Dr. Judy Hennessey
Dr. Judy Hennessey earned her BS in Physiology from UC Davis. After three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, she returned to California to attend medical school at the UC Berkeley/UCSF joint medical program, where she graduated with an MD and an MS in public health. She has spent over 30 years as a OB/GYN, bringing together her technical skills as a surgeon and her holistic approach as a healer. She completed her acupuncture certification from the Helms Medical Institute, which has been training physicians in acupuncture for over 40 years, and she is a fellow of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
Dr. Hennessey’s interest in complementary and alternative medicine began during her Peace Corps service in Thailand. Her appreciation of alternative healing practices grew as she learned from traditional healers and herbalists. Later, as a doctor for the Navajo Nation, she treated patients side by side with medicine men and women, and witnessed the integration of ancient wisdom with modern medical treatments. In the years since, she has studied integrative psychiatry, energetic healing modalities, and shamanism, alongside her training in acupuncture.
Dr. Hennessey’s acupuncture practice enables her to provide comprehensive care that incorporates each patient's individuality, beliefs, health history, and social and emotional characteristics. She believes in practicing a whole person/picture approach which often isn’t possible in the time limited and narrowly focused clinic visits that were standard of care in Western medical practice.
In her clinical career, Dr. Hennessey focused on women’s and reproductive health, and she continues to incorporate reproductive care as a focus in her healing work. Through her experience as an athlete—including a deep yogic practice, marathon running, and ultimate frisbee—she also developed an interest in working with athletes to maintain holistic well being and improve performance and recovery.
Dr. Hennessey has lived in the East Bay for over 20 years. She and her wife love spending time in their garden, walking their dogs Oliver and Otis, cooking elaborate meals, and staying connected to friends and family.
“Dr. Hennessey was professional, gentle, and reassuring. It is without hesitation that I recommend her.”
— Allison K, El Cerrito
“When I go to see Judy, it’s for some “thing” – a shoulder sore from overzealous yoga or climbing; that long ago lower back injury re-emerging; a neck or hip tweaked from too much time sitting at the computer. The “thing” indeed gets attention and relief, but there’s even more magic in how the session also re-balances my whole system. I sleep, move, and digest better; I’m in a better mood and have more energy while somehow feeling calmer.
I really appreciate being in such capable and nurturing hands. Judy’s experience as a medical doctor dovetails so well with her non-western healing skills – she quickly grasps what's going on, and she checks in frequently to make sure I'm comfortable, and that the treatment is aligning with what my body needs at that time."
—Janet W, Berkeley