Meet the Acupuncturist: Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
Every August, acupuncturists across the country celebrate #MeetTheAcupuncturist, a campaign created by a fellow acupuncturist to help educate the public about acupuncture, herbal medicine, and the people dedicated to improving the health of their communities. It offers a chance to share our stories, explain what inspires us, and help patients get to know the practitioners behind the treatments.
We’re joining the celebration a day late, but we’re excited to kick things off by introducing the woman behind Karma Zen Acupuncture—Dr. Katrina Giangarra, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
From Florida to the Texas Hill Country
Although Dr. Katrina grew up in Florida, her heart was captured by Texas during her teenage years after her father and stepmother moved to the beautiful Texas Hill Country. While Florida often finds itself in humorous headlines, she assures everyone it’s far more normal than the internet would have you believe!
When it came time for college, Texas called her back. She attended Baylor University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Fascinated by how the human body functions at the molecular level, she immersed herself in science and medicine, never imagining that a personal health challenge would soon change the direction of her life.
The Treatment That Changed Everything
While back in Florida, Dr. Katrina injured her back. Looking for relief, she turned to a friend who happened to be an acupuncturist.
The treatments did far more than simply reduce her pain.
Her back healed naturally without relying on medications or invasive procedures. Even more surprising were the changes she wasn’t expecting. She noticed improved sleep, increased energy, a stronger immune system, better moods, relief from allergy symptoms, and an overall improvement in her health and quality of life.
That experience was life-changing.
She realized that acupuncture wasn’t just about relieving pain—it was about helping the body function better as a whole. Inspired by what it had done for her, she knew she wanted to help others experience those same benefits.
Following the Calling
Dr. Katrina enrolled at the same school where her acupuncturist had studied—Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, now known as Pacific College of Health and Science.
She spent four years earning her Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine, followed by a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM).
Armed with a strong background in both modern science and Traditional East Asian Medicine, she returned to Texas with one goal: helping people feel better naturally.
Finding the Perfect Home
Returning to Texas, Dr. Katrina wasn’t planning to open her own practice.
Then she discovered a beautiful clinic location in Spicewood, Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country along Texas Highway 71.
It felt like the opportunity she’d been hoping for.
Sometimes life has other plans.
She took the leap, opened Karma Zen Acupuncture, and has now spent more than a decade helping patients overcome pain, stress, injuries, digestive concerns, headaches, insomnia, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and many other health conditions.
Nothing brings her greater joy than watching patients return to the activities they love.
One thing she’s especially grateful for?
Her patients.
While being awesome certainly isn’t a requirement to become a patient, she jokes that they somehow all seem to fit that description.
Healthy Living Isn’t Just What She Teaches—It’s How She Lives
Helping people live healthier lives starts with practicing what you teach.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Katrina enjoys staying active and continually learning.
She is also a certified yoga instructor and believes movement plays an important role in maintaining physical and mental wellness.
Her weekly routine includes:
- Weight training a few days each week
- Elliptical workouts on non-lifting days
- Daily yoga practice
- Daily walks with her English Bulldog, Dewey
Meet the Unofficial Team
Every great clinic has a wonderful support staff… even if they have four legs!
Dewey, Dr. Katrina’s lovable English Bulldog, occasionally greets patients at the clinic and has become one of Karma Zen Acupuncture’s unofficial mascots.
He learned from the best—Callie, the clinic’s original unofficial mascot—who left behind a legacy of bringing comfort, smiles, and unconditional love to everyone she met.
At home, three rescued female orange tabby cats continue supporting morale:
- Esme
- Isabella
- Opal
Of course, every successful clinic also needs someone to keep things clean.
That important responsibility belongs to Crash, the hardworking robotic Roomba who faithfully cleans the office floors each weekend.
More Than a Career—A Calling
Acupuncture transformed Dr. Katrina’s life.
Today, she has the privilege of helping others discover that feeling for themselves.
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, hoping to sleep better, manage stress, recover from an injury, improve your overall wellness, or simply feel more like yourself again, Karma Zen Acupuncture is honored to be part of your health journey.
Thank you for allowing us to serve the Texas Hill Country community.
We look forward to many more years of helping people live healthier, happier lives.
