Hello, it’s nice to meet you here.
I am a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of East Asian Medicine with a clinical focus on fertility, IVF, pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive health. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of supporting patients through the deeply transformative journey of building a family, including fertility treatments, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, grief, uncertainty, and the emotional complexity that can accompany this season of life.
Part of this work was born from my own experience navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. During that time, I found myself with more questions than answers and a deep desire to better understand the body and the profound transformations involved in bringing a baby into the world. I leaned on my training in Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine to help guide me through the endless sea of information, research, and well-meaning opinions. That experience continues to shape the way I care for patients today.
I believe in cultivating a care ecosystem that supports the body’s innate capacity for repair while honoring the importance of relationship: relationship to self, community, environment, and the larger systems that shape our well-being. Within an integrative setting, I value thoughtful collaboration so you feel supported by many hands and perspectives throughout your care.
Although my work is rooted in traditional East Asian medicine I integrate evidence-informed therapeutic approaches. I have trained in a Korean style of acupuncture known as Sa’am acupuncture, as well as in the use of the Eight Extraordinary Channels, which I find especially supportive during times of transition, depletion, and emotional processing. Treatments are individualized and guided by careful listening, presence, and clinical assessment.
My clinical training includes fertility mentorship and continuing education with Laura Erlich, as well as completion of the MAMPS (Maternity Acupuncture Mentorship and Peer Support) program developed by Debra Betts and Claudia Citkovich, among other advanced perinatal and reproductive health trainings.
In addition to reproductive and perinatal health, I work with patients experiencing chronic and acute pain, stress-related conditions, fatigue, emotional overwhelm, and the physical manifestations of long-term depletion. I often incorporate therapies such as moxa, cupping, gua sha, and gentle myofascial release when appropriate.
I am also expanding my work into regenerative and earth-forward aesthetic medicine, including cosmetic acupuncture and microneedling therapies designed to support skin health through a whole systems–based lens. My philosophy of aesthetic care is rooted in restoration rather than perfection, supporting healthy aging, tissue repair, collagen production, circulation, and overall vitality while remaining deeply connected to sustainability, environmental wellness, and whole-body health. I believe our skin reflects not only internal physiology, but also the complex relationship between humans and the environment.
Born and raised in rural Northern California, I moved to Portland in 2009 and finally got around to starting a garden in 2026 (I am officially a local now;). I live with my husband and two kids who teach me every day on what matters most in this life.
With respect, I acknowledge the original custodians of this land: the Siletz, Cowlitz, and Grand Ronde tribes.
Renee Shankar
Acupuncturist
4076 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97227
