I've received a gift certificate for full service by my son, so, I went for my initial consultation with Lara and I was impressed on the attention she was giving me. She spent time to get to know me first, then focused on my well being. She gave me some suggestions how to boost my health. The acupuncture wasn't painful at all...just a tingling sensation. Was truly thankful for Lara's caring ways for helping me to understand how aches and pains can be approached in different manners of treat- ment. Katie who did the CUPPING and MASSAGE was amazing! She worked wonders on those areas, specially the massage...wow! that was great..made me feel so relaxed and revitalized! Thank you very much Lara and Katie for the wonderful services you did for me. read more

Words can't describe how grateful I am for Lara and her staff's healing work, efforts, love and energy. Everyone at PDX Acupuncture is so kind and most importantly treatments lead to positive results. I was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and had a great deal of associated pain from tumors and chemo - I can't imagine this last year's journey without the acupuncture, cupping and bodywork here. Both downtown and NE PDX locations are convenient and lovely, relaxing spaces and their online booking system makes scheduling easy as well. read more

Lauren and Calli, Lara and Liz, Kaia and the other therapists.... wow! You all amaze me and I'm literally so very blessed to have you all in my life! You are all amazing from your warm welcomes into the office, to Lara and Liz's attn to detail, listening to my health issues and knowing the channels to penetrate to lessen my ailing pains. I thank you all so much and ill miss you all! But what's more amazing is that the universe placed you in my path and I'm a healthier person for that! I love you ladies and will visit soon! read more

I went here and was treated by Ms. Dilkes from May 2018 until Feb 2019. I saw her TWICE a week for more than 8 months - and I was not getting any better so I confronted Lara at the start of an appt in Feb 2019. I asked her why am I still not getting better after seeing her for 8 months, 2 times a week and asked why she hadn't suggested that I try using the ear seeds to help manage my stress. I was under the most stress of my entire life at that time after having had 2 major surgeries, with the last one in Jan 2018, than had issues at work, where I'd been employed for 14 years and in Oct 2018 my boss of 5 years decided to eliminate my job in Jan 2019; also in Oct 2018 my 88 yr old father got more ill so I had to move in with him and then he died in Jan 2019, and my family treated me badly after my father died and they all deserted me. Lara was very aware of all of it yet she kept taking my money without any questions, twice a week for 8 months. During our confrontation, she got extremely defensive, then she grabbed a gown, put it on the table and left the room. She knew I was under extreme stress and had been having meltdowns regularly because of it, so I expected her to be understanding about my frustration at why I wasn't getting any better. I had to leave that appt because there wasnt any way I was going to let her put needles in me when I knew she was pissed at me so I quietly got dressed and walked out of the clinic. I went back to my car and sat there crying for an hour before I could even drive home. 2 hours after my appt she sent me an email which said that she no longer wanted to treat me. No other info - just that. It was very apparent to me that she kicked me out because I caught her using me to advance her clinic and she wasn't professional enough to have a conversation about it rather than just dropping me completely from the clinic. I then went to a new acupuncturist and told them what had happened. This acupuncturist said that getting treatment twice a week for 8 mos was too much, especially since I felt I wasn't getting better. Then COVID happened and that acupuncurist closed. I saw another one a few months later and told her about this and she too agreed that twice a week for 8 mos was too much acupuncture for a person when they were still having lots of stress abd not getting better. I really liked Lara during the first six months but her clinic kept having personnel changes which also disrupted my care. She suggested I see the cinics nutritionist, which I did and after my initial appt with them, I found out that the nutritionist had been let go and they didn't get a new one before she kicked me out. I'm writing this because I don't want this to happen to anyone else. read more

Simply put, pdx acupuncture is an incredible establishment. Not only do they have so many wonderful products, much of which I've been able to try and experience the benefits of the products. Then, you add the amazing humans who are so skilled and who listen and understand you and then do amazing work on you. Lara is incredible. She's so knowledgeable and really does a great job at listening to your needs and validating your experiences, pain, etc. I had her work on me and I certainly can say that she took me to aculand. I definitely fell asleep; that's how relaxed and calm I was, amidst having an incredibly difficult time as of late. And can we talk about Lovey!!!!? Amazing. No what a talented and skilled human! They took their time and felt into my body and did a wonderful job. Go and schedule yourself an appointment- give yourself some self care in the form of being in aculand! And while you are at it, go get yourself some supercube from Lara!!! read more

Met with a welcoming warm cup of delicious tea, Lara and her team made me feel comfortable and at ease. It was the best hour and a half I've spent in a long time. I went in with a migraine and left without one, which is what prompted my visit. On top of that, digestive improvement and and relaxation. The massage at the end of the treatment is an awesome touch. I'm still dreaming of that heated table, and will be until my appointment next week. Lara also followed up with our visit by e-mail, making suggestions to my supplement regime from the get go. I look forward to continuing to work with her, and continuing to improve my health. read more

This review is Looong overdue, but here goes. I am pretty healthy and athletic and could never really see myself going to acupuncture. Being a "Western Medicine" provider myself, I didn't see much merit in it and was mostly closed-minded. BUT, then I experienced a TBI and chronic concussion symptoms. I was desperate for something that could help relieve my symptoms and nothing in Western World was really kicking it. I decided to try acupuncture though I didn't expect much. When showing up to their cool, modern little sanctuary of an office, I was a bit more optimistic. Lara took a meticulous history, looked at my tongue (yeah, that's a thing apparently), felt my pulses...weird but okay. I'm pretty sure I had a furrowed brow for most of the needle-putting-in part. Then Lara left and then I left... Lara came back in the room and I realized that I didn't really fall asleep but I wasn't really awake. I just know I was relaxed AF. My symptoms improved after this first treatment which was surprising but I thought maybe it was because my expectations were low going in. Every time I returned for treatment I received consistent results: reduction in my concussion symptoms, improved mood, feeling of being genuinely cared for. Lara became an integral part of my treatment team and I trust her so much with my medical care. She even helped after I was rear-ended later that year (2019 was rough but you win, 2020!)...and it was covered by my auto insurance. Lara is results-driven, patient-focused, compassionate, intelligent, well-rounded, efficient, and empathetic. I don't care if your only health concern is a hangnail...GO TO HERE. Your welcome :) read more

My first acupuncture experience was extremely successful. Lara is terrific - wonderful bedside manner, compassionate, calm, and friendly. The treatment was amazing (including the cupping therapy). Beautiful and clean clinic space. Look forward to coming back. read more

Lara is very thorough with regard to health history and is also incredibly kind and attentive. I appreciate her listening skills as a health practitioner. The entire staff is warm and welcoming. They also have an easy online schedule system. read more

I have been seeing Lara with PDX Acupuncture since September 2020 and always feel amazing after my treatment. I love going in and feel so welcome each time. She takes her time, listens to me and my body, and has some awesome teas and ointments. I feel like a new person after each treatment. I totally recommend PDX Acupuncture to all my friends and family. read more

Magical. Lara is magical. I've been coming to PDX Acupuncture for close to 3 years now and can not speak highly enough about Lara and her staff. Lara is open and attentive to listening to your concerns. She truly cares about your health and wellbeing, and it shows with her treatments. Every time I leave her office, I feel like I've been healed. She makes sound recommendations and offers advice but never once has she pushed any sort of product or service. Not only does Lara provide acupuncture, but she also makes the most incredibly healing herb mixtures and elixirs. I've started implementing Chinese herbs into my healing regime and started seeing results and feeling better immediately. If you want to be sprinkled with a little bit of magic, I highly recommend a visit to Lara. read more

I made an appointment at this place for acupuncture through my insurance. They told me I would pay the copay of 45 dollars for it. After the session they also charged separated for a 20 min massage at the end that I didn't request, making the appointment way more expensive. I complained and asked to talk about this and never got an answer. Not going back. read more

After going through a half dozen practitioners over the years, I discovered Aculand (aka PDX Acupuncture). I'll never go anywhere else, they are the best! read more

This was the best acupuncture experience I have ever had. Every step was explained in detail and I left feeling great. The staff is very friendly and welcoming and I look forward to my next visit. read more

More of all the right stuff at PDX than a Grandpa could imagine! From intake to exiting with a gift of tea, thanks Shinal! Intelligent, kind, intuitive, caring, focused, fun and equipped with other peaceful, dimentional travelings:) First time with accupuncture and Lara incompased all of the above. Sarah then took her lead and wow, my messed up painful shoulder was at Christmas and full range came back, in both of the skills! I'll be back! read more

I have seen Lara on several occassions. On top of being very funny she is a no mess around gal. She is very agressive in treatment, which is what i like, because of the quick results. A few specific things she has treated me for had amazing results. Last summer my knees where flaring up from jogging. I had one treatment and 36 hours later they were back to normal w/o any pain and I haven't had any knee pain since. I also had a level 9 migraine in which she treated my shoulders, neck and head and probably used 50 needles, then she massaged my neck for about 20 minutes after the needles and by the time i got back to my office my headache was down to a level 3. Most recently she treated me for grief which brought me some balance so I could continue to perform regular tasks. read more

I've had acupuncture treatments for a year and a half (every 2 weeks). I absolutely love it. Sometimes you get to a point where you feel like you've hit a plateau and you don't think there is a way to get a new high. Well, I'll tell you what, Dr. Lara certainly achieved a huge breakthrough for me and got my chi to a place I've never been. You've probably heard that being turned to Jello is a sign of an excellent session. How about if someone could turn you into slime? I mean think about it, Jello still holds a loose flimsy shape, but what does slime feel like? A sensation where your body feels like it could slide off the table to the floor because you have absolutely no control to hold it together! How about getting into such a zone that you start humming to yourself during the session because the vibration and buzz feel like a necessity to complete this amazing sensation! If you're looking for a way to reach a new high like this, give Dr Lara at PDX Acupuncture a call!! read more

I didn't know much about acupuncture when coming here, actually I never had it before. Yes, me with the tattoos all over her body was scared of the thought of someone putting a needle in her body who wasn't drawing blood. I've seen it done before and I never really "got" it, so I thought, why not? I knew this was the place to me because Laura was so nice and understanding when I came there with my billion questions. We worked out a treatment plan and got to work. For those who don't know, acupuncture doesn't hurt and it's really relaxing (FYI: don't move when you have the needles in you or you're going to feel it). The whole place screams relax and peace, you could literally fall asleep at the table (I think I did once or twice--sorry!). The staff is super duper friendly and I really enjoy chatting with them and hanging out. There's fresh water and free testers of her products at the front desk. Overall, I really love this place! I highly recommend coming here. :) read more

If there's anyone in this town who I trust to stick needles all over me, it's Lara! She and my chi are well acquainted and are colluding to make me into a healthier person, even if sometimes I'm not so good to myself. She is completely sweet-natured, supportive and listens. I see Lara for physical aches and pains, balance out my menses, allergies and general stress release. She is a great source for folks who are thinking of trying acupuncture because she's great at explaining what's going on with your chi and how to get it all aligned. read more

Lara and her staff provide one of the best AcuLand experiences I've ever had. Lara makes you feel comfortable and confident about acupuncture. Her treatments are effective and I leave feeling like I'm floating on a cloud! If you have never tried acupuncture before and are thinking about it, give PDX Acupuncture a try. Lara is a medical professional dedicated to making you feel better fast. read more

Lara has treated me for chronic shoulder pain that has been around for 10 years. After only a couple treatments I could lift my shoulder above my head again and hold a grocery bag without wincing in pain! Lara has mastered multiple ways to treat people, so in case one method hasn't worked in the past or doesn't work at first when she sees you, then there are alternatives which she is very good at using to get results. I am a health insurance agent, and I send all of my friends, family, and clients to Lara to make sure they get the best treatment. Joel Beaudoin read more

I must admit, I came in pretty skeptical of the benefits of acupuncture. My shoulder was giving me major issues after a bike accident, and when the doctors told me "Eh, looks fine..." I decided to seek alternative treatment. And all I can say is I'm a believer. Not only did it help my shoulder, it just feels amazing. Lara is great, she listens to what the problem is and helps troubleshoot with you ensuring a treatment that genuinely helps you. She really knows her stuff. Whether you've always been interested, or a seasoned pro, I can't imagine any place would fit the bill more than PDX Acupuncture. Take a trip to "acu-land!" (You would be crazy to pass up some "cupping" treatment with Krissy while you were there.) read more

I love PDX Acupuncture. Lara is a true gem. She is so warm, knowledgeable, and so passionate about helping people feel better. She has helped me greatly with back pain through both cupping and acupuncture. Lara is masterful at her practice. She tailors each visit to my needs overall but also focuses in on how I am doing mentally and emotionally that day so that no matter how I feel coming into her office that day, I always leave feeling so good and zen'd out. She's the perfect blend of a friend and a heath practitioner, making the whole experience a breeze and not intimidating at all. And as an added bonus, her building and her space are super chic and beautiful! read more

I have never had such a first time experience in all of my years of getting acupuncture. I've traveled all over and love receiving acupuncture but once a week, which means when I'm out of state or out of the country, I'm usually finding someone to receive treatment from no matter where I end up. Dr. Lara was amazing. I went in for a quick formula discussion and possible acupuncture. She didn't have time for acupuncture, but she did grant me a generous amount of time to consult on herbs. First off, she's extremely knowledgeable. Secondly, and most importantly, she understands that the basic formulas don't always work for everyone and that sometimes you need to get creative. Truly I can't wait to go back and see her again, hopefully a session of acupuncture as well read more

The answer is YES- if you are trying to decide whether or not to go to this clinic, do it. I have seen quite a few different acupuncturists over the past 5 years, and Lara is my favorite. She doesn't get 'lost in the weed's' like I have experienced before, but has easily understood what I need help with. I just read Drew V's review, and he really nailed it, so read that one too. None of the clinics I have been to before offered the 15 minute massage at the end, and that really caps it off nicely. My insurance even pays for that, which was a huge surprise. read more

I scheduled my chiropractic appointment after my acupuncture appointment with Lara and I had the best adjustment yet. I have finally found the winning combo of practitioners after many years of searching. Lara was amazing during my treatment. She was attentive to all my concerns and helped me with with items I didn't even know I needed to address. read more

Great service soothing painless with the acupuncture soothing massage hydration !!!!! Goo goo berries ‍I'm a hard working man and I haven't had sleep or dreams like I did after the appointment last night my rest was great I had no pain the next day very knowledgeable staff much better than Vitalize acupuncture read more

Lara is the BEST! Her treatments have had such a positive impact on my life. I experience more restful sleep and wake up feeling reenergized and ready to take on the day. Her treatments have significantly reduced my anxiety and given me an overall sense of serenity. Before I came to Lara, I suffered from acne and my skin looked so pale. Now, people compliment me on my rosy glow! Lara always greets me with a beautiful smile and a warm welcome. She is so kind and really listens and takes notes when we are chatting about what to work on for each session. I highly recommend Lara to anyone who is in search of quality care and a positive experience! read more

PDX Acupuncture is nothing short of magical. I went in for a chronic should pain and after only one visit and within 24 hours noticed a dramatic improvement. Lara, Regan and Kathleen are amazing compassionate professionals that I would put my trust in without hesitation. read more

Lara is a lifesaver! I have been a patient for 6 months (although I feel like I've known Lara for years). Every single appointment I leave feeling refreshed and healthy. Lara is intuitive, she listens, and spends time with each patient versus just treating them. This is my first experience with acupuncture, and if you are wondering if you should or shouldn't try...YOU SHOULD! And Regan is amazing as well :) I don't know how I survived without you guys before! read more

I have been in the health and wellness industry for over 20 years - and I can tell you will 100% certainty that this is the best care I have ever received. I'm lucky to have amazing insurance through my partner so I get see her and staff almost every week. My partner also sees her and loves having his sessions. Our relationship (which was kinda stuck in an unhealthy eating/no exercise pattern) has shifted and he's more open to me, and changing his life for the better. Lara is helping me with looooong standing, complex, hormonal issues that no one has been able to help me with. She takes her time talking to me about everything I have going on, like I'm her only patient. She thinks critically and inventively about body symptoms and issues. She checks on me consistently during the service, tells me what she's doing and why, which is always cool. AND every session ends with a 15-minute massage, which you can extend if you want to be masterfully squeezed for a longer period of time. PDX acu is pure Magick and Lara is a very special health guide. I am so blessed to have found her. read more

I left in tears. I have never given a negative review on Yelp, I have a bad back and have been to probably 8 acupuncturists in the last 1.5 years. she is by far the worst. left me unattended while another patient had an emotional break down meanwhile, I was helpless (she didnt even give me a buzzer to ring for her attention) I called for her, she could not hear me. meanwhile my neck cramped up to worse than it has been I think ever. 20 minutes after I left my head pounded and within an hour my face hurt - i didnt even know that was possible. this lasted all night, and was excruciating. an absolutely horrible experience. I told her I was dissapointed (as if not obvious by the tears) and she was appaled anyone would criticize her work. maybe it was a fluke, but in my opinion, if you have a new patient you havent worked with before you dont leave and not check in. she even admitted when she got back that she was gone for waaayyyyy too long. that she didnt actually hear me, but she knew I must be calling her since she had taken so long. awful! more disspointing than anything. get a BUZZER - and learn what that is. all your competitors seem to know. read more

I've been seeing Lara Carder, LAc for monthly acupuncture health and wellness treatments for 6 months now and its made such a difference in my overall wellbeing. Every treatment is different and tailored to my specific needs that month and it helps me stay grounded, healthy and happy. She relaxed my neck and shoulders, helped soothe my digestive problems and just made feel like I was floating on air. Ready to feel better - go see Lara!! read more

I've had acupuncture at 2 other places in Portland. I'm leaving this review because I want encourage any newcomers to acupuncture to give it a try at PDX Accu with Lara (if you've had accu before, I have a feeling you'll like your experience too). Here's a little overview & then details from my treatment... - clean, bright, safe, welcoming atmosphere (is just me or do most alternative medicine places not fit this description?). - Lara and Regan (the massage therapist) are attentive, friendly and professional - Acupuncture: Lara wants to treat and heal you as a whole person. She is concerned about your comfort. If you want her to take it easy, or get aggressive (like I want) she'll explain what she's doing and make sure you feel comfortable. - I've had total back trauma, from surgery as well as an injury. And I am for the first time noticing a strong blood flow/energy that I hadn't realized wasn't there (due to my trauma). - I've had sensations come back and a feeling of movement where there was previously stagnation. - I'm doing acupuncture followed by massage. I don't believe there is any place in Portland that arranges appointments like this. Experiencing acupuncture without massage...my body responds best to this accu + massage combo. read more

I had never been to an acupuncturist before and i was pretty nervous. laura totally put me at ease and made it easy. she spent a long time getting to know me and asking about my medical background. i went for knee pain from running but after discussing some things with her i realized that there are other problems which were all related. she then put a few needles in me, which i wouldn't say wasn't painless but it was not too bad. when i walked out my knee pain (which had been persistent for months) was almost totally gone. i could go on forever about how great she was but i'll just say that i was a skeptic but now i'm a believer! i have another appointment next week! read more

I found Lara through my insurance website's directory of acupuncturists and I could not have had better luck. Firstly, Lara was really inviting and I could tell she was passionate about her practice. We discussed expectations and what my goals were and then she went to work. she seemed to really understand what I was looking for in terms of muscle relaxation and stress relief, and the needles that she placed seemed to really do the trick. I also had the pleasure of meeting Reagan and she gave me a massage and a cupping session. Both of which felt amazing. my back feels amazing and my neck has full range of motion again......I cant wait to go back! read more

After an incredibly LONG 4.5 month battle with a yeast infection in my breasts from feeding my newborn /producing milk, Lara has helped me tremendously. (See entire lengthy story here: http://www.rylanandkristina.com/yeast-infection-of-the-breast/ ) Not only was this first experience with acupuncture wonderful, but each time I return she has researched more on my condition and has more to offer. I've been off antibiotics now for over a month thanks to Lara. Her clinic is centrally located. It is clean and modern. Her staff is WONDERFUL and friendly and they are very open to new patients who want to learn more about this non-invasive alternative method in helping your body fix itself. Yes, they accept insurance. Yes, I would recommend them to people of any age. Skeptical? Try it. You won't be sorry. read more

Lara is wonderful. I'm only two visits in right now but already starting to feel better, and more importantly hopeful, that Lara will do whatever it takes to work with me on my journey to health & wellness. read more

Holy mackerel! What a difference a few needles (and a fantastic massage) make. I had my first acupuncture treatment ever with Lara and her team. It was more than I bargained for...and that's a very good thing. The moment I walked through the door I felt at complete ease. The woman who runs the front desk (and, I apologize, her name is escaping me) made me feel so welcomed and was so efficient. Lara listened to my woes with intent and sympathy and made me feel confident that we could get me in a better place. She's super smart, articulate, caring and funny. Kelsey is a wonderful massage therapist - she was also sympathetic and caring and you could tell she was putting all of her energy into making me feel better. So, that all took place yesterday. Today I am continuing to feel the lasting effects of my treatment. And it's a really amazing way to feel! So looking forward to my next appointment. read more

I try for the first time acupuncture, it a amazing experience and feel much better after, can't wait to do all my sessions.