What does it mean to truly understand the body? For Dr. Özben Felek, DAOM, LAc., the answer has been shaped by an unexpected journey — one that began with engineering in Istanbul and eventually led her to the study and practice of Classical Chinese Medicine.
We are excited to share that Dr. Özben Felek was recently featured in Bold Journey, where she reflects on her professional path, the experiences that shaped her approach to healing, and the philosophy behind her work as an acupuncturist and herbalist.
An Unexpected Path to Chinese Medicine
Before becoming an acupuncturist, Özben studied industrial engineering at Galatasaray University in Istanbul, Turkey. Her introduction to a different way of understanding the human body came through practices like Aikido, Tai Chi, and gong fu tea.
These experiences sparked a curiosity about the body's natural intelligence and its ability to find balance. Rather than viewing the body as a machine that needs fixing, she began to see it as an interconnected living system — an understanding that would eventually guide her toward Chinese medicine.
After moving to the United States, Özben pursued her education in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, earning both her master's degree and doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Her education didn't end with graduation. Over the years, she has continued studying with experienced practitioners and teachers, deepening her understanding of classical acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and the body's channel systems.
Treating the Root, Not Just the Symptoms
At the heart of Özben's practice is the belief that meaningful healing begins with understanding the underlying patterns contributing to a person's symptoms.
Her approach combines Classical Chinese Acupuncture with Kiiko Matsumoto-style palpation, a method that uses physical feedback from the body to help guide treatment. She also works with classical Chinese herbal formulas, creating individualized treatments based on each patient's unique presentation.
Rather than following a fixed protocol, Özben takes time to listen, observe, and understand what is happening beneath the surface. Her goal is to support the body's own capacity to regulate, repair, and restore balance.
She has a particular interest in complex and chronic conditions, emotional and psychological health, women's health, and pediatric care.
Creating a Different Kind of Healing Space
The philosophy behind Özben's clinical work also inspired her to establish Felek Acupuncture in Albany, California.
She envisioned a space where people could slow down, feel genuinely heard, and receive care that looks beyond individual symptoms. Today, Felek Acupuncture brings together a team of practitioners offering acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, facial acupuncture, Reiki, and community classes.
For Özben, building the clinic has been about more than providing treatments. It has been about creating a healing environment where traditional medicine, thoughtful care, and community can come together.
A Journey of Continued Learning
One of the things that continues to shape Özben's work is her commitment to learning. Classical Chinese medicine is a vast tradition, and she approaches it as a lifelong study rather than a body of knowledge to be mastered once.
Through ongoing mentorship, clinical practice, and exploration of classical texts, she continues to refine her understanding of the body and the many ways Chinese medicine can support health.
We are grateful to Bold Journey for taking the time to share Özben's story and give readers a glimpse into the experiences and ideas that shape her work.
Read the full interview: Meet Dr. Özben Felek, DAOM, LAc. – Bold Journey
To learn more about Dr. Özben and her approach to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, visit her page, or you can explore our services and meet the practitioners at our clinic.