Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Julia Walls.
Hi Dr. Julia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Oregon roots run deep—I grew up in Hood River. My background is in biotechnology, where I worked in organic chemistry research. I earned both my undergraduate degree in biochemistry and my master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of Oregon. I always knew I would eventually go into medicine; I just didn’t know it would be as a Doctor of Acupuncture.
My own experience with acupuncture profoundly changed my life. After experiencing its impact firsthand, I knew I needed to learn more about this amazing medicine and use it to help others. I went on to earn both master’s- and doctoral-level degrees in acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Today, I am an award-winning Doctor of Acupuncture and Asian Medicine and the owner of Tualatin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. My scientific background continues to shape the way I practice, allowing me to integrate Western biomedical knowledge and research with the traditional wisdom of Asian medicine. With more than a decade of experience in practice, I specialize in treating chronic health conditions, providing pain relief, and supporting women’s health. I love helping people feel better and improve their quality of life, and I am deeply grateful that my patients entrust me with their care.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would not describe my journey as a smooth or straight road. I began in biochemistry and biotechnology, working in organic chemistry research and originally believing that my path would lead me into traditional Western medicine. I never imagined that I would grow up to become a Doctor of Acupuncture. My own profound experience with acupuncture changed that direction completely and inspired me to dedicate my career to this medicine.
My original practice was in Southeast Portland, where I practiced for more than a decade. When my family and I moved to the Tualatin-Tigard area, I decided to relocate my established practice as well. It was a significant transition, but I wanted to work closer to home and become part of a smaller, more connected community.
I also intentionally chose a location directly across from Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center. I am passionate about caring for healthcare professionals, and our convenient location allows us to serve many nurses, doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers, they are in great need of care too . The road was not necessarily the one I envisioned when I began, but each change brought me closer to the kind of medicine I wanted to practice and the community I wanted to serve.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tualatin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tualatin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine provides individualized acupuncture and Asian medicine, with a focus on chronic and complex health conditions, pain relief, and women’s health—including fertility and reproductive health. What truly sets our practice apart is our integrative approach to medicine.
I tell patients, “Bring me your laboratory results. Bring me your imaging. I want to see it.” That information helps me understand the complete picture and informs how I individualize each patient’s care. My background in biotechnology, organic chemistry, and research allows me to read and evaluate medical research at a high level. Reading medical research is genuinely one of my favorite things to do, and I am continually studying so that our care remains informed by both current science and the traditional wisdom of Asian medicine.
A large part of our patient population is made up of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others who spend their careers caring for people. We also receive many referrals directly from physicians. I believe it speaks volumes about the care we provide when medical professionals trust us with their own health and confidently refer their patients to our practice.
My chemistry and herbal medicine backgrounds also came together in the creation of Liquid Gold, our custom-formulated topical pain reliever. I developed it in-house using a combination of Asian herbs, Western herbs, and CBD. It has become our clinic’s number-one bestselling product.
Accessibility is also very important to us. We are in network with most insurance plans, helping make acupuncture available to more people. We also care for patients recovering from motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries. Our team includes nine employees, including my associate, Dr. Maggie, who received her medical training in China. Collectively, our clinic offers care in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Russian, allowing us to better serve our diverse community.
I am most proud of our ability to care for people with complicated health conditions. Many patients come to us after they have already tried numerous other approaches. I often joke that we are “the last resort with the best results.” I love digging deeply into each person’s case, understanding what they have been through, and determining how we can help them most effectively.
Above all, our brand is about helping people feel better and improve their quality of life. I am wildly passionate about this work, and I have built a team that shares that commitment to thoughtful, compassionate, and highly individualized care.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a curious, sensitive, and ambitious child. At different points, I wanted to be President of the United States, a veterinarian, or a caterer—although becoming a veterinarian was the dream I held onto the longest. Ultimately, I realized that seeing animals in pain was more than I could handle. I have always been deeply sensitive and compassionate, especially toward animals. I became a vegetarian at age 12 because of my love for animals and concern for the environment.
I also loved math and science from an early age and was named Math Student of the Year in eighth grade. I have always been curious about how things work and eager to understand the world around me. That curiosity extended to geography, travel, different cultures, and people. I later studied abroad in Germany, and the experience strengthened my fascination with cultures beyond my own.
Growing up in Hood River also gave me a lifelong love of nature and outdoor activities. My family spent time waterskiing, boating, and playing on the river, and I also enjoyed snowboarding, hiking, and camping. As a teenager, I worked at Mt. Hood Meadows. Being active and spending time outdoors have always been important parts of who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tualatin-acupuncture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TualatinAcupuncture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TualatinAcupuncture
