My Treatment Philosophy

My treatments are deeply rooted in the understanding that our physical and emotional health are closely linked and significantly influence one another, and that we innately hold the capacity to heal when resourced appropriately.

I’m committed to providing a space, presence, and experience that leaves you feeling welcomed, heard, and supported.

Unlike the typical healthcare model of juggling many patients hourly, I focus on one patient at a time to stay fully present and ensure consistent quality of care.

I see the practitioner-patient relationship as a true partnership; we both play an active and pivotal role in your journey towards balanced vitality.

While my formal training spans several styles and techniques under the TCM umbrella, I have a deep reverence for and connection to Five Element Acupuncture. I have personally witnessed the profound results & relief this particular style of acupuncture has provided countless patients, and it is the primary style I employ in my practice.

This medicine offers holistic, multi-dimensional care that can yield profound results with a consistent and committed approach from both the patient and practitioner.

I’m truly honored to support each patient that chooses to work with me, and look forward to guiding you toward lasting health and a greater sense of wholeness.

Dr. Emily Sferra

DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)®

I was born and raised on the east coast, and received my BS from Skidmore College in upstate NY. After pursuing a professional dance career throughout my 20’s, I was fortunate to have a fitness career that took me all over the US, leading hundreds of barre classes alongside training and mentoring instructors. 

After spending nearly two decades dedicated to pursuing a career centered around the physical body, I found myself increasingly hungry for a deeper, more profound understanding of the human condition; our often seamless and remarkable ability to function, the complex and tangled web of dysfunction we sometimes experience, and most of all, the incredible, innate capacity we possess to heal and restore balance within ourselves. I attended Pacific College of Health and Science, where I earned my Masters and Doctorate in Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

While my formal training spans several styles and techniques under the TCM umbrella, I have a deep reverence for and connection to Five Element Acupuncture.  I have both experienced and witnessed the profound results & relief this particular style of acupuncture has provided countless patients, and it is the primary style I employ in my practice. You can learn more about 5E in the FAQ section.

Currently, you can move with me on the Alo Wellness Club digital platform from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in the world.  In addition to my online classes, I also host in-person workshops right here in Portland, where we blend mindful movement with the principles of Chinese Medicine theory and lifestyle practices.

When I’m not in the clinic, you can find me chasing my sweet toddler around with my husband, enjoying the outdoors, or sharing a meal with good friends.