Dr.Michelle Hamilton
Zen DEn Founder & Dr. Of Chinese Medicine
Michelle Hamilton is a Dr. of Chinese Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Certified Massage Therapist.
Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, she has been practicing Chinese Medicine in SLO for 16 years and has been voted the #1 Acupuncturist in SLO County by The New Times since 2020.
After finishing her undergrad studies at Cal Poly University, Michelle completed her 4-year Master’s Degree from the nationally ranked Emperor’s College of Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, CA. She completed her Doctorate in Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in 2021.
Michelle interned at the UCLA Orthopedic Medical Clinic and graduated with academic honors. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in acupuncture for athletes, orthopedic acupuncture, women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, pediatrics, and chronic pain conditions.
Dr. Michelle has a passion for elevating the Chinese Medical field and has recently stepped into the role of Educator and Coach by creating digital courses and CEU classes for Acupuncturists. She is the founder of Community Acupuncture School and the Lunar Acupuncture Method; and speaks internationally at Acupuncture Conferences and Symposiums.
Dr. Michelle’s athletic career is equally impressive: she is a competitive endurance athlete, a 2-time overall marathon winner, an ultra-marathon 100-mile finisher runner, and a total adventure junkie. She lives in San Luis Obispo with her two children.
Inara Sophia
Licensed Massage Therapist
Inara Sophia is a Certified Massage Therapist and dedicated bodyworker with a lifelong passion for understanding the human body and its innate capacity to heal. Drawing from years of study in anatomy, movement, therapeutic touch, and holistic wellness, she creates sessions that are both restorative and intuitive, helping clients release tension, reduce stress, and reconnect with their bodies.
Her work is enriched by decades of exploring the healing arts and the deeper relationship between body, mind, and energy. In addition to massage therapy, Inara is a Reiki Master Teacher, Holistic Energy Medicine Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, NLP Practitioner, Hypnosis Practitioner, and Law of Attraction Coach. These complementary disciplines allow her to meet each client where they are, blending evidence-informed bodywork with holistic techniques when appropriate.
Whether someone is seeking pain relief, deep relaxation, or a greater sense of balance, Inara's intention is to create a safe, nurturing space where healing can unfold naturally.
Chantel Isaacson
Licensed Massage Therapist
With 16 years of experience in the healing arts, no two sessions look the same. I will listen to your wellness goals and based on your expressed needs as well as my own assessment I will create a tailored experience to bring you into alignment.
I utilize a wide variety of techniques such as therapeutic and deep tissue massage, myofascial release, trigger point, as well as mobilization and cupping. If your nervous system is needing a reset, I may incorporate sound healing or tuning forks to bring you into a relaxed state.
With certifications in Hanna Somatic Education (a neuromuscular movement-based therapy) and Yoga therapy I can also educate you on at-home therapies to continue making progress in your healing journey.
When I am not in the office I enjoy spending time with my family and enjoying our newest addition- our beautiful baby girl! A native to the Central Coast, I try to get out and enjoy beach days as much as possible, as there is no better healing than your toes in the sand and breathing in the ocean air. Looking forward to connecting with the Zen Den community!