
Brad Austin, L.Ac., M.Ac.
new location
1308 NW 20th Avenue, Suite 8
Portland, OR 97209 Map
503.956.1688
"I started seeing Brad with a myriad of complaints ranging from common yet bothersome physical symptoms to more complex psycho spiritual maladies. Although relatively new to 5-Element Acupuncture, I had seen other acupuncturists (as well as naturopathic physicians, medial doctors, and chiropractors). Brad is unique from the practitioners I have seen in the past. He is truly the first "craftsman" I have seen in the field of health care. He embodies the spirits of care, compassion, expertise and passion. His listening skills are well refined, his interview process comfortable, his plan formulation is adept and his needle placement is precise. Additionally, his proficiency with Zero Balancing (ZB) is keen. I have never left a session with Brad from which I did not feel remarkable better physically, emotionally and spiritually. Since beginning with Brad roughly 9 months ago, my physicality has improved, my energy is better and my spirit has been buoyed. I have only the highest of respect for Brad as a person and a 'healer'. He is good, really good. If one is looking for improvement in physical or 'other' complaints, I confidently and whole heartedly recommend Brad as an acupuncturist and ZB practitioner."
In Health
Robert S., MD
"I came to see Brad in a difficult time in my life. The year before (2008) I had been in a serious accident, that resulted in constant pain that drained my energy and spirit. Since seeking treatment with Brad my pain has decreased dramatically and my energy and spirit feel renewed to what my life was like before the accident. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be a client of Brad's; he truly takes the time to listen, treats me with respect, and uses his treatment knowledge to maximize the benefits of his clients. I will always be grateful!"
Emily B.
Registered Nurse
"Walking into Brad's office early last year (2009) was the beginning of a journey- a journey of healing and growth. I had no idea what impact his work would have on my life but have been repeatedly surprised by my sessions and thankful for Brad's compassionate, professional demeanor.
For three years prior to my work with Brad, I had participated in various kinds of therapy to work through childhood trauma and abuse. When I contacted Brad, I was hoping to find physical relief from the memories that were stored in my body. I had never had acupuncture before but decided to give it a try. I would be lying if I said it was the best thing ever… I struggled at first with the impact the sessions had on my body (and my mind) and I definitely struggled with not having an understanding of how the Five Element process works. Over the course of various sessions my body relaxed and I began to feel a strength that I had not felt for years. My back pain has become minimal and I am able to handle memories as they surface. I still do not understand, on an intellectual level, how Five Element has affected my body. On a physical and spiritual level, however, I can say that my sessions with Brad have made a substantial difference in how I feel and how I face each day. With the magnitude of that impact, I am able to let go of the intellectual understanding and simply trust the process.
I now look forward to my sessions with Brad and am very thankful for the work he does. I know that my time and investment in Five Element Acupuncture will continue to build the foundation needed to continue my healing."
Sara E.
School Administrator
"I met Brad a few years ago. My back was in a world of hurt. I went to two doctors who both said I needed surgery to ever relieve the pain. I'm an engineer at a semiconductor company and both my parents are in the medical profession, so I'm about as traditionally minded (and skeptical) as they come. Up until this point I had not had any positive "non-traditional" experiences.
So, when a friend told me about Brad, I figured I had nothing to lose. Worst case was the surgery I was planning on anyway.
For my first ZB treatment, I hobbled over to Brad's, slowly limped painfully up his stairs and flopped onto the table. He spent an hour or so working on my whole body. My bind relaxed like it had never done before. In a few treatments, I could easily, painlessly walk down the stairs and into a whole new universe I never believe was possible.
Brad's skill and magic touch defies what I grew up thinking. If you are skeptical, allow yourself the opportunity to prove it one way or the other. I doubt you will leave disappointed."
Matt G.
Industrial Engineer
"I came to see Brad because of some pain on my wrist. Although my previous experience with traditional acupuncture had been positive, I followed a friend's recommendation and decided to try 5 Element Acupuncture this time. It has now been 18 months since I started treatments with Brad and my experience has been very positive. The pain on my wrist moved on and I feel that my work with Brad now gained a more holistic perspective that goes beyond the physical symptoms. Often, I leave our sessions feeling spiritually nourished as well. Yes, we do work on whatever symptoms my body may be showing, but we approach it from a bigger perspective. Working with Brad has expanded my view of how everything is connected, how the seasons not only influence us, but also manifest through us. I see the work with Brad and 5 Element Acupuncture as physical and spiritual, if one takes spiritual as a way to reconnect with oneself and nature. If you haven't tried acupuncture before, I'd say come with an open mind. These treatments will address more than the physical body and its symptoms: the work will ripple throughout the body, so that it may, in turn, become a stronger vessel for the transformation that your soul is seeking."
Vanessa C.
"My work with Brad Austin's Zero Balance structural work has been transformational. His bodywork has enabled me to remove stuck/stagnate emotional energy from my
body, which has resulted in me feeling freer, clearer, more balanced and energetic.
ZB helps me get unstuck emotionally. I use it when I feel fearful of doing something new, making changes or feeling blocked. Brad helps me shift/move the fear so it no longer prevents me from moving forward. My fear/stuck energy presents itself in my body as stiff joints and muscles, sprains and pains. The releasing of my physical tension leads to the releasing of my deeply held emotions and old beliefs that no longer serve my highest good.
Brad's true gift his is his intuitive sense of where the tension is being held. He senses where the energy is stuck, and then creates the space to coax it out of its hiding place. The energy just naturally unwinds because he creates a safe, compassionate and sacred environment for this unfolding to occur. Ahhhhh, what a relief it is when that happens. I immediately feel more relaxed and spacious.
I feel seen, held and guided by his expertise and his open heart. He is a true healer, in every sense of the word. I count my work with him as one of my greatest tools for emotional and spiritual growth and well being."
Julie L.
"During each Zero Balancing session I have experienced a release of energetic blocks on both physical and emotional levels. Sometimes the process feels subtle, sometimes more intense, but always profound. ZB leaves me feeling balanced, grounded and integrated on every level."
Delila O.
Educator
"In September 2008 I was in great shape and leading a very active life which included lots of outdoor walking as well as yoga and working out in the gym. Suddenly my back and right hip went totally out, causing extreme pain. The pain was so intense I couldn't sit, nor walk and I could not get comfort even with a multitude of pain medication. After 20 physical therapy sessions and multiple steroid injections in my spine, I still had no relief. After 8 months of unbearable pain I underwent surgery for a herniated disc. But after the very painful surgery I was still in extreme pain and can only work half days even though I was taking hard-core pain medication. Finally I was told about Brad Austin and the work he does. I started seeing him in September 2009 and after about 5 treatments I was getting so much relief and was able to work (on my feet) full days and by December my back and hip are 90% better. It's pretty clear that his work is very effective. Brad Austin is a true healer with great knowledge. Thank you."
Erin A.
"Energy releasing like a coil unwinding. That's what I feel whenever Brad gives me a ZB session. The energy that gets released from my body is warm and so relaxing I have to be mindful in not to exert a lot of energy in movements because my body is so relaxed. I see a chiropractor regularly for maintenance but that alone doesn't do what a ZB session can in helping my body release stress. During the session it feels like my spine is lengthened and I stand straighter. I don't fully understand what happens during a ZB session but the warmth and tension release I can feel can't be compared to any other holistic treatment I've had."
Linda D.
Non-Profit Development Director