.png)
STRATFORD
TEAM
.png)
meet our team
Stratford Acupuncture & Wellness Center is a synergy of holistic health services, uniting the best of east and west wellness. We offer cutting edge science and time honored practices, from Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine to Psychotherapy and Holistic Skincare, to Functional Nutrition Testing, to create a comprehensive and individualized wellness approach.
Our team of experts blends professional excellence with deep empathy, dedicated to nurturing your whole well-being.
Discover the compassionate healers behind Stratford Acupuncture & Wellness Center, guiding you towards a balanced and healthy life.
.png)
.png)
THE STRATFORD WELLNESS TEAM
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
COMBINED ELEMENTS. COMPLETE WELLNESS.
.png)
.png)
Joseph C Downer
DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE & NUTRITIONIST
L.Ac
Education & Training
Joe graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. He received a certificate in Chinese studies from Nanjing University in China, where he spent his last year of college. During his time in China, he was successfully treated for a serious illness using acupuncture and herbs. This resulted in his belief in the effectiveness of Chinese medicine.Joe’s training includes traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese acupuncture, and acupuncture physical medicine – whereas most acupuncturists are only trained in one area. He treats patients with a combination of techniques drawn from these three fields, including East-Asian manual therapy, manipulation techniques, Chinese herbology and essential oils, and Japanese Kampo. Joe is a Clinical Nutrition provider and is one of only 800 Master Practitioners of Nutrition Response Testing in this country and has completed all 15 levels of training by Ulan Nutritional Systems.
Certifications
-
EXSTORE Acupuncture System Certification, 2024
-
FACE Certification (Facial Applications for Cosmetic Enhancement), Pacific College of Health Sciences (PCHS), 2022
-
Doctorate of Acupuncture Candidate, Pacific College of Health Sciences, expected graduation December 2024
-
AFMCP Certification (Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice), The Institute for Functional Medicine, 2024
-
NADA Certification (North American Detoxification Association), Addiction Acupuncture Specialist, 2006
-
300-hour Post-graduate Certification Advanced Japanese Acupuncture, Tri-State College of Acupuncture, 2016
-
300-hour Post-graduate Certification Kampo (Japanese Herbal Therapy), Tri-State College of Acupuncture, 2017
-
Advanced Clinical Nutrition and Nutrition Response Testing Certification, Ulan Nutrition Systems, 2017
-
Acupuncture Micro System 48 Certification for Degenerative Eye Diseases, 2016
His Approach
Joe takes an integrative approach to treat patients with a range of conditions like TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, allergies, fertility issues, sports injuries, women’s health issues, addiction, weight management, and smoking cessation. He also offers management of chronic pain, relief from stress disorders, and symptom relief from internal medicine complaints. Since each person responds to healing therapy differently, he treats each patient individually.-
Elizabeth LaBarca
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
About Me
Elizabeth is our Office Manager and Administrator here at Stratford Acupuncture & Nutritional Wellness Center. She has a deep passion for preventative healthcare, believing in its ability to make a real difference in people's lives.Elizabeth's personal healthcare journey has given her a unique understanding of the challenges many patients face. Her compassionate nature and dedication to wellness make her an invaluable part of our team. She takes the time to discuss each patient’s individual needs and provides education on the various modalities we offer.
Education & Training
Elizabeth attended the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in Westport CT from 2005-2007. She has furthered her education with many different courses since graduating in 2007, such as Shiatsu, Usui Reiki, and Thai modalities. These techniques add a well-rounded addition to her already impressive modes of bodywork, which include Western Swedish massage, Deep Tissue massage therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Acupressure, Sports Massage/Stretching, and Energy Work.Elizabeth has worked alongside chiropractors for many years, learning a great deal from working with different injuries and disorders. She has done a great deal of work with rehabilitation, and her specialized sports stretching program has increased many athletes’ abilities as well as assisted people with chronic lower back issues.Elizabeth is not currently booking any new massage patients at this time.