massage, myofascial release, neurokinetic therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (pnf stretching), Thai massage, active release, structural massage, lymphatic drainage, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion and breathwork, to support patients in their healing and wellness.
Luca’s work is very intuitive, somatic and trauma informed. His approach is one of cooperation and reconnecting with the body and spirit, supporting others to return to themselves.
Luca works with a diverse population and addresses all treatment needs. Luca has a vast background in nursing, mental health and spiritual gifts and callings. He combines this background with TCM to create profound individualized treatments.