michelle’s bio

Dr. Michelle Hirsch is a Functional Medicine Doctor, California State Licensed Acupuncturist, and Chinese Herbalist. Prior to her studies of Chinese medicine, she spent 13 years devoted to organic farming and sustainable community agriculture.  She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1997 with a major in Women’s health where she began to understand that a balanced, nutrient rich diet is the foundation to a healthy body.  She has farmed organic vegetables, flowers and herbs in Michigan, New Zealand, New Hampshire, and Northern California.  In 2007, Michelle started a neighborhood community garden in Berkeley which continues to flourish, providing fresh organic produce and eggs to her community.

Michelle received a Masters of Science in Chinese Medicine in 2009 at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS). Before graduating, she co-founded Octagon Community Acupuncture where she continues to provide services to hundreds of people, all having unique and interesting health concerns. She has been devoted to deepening her study of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture with a special interest in digestive and fertility issues.  After teaching several Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) review courses, in 2012 she became a professor at ACCHS teaching classes in advanced acupuncture techniques. Michelle completed her doctorate degree in Integrative Chinese and Functional Medicine at Five Branches University.

Over the last decade, Michelle realized there was a missing element in what she could offer her patients who were presenting growing rates of fatigue, digestive issues, increased toxin levels and other health challenges, so she dove into the world of Functional Medicine.  Michelle completed her degree in Functional Medicine through The Kalish Institute and is now able to bridge the gap between ancient Chinese medical wisdom and the great advances in modern scientific testing.

Michelle lives in Berkeley with her husband, two energetic youngsters and two pups. In her free time she loves listening to and playing live music as well as connecting to the abundant nature of the West Coast.