Paula Warden has opened Warden Wellness, acupuncture for pain and sports injuries. She’ll share office space with Chilkat Valley Acupuncture above Alaska Liquor Store on Main Street.
Warden previously operated Rogue Valley Acupuncture in Grants Pass, Ore. A nine-year practitioner, she has a background in massage therapy and specializes in orthopedics and sports medicine. She’s also a yoga teacher who incorporates that discipline in her treatments.
“I tend to be more hands-on than most acupuncturists,” she said this week.
Warden met local physical therapist Marnie Hartman at a yoga teacher training. She visited town last year with husband Correy Warden and met acupuncturist Laurie Dadourian. “Laurie was looking to share space, so all of a sudden, we’re here,” Warden said.
Dadourian, who is recovering from knee surgery and won’t resume office hours until July, praised Warden’s abilities. “She has a good grasp of Chinese medicine and she does lots of hands-on work, like I do. People are used to that and I think that’s important. She’s a really good match for Haines.”
Warden received her master’s degree from Santa Barbara School of Oriental Medicine and holds a sociology degree from Willamette University.
Warden worked with an acupuncturist during an internship at Willamette. That and an illness suffered by her father sparked her interest in Chinese medicine, she said.
She said she specializes in treating the lower back, knees and shoulders and can provide pre-performance tune-ups, maintenance and well-training to athletes.
“We all have physical pain and emotional things that challenge us,” Warden said. “I’m very aware it’s the patient’s process. I give them their space and I’m a catalyst, but they do the healing. I’m humbled that people allow me to be with them during their healing process.”
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, and patients don’t typically have a problem with them, Warden said. “They go in so quickly, the body doesn’t really register. Usually, by the time we start with body work, people are fine. As long as they’re fine with me, they’re fine with what I’m doing.”
Treatments typically include Chinese herbs and needle work, she said. Warden grew up in Grants Pass. She speaks fluent Spanish. To make an appointment, call 766-3355 or email [email protected].