Business Details
23 Years
experience
Acupuncture & Wellness Services in Waco, TX
Live Oak Acupuncture & Wellness Center has been a trusted provider of holistic healthcare in Central Texas since 2003. Founded by Dr. Kristen Horner Warren, a doctoral-level acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist, our practice combines evidence-based Eastern medicine with Western scientific rigor to address complex health challenges. Our mission is to help patients overcome chronic pain, allergies, fertility issues, and emotional stress through personalized treatment plans that include acupuncture, herbal medicine, and non-needle therapies.With over two decades of experience, we specialize in treating patients who have exhausted conventional medical options, offering a compassionate, research-driven approach that prioritizes long-term wellness over temporary symptom relief. Our family-run practice fosters a welcoming environment where patients receive individualized attention and practical solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Cupping Therapy
Gua Sha
Non-Needle Therapies
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We combine Eastern medicine traditions with Western scientific expertise since 2003
- Our practitioners hold doctoral degrees and board certifications in specialized fields
- Personalized treatment plans address root causes rather than temporary symptom relief
- We offer non-needle therapy alternatives for needle-averse patients
- Proven success helping patients with complex, treatment-resistant conditions
Associations and certifications
- Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
What people say
Life-changing results
Miraculous pain relief
Fertility breakthroughs
Compassionate care
Allergy freedom
Services
Acupuncture
Our acupuncture treatments stimulate the nervous system to promote natural healing for chronic pain, allergies, and stress-related conditions. Using ultra-thin needles, we target specific acupoints to improve energy flow and reduce inflammation. Patients experience relief from migraines, arthritis, and fertility issues through this evidence-based practice that complements Western medicine.
Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulations address digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, and immune system weaknesses. Our board-certified herbalist creates personalized blends using time-tested botanical combinations that enhance treatment outcomes. These natural remedies work synergistically with acupuncture to provide comprehensive solutions for chronic health challenges without pharmaceutical side effects.
Cupping Therapy
This non-invasive therapy improves circulation and relieves muscle tension through controlled suction cups. We use cupping to treat sports injuries, chronic back pain, and respiratory conditions by increasing blood flow to targeted areas. Patients receive immediate relief from tightness while promoting long-term tissue healing through this ancient technique.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves gentle skin scraping to stimulate microcirculation and release muscle knots. We employ this technique for neck pain, headaches, and post-viral fatigue recovery. The treatment activates the body's natural healing response while providing measurable improvements in range of motion and pain reduction within sessions.
Non-Needle Therapies
Our needle-free options include laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and ear seed applications for sensitive patients. These treatments activate acupoints through non-invasive means to address anxiety, insomnia, and pediatric conditions. We integrate these modalities with traditional approaches to create comprehensive treatment plans for diverse patient needs.
People
Kristen Horner Warren
Doctor of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Licensed acupuncturist with doctoral training in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a master's degree in physiology. Combines Western scientific expertise with Eastern healing traditions to treat complex health conditions. Specializes in fertility support, chronic pain management, and integrative wellness care.
Lee F. Warren
Co-Founder
Former rodeo cowboy and Air Force veteran who discovered acupuncture's benefits through personal injury recovery. Manages clinic operations while supporting patient care through his unique perspective on holistic healing. Active community member with deep ties to Central Texas residents.
Questions
What conditions does acupuncture effectively treat?
Acupuncture successfully addresses chronic pain, allergies, fertility issues, anxiety, digestive disorders, and post-viral syndromes like Long COVID. Our treatments follow evidence-based protocols for maximum effectiveness.
How does your approach differ from conventional medicine?
We focus on identifying and treating root causes rather than masking symptoms. Our integrative approach combines Eastern medicine traditions with Western diagnostic rigor for comprehensive solutions.
Do you accept insurance coverage?
We provide superbills for potential insurance reimbursement but don't directly bill insurers. Many patients successfully claim acupuncture benefits through flexible spending accounts or health savings plans.
How many sessions are typically needed?
Treatment plans vary by condition complexity. Most patients experience noticeable improvements within 4-6 sessions, with chronic cases requiring ongoing care tailored to individual progress.
Are acupuncture needles safe?
We use sterile, single-use needles that meet strict safety standards. The procedure carries minimal risk when performed by licensed professionals, with most patients experiencing only mild, temporary sensations.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Initial consultations include comprehensive health assessments and personalized treatment planning. Expect 60-90 minutes for your first appointment, with follow-up sessions typically lasting 45-60 minutes.
Reviews (7)
Patricia Lew
Jan 06, 2021
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Kristen is one of my favorite acupuncturists. She is courageous, confident, smart, highly skilled, and one of the few acupuncturists in the nation that is specifically trained in dry needling. She is a leader in her field, articulate, and an amazing communicator. It is no wonder that she is so successful. Book your appointment ASAP. Not only is she great at what she does, but she is efficient with your time.....don't worry about getting a "frou frou" treatment. Kristen delivers RESULTS!
Beth Barrows
Aug 10, 2020
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I've known Kristen for a long time and find her to be a thorough, compassionate and knowledgeable practitioner. I especially enjoyed my latest appointment by video. We got some good work done and it was very helpful.
Bonnie Luft
Jun 10, 2020
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I have been a patient of Kristen's for more than 7 years. From allergies to my skin challenge, I have found Kristen to be not only helpful, but a great listener with strong support and knowledge!. She knows me better than any doctor and I have complete faith in her! The office is always so helpful, kind, and peaceful! So thankful she was open during this pandemic because she was essential to me! Thank you, Kristen, for your direction and support for so many years!
Trisstah Wagstaff
Aug 28, 2019
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I recommend Kristen and Live Oak Acupuncture & Wellness Center to everyone! I have been on a long health journey with chronic symptoms for years. Acupuncture has been a life saver. I am so thankful for Kristen and her warm, caring and professional manor. I always feel like my concerns are both listened to and addressed during my appointments. I have not only found great relief from my pain symptoms but have also found that acupuncture is a wonderful treatment for anxiety as well. This is a wonderful place where your well being is the top priority.
Amanda Patterson
Aug 16, 2019
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I was introduced to Kristen and her practice through a friend and I can not thank both of them enough. From the first interaction with Kristen, she makes you feel right at home and calm. I have been receiving care from her for about 4 months and I really feel a difference from the first day I walked in a mess and walked out a new person. She gives you a new vision and a sense of hope through her practice and I cannot thank Kristen, Lee and Live Oak Acupuncture enough. They are AMAZING!
Hannah Johnson
Jan 04, 2019
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Five stars are truly not enough! As a recipient of Kristen's care for about a year now I can honestly say I am not sure where I would be without her care. I was a 21 year old, busy college student hit hard by a viral infection that left extremely troubling chronic issues behind. (Fatigue, brain fog, vertigo, poor digestion, low immunity, joint pain, anxiety, you name it). While many doctors were left puzzled and gave contradictory reports and prognoses, I came to Kristen as a 'last resort' option desperate for any kind of relief. She assured me that I had come to the right place and was able to
Carolyn Vinyard Brown
Sep 14, 2018
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Results from my first visit were staggering. Better sleep, more relaxed, and significantly less allergy issues. I am really pleased with my treatments so far!!
