Meet Our Pratictioners

Dr. Michelle Hirsch, DACM - Founder

Dr. Michelle Hirsch is a Functional Medicine Doctor, California State Licensed Acupuncturist, and Chinese Herbalist. Prior to her studies of Chinese medicine, she spent 13 years devoted to organic farming and sustainable community agriculture. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1997 with a major in Women’s health where she began to understand that a balanced, nutrient rich diet is the foundation to a healthy body. She has farmed organic vegetables, flowers and herbs in Michigan, New Zealand, New Hampshire, and Northern California. In 2007, Michelle started a neighborhood community garden in Berkeley which continues to flourish, providing fresh organic produce and eggs to her community.

Michelle received a Masters of Science in Chinese Medicine in 2009 at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS). Before graduating, she co-founded Octagon Community Acupuncture where she continues to provide services to hundreds of people, all having unique and interesting health concerns. She has been devoted to deepening her study of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture with a special interest in digestive and fertility issues. After teaching several Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) review courses, in 2012 she became a professor at ACCHS teaching classes in advanced acupuncture techniques. Michelle completed her doctorate degree in Integrative Chinese and Functional Medicine at Five Branches University.

Over the last decade, Michelle realized there was a missing element in what she could offer her patients who were presenting growing rates of fatigue, digestive issues, increased toxin levels and other health challenges, so she dove into the world of Functional Medicine. Michelle completed her degree in Functional Medicine through The Kalish Institute and is now able to bridge the gap between ancient Chinese medical wisdom and the great advances in modern scientific testing. She started teaching at the Kalish Institute of Functional Medicine in 2025.

Michelle lives in Berkeley with her husband, two energetic youngsters and two pups. In her free time she loves listening to and playing live music as well as connecting to the abundant nature of the West Coast.

Mia Valenzuela, LAc

Book an Appointment with Mia

Mia's Supplements

Mia has had a lifelong passion for holistic medicine. She is a Functional Medicine Practitioner, a California Board Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, a Certified Massage Therapist, and a DONA certified Childbirth Doula.

She earned her Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, California in 2008. She went on to work in private practice under Christine Friel of Double Happiness Health in San Francisco, a well-known clinic recognized with the “Best of the Bay” award for many years. Her work there included in-hospital acupuncture at UCSF’s IVF and Fertility Clinic.

Mia also co-founded PlumGold On-Site Wellness, a company that brought yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage into corporate offices across San Francisco’s financial district. Most recently, she completed a mentorship in Functional Medicine under Dr. Daniel Kalish of The Kalish Institute.

Mia is passionate about medicine as a cooperative, patient-centered process. She practices root-cause, systems-based care, a central tenet of Functional Medicine. Her training allows her to integrate the diagnostic tools of evidence-based medicine with the ancient remedies and wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is committed to continually expanding her knowledge through seminars and specialized education opportunities.

Mia loves traveling, dancing, biking, attending live performing arts, spending time in nature, and exploring farmers markets for seasonal produce. She lives in Davis, California with her husband and daughter.

A few kind words from clients…

“Michelle helped me turn a corner with my digestive health after years of struggling with SIBO and IBS. I had worked with several specialists and nothing seemed to make a difference. Michelle immediately recognized what was going on and created a plan that finally brought real relief. My digestion, sleep, and energy all improved, and the changes have lasted. She is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, and thorough. What stood out most was how kind and patient she was throughout the process. I always felt supported, heard, and guided in a way that made the work feel manageable. Michelle also helped my wife with long-standing health concerns, and she experienced the same level of care and improvement. We are both grateful for her expertise and dedication.”

Adrian, Shasta, CA
“After a year of chemotherapy, my gut health was in bad shape. I was dealing with bloating, discomfort, a rash, and constant digestive issues, and nothing I tried seemed to help. Michelle immediately understood the complexity of what I was dealing with. She diagnosed SIBO and Candida, explained everything clearly, and designed a treatment protocol that finally brought relief. During my three-month cleanse, she answered every question with patience and made sure I always understood the next step. Her guidance was steady, supportive, and reassuring. Today I feel like myself again, with energy and comfort I didn’t think I’d regain. I fully credit Michelle’s knowledge, attention to detail, and genuine care for helping me rebuild my health after a difficult chapter.”

Meredith, Bishop, CA
“I saw multiple doctors and had countless tests, but no one could explain my symptoms or offer real solutions. When I started working with Michelle, everything finally made sense. She quickly identified my Candida overgrowth and gut imbalance and walked me through a personalized plan that addressed exactly what my body needed. She explained each step so I understood the purpose behind every recommendation, and she was always quick to respond to questions. Her combination of clinical expertise and genuine compassion made the entire process feel manageable and hopeful. My symptoms steadily improved, and I gained a clear understanding of how to support my health long-term. I’m incredibly grateful for Michelle’s guidance and would recommend her to anyone looking for answers and real progress.”

Cara, Oakland, CA
“Michelle is one of the most insightful and intuitive practitioners I have ever worked with. She helped me understand that my fatigue stemmed not only from hormonal and adrenal issues but also from mitochondrial dysfunction that had likely been developing for years. The supplements she recommended gave me energy I hadn’t felt since my youth and significantly strengthened my immune system. I also referred a loved one with early-stage heart disease, and Michelle’s guidance helped him avoid medication and improve his lab results. Her depth of knowledge and ability to see the full picture of the body are extraordinary. Beyond her clinical skill, she is warm, accessible, and deeply caring. I’m grateful to have found someone I trust with my health.”

Brea, Santa Cruz, CA
“I struggled with gut issues for nearly eight years and was never given answers that actually helped. Medications only masked symptoms, and I felt increasingly discouraged. Working with Michelle changed everything. She approached my case with empathy, clarity, and practicality. After running a stool test and adrenal test, she identified the underlying issues and created a six-month plan that addressed them in a way I could realistically follow as a busy mom. She respected my budget, offered supplement options, and always explained why each step mattered. I emailed her often and always felt supported. Over time my symptoms completely resolved, and my digestion, energy, and overall comfort returned. For the first time in years, I feel healthy again. I’m deeply grateful for her care.” Item

Lisa, Oakland, CA