Loved this place. I'm looking for how to use their product *The VitalCompass*, which I purchased before they closed. Thank you. read more

I've had one acupuncture session with Green at Vital Compass, and, wow, what an amazing treatment. I very much like her approach to diagnostics and treatment, she impresses as being very confident and thorough. I will certainly return for more work. I have seen a number of acupuncturists over a 35 year period. I'm not easily impressed, and I'm very impressed by Green's work. A bonus is that they work with insurance companies. Everything very straightforward and clear. read more

This shop is cute and has a good selection of Chinese herbs. Green has been consistently kind, respectful and easy to work with over the years. I will be finding other sources for Chinese herbs because everyone else I have interacted with has been mildly to moderately abrasive or the order was extremely difficult to complete (I usually get one or two items for clients). There have been ongoing communication problems, lost orders, lost invoices (classic: "we don't have you in our system" after 5 years of purchases) and so on. Recently I tried to go there as a client for treatment. I was referred out for one of the most common problems in women's health. I really don't get it. read more

I've been a regular customer now for the last few months and it's due time I give the V.C. some props. First of all, the customer service is top notch. I always get a call back or called immediately if my acupuncture sends in an order. They call me with reports if they can't get an herb and have to outsource it ... "it will be $1.39 more this time..." They always tell me I need to pay over the phone before they make my herbs, but I tell them I'm coming in to pay and they make my order anyway for me. They bundle my herbs up into daily perfect-cute packs - it makes Chinese herbing a whole lot better when you open the little presents the folks at the V.C. wrapped for you. Vital Compass also takes appointments if you don't have an outsider referring you in. Whatever ails you, just go in and tell them and they will probably find something to help you, though I can't guarantee it will taste great. There are also pre-mixed teas and herbal soup broth mixes available for purchase. Walking into the Vital Compass can only do you good. read more

The Vital Compass - Opening up a pack of herbs looks this pretty. - Massage Therapy Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Spot on, always how it feels whenever I visit The Vital Compass. With a great variety of fresh bulk herbals and fantastic tinctures, I'm always satisfied with the formulations we come up with to enhance my health and wellness. Great work and thanks a million! read more

John helped me through a very difficult time of dampness and emotional struggle (and undiagnosed Lyme). He is incredible with herbs and I felt totally comfortable discussing my physical struggles. The space has a warm atmosphere and calm feel that is healing as well. read more

Green, one of the co-owners of Vital Compass, is amazing. She has a confident, steady, moving-forward attitude that says "yeah, sometimes healing is hard but we can do this!" --not to mention the twinkle in her eye that says "and some of it can even be fun." I think what I like best about her is that she meets you where you are. If you want to learn, she can teach. If you want nurturing herbs, she knows them. If you want treatment and quiet, you got it. If you want a listening ear, she has a knack for listening with humor and compassion but not encouraging you to get lost in your own story. Whether you want to fight back a cold or leave behind a serious, seemingly intractable illness, I highly recommend her. read more

Today I received acupuncture for the first time and this was a great experience!! John made me feel really comfortable and safe and heard and I felt immediate positive results. read more

If you are looking for a place that isn't transparent about the status of your order; that doesn't update you when there's been a change; that has webpage certificates that expire, leaving you wondering why your payment isn't going through; that stops sending you electronic notifications of when your order has been picked up to be shipped; that isn't consistent with their methods of electronic contact, leaving you wondering where the communication is; that you have to contact multiple times to circle back about your order; that doesn't offer a solution as to how they could better keep you in the loop about your order to help things run smoother; that offers the excuse of "We don't have any control over how the post office runs their business," as an answer to their customer service issues; that doesn't take accountability for what is in their power to improve; that says, "You are more than welcome to go find another place to get your herbs if you don't like how we do things," as a solution to their customer service inquiries; that runs things loosey goosey; that hangs up the phone as a way of controlling your customer service issue; then, this is the place for you. However, if you are not OK with blame-shifting, lip-service, and unprofessional behavior, would like accountability, are new to Portland, the Chinese Medicine scene, or need your herbs shipped to you, this is not the place for you. read more

I am so glad I found The Vital Compass! Everyone here is extremely friendly and professional. I have been treated by John Servilio with Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. He has made a real difference in my healing from some ridiculous illnesses! I'm also eternally grateful for getting help with a lifelong health issue that no other type of medicine seems to be able to address. John is a bottomless well of kindness and a natural healer. My limited interactions with the other practitioners has been very positive and I wouldn't hesitate to see any of them. If you are seeking out acupuncture or other supportive health modalities, give Vital Compass a call. They seem very willing to work with patients in terms of treatment plans, affordable payments, and you will see great results. read more

You know when your experiencing the best of the best in Chinese Medicine. The Vital Compass practitioners are the best ever. I've gone to many clinics in the past 30 years. I would not consider going anywhere else. The only problem with posting this on yelp is I might have trouble getting my weekly appointment with Alison or as I call her Ali. Ssh! I'm suppose to call her Alison because she thinks it's more professional. Me I know she's the best as are the other practitioners. Allison, Green, John, and Jeff. read more

I went in for acupuncture and the staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. I had such a great experience here with Allison Keil.

I see Alison for all my needs! She is an amazing acupuncturist, masseuse, herbalist and all around fantastic person. Her shop is beautiful and such a blissful place to visit. Her healing power is unparalleled and I couldn't recommend this place enough. Her knowledge of herbs is truly amazing and her remedies always help! read more

I fell so lucky to have Green and Vital Compass in my life. The communication and customer service is great. The minute I walk in the door I feel very taken care of and ready to get some intensive work done. I have experienced both physical and emotional transformation and support through the deep well of tools Green employs- Body work, herbs, and especially acupuncture. Out of all the medical folks I have to encounter in my life Vital Compass is the one place that really knows me and is an active partner in my well being. read more

I greatly appreciate the care I was given at Vital Compass yesterday. Everyone is so nice I feel really good today! Pay them a visit it will make a world of difference if you are struggling with pain. read more

The Vital Compass is where I've been receiving acupuncture treatments since they were in business - and was seeing Allison Loecher before that. I knew her while she was in school, and even as a student, when I was suddenly dealing with vertigo, nausea, incapacitation from what was diagnosed as Meniere's Disease, she offered me some Chinese patent formulas and told me about the program at her school, OCOM. Within a year, with regular visits, my severe episodes ended, and as I deal with the ongoing residual and seasonal symptoms, I rely on acupuncture, and Allison's diagnostic and treatment skills. I've seen other practitioners there as well. All are well qualified. Shiatsu massage can be incorporated into treatments, and other modalities like moxa, cupping, heat, stim....which has helped me through injuries and arthritis pain. The clinic is beautiful, and the shelves filled with jars of raw herbs is gorgeous! There's usually someone pounding, measuring and packaging herbs at the counter, and friendly, helpful staff to greet and re-schedule. Visits are unrushed, and enjoyable in a calm, efficient atmosphere. Right on the busline, too, and in a lovely neighborhood with diverse shops and post-acupuncture food options. read more

Back for More --- I am amazed how strong Green is. I recommend the Chinese medicinal massage ( I forget the name ) it's worth it and heads up LEHS people ...VC takes UMR insurance but even those without will be blessed with reasonable out of pocket costs. Do you and your body a favor - make an appt. read more

This place is great and has a serious collection of herbs! I had visited the herbarium on Alberta and they didn't have the specific item I was looking for(magnolia bark), so they had very kindly suggested that I try the Vital Compass down the road. You walk in and there is a solid wall of herbs --their selection is huge!! They will even make powders or tinctures for you if needed, but I was after the raw herb. Allison was amazing and knew all about its properties and even brought out a book so I could read more if I desired -- I did. Truly super friendly!! And as my item was going to be a gift, there was even a ribbon for it there. Talked for a few minutes about a few other herbs that I want to purchase as I run out, and they had them as well. I will definitely be heading back here instead of ordering online for the few items I utilize (same price even for the item I was going to order). Plus, there is something wonderful about going to a store and seeing the herbs and hearing from folks who have studied intensely on the product. It was an unexpected great find! read more

The Vital Compass has a therapeutic energy from the moment you step in, I have received treatments from Alison as well as Green over the last year, both are amazingly intuitive, have strong healing hands and make you feel back in control of your body. I truly appreciate the time they take and listen to your story and their suggestions for herbs and follow up treatments. Thanks!! read more

The Vital Compass is THE BEST place in Portland for acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) body work. I often get a combination of acupuncture and Tui-Na, which is very similar to deep tissue massage. I have used herbs off and on, as prescribed by the providers at Vital Compass. All of these approaches - in various combinations or alone - are amazing for dealing with chronic health issues (chronic pain, allergies, insomnia etc). They also offer cupping, gua sha and shiatsu. I've gone to two of the practitioners and they are both fantastic! The practitioners operate on a co-op model, so there is no stress about switching practitioners if your usual person isn't available at a time you need. They share all proceeds equally and their rates are very reasonable. I LOVE this place! They are inclusive, kind, skilled and wonderful Don't wait to make an appointment if you are seeking excellent Chinese Medicine care! read more

I am so grateful to Vital Compass and to Green. She--we--have performed miracles. And that is one of the many wonderful things about Green--in every way, she projects how much healing is your work and your miracle, and in every way she supports you. Her great treatment is just the beginning. The pleasant environment and seamless scheduling/billing make everything so much easier. She is a great and patient listener. And Green, who is never preachy, also has an uncanny ability to say just the right thing, provide just the right metaphor and image, to buoy her patients through the rough waters that can sometimes come up. She is an inspiration and a life-saver. read more

Green has been a hugely positive force in mending my weary and achy body. From stress and sickness to an unshakeable leg injury, Green has worked wonders. I am extremely grateful to have her and the Vital Compass so nearby. I wholeheartedly recommend you pay them a visit. read more