At Living Room all of our Acupuncturists are professional Board Certified Acupuncture Physicians (A.P.) having passed stringent exams from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dr. Rafael is a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (FABORM). Dr. Rafael Perez has a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and a bachelors in Health Science. He has performed over 10,000 treatments addressing many different conditions. Rafael was always very interested in natural healing and the ability of the body-mind complex to improve health.

In 1999 Rafael began formally exploring alternative health and wellness modalities.  For the last 15 years Rafael has received formal training from various renowned teachers in Yoga, Philosophy, energetic healing and other health and wellness modalities.   He is also a Reiki practitioner attuned and trained by Master Reiki Trainer Sangeet Kaur of The Healing Source in Phoenix, AZ.   Rafael has as received additional training in Japanese Meridian Therapy and Dr. Tan Balance Method.  In order to better help his clients, Rafael studies and practices The BodyTalk System and is a Certified Bodytalk Practitioner.

Before entering the healing profession Rafael worked as a business professional and entrepreneur in the US and Europe.  Rafael holds a bachelors in Finance and a Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University.  His previous work allowed him to experience travel and interactions with people from all walks of life.  He worked with organizations ranging Fortune 1000 to smaller family owned and operated companies.  The experienced gained throughout his business life gives Rafael the ability to understand the stresses and issues that arise in everyday life and the ability to better help clients during their treatments.

My transition into womanhood was marked not as much by celebration as by enduring pain. Menarche brought excruciating discomfort, defying medical explanation despite numerous tests. This relentless agony shaped my life; missed school days transitioned into missed work, fostering a pervasive sense of isolation.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding, I began my nursing odyssey at 18, venturing into healthcare’s intricate realm. Earning my Registered Nursing License, I devoted nine years to the operating room, experiencing medicine’s complexities. Yet, amidst professional growth, an elusive yearning for answers to my own healing persisted.

Alongside my nursing responsibilities, I delved into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a deeply personal pursuit aimed at understanding not only the physical body, but also the holistic factors influencing our overall well-being. This exploration presented a distinct viewpoint compared to conventional medicine. Eastern medicine captivated me with its innovative paradigm, showcasing a diverse array of healing methodologies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, qigong, tai chi, dietary therapy, and more, each offering unique approaches to restoring harmony and nurturing wellness in individuals.

Upon earning my Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I had the privilege of joining Dr. Rafael Perez at the Downtown Miami Acupuncture Center. Under his mentorship, I have thrived as an Acupuncture Physician. This clinic has evolved into a second home, a sacred space where I’ve had the fortune to support and guide patients through their most vulnerable moments.

Guided by my personal challenges, I discovered a profound passion for supporting women navigating similar struggles. Whether addressing fertility, menstrual complexities, hormonal imbalances, pain, pregnancy, or labor, my dedication remains resolute.

Witnessing fertility patients achieve their conception goals brings immense joy. Celebrating their successes, receiving emails and baby pictures, echoes their enduring journey and our shared triumphs.

One patient’s stout resilience throughout a five-year IVF journey deeply resonated with me. Despite encountering repeated heartbreak and being told there was no hope, she persevered into motherhood. Her unwavering determination continues to inspire me and reinforces my commitment never to give up on any patient.

In another poignant encounter, a mother-to-be was hesitant about induction, feeling pressured into a decision that didn’t align with her intuition. I remember entering the room and seeing her, belly radiating with anticipation, yet eyes reflecting fear and anxiety. She sought acupuncture as an alternative to induction. After a reassuring session, she called on Monday, en route to the hospital, in active labor.

Celebrating the triumphs and milestones alongside patients as they navigate life’s journeys fills me with immense pride and enduring purpose. Witnessing their transformation towards a healthier, more balanced life brings profound joy. It is the seemingly small changes in daily habits, better food choices, improved sleep, a calmer mind, regular physical activity, that collectively create a meaningful impact.

Recognizing the divergence between Eastern and Western medicine, my recent pursuit led me to earn a Master’s degree as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specialized in Family Practice. My goal is to practice integrative medicine, working to merge the philosophies of Eastern and Western methodologies. Embracing the concept that both are integral parts of a unified system, I advocate for leveraging all available tools to deliver tailored and personalized care that truly meets each patient’s needs. This harmonious fusion empowers me to offer patients truly comprehensive treatment, ensuring a holistic approach to their healthcare requirements.

I’m deeply passionate about guiding women along their distinctive paths to healing, supporting them in reclaiming their health and vitality. Women’s health represents a multifaceted journey requiring dedication, patience, and a holistic perspective. Within my practice, I strive to provide more than just treatment; I aim for a collaborative partnership, empowering women to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

As both an Acupuncture Physician and a Family Nurse Practitioner, my primary focus centers on women’s health and reproductive medicine. This dual expertise allows me to offer tailored and comprehensive care that specifically addresses the unique and diverse needs of women.

Shannon’s career life has been varied. While she focused most of her attention on her 4 beautiful children and preferred to be a stay at home mom most of the time, she followed some very interesting jobs.
Being a photographer for Olan Mills was a rewarding way to use her skills with children to create portrait memories for other families.
Shannon graduated 2nd in her class as a Chiropractic Technician from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. She then went on to help her parents open their first Chiropractic office.
Just for fun Shannon worked for three years as a Black Jack Pit Boss.
After her children were grown, Shannon decided to try her hand at the law. Graduating Paralegal Studies from University of Miami and loved the exciting world of criminal defense law.
Shannon came to Downtown Miami Acupuncture Center to help out for a little while as a favor to a friend. But, she quickly fell in love with the peaceful tranquillity. She loves working with the patients and watching them get strong and well. Shannon struggled with infertility herself as she was growing her family so working with the fertility patients is her favorite part of her job. Every new baby is celebration!