DAWN-STARR CROWTHER, L.Ac., L.M.T.

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Dawn-Starr Crowther, L.Ac., L.M.T., founder and owner of Jade River Healing Arts Center, graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2003, from the East-West College of the Healing Arts in 2000, and practices in Oregon as both a Licensed Acupuncturist and Licensed Massage Therapist.

In 1992, Dawn-Starr was diagnosed with a serious "incurable" illness. Desiring options other than the limited ones offered by conventional medicine, she sought treatment through Complementary Medicine. When Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Qi Gong turned her life around by providing healing, she knew she had to "pay it forward," by studying, and then practicing, Oriental Medicine. Her medical practice is informed by her deep commitment to - and personal knowledge of - the radical transformation and healing this medicine can offer.

Dawn-Starr views her practice as a creative collaboration between patient and provider, and believes that health challenges - especially serious ones - provide opportunities for deep transformational healing, saying:

"There is nothing more meaningful than simply being present with people who are in pain or suffering, and then acting with compassion and skill to help foster the re-emergence of health and balance for them."

In addition to Acupuncture, Massage (including Esalen-style Massage, Tuina, and Swedish) and Oriental Herbal Medicine, she utilizes modalities such as Moxibustion, Cupping, Diet Therapy, Nutritional Supplements, Guided Imagery, Meditation, Breath Work, Qi-Gong, and Aromatherapy to assist her patients in achieving vibrant health.

Areas of specialization in her practice include the following:

Women's Health Care, including menstrual disorders, such as painful periods, endometriosis, fibroids, cycle irregularities, PMS, migraine headache, bloating, and digestive upset; fertility enhancement and regulation; birthing/labor support; and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood changes.

Acute pain, such as that occurring after auto accidents or trauma, and especially treating men and women with a history of previous injury, severe trauma and/or multiple health issues.

Chronic pain and illness, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, auto-immune disorders, allergies, digestive problems, and mild to moderate depression. She especially enjoys working with patients who have complicated health issues and helping them re-establish health, balance and a positive outlook.

Additionally, she has a specialty in Post-Trauma Recovery, serving with compassion those who have survived physical, mental or emotional trauma. She works in this regard with patients and their other providers, coordinating treatment plans and strategies with their therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, primary health providers and others in the patient's health care team.

She also offers classes and individual instruction in meditation, guided imagery, and stress control/relief.

She has had a life-long interest in medicine and healing, and as an undergraduate was a dual pre-med and anthropology major at the University of Utah. Her first career as an archaeologist inspired her passion and respect for other cultures' medicines and lifeways. To further pursue her fascination with the human-altered environment, she completed a Master of Fine Arts degree, and taught fine art photography at several institutions, including Arizona State University, College of the Atlantic, and the Oregon College of Art and Craft. For the past 20 years, her artwork has focused on gardens and plants, and how they enrich our lives and environments, including the use of plant materials as medicine. She has also volunteered for many years in various healthcare settings, including hospice work, prison work, and in women's reproductive care in low-cost or free clinics.

A dedicated student of Tibetan Buddhism and meditation for more than 15 years, she enjoys yoga, Tai Qi, Qi Gong, snorkeling and scuba diving, and taking long walks with her Labrador Retriever, Grace. She is also a passionate gardener, and continues her photographic work and exhibits her art nationally and internationally.

To reach Dawn-Starr to schedule an appointment, or to ask questions about her services, please call 503.422.7455 or contact her.

What patients have to say about Dawn-Starr:

SEVERE PMS & ENDOMETRIOSIS PAIN HELPED WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Oriental Medicine has been nothing short of a miracle in my life.  After years of suffering from severe PMS and endometriosis symptoms, I have finally found the light at the end of the tunnel.  I decided to try acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine after Western medicine failed to help me.  I am so grateful to you as my practitioner, as you have healed what I considered to be incurable pain.  Your warmth, compassion, and excellent skill make you an invaluable healer. –SBH

LESS NECK PAIN & MORE MOBILITY AFTER CAR ACCIDENT

Great experience!   I really enjoyed the friendly atmosphere.  It's always a challenge for me to unwind and relax, but the entire office staff made it effortless.  After one visit, I notice more mobility and less pain in my neck.  It was refreshing since I have been receiving treatment from chiropractors, massage and physical therapists with minor improvement.  I'm looking forward to my continuous healing with Dawn-Starr's care.  –MV

NO MORE MENSTRUAL PAIN

I have always been skeptical about acupuncture and whether I could tolerate it.  I am a convert and look forward to each appointment, both for the outcomes and the calm generous spirit Dawn-Starr brings to the process.  She has helped me with many common issues...the first was that she was pretty much able to relieve my menstrual cramps within a few sessions and I have been living on monthly Advil for 25 years!  –LS

MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL HEALING

A friend recommended Dawn-Starr to me when I was physically at my lowest, and completely frustrated with my regular doctors.  I have found Dawn-Starr to be extremely knowledgeable, professional, and persistent.  She is a warm and caring practitioner who spends quality time getting to know each individual.  Dawn-Starr has helped me to heal not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  Every time I come in for an appointment, I feel like I am at home.  She has created a comfort zone for those of us who need to focus on our own healing.  I highly recommend Dawn-Starr to everyone.   –KJ

HEALING MISCARRIAGE TRAUMA AND NATURAL FERTILITY SUPPORT

I came to Dawn-Starr to explore more natural ways to address my miscarriage and fertility issues.  Physically, her treatments helped relieve my cramping and bleeding from my miscarriage; emotionally, she has been the only medical professional to even acknowledge or offer healing relating to the emotional trauma a miscarriage brings.  Through her methods and compassion, I have started to feel peace towards losing my baby, which I did not think was even possible.  –Anon

BALANCE, WELLNESS, COMPASSION

Dawn-Starr, capably and compassionately, meets you where you are; whether you've had experience with alternative practitioners previously or it is your first time, she will put you at ease and help you in the process of realizing balance and wellness. She has truly been a God-send to our family.  She has treated me for various ailments, some short-term issues and more involved long-term issues.  I have experienced excellent results in her care.  My family have also benefited from her quality care.  –LR

HEADACHES & DIGESTION

Dawn- Starr worked with me for a number of things over the course of several months.  I found her to be caring and compassionate, generous with her time and vast knowledge and funny.  Her style is warm and calming and I always looked forward to my treatments with her.  In the time I worked with her, my headaches went away entirely and my digestion improved.  I am very grateful to have had the chance to work with her!  –CP

FREEDOM FROM CHRONIC PAIN IS PRICELESS

I am so lucky I found Dawn Starr; I have had such relief from the pain of neuropathy since I have been seeing her. There are no words to describe the difference she has made in my life.  Freedom from chronic pain is priceless.  Even if I were to lose my insurance, I would find a way to continue these treatments!  –DR

FIBROMYALGIA

I am so glad I tried acupuncture because I have had nothing but excellent experiences and 80-90% less pain since I started seeing Dawn-Starr.  I wish I had used her services sooner.  She really has changed my life by all the knowledge and education that she has.   Dawn-Starr is the first person that has taken the time to try and find out the main source of my problem (Fibromyalgia) by looking at my labs and seeing what the doctors would not even pay attention to because some of them were in normal range but not normal for me.  Thanks!  –DR

MIGRAINE HEADACHE RELIEF

Relief Finally!  Dawn-Starr is the first healthcare practitioner that gave me confidence that WE could eliminate most to all of my migraines.  I was able to eliminate my prescription medications that had me all messed up with side effects, and now my 20+ years of almost daily headaches are almost a memory!  –KT

FIRST ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR NECK PAIN

I had my first acupuncture appointment yesterday.  Dawn-Starr did an extensive intake interview and I feel was really getting to the source of my on-going headache issues.  The first treatment was explained very well and I knew what to expect at every point during therapy.  She also discussed her treatment plan for future visits and ways to mitigate pain between treatments.  I felt that treatment was effective, and by the end of the session my neck spasm started to release. Very good first experience.  –MG

ANSWERS FOR YOUR HEALTH ISSUES

I couldn't be more thankful to have found Dawn-Starr when I did.  She is passionate about doing her best for each and every patient that comes through her door looking for help and answers about their health.  I always feel like she is "on my side" and willing to go above and beyond to help me feel better.  I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone open to exploring their health in depth.  –LL

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Dawn-Starr Crowther has been my acupuncturist for many years now and has helped me in so many ways.  I have rheumatoid arthritis, and her treatments have relieved much of my pain and swelling.  And, her treatments are a relaxing treat.  –TM

PROFESSIONAL, EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE

Dawn-Starr provides fantastic and professional service.   Meticulous, thorough and attentive to all of the details before executing a treatment plan.  Excellence in follow up and follow through.  Highly recommended without any reservation.  –WD

PAIN IN PREGNANCY

With my first pregnancy, I experienced intense nerve pain that physical therapy and medication could not control.  After treatments with Dawn-Starr I became pain-free which allowed me to enjoy the miracle of growing a beautiful son.  Her kindness and knowledge is comforting as I enter my second pregnancy with confidence that I will have the same experience as last.  –GVH

HEALING WAYS FOR DEPRESSION

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you from the very depths of my heart and soul for helping me with your healing ways.  I thank the goddess and the forces of the universe that has allowed us to come together.  You are a great and wonderful blessing to me, as well as so many others that you share your gifts with.  It makes me so relieved and happy that with your help I can overcome my times of depression as well as further the growth of my spiritual self.   Thank you so very much!  I look forward to always seeing you again!  –TR

POST SURGICAL PAIN

I’ve never had a healthcare provider spend such a huge amount of time to learn my health history. I went in with ongoing pain following surgery and left with eighty percent of the pain gone and mobility almost restored. I am so very glad I met this amazing and knowledgeable person.  ­–BB

STOPPED SMOKING, BACK PAIN, IRREGULAR PERIODS

Dawn-Starr Crowther and acupuncture changed my life. From the first minute we spoke, being brand new to acupuncture, I felt calm and secure and so warmly welcomed and valued like never before in my medical history. She helped me quit a powerful addiction to cigarettes, fight colds and flus, get rid of back pains, nervous tension, and irregular periods, and give birth to my son naturally- no pain meds in 13 hrs of back labor +pitocin! Thanks!  AM

HEALED HEART, SOUL, BODY

Dawn-Starr goes beyond the norm for care and caring! In the time I have worked with her, she has helped heal my heart and soul as well as my body! I have never known anyone as willing to share their knowledge, skill and warmth and kindness. I couldn't recommend her any more highly! I'd give her 10 stars if possible.  –TS

WARM, NURTURING, GENTLE ACUPUNCTURE

Dawn-Starr is an excellent therapist and acupuncturist. Her attention to the details of one's body and one's life are remarkable. Her presence is warm, nurturing, and gentle. She has created a peaceful atmosphere in her clinic which immediately pervades the senses. I always feel better after treatment and I would highly recommend her.  ­–RB

DECREASED BACK PAIN & INCREASED MOBILITY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKER

First impressions…I am a construction worker and deal with heavy lifting daily. I've been through numerous Physical Therapy regimens and nothing has seemed to work for me.  My first impression was that acupuncture was not for me, but now, after my first visit, I noticed an increase of mobility in my back. I am looking forward to more sessions with Dawn.  –DH

MENOPASE HOT FLASHES

Without the regular treatments and herbal blends from Dawn-Starr I would be contributing to global warming in my own personal way. She really helps keep symptoms of menopause under control!  ­–GM

CHRONIC PAIN RELIEVED

Dawn-Starr provides me with physical, emotional, and mental care through her services. I have never felt as balanced and generally good about myself and my life/health as I have since I started seeing her for my chronic pain from an aged injury.  I would recommend everyone see her once you will be a changed person.  –CK

LABOR PAIN AND HAPPY BIRTH

We are so happy that we had your amazing assistance at our birth.  Thank you so much for helping us in so many ways.  We are eternally grateful.  –JH & AM