Luna Acupuncture & Wellness, with thriving clinics in both Astoria and Hillsboro, Oregon, is a unique expert acupuncture and natural medicine office specializing in serving people with chronic and complex health conditions and pain. Founded in 2015 by Dr. James Carter, the practice blends ancient Eastern medicine knowledge with evidence-informed biomedical insight to create a truly integrative path to wellness and health.
Dr. Carter is an experienced acupuncturist and doctor of acupuncture. His approach blends time honored classical acupuncture with auricular medicine, a sophisticated method that uses the ear as a diagnostic and therapeutic microsystem. As cornerstones of the clinical treatments given, this dual strategy often results in more precise, system-wide benefits—from pain relief and nervous system regulation to improved emotional resilience. His deep knowledge in this area has made Luna Acupuncture & Wellness a trusted practice for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathy, migraines, chronic pain, and much more.
Luna Acupuncture & Wellness is founded on the belief that healing starts with action. Each patient receives highly individualized care, starting with a thorough consultation and custom treatment plan. New patients are welcomed with a free 15-minute consultation, allowing them to explore and ask questions about acupuncture and get answers to their questions before committing to treatment.
What also sets the practice apart is Dr. Carter’s unique blend of clinical skill and heartfelt presence. His ability to meet patients where they are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Equally committed to global well-being, Luna Acupuncture & Wellness donates monthly to LovePeaceHarmony.org, a nonprofit supporting humanitarian service projects around the world. This ongoing contribution reflects the values of the practice: healing that extends beyond the treatment room.
As it approaches its 10th anniversary in Fall 2025, Luna Acupuncture & Wellness continues to grow, evolve, and serve as a pillar of holistic health and wellness in the Pacific Northwest—offering expert compassionate care grounded in results.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding Luna Acupuncture & Wellness nearly a decade ago?
The inspiration for Luna Acupuncture & Wellness came from my own journey through healing pain and discovery. I was injured in an auto accident during the last year of high school that left me with significant upper back pain that progressively got worse. I was seen by my doctor, physical therapist, and eventually chiropractor, all who were able to help in a way, but after 2 years the pain persisted. My chiropractor at the time, said, “I am not sure what else I can do for you, have you tried acupuncture?” I decided to give it a try and after receiving treatments experienced a significant reduction in pain. WIthin a few months my pain was gone! I was so impressed, so moved, and so excited I decided to pursue it as a course of study. After completing an undergraduate degree in health sciences I applied and enrolled. I fell in love with acupuncture and Chinese medicine! I admire its unique ability to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Early in my career, I saw how many people were being left behind by conventional medicine, particularly those with chronic pain or invisible illnesses. I wanted to create a space where those people could feel empowered to participate in becoming healthier. Founding Luna was my way of bringing together Eastern medicine, clinical insight, and compassionate care into one integrative, healing environment.
How would you describe your philosophy of care when working with patients, particularly those dealing with chronic or complex conditions?
My philosophy of care is rooted in listening first and treating second. Chronic pain and complex conditions often come with long histories—misdiagnoses, emotional stress, and frustration. I want my patients to have as much time to rest and relax as they need, so appointments are flexibly scheduled to allow for this. I take the time to understand their history, lifestyle, emotional health, and goals. I see myself as a partner in their healing, not someone with a “quick fix.” I also believe in blending traditional techniques like acupuncture and auricular therapy with modern biomedical insights and evidence based research to provide more truly integrative care.
You offer a free 15-minute consultation to new patients. Why is that so important to you?
The free 15-minute consultation is about transparency, education, and clarity. I know that acupuncture can be unfamiliar or even intimidating for someone who hasn’t tried it before. I never want a potential patient to feel uncertain or unclear about whether this form of healing is a good fit for their health needs. During the consultation, we talk openly about their symptoms, goals, and any questions they may have. It’s also an opportunity for them to meet me, understand how the practice works, and learn about acupuncture treatment. Healing begins with relationship—and offering a free consultation honors that process.
What sets Luna Acupuncture & Wellness apart?
We focus deeply on both technical excellence and mindfulness. Everything is personalized. We spend more time with our patients, tailor each treatment precisely to their needs, and integrate modalities like auricular medicine and teaching acupressure to patients. I have also been committed to continuing education and completing extensive post graduate education in applying acupuncture to address complex chronic conditions and pain over the last ten years. Additionally, we maintain strong ties to our communities we serve, and we see ourselves as part of a wider wellness movement, not just a business.
How has your Doctorate in Acupuncture enhanced your practice?
Pursuing my doctoral degree helped me deepen my ability to utilize medical and scientific research to improve and enhance my clinical knowledge, refine my diagnostic skills, and become even more confident in addressing complex conditions. I gained a more comprehensive understanding of the biomedical understandings of systemic health disorders, pain science, and how acupuncture interfaces with the body’s systems as well as the unique whole body benefits of acupuncture, such as nervous system regulation. This education has allowed me to apply more nuanced treatment strategies, especially when working with patients who haven’t responded well to conventional medicine or standard/ traditional acupuncture approaches. My patients benefit directly from this, as I’m always researching and striving to bring new insights into our sessions to improve outcomes.
What types of conditions do you specialize in, and how do you approach those cases differently?
I specialize in treating chronic and complex pain conditions—things like migraines, diabetes, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, neuromuscular conditions, and chronic and acute post-surgical pain to name a few. These conditions don’t always have clear-cut solutions in Western medicine, so people often come to me after trying everything else. I approach each case holistically, considering physical symptoms, emotional health, stress levels, lifestyle, and even past trauma. I use acupuncture and auricular therapy in combination with wellness coaching, dietary guidance, plant medicine, and mindfulness practices to create a multi-layered approach focused on the root causes. These patients need hope and a path forward, and I’m honored to be part of that journey with them.
Luna Acupuncture & Wellness donates monthly to LovePeaceHarmony.org. Why is giving back such a central part of your mission?
Giving back is non-negotiable for us. Wellness doesn’t end at the treatment room—it extends into how we live and what we support. The world is facing many challenges and LovePeaceHarmony.org aligns with our values in promoting peace, healing, and humanitarian support around the world. By contributing monthly, we stay connected to a broader vision of service. It reminds us that healing is both personal and global. I believe when we support efforts that bring love and healing to people and animals in crisis, it creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone. My patients love knowing that their care also contributes to a bigger purpose.
What have you learned over the past ten years that has shaped the way you practice today?
The biggest lesson has been the power of presence. You can have all the technical skills in the world, but if you’re not fully present with your patients—if you’re not grounded in the now—you miss the most important information. I’ve also learned that healing doesn’t follow a straight linear line. People have breakthroughs and setbacks, and our job is to hold space for both. Lastly, I’ve seen time and again that real healing happens when people feel safe and supported. That’s shaped everything from how we design our spaces to how we follow up with patients between visits.
What’s on the horizon for Luna Acupuncture & Wellness as you approach your 10th anniversary?
The 10-year anniversary is a time of celebration and expansion for us. We’re planning some free community events this fall in both Astoria and Beaverton /Hillsboro, including open houses, acupressure and mindfulness workshops. I’m also working on writing a book that can serve as a guide on how to apply meditation, acupressure, and home care remedies to support one’s health and wellbeing. It is my hope that this will make self-care knowledge accessible to more people. Long-term, I’d love to mentor future practitioners and possibly offer more in depth classes and workshops on sound and art healing practices. The next chapter of Luna is all about deepening our community roots while continuing to offer excellent service.
How do you personally stay grounded and inspired in such emotionally demanding work?
I strive to practice what I teach. I believe good health starts with nutrition, so I primarily eat organic whole foods, meditate and pray daily, receive regular acupuncture myself, and make time for nature walks and silence. For me, spending time with my family and animals is also so important as a cornerstone of my wellbeing and balance. I also have a close circle of friends and peers who support me. Staying grounded isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating daily habits that refill your cup. I draw a lot of inspiration from my patients, too. Watching them overcome long-term pain, reclaim their energy, and find joy again—there’s nothing more motivating than that. It reminds me that this work matters and that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
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