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What is Freedom Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine?
Welcome to Freedom Acupuncture, your premier destination for holistic healing and well-being in Watsonville and the greater Monterey Bay area. Our dedicated team of skilled practitioners is committed to providing you with the highest quality care through blending traditional practices with modern techniques to address your unique needs, offering acupuncture, cupping, gua sha and, herbal medicine.
Whether you're in Watsonville, Freedom, Salinas, Monterey, or anywhere in the region, our mission is to empower you on your journey to optimal health, both physically and mentally. Explore the transformative power of our services and experience the freedom to live your best, healthiest life with Freedom Acupuncture.
Who is Freedom Acupuncture
and Integrative Medicine?
About Francesca
Francesca is the founder of Freedom Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine and an acupuncturist (L.Ac.) licensed by the state of California, with a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA, and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) degree from the Five Branches University campus in San Jose, CA. She is also the original founder of Watsonville Acupuncture, which she no longer operates.
Francesca specializes in Pain Management and Neuromuscular Medicine, though she is happy to treat any concern. She is also experienced in internal medicine, such as organ disorders, body system disorders, and other acute or chronic illnesses. She enjoys creating customized herbal formulas for patients, as well. Francesca also enjoys trigger point needling, especially for patients seeking a more sports medicine–style approach to their care.
Born and raised in Napa, CA, Francesca has been passionately interested in holistic healing from a very young age. She fell in love with Asian Medicine through her own healing and transformational experience with acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal formulas. Outside of the office, she loves surfing, rock climbing, fitness, sunshine, learning, exploring, and expanding her consciousness.
About Caroline
Caroline is a seasoned acupuncturist licensed by the state of California. She earned a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine after completing over 3200 hours of education at Five Branches University in Santa Cruz, CA. In practice since 2013, she specializes in pain management, sports medicine, and women’s health. Her focus is to help people achieve their health goals in order to enhance their quality of life.
Caroline grew up in Gilroy, CA and attended the University of California Santa Cruz where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She then became a National Park Service ranger in Yosemite National Park. After over a decade of dedication to Yosemite, she went on to study the healing arts. During this time she developed a deep appreciation for, and experience in, a holistic approach to health and well being. In her spare time, she maintains a passion for exploring the outdoors with family and friends.
About Kara
Kara has been a Licensed Acupuncturist since 2007, completing her academic training in Ireland and a clinical internship in Nanjing, China. She went on to become a registered midwife in Ireland and, after moving to the United States, became a licensed midwife under the Medical Board of California.
In 2022, she earned her Doctor of Chinese Medicine degree at Five Branches University.
Kara specializes in reproductive health, pain management, sports medicine, and integrative oncology. She combines the wisdom of Chinese medicine with the hands-on experience of midwifery to support patients through every stage of life.
Whether addressing fertility challenges, easing chronic pain, enhancing athletic recovery, or providing care alongside cancer treatment, Kara’s approach is integrative, compassionate, and tailored to each individual.
As both a midwife and acupuncturist, Kara is honored to witness the transformative power of pregnancy and birth, and she is dedicated to supporting individuals and families with compassion, skill, and deep respect for the wisdom of the body.
When she’s not supporting patients or assisting local midwives, Kara enjoys spending time with her children at the beach, paddle boarding and swimming. An avid runner, she finds her “happy place” on forest trails with her dog, Mocha.
