EASTERN MEDICINE

For more than three decades, Kris Justesen has dedicated her career to enhancing the health and well-being of her community. As an Oriental Medical Doctor, Licensed Acupuncturist, and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, she has built a reputation for compassionate care and expertise. 

As the Director of Alpine Wellness Center in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, Justesen blends traditional Chinese medicine with a holistic approach to health, helping patients effectively manage pain, reduce stress, and achieve lasting well-being.

Justesen’s journey into the world of acupuncture wasn’t straightforward. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, she initially set her sights on a career in Western medicine. At a crossroads in her professional life, she decided to take some time to reflect on what she truly wanted from her career. It was during this period of uncertainty that a friend suggested she explore acupuncture — a recommendation that piqued her interest and ultimately changed her life.

Intrigued but skeptical, Justesen enrolled at the San Francisco College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. “This is pretty unbelievable,” she remembers thinking during her early weeks of training, echoing her initial doubt about the practice. At the time, she was also working in the mayor’s office in community development. During one particularly challenging day at work, she sustained a serious injury, leaving her with partial paralysis in her shoulder and arm. Despite undergoing daily chiropractic adjustments and taking pain medications, she found no relief. Feeling desperate and frustrated, she tried acupuncture as a last resort.

Her first acupuncture treatment was with Dr. Lee, an orthopedic surgeon from China who was teaching on campus. The results were astonishing — by the end of the session, she had regained 30% of her arm’s mobility. This profound result solidified her belief in acupuncture and motivated her to fully commit to the field. After graduating in 1986, Justesen began practicing acupuncture and has since become a trusted healthcare provider in her community.

Licensed acupuncturists like Justesen are highly trained healthcare professionals, requiring extensive education and certification. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) requires acupuncturists to complete several years of Master’s level education, including coursework in both Chinese and Western medical theories. 

Justesen’s comprehensive training also includes advanced studies in areas such as Chinese herbal medicine and regenerative injection therapies. These therapies utilize natural substances like vitamins, minerals, homeopathics, or herbal medicines to promote healing and tissue repair, allowing her to address a wide range of conditions and overall wellness.

In addition to her practice at Alpine Wellness Center, Justesen travels monthly to Price, Utah, where she treats patients at the Southeastern Integrative Healing Arts Center. This facility offers a variety of complementary therapies, including yoga, massage therapy, energy work, and a Migun physiotherapy bed. Justesen values the collaborative environment. “It’s not just about one type of treatment — it’s about combining different approaches for the best patient outcomes,” she says.

While acupuncture is known for its long-term benefits, Justesen emphasizes that many patients notice improvements relatively quickly. “You’re going to see improvement within 30 days,” she explains. “Often, patients walk out after their first treatment feeling at least a little bit better.” 

Justesen’s practice is filled with stories of patients finding unexpected relief. One of the most memorable was a case from Orangeville, Utah. Years ago, she treated a man who had been suffering from chronic pain. After just one session, he experienced significant relief. When she didn’t hear from him again, she worried she might not have done enough. 

Two decades later, he visited her clinic in Price, having seen her name listed at the Healing Arts Center. She greeted him with surprise, saying, “I thought I failed you.” He laughed and explained that he hadn’t needed any further treatments because the pain had never returned. “I might not see him again for another 20 years,” she jokes, reflecting on the unexpected longevity of the treatment’s effectiveness.

At Alpine Wellness, Justesen also offers regenerative injection therapy, a cutting-edge approach designed to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This therapy complements her acupuncture practice and provides patients with additional options for managing chronic pain and enhancing general wellness.

For those curious about acupuncture, regenerative injection therapy, or other services at Alpine Wellness, Kris Justesen remains a trusted resource. Her approach is rooted in holistic healing, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating the symptoms. To learn more about her services or to schedule a consultation, visit alpinewellnesscenter.com or call/text 801-263-9380. 

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, or simply looking to enhance your well-being, Kris Justesen and her team at Alpine Wellness are ready to help guide you on your journey to better health.