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Email: EliseRivers@aol.com

Phone: 215-266-5757.

"Elise--thank you for your extraordinary work, patience and compassion." -Kathryn D.

"Due to [Elise's] care, I am dealing with anxiety differently...I am more engaged with people and life than I have been in a long time." Chris C.

"My time with Elise has resulted in my being more able to enjoy my body and see how amazingly resilient and capble it is. I feel calmer and much less depressed. Emotionally, I feel more centered, focused, relaxed and at ease." -Amanda N.

"My tennis elbow improved with the first treatment. I was impressed by how many different tools Elise had to work with...her hands, the needles, moxa and special massage oils." -Max R.

"I had high blood pressure for years. A series of treatments [12 sesssions] with Elise cut my medication in half." -Don M.

"I've always had troublesome digestion...a lot of bloating and discomfort. After a six acupuncture treatments, I'm much more comfortable, sleep better and overall have a sense of well-being." -Chris S.

"I have a lot of stress at my job. Long hours and a lot of pressure. My on and off back pain became constant. I found I was much more balanced and centered after treatments with Elise and my back pain improved so much I began exercising again." -Joanne T.

"The cramps I had with my period were unbearable. After a 4 treatments with Elise, I had my first pain-free period in two years!" Cindy P.

"This is the first day in three months that I don't have any pain in my back. I am so grateful that I came down to see you last night. I want to let you know that I feel great!" Dave M.

I've been taught by talented teachers at wonderful institutions. I'm proud of the education I received over four challenging and fascinating years!

My passion for Chinese Medicine began in 1997 when I studied 5 Element Shiatsu at the New England Center for Oriental Bodywork in Brookline, MA. There I excelled in my studies and, with much practice, became very proficient at using my hands to channel energy for healing. The program included training in qi gong (exercises to help energy move freely in my own body so I could channel it better to my clients), tui na (Chinese massage techniques) and acupressure (similar to acupuncture, but using finger pressure instead of needles to stimulate the acupoints). I received a thorough background in Chinese medical theory and the imagery/symbolism associated with all the organs, which is a hallmark of 5 element theory, from a pre-eminent leader of national renown in the asian bodywork field, Cindy Banker. If interested in this aspect of healing, the imagery helps patients understand any possible connection between their illness and their emotions. Fascinating stuff! After practicing shiatsu (Japanese style acupressure) in my private practice for three years and seeing how much good I could do, my love for the work inspired me to return to school at the New England School of Acupuncture (the oldest college of oriental medicine in the country) to pursue a Masters in Chinese Medicine. This experience would deepen my understanding of how to use my hands, heart and acupuncture to expand my ability to help people. Graduating at the top of my class from both schools, I've been practicing Chinese medicine for 8 years. I believe in it and I enjoy helping people.

I am a certified practitioner of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, requiring completion of a comprehensive training in auricular (ear) acupuncture, and a ten month curriculum in addiction behavior and treatments, including supervised internships at the Dimock Community Health Center in Jamaica Plain, MA and the Wellness Center in Boston, MA.

I also have training in a lesser known Japanese healing art called Jin Shin Jyutsu that I've practiced on myself and others for 8 years. This art is distinctive in that its emphasis is on self-help--how to teach clients to use their own hands to heal themselves. Too often patients give up their power to heal themselves, or don't even know they have it! Jin Shin Jyutsu gives that power back to the client in simple, effective techniques that I'm happy to share.

I am certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine recognizing my Masters in Chinese Medicine with proficiency in both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture styles. I am licensed to practice in both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

I am a professor at Pennsylvania's first acupuncture school, the Won Institute of Graduate Studies in Glenside.

Private Office Hours:

My private practice office hours are Tuesday thru Friday from 10am to 5pm at 508 E. Sedgwick Street (cross street is Anderson), Mt. Airy, Philadelphia Phone:215.266.5757

For those clients with long-standing or complex conditions, who wish to go to CAMA, I strongly recommend that you schedule a private office visit with me first. For an initial investment in your health of $100, I will do an in depth intake to diagnose the root of your illness according to Chinese medicine. This appointment includes your first treatment, and then if you wish you may continue with a treatment plan in the clinic setting. .

Contact me to schedule an appointment for my private practice or to ask any questions.

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I am committed to making acupuncture as affordable as I possibly can, given my expenses. The following is my fee schedule:

Elise's Private Practice

$100 for the first visit (1.5 hours)

$65 for follow-up visits (1 hour)

Acupuncture's power is in its effectiveness over time. As a natural healing method, it takes time to work. To encourage your willingness to give this therapy time, there are two packages that will save you money when you invest in a series.

$300 buys you a package of 5 visits (not including first visit) (you save $25). The package must be paid in advance on the second visit.

$540 buys you a package of 9 visits (not including your first visit)(you save $45). The package must be paid in advance on the second visit.

You may take any length of time you wish to use up any pre-paid visits.

CAMA: Community Acupuncture of Mt Airy

If you are pressed for time or your health concern is not complex and you are financially challenged, Community Acupuncture of Mt Airy is for you. Treatments are sliding scale, only $30-$45!! Naturally I spend less time with you than I would in a private session and you are not treated in your own room, but there is much I can do to help you in this peaceful group setting with the powerful support of acupuncture. Check it out!! My clients love it for convenience and value!