Katharine S. Kim

Dr. Katharine S. Kim, DACM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)®, L.Ac., is a California licensed and national board certified acupuncturist, herbalist and healthcare provider in Dana Point, California. She earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) and Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) degrees from Pacific College of Health & Science in San Diego. Her training included clinical rounds at Rady Children's Hospital, UCSD Seniors Clinic and the Pacific College campus clinic. Dr. Kim is also a continuing education unit (CEU) and professional development activity (PDA) provider for the California Acupuncture Board and the National Certification Board for Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM), respectively.

 

Prior to pursuing her career as an acupuncturist, Dr. Kim -- who also holds a Master’s in Writing from Johns Hopkins University -- had a nearly two-decade career in public relations (PR), communications and marketing; working at companies and/or representing clients from politics and publishing, to promoting some of America’s favorite restaurants and corporate brands. However, due to a family medical emergency, Dr. Kim left her high-level PR job, and moved overseas to become a primary family caregiver. It was during this challenging, yet pivotal, life experience that she soon discovered her natural gift in nurturing people to improved health. This led her to pursue a new path to holistic and integrative medicine -- her true calling. 

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Dr. Kim is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach to care. Through gentle, intuitive and effective techniques, she addresses a variety of health concerns, including (but, not limited to): pain management, facial rejuvenation, emotional/mental health, substance abuse detoxification and recovery, aging/senior issues, and pediatrics. In addition to her private practice in Dana Point, Dr. Kim periodically offers her acupuncture services to guests at the globally recognized Golden Door Spa. Her clinical services also included serving as Holistic Medical Director at a private, residential treatment center in Laguna Beach; offering holistic treatments for individuals going through substance abuse detoxification and recovery.

 

Dr. Kim is also co-owner of Recharge Healing Retreat, a two-day immersive and experiential retreat held annually in San Diego to help acupuncturists, health practitioners, caregivers and anyone who gives so much to others refill their cups and receive the self-care they deserve. The retreat offers unique lectures and experiences for acupuncturists to receive continuing education units for license renewal; while allowing non-practitioners an opportunity to gain knowledge and resources to support their health and well-being. To learn more about Recharge Healing Retreat, click here.

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Beyond her passion to help patients achieve their health goals, Dr. Kim in her free time loves entertaining at home, cooking, traveling, playing tennis, and being a dog mom to her golden doodle Winston. She also continuously reads acupuncture journals, learns new protocols and regularly attends educational events to better serve her patients and address their health needs.

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