Shelby VanCleve
MAOM., L.Ac., FABORM
Clinical Director and Fertility Expert
Special interests: Male and female fertility, Women’s health, Digestive complaints
As Clinical Director at Common Ground Wellness, I am honored to offer Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as amazing tools with centuries of empirical evidence for healing and self-development to my community in Louisville and beyond. My training in Functional Medicine provides a modern lens that further deepens the resources available for real transformation and self-empowerment. Using the combination of thorough health history, diagnostic assessment, and compassionate touch I guide patients on their path to wellness and coach them on ways to live more aligned, intentional, and ease-filled lives.
I was fortunate enough to find Chinese Medicine at a young age. I began meditating at age fifteen, started doing yoga at eighteen, and delved into Eastern philosophy with the intention to become an acupuncturist at age twenty. This early exposure to alternative health endowed me with a discerning mind and breadth of experience that I now offer to my patients as they seek true wellness. My undergraduate studies in Eastern philosophy, Western Medicine, and nutrition at Indiana University paved the way for my Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, one of the leading acupuncture schools in the county with research funding through the National Institute of Health.
My Fellowship with the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine brings fertility expertise to my patients seeking assistance with getting pregnant and maintaining healthy pregnancies, an issue I am incredibly passionate about. As a Holistic Fertility Specialist and Certified Women’s Integrative Medicine Institute Practitioner, I offer highly customized and effective solutions to hormonal, digestive, and emotional struggles via one on one coaching.
I currently reside in The Highlands neighborhood of Louisville Kentucky with my tech-savvy husband, my soon-to-be engineering college student son, my extroverted creative elementary school daughter, Timber the One-eyed Dog, and Juniper the Adventure Kitty. We own a travel trailer and camp all over the country as often as we can because communing with nature has always been the way I nourish myself most deeply. I am also a vegetable and herb gardener, an avid supporter of local farmer’s markets, a fairly good cook, a voracious reader of fiction, and prioritize authentic communication and deep conversation.
Credentials
B.A. in the Individualized Major Program at Indiana University 2003
Studies in Nutrition and Oriental Medicine
Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2008
Clinical study in Nan Jing, China
Professional Certifications
Nationally certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine Certified Fellow (FABORM)
Women’s Integrative Medicine Institute Certified Practitioner
State certified in Oregon and Kentucky
Certified 1000 Hands Buddha Instructor
RYT 200 Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor
Member of the Kentucky State Acupuncture Association
Testimonials
Shelby is a great acupuncturist and a genuinely good person. She is easy to talk to and you can tell immediately that she really cares for her patients. Not all acupuncturist are the same some are bad, while others are good, Shelby is great. Anyone that doesn’t partake in her sessions miss out on all of the extra knowledge and training that she possesses. Her sessions aren’t just acupuncture it’s much more that encompasses spiritual healing and all culminates into a unique experience.
—N.W.
“I would like to think that we all know “the struggle is real” at times, and it can deplete us or our energy, hope, and all the light around us. My husband and I were on a wild fertility journey with no concrete reason for why things weren’t working out in our favor. Long story short, Shelby with Common Ground Wellness not only rekindled my joy but she brought years of experience, knowledge and comfort into each one of my appointments with her. Since my journey was not something I was ready to share with my family and friends at the time, I was beyond grateful to find out that her services went well beyond traditional acupuncture and supplements. Yes, she checked those boxes but she was also an additional support system both emotionally and logistically during that trying time. Fertility in my experience can be a fickle thing and the value and comfort that Shelby provided was incomparable to anything else. If you have an open mind and are interested in an alternative method or are seeking to complement conventional medicine (like I did) with your fertility journey I encourage you to reach out to Common Ground Wellness.”
—R.W.
“I saw Shelby for fertility acupuncture for many months during our journey to conceive. I had read a lot of things about acupuncture and was a little skeptical but I thought I would try it. It was even more and better than I expected! I not only felt better physically, but mentally and emotionally too. Shelby listened and gave me neutral advice, she is extremely knowledgeable, especially with infertility and the treatment process. It really helped to have her to talk to, as a lot of people going through that process don’t have anyone, or anyone that understands it. She was therapeutic and I looked forward to seeing her. She eased my mind and after my treatment I always felt a sense of peace and calm. I am truly thankful for everything she provided through our infertility journey and highly recommend her!”
—M.W.
Shelby is wonderful! I went for my seasonal allergies and could not have been happier with the results! My symptoms were practically gone and I actually enjoyed spring!
—E.G.
“I struggled with infertility (PCOS) & was ready to try a new approach after more than a year of fertility drugs. I had very little experience with acupuncture so I was anxious & slightly skeptical, but I was honestly blown away with the care I received at Common Ground. Shelby was knowledgeable & thorough, and she communicated better than any healthcare provider I’ve ever seen. I left each visit feeling relaxed, refreshed, and confident that we were making progress. I was grateful for how willing she was to modify our plan to accommodate my budget, and I think her combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine helped me get pregnant on my first attempt with IUI. My husband & I have been blessed with three beautiful boys (now 9 months old), and Shelby played a key role in bringing them to us. I highly recommend that you give this approach a try– she is truly incredible!”
—C.B.
