ARMOR WELLNESS.

YOUR BODY SHOP.

Want to feel & move better? Optimize your athletic performance naturally with hands-on, personalized, sports medicine acupuncture®. Be unstoppable.

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Michelle Vlahakis

M.S., Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)®, L.Ac, C.SMA

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior from Columbia University (2003) and a Master’s degree in Acupuncture from Tri-State College of Acupuncture (2016). Prior to pursuing a career in Acupuncture, Michelle worked in Biotechnology for more than 10 years developing cutting-edge technology for infectious disease diagnostics. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle joined Thermo Fisher Scientific (formerly Mesa Biotech) to manage their on-site 24/7 COVID-19 testing program as part of their Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) department.

Michelle excelled in gymnastics and pole vaulting, nearly qualifying for U.S. Track & Field Olympic Trials as a high school senior. Her medical career began as a patient suffering from chronic injuries due to a long career as a competitive athlete. Years later, she discovered the unique, profound effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and went on to compete at the CrossFit Games in 2013 and 2014 for Team Dynamix (Astoria, NY).

In 2015, Michelle co-founded the Sports Acupuncture Alliance, a national association created to foster an educational community for acupuncturists specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine. Michelle has also run a successful private practice in NYC, taught and supervised acupuncture students, and worked as both a CrossFit and Track and Field coach. Since returning to San Diego in 2019, Michelle completed a year-long tutorial program with Matt Callison, L.Ac, Founder of Sports Medicine Acupuncture®, to earn her California acupuncture license.

Michelle’s diverse athletic, educational, and professional experience has greatly impacted her style of treatment, allowing her to incorporate a variety of techniques best suited to each individual’s needs. She is passionate about pioneering opportunities for underserved communities and promoting the integration of Eastern and Western medicine in sports. She currently runs a private practice in San Diego focusing on the treatment of elite athletes, including several members of the U.S. Paralympic Team. She is fully committed to life-long learning and continually seeks opportunities to learn about the human body, biomechanics and sports-related injuries.

Our services

Sports Medicine Acupuncture®

An integrative approach to assessment + treatment
Dry Needling

Treatment of muscle-related pain using acupuncture needles to release tight bands or knots in muscles. Also referred to as Trigger Point Needling.
Bodywork

Therapeutic manual techniques to release tension & improve neuromuscular function. Therapies include cupping, Gua Sha, Tuina and myofascial release techniques.
Cosmetic Acupuncture

Coming soon!