Acupuncture in Portland, OR

Meet Andres Cardenas, Your Portland Acupuncturist

Andres Cardenas is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, and a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine through the NCCAOM, the national board that certifies acupuncturists across the country. He earned his Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine and has practiced in the Pacific Northwest since 2021. Andres trained for four years in clinical Tuina alongside Dr. Yan Lu and completed an internship in the Balance Method under Dr. Eric Strand, training that sharpens his precision with every needle he places.

Andres was raised in Southern California after his family immigrated from Peru. He grew up surrounded by natural medicine as a normal part of daily life, and it shaped his lifelong respect for holistic healing. He is bilingual and works hard to make every patient feel welcome, no matter their background. A background in ceramics and art gave him a sharp feel for form and movement, and it shows in his hands-on approach to treatment.

Andres is also a lifelong athlete who has spent years rock climbing, surfing, running, and skiing. He has recovered from his own sports injuries, so he knows firsthand what it takes to move past pain, and he brings that same encouragement to every person who sits down in his treatment room.

What Acupuncture Can Do for Your Health

Acupuncture uses thin, precise needles placed at specific points on the body. This eases tension, supports circulation, and helps your nervous system settle into a more restful state. The practice is rooted in centuries of Chinese medicine and treats the whole person, not just one symptom. That is why patients come to us with a wide range of health issues, not just a single complaint. Many patients even fall asleep during a session as their body settles into deep rest.

Your first visit starts with an honest talk about your goals, and from there, Andres builds a treatment plan that fits your body, your schedule, and your budget, adjusting it as you improve. There is no pressure and no guesswork, just a clear sense of what to expect at each step of your care.

Acupuncture in Portland, OR, for Wellness: Stress, Sleep & Everyday Aches

Wellness acupuncture is about feeling at home in your body again. If long days at a desk, busy family schedules, or training sessions leave you tight, wired, or worn down, sessions are paced to help you reset. We start with a simple conversation about your goals, less pain, more ease, better sleep, then create a plan you can stick with.

Treatment is unhurried; many people describe it as “the most relaxed I’ve felt all week.” You’ll also leave with straightforward self-care tips (breathing, heat/cold, light movement) that make a real difference between visits.

Frequency depends on your goals and how you respond; we’ll outline a right-sized plan and adjust as you improve. No pressure, no mystery, just clear communication and steady support for everyday comfort and long-term well-being.

Sports Acupuncture to Get You Back Outside

As a lifelong athlete, Andres understands sports injuries on a personal level, including the frustration of being sidelined. His sports acupuncture treatments target the muscles, tendons, and joints that take the hardest hits from running, climbing, cycling, and other high-impact activities. Whether you are training for your next event or just want to get back outside, Andres builds a plan around your goals and your timeline.

Fertility Acupuncture to Support Your Natural Cycle

Fertility acupuncture supports your body’s natural cycle by improving blood flow to your reproductive organs and helping balance hormones and stress. Many patients use fertility acupuncture alongside other fertility care, and Andres works with your existing care team to stay aligned on your goals, with unhurried sessions that always leave time for your questions.

Prenatal Acupuncture Through Every Trimester

Prenatal acupuncture can ease common pregnancy discomforts, like back pain, nausea, and poor sleep. Many patients also use it to prepare for labor in the final weeks. Hazelwood Healthcare offers specialized pregnancy pillows, so you can lie comfortably on your stomach for treatment right up until your due date. Andres tailors each session to your trimester and works closely with your OB or midwife when needed.

Why Patients Call Us the Best Acupuncture in Portland

Ask around East Portland, and you will hear it often: Hazelwood Healthcare is where people go for the best acupuncture in Portland, because they want real results from a provider who truly listens. Patients return to us year after year for steady, attentive care, and many share their story in our testimonials. We would rather earn that reputation one visit at a time than claim it ourselves.

The Research Behind Acupuncture

Acupuncture’s benefits are backed by real research, not just tradition. One large study looked at data from nearly 18,000 patients and was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It found that acupuncture worked better than fake treatment and no treatment at all. This held true for back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and chronic headaches, and the benefits lasted a full year later. The researchers said acupuncture is a solid option for people managing chronic pain.