Meet Laura Shahinian Kara
M.S., L.Ac., Diplomate NCCAOM
"My first experience with alternative medicine came as a teenager in the 1970's, when my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer...
He followed the usual protocol—surgery followed by chemotherapy. When those treatments failed, my father turned to alternative approaches. These complementary and alternative treatments kept my father alive four years longer than his doctors expected and introduced me to the power and effectiveness of alternative medicine.
It was unusual, and progressive, for a patient in the 1970's to advocate for alternative approaches, in addition to Western medicine. Because he did, my father gave me a great gift in his dying, and planted a seed for the gifts of integrative healing I’m able to offer my patients every day.
Thanks Dad."
Today, Laura is a comprehensively trained, licensed acupuncturist in the State of Connecticut, in private practice for more than 20 years. She is licensed and board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Laura also has advance certifications from both the Ohashi Institute of Shiatsu in New York and The British School of Shiatsu in London. (1989,1990) She received her Masters degree with honors from Tri-State College of Acupuncture in 2003 and served on their core faculty until 2008. Laura has taught at the Snowlion Center Healing School in Provence, France (1997-2000) She also is certified and specializes in Sports Medicine Acupuncture®, Japanese Acupuncture, and Acupuncture for Fertility. In addition, she brings 20 years of shiatsu (acupressure) therapy and an in-depth knowledge of the meridian system to her acupuncture practice.
“I had been living with pain in my hip for several months before going to an Orthopedist and being diagnosed with Bursitis. They prescribed several Advil a day for 2 weeks and if that didn’t help then I would need a cortisone shot. Though I wasn’t 100% comfortable I followed the doctors orders and did the Advil but saw little to no difference…
I had heard about Laura through others and she has such a wonderful reputation but I admit I knew nothing about acupuncture.…I have no words to explain what an eye opening experience it was. There is no doubt that Laura is an amazing acupuncturist and person. She truly changed the quality of my life and I have been back for other issues which she was able to help as well. Laura will always be the first stop on my journey to body/mind wellness.”
Meet Alex Sa Alves
Dipl. Ac., DTCM, Health Sciences
Prior to pursuing my doctor’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbology, I worked at various Community Clinics and Hospitals as a nurse for many years and became interested in the approach of Eastern medicine thoughtfully combined with Western medicine in the treatment of each patient’s overall condition. It often produced therapeutic results that exceeded expectations. This experience has shaped my dedication in providing a holistic, patient-centered care with the modern integration of Western and Eastern medicine.
During my studies, I took my medical internship in China at the Liaoning University. This Internship offered a wonderful experience to learn different Styles of Acupuncture and Traditional Herbal Formulas in the Hospital and Rehabilitation Center of Shenyang City. My passion for herbology grew from this experience and established the belief of curing the body holistically with acupuncture and herbal formulas to speed up the healing process.
Eastern medicine is truly a natural science that is grounded in spirit and the heart, a combination that resonates greatly with me as a practitioner. It is my goal to create a safe environment always, providing effective clinical services to all patients, and enabling them to envision a natural and healthy life. I am very honored to give back to the community.
“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings PEACE”.
Dr. Alex Sa Alves, Dipl. Ac., DTCM, Health Sciences.
I received my Diploma in Health Science degree in Nursing at Federal University in Brazil and later obtained a master’s degree of Acupuncture and Doctors degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the University of Bridgeport, CT with the honor of Summa Cum Laude. Professionally affiliated with the Connecticut Society of Acupuncturists.