For nearly ten years, Luna Acupuncture & Wellness has been at the forefront of holistic care in Oregon, offering specialized natural treatments for chronic and complex pain conditions. With locations in Astoria and Beaverton/Hillsboro, the clinic is led by Dr. James Carter, a board-certified acupuncturist who is an expert in both acupuncture therapy and auricular medicine. His advanced credentials and deep-rooted passion for integrative medicine have made him a respected figure in the field.
At Luna Acupuncture & Wellness, healing is more than symptom relief—it’s a collaborative journey. Dr. Carter’s approach utilizes classical pulse reading, palpation, alongside auricular diagnosis, an advanced method of using the ear as a diagnostic and treatment microsystem. The insights gained through these ancient methods of diagnosis allow for highly targeted, non-invasive care that supports nervous system regulation, pain management, and emotional well-being.
Patients are welcomed into a calm, supportive environment where each treatment is uniquely tailored. Whether they’re dealing with long-standing pain, fatigue, insomnia, or stress-related illness, individuals are given the time and space to relax and rest in a supportive and restful environment. The clinic offers a free 15-minute consultation for new patients—an invitation to get their questions answered about acupuncture and explore natural, holistic options to become healthier.
Beyond its clinical offerings, Luna Acupuncture & Wellness is rooted in community-minded values. Dr. Carter donates monthly to LovePeaceHarmony.org, a global nonprofit dedicated to humanitarian aid. This commitment reflects his belief that wellness extends beyond the body to encompass compassion, service, and social responsibility.
As the clinic approaches its 10th anniversary in Fall 2025, it remains a trusted sanctuary for healing in the Pacific Northwest—continually evolving to meet the needs of its growing patient community while staying grounded in its original mission: to help people heal, naturally and holistically.
How has your personal experience shaped the way you approach patient care at Luna Acupuncture & Wellness?
My approach is deeply personal because I’ve lived through periods of chronic pain after a significant auto accident at 17. Before I ever picked up an acupuncture needle, I was a patient—someone looking for answers that conventional medicine couldn’t fully provide. I had been given muscle relaxers and received physical therapy at first, but it was unable to provide relief. I tried numerous modalities and treatments to alleviate my pain before finding acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Those experiences gave me empathy and perspective. I know how vulnerable it feels to seek help when you’ve already tried everything. That’s why every patient who walks through our doors is met with compassion and attentiveness. I’ve structured my entire practice around the idea that no one should feel overlooked. We meet people where they are and walk with them toward sustainable relief.
What role does patient education play in your practice, and why is it so important to you?
Education is vital in everything we do. I believe that empowered patients heal faster and make more informed decisions about their wellness journey. Many people come to us with only a vague understanding of what acupuncture is or how it works. They’ve been told what’s wrong with them but not why, or what their options truly are. So, I take time to explain everything—how the nervous system responds to treatment, how lifestyle choices affect recovery, and what they can do between sessions. That process builds trust. It transforms treatment from something done “to” them into a partnership.
In your experience, what do patients most often misunderstand about acupuncture or holistic medicine?
A common misconception is that acupuncture is only about pain relief, or that it’s a last resort when nothing else works. While it’s incredibly effective for pain, acupuncture addresses so much more—it’s a systemic, whole-body healing modality. It helps regulate the nervous system, improve digestion, balance hormones, and reduce inflammation, just to name a few. Another misunderstanding is that results should be instant or dramatic. While some people experience immediate relief, others benefit gradually. The beauty of holistic medicine is that it meets your body where it is and builds resilience over time, not just symptom suppression.
How do you stay emotionally present for patients, especially when working with those facing long-term pain or trauma?
Holding space for others is sacred work, and it requires intention. I ground myself before each session and remind myself that even if I’ve heard similar stories, this person’s experience is uniquely their own. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, I bring curiosity, respect, and steadiness. I’ve also created systems that help me stay emotionally healthy—regular meditation, time in nature, support from colleagues, and practices that help me process the emotional weight of the work. That way, I can show up for patients without carrying their pain, but still honor the depth of what they’re going through.
Your clinic supports a global nonprofit. How does giving to LovePeaceHarmony.org connect to your work locally?
Giving to LovePeaceHarmony.org keeps me grounded in a larger purpose. Healing is not just about individuals—it’s about the collective. When we support clean water projects, trauma relief programs, or educational initiatives worldwide, we’re supporting our core values of generosity, compassion, and kindness. It also shows my patients that their care has ripple effects. Every session supports both their healing and someone else’s across the globe. That interconnectedness reflects the core of acupuncture itself: everything is connected. Energy, health, compassion—they flow in all directions. We’re all part of the same ecosystem.
How do you ensure that every patient at Luna receives care that is personalized and not one-size-fits-all?
Personalization begins the moment someone contacts us. Even the initial intake form is structured to gather information beyond the physical complaint—we ask about sleep, emotions, digestion, stress, and energy levels. In our sessions, I ask a lot of questions, but I also listen for what isn’t being said. I pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and subtle shifts in their story. Treatment plans are dynamic. I make adjustments session to session based on how someone is responding. No two people are the same, and the way we treat reflects that. Individualized care isn’t optional here—it’s foundational.
What kind of results have you seen with auricular therapy, and how does it complement your acupuncture treatments?
Auricular therapy is one of the most fascinating and effective modalities in my clinical toolbox. The ear reflects the entire body—it’s like a control panel of the nervous system. By stimulating specific points, we can influence organs, emotional centers, and physical systems. I’ve seen dramatic improvements in patients with anxiety, PTSD, migraines, and digestive disorders using auricular therapy. It complements acupuncture beautifully because it often works quickly and can be used even when the rest of the body needs gentle care. It’s also helpful for people who are sensitive or hesitant to full-body acupuncture. The ear gives us a powerful way in.
As Luna Acupuncture & Wellness celebrates its 10th anniversary, what are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. This clinic started as a small, quiet space with a big dream—to serve people with dignity and presence. A decade later, we’ve helped thousands of patients, expanded into two locations, and maintained our values every step of the way. We’ve grown, but we haven’t compromised. Our patients still receive the same depth of attention and care as they did on day one. We’ve also stayed rooted in service, education, and global compassion. I’m proud that Luna feels like more than a clinic. It’s a place of transformation for patients and practitioners alike.
What do you hope people feel the moment they walk into your clinic?
I hope our patients feel safe. I hope they feel seen. I hope they know someone is in their corner. At both locations, every detail is intentionally designed to create a space that feels warm, grounding, and deeply human, not clinical or rushed. From the lighting and music to the way we welcome each person, everything is curated to reflect the energy of healing.
Many patients tell us they feel a sense of relief just sitting in the waiting area—and that matters. We treat more than just physical symptoms; we care for nervous systems, emotional well-being, and spiritual reconnection.
If someone walks in feeling overwhelmed or hopeless and walks out feeling calm and hopeful—even before treatment begins—then healing has already started.
How would you describe the legacy you want to build through Luna Acupuncture & Wellness in the years ahead?
The legacy I hope to build is one of integrity, impact, and inspiration. I want Luna to continue being a place where people find real, lasting change—not just symptom relief, but deep personal healing. I want to mentor future healers who believe in blending expertise with empathy. I also hope to expand our educational outreach so that more people understand how to care for their health holistically. If Luna can help redefine how chronic pain is treated—not just in Oregon but as part of a broader shift toward whole-person care—then I’ll know this work has truly mattered.