Dr burl headshot

Dorothy "Burl" Wood

L.Ac., DTCM, Dipl. O.M.

Dr. Burl chose to pursue an education in acupuncture after practicing as a clinical herbalist for many years and working for a pediatric acupuncturist in Santa Cruz. They could see how much acupuncture helped to treat children and adults alike and could be utilized alongside herbal therapy. They experienced acupuncture themselves as a teenager and have been getting consistent acupuncture ever since.

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Some highlights of Dr. Burl’s Career Include-

  • Dual Doctorate and Master’s degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University
  • Board Certified and Licensed Acupuncturist in California
  • Nationally Licensed Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
  • Acupuncture certification from the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine in Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Internship at the Homeless Persons' Health Project (HPHP), a Santa Cruz County initiative
  • Certificates in clinical and community herbalist training from the Bay Herbalism School of Clinical Studies and the California School of Herbal Studies
  • Herbalist apprenticeships with the Philo School of Herbal Energetics and the Motherland Botanical Sanctuary

Some of Dr. Burl’s clinical specialties include-

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Herniated Spinal Disk
  • Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfers Elbow)
  • Bursitis
  • Post-operative scarring and adhesion pain

Burl’s favorite thing about working as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine is using herbal therapy alongside acupuncture, massage, and cupping. Using external medicine can be really effective in treating chronic pain, swelling, scarring, and bruising. Using therapeutic herbal oils with cupping and gua sha can make a huge difference in
conditions with pain, limited range of motion, and/or adhesions.

Burl’s background includes providing healthcare for trans, nonbinary and gender non-conforming patients. They practice patient-centered and trauma informed care where each person's own goals, sense of identity and consent are held in the utmost regard.

Dr. Burl has been writing and performing folk music since they were fourteen, and they currently play guitar and sing in a touring band. They enjoy daily hikes and learning about local plants and herbs. Burl is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has served many times as an herbal wilderness medic in the backcountry for people of all ages. A fun fact about Burl is that they lived without electricity for years and raised goats for milk. They made goat-milk soap and grew herbs for making natural shampoo and creams that they sold at farmer's markets.

 

What People Are Saying About Us

Danielle Uzes helped me with my pre-patellar bursitis. The orthopedic said it would take 4 to 6 months for the swelling to go down. After only 2 weeks, twice a week, and some very powerful herbs, that Danielle prescribed for me, my swelling went down, at least 90%!!! And not only that, Danielle discovered ankle issues as well! ( which made sense!) Very professional and caring and I always feel comfortable! Plus, they accept my insurance and make it very easy! Office staff is very friendly- overall, very good experience!

AB, Santa Cruz

I have been in chronic pain for years, 4 Back surgeries, 2 knee replacement, Rheumatoid Arthritis, nerve pain the list goes on. So many times friends have suggested Acupuncture as a therapy for my pain. I'm finally glad I listened to them and that I found Jessica at Solis. Jessica is very knowledgeable, she explains everything she is doing and she puts me at ease during my treatments. I'm a huge fan of cupping, it has made a big difference in my back spasms. If your looking for a noninvasive way to deal with pain, check out Solis....you will not regret it!

DH, Santa Cruz

I am very happy with Solis Acupuncture in Scotts Valley, my acupuncturist Jenny is fabulous and is very helpful with treating all my pain issues.

Ingrid Austin, Scotts Valley

Lishanna has really supported my healing process. Just a few months ago I could hardly stand or walk I was in so much pain. Working with Lishanna has helped me get out of pain and for Thanksgiving this year I decided to try and walk from the beach, down to the water and dip my feet in the ocean again. It had been over 3 years and really a decade since I was able to walk freely on the beach or support myself walking in the waves unaided.
It felt like a miracle. I walked down to the water, walked in the water and was able to walk the beach for 20 minutes and walk back over the sand to my car without any pain. Nor was I in any pain the next day. No swelling, just feet and ankles that worked painlessly. I feel renewed. I will be forever grateful to Lishanna for her confidence in my ability to heal my feet and ankles. I now have the confidence that comes with standing on my own 2 feet, moving forward in life more embodied and painfree.

I recommend her and the folks at her office whole heartedly.

TR, Santa Cruz

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New Patients? Please call our office at 831-464-1605 to get scheduled.
This allows us to verify your insurance benefits before scheduling.

Excellent 4.9 Based on 156 reviews and ratings based on Google, Facebook, and Yahoo Local.