Parris Marks, L.Ac
Parris has been deeply engaged in the study of health and wellness since 2001. Her journey began with immersive travels to China, India, and Thailand, where she explored traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, meditation, and yogic practices. These experiences laid the foundation for her integrative approach to healthcare.
After returning to the United States in 2005, Parris pursued an interdisciplinary degree at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Her studies focused on cross-cultural concepts of health, neuropsychology, and Western perspectives on wellness, emphasizing the relationship
between a person’s inner awareness and their overall sense of well-being. Parris utilized breathwork from yogic theory as well as breathwork from an emotional/theatrical training to conduct research supporting this hypothesis.
Motivated by a passion for holistic healing, Parris continued her education with a four-year intensive master's program at Daoist Traditions College of Chinese Medical Arts. There, she gained a profound appreciation for the historical and philosophical roots of Chinese medicine and developed expertise in acupuncture, focusing on practical applications such as pain relief, hormone balancing, digestive support, and nervous system regulation.
Today, Parris works in a capacity like a primary care physician and specializes in supporting patients with a variety of both pain related and internal medicine conditions. Her experiential repertoire includes fertility challenges, menstrual and menopausal issues, peripheral neuropathy, and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. She employs targeted acupuncture techniques to restore balance and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, Parris educates her patients on dietary modifications and at-home practices to empower them in maintaining daily health and harmony.
Parris also has a sincere respect toward Western medicine, particularly its scientific advances in fields like cancer treatment. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between Eastern and Western approaches to healthcare, working to relay the effects of pharmaceuticals on the body from a
Chinese medical perspective. This integrative approach allows her to guide patients in understanding how treatments from both disciplines interact to influence their mind and body. With a compassionate and personalized approach, Parris is committed to helping her patients
find balance, vitality, and a deeper connection to their health.
When she’s not working with patients, Parris can be found living the principles she teaches, alongside her husband, children, and close-knit community. In the Spring Semester she teaches Chinese Medical Diagnosis and Differentiation at the local Chinese Medicine College. She enjoys hiking, swimming, yoga, reading, and spending quality time doing jigsaw puzzles with her kids.
Success Stories
R.F.
I've been seeing Parris for acupuncture and herbs for over eight years. She is the embodiment of a healer - warm, caring, empathetic, inquisitive, calm yet eager to discover what she can do to alleviate your pain and support healing. Her treatments have helped me through times of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as address physical ailments, sometimes in acute stages. She is also an expert in the field of herbal treatments. While I was skeptical at first, I'm now a believer in the power of herbs and using them to gently encourage the body to shift toward a healthier state. The herbs I've taken have helped me sleep better, given me more consistent energy, helped regulate my hormones, and overall lead to feeling more robust and healthy. I highly recommend Parris as an expert in her field who will support you with your health goals to achieve excellent results.
A.C.
Parris has a naturally ability to put you at right at ease. Her disposition is peaceful, professional, and highly experienced. She is mentally and emotionally organized in her work. The care she offers always exceeds my expectations. Her passion and knowledge of Chinese medicine is authentic and intuitive. Parris has taught me many things about myself and it is because of her that I continue to feel healthier and take better care of myself.
M.P.
Parris Marks has worked on me for years helping me to heal in so many ways with her acupuncture and other modalities she is versed in. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in her practice to help one in need, especially me. I highly recommend having a consultation in person with her and see what you think.
Parris Marks, LAc. is a compassionate and trauma-informed healer. With over 10 years of clinical experience treating auto-immune imbalance, women’s health concerns, and chronic pain conditions, she offers keen attention and careful diagnosis to each patient.
Parris delights in supporting patients through mental, physical, and emotional transitions resulting in their unique health and harmony.