A woman with red hair smiling in front of educational posters about mushrooms and the human skeleton.

Dr. Caroline Brugge, DACM, LAc

Growing up in northern Virginia surrounded by trees, I've always felt most at home in nature. Hearing owls at night, watching deer wander through the backyard, and befriending the occasional house spider helped me feel connected to the world around me.

That connection with nature followed me to both Colorado and Oregon. From the dry mountain air of the Rockies to the deep green forests of the Pacific Northwest, I learned that our surroundings shape how we think, feel, and interact.

The seasons shift, the weather turns, our circumstances change — and so do we. This is part of what drew me to Chinese medicine: it sees us not as separate from nature, but as part of it. It supports the body's natural ability to heal, honoring rhythms and moving toward balance.

Before Chinese medicine, I studied neuroscience, worked as an analytical chemist, and began creating mixed media art. Each chapter taught me how to stay curious, get creative, and trust the process — all lessons that shape how I practice today.

How I work

In each session, you will receive a treatment tailored to you with plenty of time to settle in. I work with a wide variety of conditions, focusing on gynecological health, acute and chronic pain, digestive imbalance, and functional conditions.

Ways to work with me

  • Individual acupuncture — with the option of added modalities

  • Group acupuncture — nervous system support with community

  • Telehealth herbal medicine — custom herbal prescriptions

I offer home visits and telehealth sessions exclusively — a good fit for those working remotely or with a busy schedule, postpartum mothers, and anyone who feels most comfortable in their own space. My hope is that each session feels like a pause in your day, a chance to drop into your body and slow down for a bit.

Credentials

  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), National University of Natural Medicine

    • 4 year doctoral program of 3,713 hours including 1,344 clinical hours

  • Diplomate of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (Dipl AHM), NCBAHM

    • Board Certified in Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture with Point Location, Biomedicine, and Chinese Herbology

  • Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc), State of Colorado

  • Certified in Clean Needle Technique

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Neuroscience, University of Colorado at Boulder