Karen Zekhaya Hershman
Licensed Acupuncturist
Xhosa Sangoma
My healing path has been varied. Acupuncture was my first step towards healing. While in school, one of my teachers said, “You meditate for three years, you become a doctor.”
That week, I started meditating in the Rinzai Zen tradition. I practiced with that tradition for seven years and then lived at a Zen monastery for over a year. In 1985-86 I traveled to Europe and Africa for the first time while Apartheid was still strong in South Africa. At that point, I vowed to myself that I would return to Africa and visit Cape Town, South Africa. I never anticipated that I would be called to the path of a sangoma, a Traditional South African healer. Now that I have graduated from my sangoma training, I return to South Africa to continue my training as a sangoma that mentors others who are called to this path.
I have been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbology since 1995. My Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) is from Southwest Acupuncture College, three year program. I am licensed in California, New Mexico and nationally. I taught at Southwest Acupuncture College for six years while maintaining my private practice. In 2004, I moved to Escondido to serve this community.
Oriental Medicine is a life long learning process. I take minimally 50 continuing education hours every two years. Recently, I studied Classical Acupuncture with Ann Cecil-Sterman and use this form of acupuncture as a foundation for my treatments. I am now studying Auricular Medicine and integrating that into my practice.
I have a deep passion for spiritual growth and love assisting others on their path to wholeness.
The path to health and wholeness can be challenging for many people. I have dedicated my life to service of others, and I am here to help you on your path. After studying extensively with African shamans for many years, I now bring different healing modalities to help my clients achieve balance and harmony in their lives.