About Us

 Kara Haakonson, DAcCHM, is a licensed acupuncturist in Illinois and a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM). She is nationally certified by the NCCAOM and is an active member of the Illinois Society of Acupuncturists (ILSA). Kara owns and operates Meridian + Myrrh Acupuncture and Wellness in Westchester, IL, where she specializes in pediatric health, nervous system regulation, pain management, and general medicine. 

Kara’s academic journey began at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). After spending twelve years in accounting and corporate finance, she followed her passion for holistic medicine. She pursued her Master of Science in Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (MSAcCHM) and Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) from Pacific College of Health and Science (PCHS), graduating summa cum laude. 

With over 3,000 hours of intensive academic and clinical training, Kara has expertise in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative care that blends Eastern and Western medical approaches. Her advanced doctoral studies focused on evidence-informed practice, biomedical diagnosis, orthopedics and preventative medicine. Kara is deeply committed to helping individuals on their healing journeys, offering a holistic approach to wellness that draws on the wisdom of TCM and modern healthcare. She is passionate about helping people feel their best and supporting them with their wellness goals. 

 At Meridian + Myrrh, healing is viewed through a holistic lens. In addition to acupuncture and herbal medicine, Kara offers Reiki, a gentle form of energy work that harmonizes the body’s subtle energies. As a Reiki Master Practitioner, Kara integrates this deeply restorative modality to support emotional balance, stress recovery, and the body’s innate ability to heal. Reiki complements the therapeutic effects of acupuncture beautifully, encouraging calm, clarity, and a sense of grounded well-being. 

Kara can be reached at kara@meridianandmyrrh.com