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Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been around for about 2,500 years. It’s used to support wellness and improve overall mental and physical well-being. The acupuncturist places needles into specific points on the skin to help activate an energy in the body, called qi. According to traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the lifeforce energy in the body — it helps regulate and move things in the body to keep us well. Stress, environmental factors, lifestyle behaviors, and genetics are some of the things that can block qi in the body. The needles help to unblock or move qi to other areas in the body to help support wellness.
Acupuncture needles are solid, stainless steel needles that are usually not much larger than a strand of hair. Acupuncture needles are placed at a very shallow depth and go between tissues, making them less painful than a typical injection.
You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but acupuncture shouldn’t hurt. If you feel pain, tell your acupuncturist. They’ll adjust the needles or choose other points. Their goal is not to make you feel pain. They do a lot of work to position you properly and make sure you feel comfortable.
Indeed you can do acupuncture or massage while pregnant. It is safe and our practitioners are very well versed in how to treat pregnant women. Please let us know when you book a treatment if you are pregnant and how far along you are.
From spa treatments to functional medicine, Alive and Well offers a holistic health ecosystem at each of our three locations.
Dr. Pero was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Coming from a long lineage of accomplished and well-respected physicians in her family, she naturally gravitated towards the field of medicine. Being surrounded and supported by fierce women in her life, her affection for women’s healthcare blossomed as she entered the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
She had always been taught in Western Medicine that “if it runs in your family…” so she assumed, as she came from a large family, that starting her own family would be effortless.
As she and her husband started on their infertility journey, she was diagnosed with Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Hormone Imbalance, and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura- none of which “ran in her family”. This is when an unfolding in her personal life and in her professional career began, as she began to see the disadvantages of the sole reliance on Western Medicine narratives and the advantages of Integrative, Lifestyle, and Functional Medicine.
Once she became aware of the benefits of nutrition, supplements, and acupuncture as augmentative and facilitative to modern fertility treatments, she was able to conceive. Her and her husband went on to have three biological children and recently adopted their fourth child. Since ascribing to a Functional Medicine lifestyle herself, through a personally tailored nutrition and supplement plan as well as regular exercise, sleep/stress optimization, and the many other important pillars of whole body/spirit health, she has been symptom free from Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids without needing surgical intervention or hormones.
In her “spare” time, she loves live music, competitive exercise, and reading. Her life is full with her 4 children, husband of 14 years, and sweet pup but also her intense love of her craft in medical care, especially in Functional Medicine. She has been able to realize that, through her health journey and struggles, she is able to relate and provide hope to her clients.
She is excited to help you realize your full health potential and start living your best life yet!
Dr. Katie Keller is a board-certified physician, health innovator, and leader who blends the precision of modern medicine with the wisdom of holistic healing. With a background in longevity, functional medicine, and integrative wellness, she empowers patients to achieve their optimal health and vitality. Rooted in both science and intuition, her approach is guided by a deep belief in transformation, purpose, and the art of attentive, individualized care.
Practicing in Austin, Texas for over a decade, Dr. Keller grew up in the Midwest and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Western Michigan University. She went on to attend the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia, before completing her residency training in Corpus Christi, Texas. She has continued her education with the Institute for Functional Medicine and has extensive experience in natural thyroid management, bioidentical hormone therapy, fertility, regenerative medicine including peptides, as well as cutting-edge diagnostics and therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Keller believes that nutrition, movement, stress management, and mindfulness form the foundation of healing, and integrates these pillars into her personalized approach to care. She collaborates closely with her patients to help them achieve their health and wellness goals. Drawing on evidence-based practices and a commitment to whole-person care, she is dedicated to guiding individuals through transformative, personalized strategies for lasting well-being.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Keller enjoys life in Austin with her daughter, their mini goldendoodle, and (often) an additional rescue animal. She enjoys cooking, trail running, dancing, yoga, and Austin’s vibrant live music scene. Dr. Keller looks forward to being part of your journey toward vibrant health and a thriving life!
Lauren dedicates her career to facilitating wellness and empowering her patients to take an active role in their health. She has a particular interest in helping her patients get to the root-cause of their health problems by listening, asking detailed questions and understanding that most health problems stem from past experiences. Through guidance and patient education, Lauren gives her patients the tools they need to heal, stay well and thrive.
As a daughter of a neuroscientist and a nurse, Lauren has always been interested in science and medicine. However, she quickly learned that laboratory based research was not well suited for her–she loves connecting and talking with people too much!
She first earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences from Washington University in St. Louis. Afterwards, she achieved her Nursing Degree, Masters in Public Health Nursing, and Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Texas, Austin. She is now a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with prescriptive authority in the state of Texas. Lauren is also certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine. Even with her plethora of knowledge, Lauren still devotes time to continuing her education in functional and integrative medicine; as well as continuing to stay up to date on current medical research and best practices.
Lauren lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Sam, and their three children: Hazel (7), Harrison (3) and Holland (1). She loves anything outdoors– hiking in the mountains, around Austin, or at the beach. Lauren also adores live music, cooking nourishing food, and dancing two-step with her husband.
Daniel Chege, a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, brings a wealth of experience in integrative medicine to his practice. With a background in computer and mechanical engineering, his journey into healthcare was sparked by a passion for finding lasting solutions to health challenges. Originally from Kenya, Daniel pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Mountain State University in West Virginia upon relocating to the USA in 2008.
After gaining invaluable experience in critical care within the surgical ICU, Daniel continued his education, earning a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio in 2013. He further solidified his expertise by obtaining certification through the ANCC.
During his tenure at UPMC Pinnacle, where he initially worked in urgent care before transitioning to family practice, Daniel developed a keen interest in integrative approaches to medicine. He has dedicated himself to integrative medicine, focusing on personalized treatment plans that incorporate nutraceuticals, essential oils, peptides and IV therapies. His gentle bedside manner coupled with his high success rates in managing hormones, Thyroid dysfunction, PCOS and adrenal fatigue, explain his large and loyal female patient base.
Rebecca Brown is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of nursing experience, caring for patients across the lifespan—from neonatal care to geriatrics. She has a strong foundation in family practice, where she has spent the majority of her career supporting individuals and families in their health journeys. Rebecca earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University in Dallas.
Her passion for functional medicine was sparked by personal health experiences and genuine intellectual intrigue, which led her to pursue certification through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Rebecca is committed to building collaborative partnerships with her clients. Through education and shared decision-making, she aims to honor each individual’s unique needs and goals. Her clinical interests include hormone optimization, weight management, and preventive care for lifelong wellness.
A longtime Dallas transplant, Rebecca has lived in the area with her husband and family for over 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, travel, reading, and has recently taken up running with hopes of completing a half marathon. She is also a proud mom of three—one in college and two daughters who bring joy and fulfillment to her everyday life. Rebecca is excited to join the practice and is dedicated to helping patients thrive in their pursuit of optimal health.
Lainey Mounce is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach based in Dallas, Texas. Her personal journey with food sensitivities and challenges related to gut and hormone health sparked a deep passion for guiding others through similar wellness struggles. In addition to supporting those with chronic illness, Lainey is committed to educating others on how to optimize their health through lifestyle, whole-food nutrition, and balanced living.
Lainey holds a degree in Leadership with a minor in Health Science and Nutrition & Business courses from Texas A&M University. She went on to earn her certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). Her career began at Texas A&M, where she served on the Performance Nutrition Staff, working directly with athletes. She later worked at the Cooper Clinic as a Patient Services Specialist, acting as a liaison between doctors and patients. Most recently, Lainey served as the Lead Nutrition Coach for a large health and fitness company, where she supported numerous clients in developing a balanced approach to wellness rooted in whole-food nutrition.
Motivated by a deep desire to help others live healthier lives, Lainey enjoys continuing her education in areas such as skin health, nervous system regulation, self-care practices, and holistic wellness.
In 2020, Lainey faced her own health crisis following a two-year course of low-dose antibiotics. This experience led to significant health challenges, including gut dysbiosis, skin issues such as severe acne, digestive discomfort, and a two-year disruption of her menstrual cycle. Rather than becoming discouraged, Lainey immersed herself in research and implemented gut-healing practices to restore her health—an experience that continues to inform and inspire her work today.
Lainey brings empathy, knowledge, and dedication to every client she serves. She is passionate about the power of nutrition and lifestyle to transform overall well-being. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys teaching fitness, taking dance classes, cooking, and spending time with her friends & family.
Cindy Nilson is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Full Mesa Carrier, Reiki Master and Intuitive advisor. Utilizing acupuncture, energy-infused acupressure massage therapy and body psychology, she integrates teachings from eastern medicine, shamanism, energy/chakra healing and archetypal patterns to provide a unique diagnostic perspective and treatment experience. Specializing in how stress, our thoughts and emotions affect the physical body, and resourcing from the 10,000 hours spent honing her work, Cindy creates new and exciting collaboratives to her foundations in acupuncture therapy. She believes joining Alive + Well is the joyous culmination of her work and is excited to share this beautiful environment and healing space with her clients.
Cindy holds a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a Masters degree from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. In 1999 she received her Doctor of Oriental Medicine from the New Mexico State Board of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A native of Central Texas, she has been in private practice in Lakeway, where she lives happily married, raising kids.