Hello, I’m Dr. Carolyn Laney.

Dr. Carolyn’s story

My journey to becoming an acupuncturist and healer started long before I took my first class in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

My story began in childhood growing up in an abusive, unsupportive family. As a result, by the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with complex PTSD and depression with disordered sleep, and nightmares. I chose not to deal with my trauma right away until I had other ailments including PCOS, painful, heavy, irregular menstrual periods, IBS, and fibromyalgia which I believe are related to my traumatic experiences. As my self-awareness grew, I began to see firsthand how my mind affected my body in detrimental ways. My unprocessed emotions were left to fester affecting my physical health, as well as my mental health. This was something that I wanted to overcome.

Along my healing path, I continue to enlist the help of many western doctors, therapists, shamans, energy workers, and acupuncturists to help me process my trauma and heal my body, mind, and spirit. It is from my own healing work I found that energy work (i.e., reiki and craniosacral therapy) and acupuncture to be the most helpful. Acupuncture helped regulate my PCOS symptoms and menstrual periods, calmed my nervous system, helped my digestion, and alleviated my fibromyalgia pain. Reiki and craniosacral therapy (energy work) helped me further calm my anxiety. All of which lead me to study these modalities at length.

I began my study of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, reiki, and craniosacral therapy in 2013. In the beginning, I was still largely trying to continue to heal myself by digging deeper into these modalities and philosophies. But as I moved through these educational programs my focus shifted to a desire to make a difference in the lives of others by using my perspective to hold space for those going through similar healing journeys. Ultimately transforming my upbringing into a source of empathic confidence instead of something that haunts me.

In the clinic, I provide my patients with an approachable, safe space for their personal growth and healing.  I am especially passionate about healing trauma and PTSD, treating mental illness and supporting emotional well-being, women’s health and fertility, and alleviating pain. All things I can relate to on a personal level providing deep empathy paired with my clinical expertise to holistically support my patients in their healing process.

I openly share my story to illustrate that healing can be achieved. I want to encourage others to consider adding acupuncture and energy work to their healing journey. It has transformed my life and the lives of my patients.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my two kiddos, Sam and Tiffany. I also enjoy making art and painting, photography, hiking in the woods, running, biking, yoga, camping, gardening, reading, and cooking.

Education

Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Pacific College of Health and Science, San Diego, CA
August 2021

Master of Arts Degree, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN
December 2018

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Study Abroad
Henan University and Affiliated Hospitals, Zhengzhou, China
April 2017

Massage Therapy Certificate
Saint Paul College, St. Paul, MN
July 2015

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Psychology
St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
December 1997

 
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What patients are saying.

  • “Love her process. She is very knowledgeable and definitely knows what she is doing.”

    —B.K., current patient

  • “Dr. Laney is very kind and knowledgeable and is a wonderful listener. I really enjoyed this process and learning about it as well!”

    —K.F., current patient

  • “Carolyn has a calming and nurturing presence. She uses her knowledge and insight to provide treatment that best matches your needs. I left relaxed and feeling better.”

    —P.S., current patient

  • “I would highly recommend Dr. Carolyn for any physical, mental or emotional concerns. She has a kind heart, calm disposition and the innate ability to listen and make connections between all concerns in the body for a precise treatment plan.”

    —A.S., current patient

  • “Carolyn is a great listener and a great practitioner. Great combo!”

    —C.M., current patient

  • “Dr. Carolyn is so kindhearted and truly cares about her clients. After of few minutes of starting acupuncture I felt as if my head was floating and felt so calm all day. Actually, the last time I had acupuncture done with Dr. Carolyn I felt very calm for 5-6 days. I enjoy seeing her a lot and look forward to our appointment.”

    —M.J., current patient

  • “Dr. Laney is amazing! I was close to getting a hip replacement—but under her care with consistent acupuncture treatments the pain has decreased immensely! She’s very caring, listens to your needs and can adjust treatments as needed. Highly recommend!”

    —S.S., current patient