Taug’s Medical Path

My acupuncture journey began not in a classroom, but through injury.

Before becoming a practitioner, I spent years as a ski patroller, whitewater raft guide, and U.S. World Cup Telemark ski racer. Along the way, I tore both ACLs—on separate occasions—and after surgery and rehab, I was left with lingering chronic pain. My first Acupuncture treatment was miraculous. I went from being stuck in so much pain that I didn’t want to ski (and this was when I was working as a ski patroller), to being pain free inside of 1 week. That experience changed everything. And set me on a 10 year journey to Chinese Medicine.

In 1999, while competing on the World Cup Telemark circuit, I attended the Good Medicine School of Massage and became a Certified Massage Therapist. Upon graduation, I immediately enrolled in Southwest Acupuncture College where I spent 3 years earning a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine degree. I augmented my clinical training with a hospital externship in Beijing, China, where Tradition Chinese Medicine is practiced side-by-side with modern Western medicine. That integrative approach continues to shape my work today. I actively collaborate with Western physicians, physical therapists, trainers, chiropractors, nutritionists, massage therapists, and other healthcare professionals to support each patient’s recovery. I believe the best outcomes happen when practitioners work together.

After my graduation in 2003, I established East Of The Tetons Acupuncture, a solo practice in Jackson, Wyoming, and ran it for 20 years. Most of the patients that I saw were not serious enough to require Orthopedic care, but I worked closely with orthopedic surgeons and served as the only acupuncturist on the medical staff at St. John’s Hospital. Jackson is home to many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. It was my privilege to see them in all stages of injury and recovery. From day 1 sprains and strains, to pre and post surgical recovery, to chronic injuries of overuse and abuse, I was able to gain invaluable experience from all of them. It was a joy to see patients regaining function, returning to sport, and just going outside to enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Alongside this work, and in collaboration with the local OB/GYN physicians, I developed a strong focus in women’s health, with particular emphasis on infertility and menstrual cycles.

My goals are simple: to offer effective treatment, practical tools, and realistic guidance, to help patients recover as quickly as possible, and build resilience for the future.