About the doctors
Rhys May
DAc, MAc, LAc, Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)
Dr. Rhys May, is a nationally board-certified acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner who earned both her Master of Acupuncture with specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine and Doctor of Acupuncture degrees from Bastyr University.
During her clinical training at Bastyr, Dr. May gained extensive experience through off-site rotations at Harborview Medical Center, where she served as part of the Acute Pain Service team; at Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, offering supportive care to oncology patients; and at Neighborcare Health in Columbia City, providing integrative care to a diverse patient population. At the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, she deepened her expertise by working in the Chinese herbal dispensary and completing internships under the guidance of accomplished clinicians, including Dr. Qiang Cao, founder of Wedgwood Acupuncture and Botanical Medicine.
Dr. May's journey into medicine began through her passion for off-road bicycle racing. As a competitive athlete traveling across the U.S. and Canada, she developed a profound respect for the human body’s resilience and performance potential. Her curiosity about anatomy and physiology—paired with her pursuit of marginal gains in performance—naturally led her to explore the regulatory effects of acupuncture on the nervous system and its broader applications for wellness.
In practice, Dr. May brings a holistic, compassionate approach to treating a wide range of conditions. She is particularly passionate about pain management—whether orthopedic, sports-related, or connected to the mind-body relationship—as well as supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
Before transitioning into healthcare, Dr. May worked professionally as a jewelry and metalsmithing artist, creating intricate pieces designed to adorn and celebrate the human form. She was delighted to discover that the earliest acupuncturists may have also been metalworkers, forging their own needles—an ancient connection that resonated deeply with her creative roots.
Outside the clinic, Dr. May stays grounded by exploring the forests, lakes, and trails of the Pacific Northwest. Whether she’s mountain biking, trail running, hiking, paddleboarding, or foraging local herbs and mushrooms, nature continues to inspire her personal life and professional practice. Dr. May brings this connection with the natural world into her healing work, helping patients find balance, vitality, and a deeper sense of well-being.
During her clinical training at Bastyr, Dr. May gained extensive experience through off-site rotations at Harborview Medical Center, where she served as part of the Acute Pain Service team; at Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, offering supportive care to oncology patients; and at Neighborcare Health in Columbia City, providing integrative care to a diverse patient population. At the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, she deepened her expertise by working in the Chinese herbal dispensary and completing internships under the guidance of accomplished clinicians, including Dr. Qiang Cao, founder of Wedgwood Acupuncture and Botanical Medicine.
Dr. May's journey into medicine began through her passion for off-road bicycle racing. As a competitive athlete traveling across the U.S. and Canada, she developed a profound respect for the human body’s resilience and performance potential. Her curiosity about anatomy and physiology—paired with her pursuit of marginal gains in performance—naturally led her to explore the regulatory effects of acupuncture on the nervous system and its broader applications for wellness.
In practice, Dr. May brings a holistic, compassionate approach to treating a wide range of conditions. She is particularly passionate about pain management—whether orthopedic, sports-related, or connected to the mind-body relationship—as well as supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
Before transitioning into healthcare, Dr. May worked professionally as a jewelry and metalsmithing artist, creating intricate pieces designed to adorn and celebrate the human form. She was delighted to discover that the earliest acupuncturists may have also been metalworkers, forging their own needles—an ancient connection that resonated deeply with her creative roots.
Outside the clinic, Dr. May stays grounded by exploring the forests, lakes, and trails of the Pacific Northwest. Whether she’s mountain biking, trail running, hiking, paddleboarding, or foraging local herbs and mushrooms, nature continues to inspire her personal life and professional practice. Dr. May brings this connection with the natural world into her healing work, helping patients find balance, vitality, and a deeper sense of well-being.