Ishara is a phenomena. Really. Working with her changed how I thought about acupuncture. You should know I am a skeptic by nature and not someone given to hyperbole. Ishara is really amazing. Her bedside manner is somewhat delphic, she kind of locks into a trance holding your pulse, but when she starts treatment she predicts your symptoms so accurately, you have to be impressed. In fact she asked I didn't tell her what was going on- apparently my pulse was more eloquent. So the part I am having a hard time describing was the treatments. What do I tell you? The results were focused, powerful, repeatable, and she was able to tell me how they were going to effect me in advance. The thing that stand out to be was the profundity of the response. I saw substantial improvements in symptoms that had dogged me for years. I liked how improvements were layered, and how her technique was subtle enough to address differnt symptoms as well as the root cause- sometimes you want to dig up the root, but getting to sleep is more immediate. Other things? She adjusts the needling mid treatment to accommodate individuality in responses. She takes feedback and I would highly recommend that you pay attention to your body's responses while you are being treated as that is something she takes into account. I cannot recommend working with Ishara strongly enough. Rarely would I think of acupuncture as a first line of defense, but her work is that good. I would work with her while you can still get a time. read more

I love her! i came across her through an ad @ucsc I wrote her an email asking for her services charge. In the mean time i had already made an appointment with some other acupuncturist (the worst experience EVER i was left with so much pain I cannot explain). So i wrote to Ishara and told her about my bad experience. She offered me a free consultation and I accepted it. My first impression of her: she has the most beautiful energy around her and such a slender beautiful figure! anyways I felt at ease during the appointment and she made sure I was comfortable with her. She assessed me and offered me options that would likely work for me. By the End of the appointment I was feeling better and excited for my first meeting with her. She offered a great discount to me because she genuinely wanted to help me and I felt it too. So i left feeling hopeful. First appointment: She did not only perform acupuncture but worked as a therapist with me and took a lot of burden off of my chest. I felt great after talking to her and the acupuncture did not hurt me at all. She gave me more time than i was scheduled for. Next day I was feeling better. I must have walked like 3 miles that day...and i have been active since then. Cant wait for my appointment with her on MONDAY! read more

The healthcare providers, Ishara and Michael, at the Red Thread Institute are excellent practitioners. They are educated and experienced in a wide variety of Eastern medicine. I value the fact that I can be provided healing through Qi Gong, Acupuncture, herbal remedies/tonics and massage. I am confident in Ishara and Michael's ability to recognize, and willingness to suggest I seek Western Medicine for specific aliments/diseases/conditions. Its nice to know that the healthcare I receive from Ishara and Michael can be paired with Western care I may receive else where to ensure my overall health and happiness. I did not have the same experience with some of the other acupuncturists I have received care from. At the Thread, I know my health and well being is of upmost importance to Ishara and Michael. I have truly enjoyed and benefited from all of my appointments with both practitioners. Additionally, my mother receives regular treatments for her Rheumatoid Arthritis with Ishara. She has regained mobility throughout her body and her daily pain is reduced tremendously. I cannot thank Ishara enough for this! read more

Santa Rosa is extraordinarily fortunate to have such a talented and skillful duo of healers in Red Thread Institute. While living in California, I benefitted greatly from treatment with both Michael and Ishara, and they are invariably my first stop when I'm on the mainland. Their care has helped me to understand and overcome issues of insomnia, chronic back and neck pain, skin conditions, and respiratory health. While there may be other competent practitioners in the region, what sets Michael and Ishara apart (and in my opinion, above the rest) is their relationship with the medicine; quite simply, they live it, and this comes through their work in a way that is far-reaching and exceptionally rare. It results in a healing experience that is thorough, holistic, immediately effective, and undeniably transformative. I cannot thank or recommend Red Thread Institute enough, and I congratulate the Santa Rosa community on being home to this truly unique and valuable resource. read more

I would recommend the Red Thread to anyone in search of healing. What they offer is deep and profound and real. I felt sincerely cared for and empowered. My ailments (general fatigue/lethargy, gloominess with accompanying muscle pain and headaches) were addressed delicately, but with powerful results. I was treated with acupuncture, medical qigong and herbs, and I was taught qigong to practice on my own, with other traditional exercises and methods of self-care. But I feel the most powerful component of all was the patience, compassion and wisdom that Michael shared with me. He was my ally in healing, and inspired me to believe in myself and the ability of my body to heal. I felt stuck, like I would never feel better, but slowly I felt stronger and happier and experienced relief. And for that, I remain grateful. read more

Ishara Hudson is one of the most intuitive and thoughtful acupuncturists that I have ever received treatment from, and I have seen a fair number of talented practitioners over the years! In addition to her deft and sure touch, she answered all of my questions about the treatment clearly and in great detail. That's no small feat, considering that many aspects of Chinese medicine can sound confusing to the western ear! Ishara embodies that delicate balance one hopes to find in any healer-she is an absolute professional who exudes warmth and compassion. Ishara is setting an admirable standard in a crowded field and Santa Cruz is lucky to have her. read more

i'm not going to say that Ishara Hudson is a miracle worker but she is clearly a gifted doctor. When I walked in to her office for my Shiatsu massage appointment, I felt like crap. I was completely out of sorts. Ninety minutes later I emerged feeling like I had been reborn. She worked me over on all sides in a very good way as I laid there on the table. By the time she neared the end of the treatment, I was in such a good place that I fell asleep for a few minutes. Trust me, I'm going back for more. Not only are her massage skills amazing but she has an energetic and light-hearted personality that lights up a room. read more

The Red Thread Institute is magic. I've been attending Red Thread Institute to study Medical Qigong for a year now. The instruction and knowledge given is amazing. Michael and Ishara are wonderful individuals who live what they teach. If there is a desire to grow, learn a powerful healing modality, and gain the knowledge and skill to help others, then this is the place for you. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, challenging, and most of all healing. If you work in any healing modality the course instruction in Medical Qigong is of tremendous value and highly recommended. read more

I wholeheartedly agree with the other positive reviewers. Santa Cruz offers countless options for acupuncture or bodywork, and Ishara is someone I've turned to repeatedly over the past few years--for acupuncture, massage, and herbal therapy. She remains the first practitioner I seek out when I'm back in the area. I would also add that as a fellow healthcare professional, I can be very critical and selective when it comes to other practitioners; I would confidently refer my own family, friends, and patients to Ishara for treatment, without hesitation. read more

Ishara is a beautifully present healer. I am constantly impressed with the questions she asks as she takes my pulse (how does she know if I've eaten something cold recently or had an argument with my husband earlier that day?) When I was 41+ weeks pregnant, I received a labor induction treatment from Ishara. I was in strong labor within 6 hours, and had my baby in my arms within 24 hours. Recently, I have had a series of shiatsu and acupuncture treatments that have been wonderfully healing to my body and postpartum spirit. Thank you Ishara! read more

Lost in treatment for metastasis of the big C I found the option of medical Qigong. Using this ancient system of healing in a direct and personal way conducted by husband and wife team Michael and Ishara is a perfect complement to standard medical approaches. I left the Red Thread Institute armed with things I can do for myself. Now I feel more in control of my health and destiny. Pain diminished, walking improved and depression lifted. What a mighty good thing. read more

Ishara is a very talented practitioner. She has very healing hands and is in touch with her patients. I highly recommend her Shiatsu and Acupuncture treatments. She is as good as they come! Courtney Marin McElroy. 33, Santa Cruz, CA. read more