Real Results. In Their Own Words.

These reviews are our patients' own words, edited only for length and clarity. Each person's healing is their own— these stories reflect individual experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome.

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Diabetes & Metabolic Health

"Over the last two-plus years Dr. James has helped me recover from a serious illness, brought me through depression, relieved my lower back aches, and kept my neuropathy from spreading. He has also guided me in bringing my blood sugars below diabetic levels. Dr. James is the epitome of a true healer, dedicated to his craft and his patients' wellbeing."

— Sandy P.

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"I came to James feeling old and tired. He gave me a diagnosis by feeling my pulse, looking under my tongue and at my ear lobes. The diagnosis was spot on and James had never met me before! I was impressed! I'm only three months into a ten-month program… I have lost weight following James' dietary guidelines. I feel much younger and vibrant! I no longer just lay on the bed, but I am active just like I was 20 years ago! James has changed my life. I am so grateful for his patience, his teachings, his compassion, and his skill and knowledge. He is terrific!" — Michael M.

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"Since I started working with James my health has improved tremendously. My quality of life has increased, I am able to bend and stretch and walk better, and my diabetes is in much better control. I am eternally grateful."

— Ginger W.

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"James knows what he's doing. This guy is the best doctor we have ever run into… The care and wellbeing we have received has been unsurpassed. I have referred James to all my good friends and family, and they have not been disappointed. Feeling grateful."

— Vickie W.

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Chronic Pain & Musculoskeletal

"In three months he did absolute wonders for me when I was facing yet a fourth back surgery on my lumbar spine. He enabled me to reduce many of the maintenance medications I had been on for 20 years with Western medical doctors. I can't say enough good things about my entire experience with this clinic and James Carter!"

— Shelley R.

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"From skeptic to believer! From a back and hip pain level of ten to zero in a very short period of time is hard to believe, but very real. What a relief to walk normally. My physical therapist and my orthopedist are both impressed with my improvement."

— Chip E.

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"I first met James when I had great leg pain from an unknown cause — so bad that I had to quit my job as a yoga teacher. He was able to help me without the prescription drugs my MD wanted to prescribe. Over the last two years, James has successfully helped me with numerous other issues. I highly recommend James!"

— Jan L.

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"On a scale of one to ten, I was walking through life tolerating discomfort at an eight to nine level. My condition now: I can stand up straighter and the neck, shoulder, and back pains are gone! I am now walking around comfortably at a level one to two. I am more active because my body no longer hurts like before." — M.G.R.

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"He is a magician with a heart of gold. It was my first ever acupuncture treatment, so he was really caring and compassionate, and moreover I'm almost pain free with just one sitting with him. He also treated my shoulder stiffness that I didn't even know existed. Kudos to you for your holistic and compassionate work."

— Yamini M.

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"James was super helpful and helped me with my sciatic back pain. I have been having pain for about two and a half years and felt much better."

— Christopher R.

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"James is a sweet person and I feel like I can trust him. Every time he gives me a treatment I feel my pain goes away instantly, and I appreciate his thoroughness. I really recommend him! He's the best!"

— G.H.

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"James is very down to earth, very knowledgeable, and definitely cares about helping his patients get rid of their pain. He has helped me tremendously with some of the pains I get as an athlete. I highly recommend him!"

— S.E.C.

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"Dr. James fixed my pain after a whole year."

— Adam A.

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Neuropathy & Nerve Conditions

"James and his staff have been most kind and helpful to my issues. My bursitis in my hips and shoulders after just four sessions is close to 90% better, with no pain at night when I try to sleep and walk. My neuropathy has cleared and I no longer take meds every night for foot pain."

— Rick R.

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"I can't say enough good things about James. He is an amazing healer and gives so much of himself to his patients. I had all three major nerves in my right hand die and three in my left. I have diabetes, fibromyalgia, and brain problems after a coma. He is helping me heal in all of these areas. I am so thankful for him and all he does."

— Dawn M.

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"James is a kind, nurturing, and compassionate doctor. When I came to see him I was in quite a bit of nerve pain. His holistic approach has helped me so much! I highly recommend making an appointment as soon as possible!"

— Martha R.

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"My daughter and I met James at the Astoria farmer's market. I had nerve damage in my shoulder and he briefly told me what I could do at home to get the feeling back, and it worked! In the way that he so genuinely cared for us, I felt like we were visiting a healer rather than a specialist, and I am so grateful for him."

— A. Green

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Autoimmune & Complex Conditions

"James Carter is one of the most caring, compassionate individuals I know. In addition to who he is as a person, he is skilled in his trade and basically, for me, a 'miracle worker.' When I started seeing him, I had been in bed for months with fatigue, pain, and exhaustion. With so many autoimmune disorders, and with lupus and asthma, I had given up. After just a few sessions I was functioning as a viable person again, taking care of tasks I had not been able to do for so long. I have hope now, and energy, to live my life!"

— Jackie E.

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"I was experiencing very low energy, stamina, and vitality after 30 shots of radiation. In addition to office treatment, James gave me a tea. I had obvious positive change in under two weeks. He's trained in more than I can remember. He takes six pulses, does five different kinds of acupuncture, and asked questions that led to treatment for issues I hadn't even mentioned. I've been sick all my life and can't remember all the different kinds of treatments I've had — most of which only treated the symptoms. Go see James. He's the real deal."

— Terry M.

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Hormonal & Women's Health

"It's so worth it! To all the ladies that have PCOS: Dr. Carter knows well all of the emotional, physical, and spiritual challenges. I have PCOS… it will take time, but overall it's definitely worth it."

— Yolotzin P.

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Digestive Health

"I am very grateful to have found James. His compassion and knowledge gave me hope when western medicine, other naturopaths, and acupuncturists couldn't help or had given up on me. He is a kind and generous person whose intuitive insights have changed my life. I will be forever grateful."

— Denise T.

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Spine & Respiratory

"I sought out Dr. Carter for treatment of the pain I have due to scoliosis, in addition to muscular constriction around my rib cage which reduces my breathing capacity. My sessions with Dr. Carter are the most comprehensive and holistic healing experiences I have ever had. From the acupuncture my muscular tension completely releases, my breathing capacity returns to normal, and I am able to sleep soundly through the night. When I began taking the herbal formula he recommended, it was fast acting and I experienced relief of pain right away." — Zak N.

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Migraines & Headaches​

"I used to have basilar migraines and treated them with daily prescription medication. After three sessions, I feel terrific. I have not had even the slightest hint of a migraine."

— Linda W.

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"James helped me with my headache greatly. I really appreciate his help."

— Minoo C.

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Anxiety & Stress

"James is absolutely amazing and I felt he saved my life. He is extremely knowledgeable and really cares. If anyone is suffering from anxiety and health issues, I highly recommend going to James."

— Sue W.

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Vision & Unexpected Results

"Dr. James has a very unique approach. He is extremely knowledgeable and the service he provides is outstanding. He has helped me personally on my healing journey in a holistic way which several other treatment options have never been able to achieve. The treatments have even addressed problems like my light sensitivity, which kept me from driving at night. Now I am able to again, and this has had a huge positive impact on my life. I highly recommend Dr. James to anyone seeking help with chronic issues."

— Barbara L.

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Overall Health & Wellbeing

"I originally went in for some neck pain after sleeping wrong and was desperate for instant relief. Not only did Dr. Carter help right away, but I've ended up going weekly for almost a year now. It is my ultimate form of self care. He has supported both my body and mind through so many stages of life, helping regulate my nervous system and chronic sleep issues, and he's even adjusted my treatments throughout my pregnancy to make sure everything is safe and effective. I'm so grateful for his care and I couldn't recommend him enough!"

— Emma U.

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"James is an amazing Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. I've received treatments for shoulder pain and back pain. With acupuncture, bodywork, and herbal medicine, he not only helps me release the pain but also boosts my overall body energy, flexibility, and vitality. I even feel better at work because I can sit more at ease and feel more positive."

— Yanan W.

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"As a disabled senior with several long-term chronic problems, including a balance disorder, I celebrate every return of function. Dr. Carter has been able to significantly, positively shift several stubborn issues, including some internal pain that had been growing for forty years. No one else has ever lessened that particular pain so much in a single treatment! My depression has changed into realistic optimism, and I look forward to a more active lifestyle."

— Noel W.

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"I was treated by James for over six months and he has done wonders for my health! His focus is a holistic approach through Chinese medicine. My journey will continue, but he has given me many tools and methods to reduce my stress, meditate, and be more aware of my body. I highly recommend his services!"

— Lisa

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"Dr. James is highly skilled, both in Chinese medicine knowledge and wisdom and in technique; his sessions are enjoyable and relaxing. He has a unique way of finding the root cause of an illness or issue. If you are well, go see him anyway — think about prevention! Your body will continue to be nourished by the treatments and herbs."

— Elizabeth R.

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"I was a little skeptical of the effectiveness of acupuncture and natural remedies at first. I was blown away by the results! Not only were they very effective treatments, but Dr. James was very wonderful to work with as well. You can tell he truly cares about his patients and the work that he does, which is pretty rare to find these days. If you've never tried it, are skeptical like I was, or are just looking for a doctor that is helpful and caring, give Luna Acupuncture and Dr. James a try — you won't be disappointed!"

— Austin F.

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"From the moment I walked in I was greeted warmly and was made to feel comfortable. While questioning me about my general health, James 'read' my body. He is devoted to helping his clients regain their quality of life with the use of acupuncture, acupressure, and Chinese herbs. During my treatment, he explained what he was doing every step of the way and was happy to answer any questions I had. If you are thinking about making an appointment — do it. You will not be sorry!"

— Paula D.

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"I do appreciate his genuine and thoughtful approach to his work. He is very knowledgeable and answered all my questions — and I had more than a few when I started! I am generally not a fan of needles by any means, but it was very manageable and I did feel much better afterwards, peaceful and relaxed. I continue to see James for tune-ups monthly."

— Nahil O.

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Depth of Care & Character

"We have been clients of Luna for the past two and a half years. James has a gift for honing in on exactly what your body needs — be it acupuncture, cupping, herbs, or other techniques. He does not rush you through your treatment. He always takes the amount of time that's needed for you to receive the session that you need on that visit. The thing about James is that he's foremost a really caring person, he's highly trained, he's kind, and he treats his patients with respect. James made a positive difference in our lives."

— Carolyn T.

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"James is a wonderful person — incredibly kind, compassionate, and generous. Unfortunately we do not see those qualities much in the healthcare arena. I have seen many practitioners and I can say with certainty I have not met anyone who is more passionate and devoted to their clients and practice. He was highly invested in my progress and made himself available and reachable. He has become an asset to our whole family."

— Kate T.

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"James is a gifted TCM doctor! I've seen quite a few over the years, but it's very rare to meet someone with James' creativity, his depth of knowledge, and his devotion to healing. His treatment opens up my energy and shifts something deep within. I truly feel he is working from a place deep within his nature, and it shows in the results."

— Hardeep K.

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"I met James in 2017 and he helped me address health issues that Western medicine had not. With many integrated modalities — Chinese pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, herbs, and more — James started with the most critical issues and worked with me for several years. Now, even though I live a thousand miles away, I travel twice a year to see him."

— C.H.

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"James is the most amazing, nurturing, integrity-filled individual our family has ever met. He originally helped three of us with health concerns; now we go in once in a while for what we call a tune-up. We have referred so many people to James. We consider James family because he has acted accordingly."

— Stephen W.

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"James is highly skilled in the art of acupuncture, herbalism, and many other complementary therapies. Driven by his compassion for humanity, he has created a safe place for healing spirit, mind, and body."

— Joseph K.

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"James is highly knowledgeable and skilled in the art of acupuncture and many more therapies, which is only surpassed by his great compassion for his clients. Truly a one-of-a-kind person with a one-of-a-kind practice!"

— Mary H.

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"I LOVE the team at Luna! They have genuine loving hearts for the wellbeing and happiness of others. All I receive is gentle love and compassion."

— Micaela L.

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"James is a gifted healer. His knowledge is unsurpassed, but what makes him special is his ability to connect and his genuine care for those he treats. I have seen him take such tender care with those young and old. If you need healing and you're searching, look no further — you've found it!"

— B.P.

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"The work that James does is pure magic. I am so grateful for the genuine and gentle care he has provided for me. The holistic approach to his work has helped my whole being!"

— Daisy B.

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Case Studies

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The case studies below are drawn from the real experiences of patients at this clinic, with identifying details removed to protect their privacy. As in all of medicine, results vary from person to person — these accounts reflect individual journeys, not outcomes that are typical or guaranteed.

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Case 1: Diabetes, Neuropathy, and Chronic Pain

A man in his early sixties came in for a frozen shoulder that had restricted his movement for months. The intake revealed a far larger picture. His A1c was 8.8, well into diabetic range, alongside high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, neuropathy in both feet, chronic back pain, persistent fatigue, brain fog, and a depression that had settled in gradually over the years. He had come to address one problem, unaware of how connected the rest had become.

Treatment began with what was most pressing and expanded from there. Within six months his A1c had fallen to 6.2, his cholesterol markers had improved, and he had lost 35 pounds. The frozen shoulder had fully resolved, the neuropathy in his feet was roughly 60% improved, and his sleep and energy had returned.

By the one-year mark his A1c was 5.6, within the normal range, and his physician discontinued his blood pressure medication. The neuropathy had improved by an estimated 90%, and the fatigue and low mood had lifted. He still comes in, now to maintain the health he rebuilt rather than to recover it.

Outcomes over twelve months: A1c 8.8 to 5.6 · blood pressure medication discontinued by his physician · neuropathy ~90% improved · frozen shoulder resolved · 35 lbs lost · fatigue and low mood resolved

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Case 2: Post-COVID Syndrome and POTS

A 47-year-old mother had spent months struggling with the aftermath of COVID-19. The fatigue was profound, and the dizziness came in waves. She had been diagnosed with POTS, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system for which conventional medicine has limited options. Her goal was straightforward: to have the energy and stability to be present for her children.

Over eight months of consistent treatment the picture changed substantially. The fatigue resolved, and the POTS symptoms improved by roughly 80%. She regained the stamina to take part fully in family life, and the dizziness that had shaped her days now surfaces only occasionally, typically when she is dehydrated.

Outcomes over eight months: fatigue resolved · POTS symptoms ~80% improved · daily function restored

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Case 3: Burnout and Nervous System Depletion

A 54-year-old senior professional arrived after decades in a high-pressure corporate environment. He was exhausted in a way sleep no longer corrected, with anxiety, low mood, disrupted sleep, and sexual dysfunction he had discussed with almost no one. His physician had described it as burnout, with little to offer beyond the label.

What the situation called for was not rest but a rebuilding of the systems that had been depleted: the nervous system, hormonal balance, and underlying vitality. Over six months of consistent treatment those areas improved by more than 90%. The fatigue and anxiety eased, sleep normalized, mood stabilized, and the sexual dysfunction resolved. He had arrived depleted and ground down, and left with his energy, clarity, and sense of himself restored.

Outcomes over six months: energy and fatigue resolved · anxiety and low mood ~90% improved · sleep normalized · sexual function restored

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Case 4: Lupus and Autoimmune Disease

A woman managing lupus and asthma had been worn down by years of the fatigue, pain, and exhaustion that accompany autoimmune disease. By the time she came in, she had spent months largely confined to bed, everyday tasks beyond her reach, and her oxygen saturation had fallen to 90%.

Over the early weeks of care, alongside her ongoing medical treatment, her oxygen saturation improved from 90% to 98%, and the pain that had dominated her days became nearly absent. She returned to managing daily life, and the energy that had been missing for years gradually came back. She had arrived with little expectation that anything would improve, and was surprised by how much did.

Outcomes over the early months: oxygen saturation improved from 90% to 98% alongside ongoing medical care · pain nearly resolved · energy and daily function restored · condition: lupus and asthma

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Case 5: Cardiovascular Disease

An 81-year-old man drove three hours to his appointment each week, itself a measure of how committed he was to changing course. He was told by his primary care doctor, cardiovascular surgeon, and acupuncturist that there was nothing that could be done.

He arrived with advancing heart disease: high blood pressure, persistent fatigue, breathlessness, fluid retention in his legs, steady weight gain, and a low mood that had accompanied his decline. He was managing it with the conventional combination of medications for cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart rhythm, along with a blood thinner.

The work was a genuine partnership. Over fourteen months and forty visits he took up tai chi, followed a tailored walking plan, and reworked his diet with a discipline notable at any age, losing 68 pounds along the way. His laboratory markers changed accordingly. LDL, HDL, and triglycerides returned to normal, his C-reactive protein normalized, and he was no longer prediabetic.

His physician reduced his blood pressure medication by half, his mood lifted as his health returned, and a follow-up stress test and EKG came back in the normal range.

Outcomes over fourteen months: 68 lbs lost · lipid panel normalized · C-reactive protein normalized · no longer prediabetic · blood pressure medication halved by his physician · stress test and EKG normal

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If your own situation resembles any of these, you are welcome to call

503-853-2866 to arrange a complimentary 15-minute consultation.

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As with any form of medicine, results vary from person to person, and our services are not a substitute for conventional medical care and treatment. We expect and encourage our patients to follow the guidance of their other medical providers, and we support an integrative and complementary approach to care. Never adjust or discontinue any medication except under the guidance of your prescribing physician.