Dorothé Kolkena
After earning my bachelor's degree in Spanish language and literature, I
pursued both a second bachelor’s and a master's degree in European
Studies at the University of Amsterdam. Later, my husband, our six-month-old son, and I moved to Brazil, where we lived for 22 years. During that time, I worked extensively as a birth doula and perinatal educator. My introduction to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came through a client who became a close friend. After numerous discussions about TCM’s approach to health and illness, I decided to start studying this remarkable medical system and have been dedicated to it ever since. I’ve had the privilege of learning from exceptional teachers, most notably Ernesto Garcia in Sao Paulo, under whose guidance I combined my love for teaching with my passion for TCM as an instructor at his leading Brazilian TCM school, all while running a successful private practice.
In 2017, we relocated to Michigan, where I validated my credentials by
earning a second master's degree from the Chicago College of Oriental
Medicine. I am now a licensed acupuncturist practicing in general medicine, with extensive experience in women’s health and facial acupuncture, and I am currently specializing in oncology.
Even after more than 20 years, I am still in awe of TCM; it reflects a
worldview that is manifested through art, literature, history, philosophy and movement; a comprehensive medical system that seamlessly integrates the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life, mirroring the entire interconnectedness of the Universe. This enables me to treat the whole person, not just one isolated symptom.
THE MEDICINE
TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that originated in East Asia and has evolved over thousands of years. It is based on the understanding that body, mind, and environment are interconnected and need to be in balance to maintain health. According to TCM, this balance is achieved when all systems function harmoniously. It is a system that has its own foundational theory, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Basic concepts such as Qi (vital energy) and its pathways, Blood, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements with their related organ systems are used to describe how our body functions as a microcosm.
Practitioners of TCM focus on identifying and correcting underlying patterns of imbalance rather than only treating the symptoms. Treatments are personalized to each individual.
This holistic medical system includes therapeutic methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, moxibustion, and cupping, among others.
ACUPUNCTURE
Here in our Western world, acupuncture is the most well-known therapy within TCM. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points.
Acupuncture points are mainly located on channels that carry Qi throughout the body, and stimulating these points and channels helps restore balance and activate the body’s natural healing ability by improving circulation, unblocking stagnation, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system.
Most patients describe treatments as relaxing and calming, and experience an increasing sense of well-being during and after sessions.
CHINESE HERBAL THERAPY
Plant, mineral, and sometimes animal-derived substances are used to restore balance. Single herbs are combined into custom formulas to target each patient's unique pattern of imbalance.
Each herb has unique properties and functions; they can warm, cool, nourish, and promote movement, among other effects. When combined into a formula, their synergy targets both symptoms and root causes. Using herbal formulas alongside acupuncture treatments helps sustain them and enhances results.
Herbal formulas can be prepared as teas, powders, pills, capsules, or tinctures.
MOXIBUSTION
This is a heat therapy that involves burning a dried herb called mugwort near specific areas or acupuncture points on the body. This therapeutic warmth penetrates deeply, helping to activate circulation and strengthen the immune system. It is especially effective for conditions caused by coldness in the body.
The treatment produces a pleasant, soothing warmth. It is often combined with acupuncture and herbal therapy to enhance outcomes.
CUPPING
Cupping is a technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction increases blood circulation, helps release stagnation, promotes detoxification, and relaxes the muscles and fascia. It is often used on the back, neck, and shoulders, but can be applied anywhere on the body. The cups can be left stationary on the skin, or they can be moved, the latter with some oil to help them glide over areas of congestion.
DIETARY THERAPY
A nutritional approach rooted in TCM principles. It is regarded as a powerful part of treatment, as TCM views food as medicine.
The focus is less on calories or nutrients and more on the energetic characteristics of food, like warming, cooling, drying, or moistening, and how these affect each organ system. This is also how herbal therapy functions. The diet is individualized to each patient’s needs and underlying pattern differentiation. All while emphasizing whole, natural foods, prepared in ways that promote digestion and nutrient absorption, and thus helping the body to maintain balance.
AURICULAR MEDICINE
Auricular therapy is based on the principle that the external ear functions as a microsystem that reflects the entire body. This means that specific areas of the ear correspond to certain organs, structures, and systems. It involves stimulating these points or areas to elicit a response (treat). This can be done using needles, laser, pellets, or seeds as stimulating elements.
At DK Acupuncture, we follow the approach developed by Dr. Li-Chun Huang, under whom Dorothe Kolkena directly studied. She emphasizes the diagnostic value of the ear through subtle changes in skin conductivity, tenderness, discoloration, nodules, or vascular patterns, which would then indicate a functional disturbance in the corresponding body areas.
Since the ear provides an accessible treatment area, auricular therapy can be used as a standalone treatment, which is also offered here at DK Acupuncture.
COSMETIC ACUPUNTURE
ACUPUNTURE FACIAL REJUVENATION
Facial acupuncture is a safe, gentle, and effective way to reduce signs of aging without the downtime and risks associated with surgery or injections. The treatment stimulates collagen production, enhances muscle tone, and improves circulation. But at our clinic, it is more than just a cosmetic procedure. TCM is based on the principle that health is manifested from the inside out. Acupuncture adjusts the flow of energy throughout your body, thereby initiating the process of constitutional rejuvenation. This means that, in addition to enhancing your face’s appearance, you will also feel more revitalized overall. That’s why, with us, whole-body acupuncture is included in our facial rejuvenation program.
During treatment, thin needles are inserted on the outer surface of the ear to promote relaxation, then into specific body points tailored to the individual’s systemic needs. This process triggers the release of endorphins, creating a sense of well-being. After achieving deep relaxation, needles are also placed in facial acupuncture points and wrinkle areas. These needles create microtraumas, stimulating collagen production.
Techniques such as facial cupping, facial Gua Sha, and microneedle dermal rollers are also used to enhance the treatment's effects.
Treatments are very relaxing, and you will look forward to the refreshed and rested appearance you achieve with each session.
You will notice an improvement in your skin after each session. For optimal results, the recommended treatment plan is once a week for twelve weeks.
MICRO-NEEDLING
Micro-needling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that utilizes a professional, medical-grade needle pen to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis by creating new capillaries, thereby improving blood flow. It can effectively treat deeper acne scars, hair regrowth, stretch marks, and hypopigmentation. Fine lines and wrinkles can be reduced, resulting in a more even skin tone and a smoother surface, which gives the skin a refreshed and youthful appearance. At our clinic, we use the AcuLift™ micro-needling pen, along with AcuLift™ serums and skincare products. The tiny needles in the pen create channels that significantly enhance the absorption of these products.
As acupuncturists, we are uniquely qualified to perform micro-needling. Combining our ancient medicine with modern technology enhances health and beauty from within. Systemic or whole-body acupuncture addresses the internal causes of aging and organ imbalances, which often manifest on the face. When calming, restorative acupuncture sessions are combined with microneedling, the benefits are greatly amplified.
Results are often visible after a single treatment; however, for optimal results, the micro-needling treatment plan typically involves monthly sessions over a period of four to six months. Afterward, we can establish a maintenance schedule tailored to your specific needs.
NANO-NEEDLING
Nano needling is similar to micro-needling but is slightly gentler and even less invasive, making it ideal for quick weekly treatments on its own or as an addition to Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.
THE PROCESS
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CLINIC POLICIES and PRICING
Scheduling
Appointments can be scheduled online through our portal. Press the "BOOK NOW" button, and you will be directed to set up an account. Through this account, you can schedule and view your appointments at your convenience. It also allows you to communicate with our staff.
Other than through our portal, you can always reach us at (248) 710-5998.
Cancellations
We are available to you and all our patients in a flexible manner. If you still need to cancel an appointment, please do so at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. If the cancellation occurs with less than 24 hours' notice, we will charge 50% of your appointment price to your credit card.
Payments
Your credit card will be placed on file when setting up your portal account, and it will be charged after the appointment is completed. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, your card will automatically be charged 50%.
Discounts will be applied at checkout.
Insurance
We do not accept insurance and are considered an out-of-network provider. If your plan covers out-of-network acupuncture services, we can provide you with a superbill.
It is possible to use your HSA/FSA debit cards.
FEES
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
New patient evaluation and treatment: $120 ( 90 minutes )
• Please have all your health and consent forms completed and ready
before this appointment. They can be found in the portal.
Return visit: $80 ( 60 minutes )
5 return treatment package: $375 - save $25
10 return treatment package: $740 - save $60
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Initial evaluation and treatment: $170 ( 90 minutes )
• Includes facial and full-body acupuncture, facial cupping and gua sha, all while using AcuLiftTM Skincare products.
Individual treatment: $130 (75 minutes )
6 return treatment package: $725 - save $55
12 return treatment package: $1400 - save $160
Microneedling
Initial evaluation and treatment: $ 260 ( 90 minutes )
• Includes micro-needling of the chosen area, full-body acupuncture, and an AcuLiftTM post-care kit.
Individual treatment: $220 (60 minutes, only available for maintenance, after a treatment package has been completed)
4 treatments package: $825 - save $55
6 treatment package: $1200 - save $120
8 treatment package: $1580 - save $180
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
TESTIMONIALS
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TRES
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CONTACT US
Address: 3508 Kossuth Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
Email: dorothe@dkclinicacupuncture.com
Phone: (248) 710-5998