Emmy Cushnir, L.Ac., R.N.

Emmy Cushnir’s practice has played a vital and healing role in my life for many months now and I recommend her wherever I go. In her peaceful office in the Seabright neighborhood she employs acupuncture and herbal medicine to ‘enhance the quality of life for people with cancer in Santa Cruz.’ This has translated for me into an experience of deep peace, and a relief of pain that I can count on every time I go in, even in the midst of emotional and physical trauma and stress.
Since Emmy also shares information about nutrition and complementary herbal medicine, follows the current research from reputable sources, and volunteers her time doing a monthly complementary treatment forum (through WomenCare – the wonderful local women’s cancer support organization in town), I have been supported by her on so many levels.
She always looks things up for me, and passes along good information and helpful resources from beyond the walls of her practice; I always benefit greatly from having her help sort through the great masses of often confusing, sometimes conflicting, and sometimes distinctly unreliable information out there on cancer and cancer care. I go away from my sessions with her feeling more in control of my decision-​making process.
Also, since she is an RN, she can help translate what my oncologists and surgeons are telling me, and can offer treatments that truly complement the other types of care I am receiving.
I have done a fair bit of research myself at this point, and over time I have become more and more impressed with how much evidence-​based research there is out there showing that Traditional Chinese Medicine can help to treat and prevent certain cancers. It is no longer even disputed that it can mitigate the numerous and often debilitating side effects of traditional cancer treatments. And Emmy is a skillful and knowledgeable practitioner.
Emmy and her magic needles, soothing presence, and informational support, (even aromatherapy!), has been a weekly staple of my existence since my diagnosis – her practice is something I know I can count on to help me live my best and fullest life right now. I’m writing this in hopes other people living with cancer will have the benefit of her care. (Also, ask about her sliding scale if you are in financial straits.)