Growing up immersed in the beauty of Minnesota’s wilderness set the stage for Dr. Neilson’s deep rooted appreciation for the power of nature. This love for the outdoors, coined together with his passion for the healing arts brought him to practice naturopathic medicine and Classical Chinese medicine.  Dr. Neilson is a board certified naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, and a graduate from the National College of Natural Medicine.  He has completed a naturopathic residency in primary care medicine, and works as a primary care provider specializing in sports medicine and chronic pain management.

As a martial artist, rock climber, and former outdoor educator, Dr. Neilson has a passion for working with athletes and treating their injuries.  He understands the lifestyle and mentality of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, as well as the importance of being injury free and maintaining optimum health.  In his previous practice in Portland, Dr. Neilson treated hundreds of patients’ chronic pain using a combination of cutting edge science together with ancient healing modalities. Using Prolotherapy together with acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and tai ji exercises, he is able to address joint health, energetic health, and structural health to best address injuries and chronic pain.

Dr. Neilson arises from a long lineage of physicians and has spent many hours listening to his grandfather lecture on “the basics”.  The basics being, regular exercise, a balanced diet, fresh air, sleeping well, and proper stress management.  He has fully adopted these basics, and has added an additional guideline – playfulness.  Playfulness to engage in uninhibited curiosity, creativity, and connection to others and our planet at large, which naturally enlivens our health and spirit.  He finds that so many chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension improve by just following the basics.  In addition to the above, he uses a host of treatment modalities including acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, and pharmaceutical medications to address health concerns of all types.

When not at the Hawthorn Healing Arts Center treating patients, you can likely find Dr. Neilson in a local park practicing tai ji, so stay tuned for upcoming courses and workshops in tai ji.