Dr. Strass was raised to live with an attitude of resilience and to practice mental flexibility. She comes from a long line of creative geniuses. Her family tree is filled with musicians, lawyers, scholars, and scientists. Initially trained as a classical singer and guitarist, she also studied languages and earned her bachelor’s degree in Russian. She later mastered the science of computer programming, working with servers and user interfaces, before going back to school for Acupuncture and completing her doctorate. Dr. Strass has been practicing Chinese Medicine for over 15 years. Her focus is to help string musicians, especially violinists, perform like they practice. She offers real solutions to internal issues which can cause common problems among string players, such as crackling and numb and painful wrists. She addresses posture and positioning while playing to avoid chronic pain. She shares wisdom on practical aspects of a successful lifestyle, including rest, movement, and nutrition. She uses acupuncture and herbs to correct internal issues and clear blockages in the body and mind of her patients. Dr. Rachel Strass, DOM, LAc, Dipl OM (NCCAOM) is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) and a licensed acupuncturist (LAc). She passed the collection of exams from the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), earning the distinction of National Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, which includes the mastery of Chinese herbs and nutrition, as well as acupuncture. She also holds two Master degrees, Acupuncture (MAc) and Oriental Medicine (MOM), and a Bachelor degree in Russian Language and Literature (BA).