Dr. Charisse Squires (she/her) is the newest member of Team Turning Pointe and we are so excited to have her!
Charisse is a seasoned practitioner of natural and Chinese medicine with over 30 years of experience, specializing in internal medicine, pain management, and holistic healing through acupuncture, herbal therapy, and various bodywork techniques.
Passionate about personalized care, she combines extensive academic training with a compassionate, intuitive approach to help patients achieve better health and well-being.
Check out her full bio here and continue reading below to get to know a little more about her!
Q: What drew you to the study of Chinese medicine and acupuncture?
A: When I was twenty, I was offered a free treatment by a student. I didn’t know anything about acupuncture, but I loved it! I felt very relaxed and calm during the treatment, and found it completely melted away my stress.
Q: How do you describe your approach and care style?
I take a moderate approach and adjust based on feedback from my patients. I work well with people who are sensitive to needles, but can also provide stronger treatments for those who prefer that approach. I take a "whole body" perspective, viewing the body as a complete system working synergistically, rather than as isolated parts.
Q: What is something you’ve learned over your years of practicing acupuncture or that has surprised you?
I still experience moments of surprise at how gentle yet effective this medicine can be. A teacher of mine once described acupuncture as "elegant," and I can’t think of a better word. I particularly appreciate how few side effects there are with acupuncture compared to other forms of medicine.
Q: What is one of your favorite acupuncture points?
Sp 6 (San Yin Jiao). It treats so many things…digestion, gynecology, pain, metabolic issues, and more! Since it opens the liver channel, it can be a great alternative to Liver 3, which many people find uncomfortable.
Q: What might you say to someone who is hesitant to try acupuncture for the first time?
Communicate with your provider about your fears and concerns. There are over 500 acupuncture points, so if you're nervous about needles in a particular area, we can almost always find good alternatives.
Chinese medicine is often thought of as just acupuncture, but it also includes many other modalities that don’t involve needles. For patients who are especially nervous, I have special needles that are very small and barely noticeable. Most people really enjoy the treatment and are able to build up to stronger treatments over time.
If you're still unsure about acupuncture but are interested in Chinese medicine, ask about alternatives like cupping, moxa, massage, gua sha, diet, and herbal medicine.
Q: What is your favorite self-care practice that you employ regularly?
Sleep! It’s so important for our overall mental and physical health. In the winter, I also enjoy a good bubble bath with epsom salts. Year round, I enjoy cooking healthy meals with lots of produce, snuggling with my dog, spending time with loved ones, and getting out into nature.
Q: How do you most enjoy spending your time outside of the clinic?
It depends on the season, but I love going to the coast, exploring beautiful forests, and traveling. In the city, I enjoy finding good places to eat, going dancing with friends, and attending live shows.
