Acupuncture is one of the first scientifically proven eastern medicine modalities and is now commonly accepted by western medicine. As natural medicine practitioners, acupuncturists consider the whole person – mind, body and spirit – in treating a vast number of conditions from injuries to pain and disease management and prevention. The heart of the practice lies in the flow of energy through meridians in the body which are tied to the universal flow of energy in life.

Local acupuncturists Diane Sheppard and Michael Boyer were the closest of friends in childhood. The story of how they each came to settle in our valley has much to do with the flow of the universe and results in two top wellness centers from which we can all benefit.

From the Los Angeles area, their mothers danced professionally together and their fathers were both in the entertainment industry. Their parents went out often and all ten kids would stay home together to play. Their bond was close and smiles appear at the thought of the many memories. “Our childhood was bright – filled with happiness, laughter and a lot of love, family, and friends,” says Dr. Sheppard.

In high school, Michael found girls and Diane found horses, and their lives drifted apart. In their 20s, Michael got into yoga and Diane into Tai Chi. They would attend the same Shiatsu school of massage and the same acupuncture school without knowing it until years later.

Michael went north to further his studies while Diane headed to China to do the same. Both earned degrees in herbal medicine.

Michael worked in the Bay Area before settling in the desert and opening his own clinic. Diane established a thriving business in Brentwood while her parents moved to Palm Desert. Her father became ill, and the first person she called to treat him was Michael. It wasn’t long before Diane and her husband Morris moved to the desert to be closer to family. Michael asked Diane to work with him, but she decided to go out on her own.

Now Greater Palm Springs has two exceptional acupuncture clinics from which to choose. Michael is the owner and founder of Palm Springs Healing Center and lives in the town with his wife Susan (“the one” from high school) and 14-year old son, Adam. Diane lives in Palm Desert and is owner and founder of AcQpoint Wellness Center.

Both centers exude the positive energy the two cherished as children and have practitioners who love what they do and do it well. In addition to acupuncture and herbs, you’ll find chiropractors, massage therapists, energy workers, colonics and more, and both offer free lectures and events to help educate the community on natural medicine and how it can help you live your wellest.

Palm Springs Healing Center is located at 2145 E. Tahquitz Canyon, Suite 5, in Palm Springs (760) 327.2217. palmspringshealingcenter.com. AcQpoint Wellness Center is located at 77-682 Country Club Drive, Suite G, in Palm Desert (760) 345.2200. www.acqpoint.com.