Young Kim is the Founder and Clinical Director of Essential Acupuncture Clinic Inc., a multi-location acupuncture practice serving the greater Seattle area. Born in Seoul, Korea, Young was introduced early to acupuncture and East Asian medicine within a healthcare culture where these therapies are routinely integrated into daily care. This early exposure shaped his long-standing interest in evidence-informed, non-pharmacologic approaches and their role alongside conventional medical practice in the United States.

Young earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and completed his Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, one of North America’s leading institutions for acupuncture education and clinical training.

In 2009, Young founded Essential Acupuncture with a clear vision: to create a practice where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal, recover, and maintain wellness across every stage of life. From the outset, the clinic was designed to deliver consistent, ethical, and patient-centered acupuncture care that addresses root causes of illness rather than isolated symptoms.

Under his leadership, Essential Acupuncture has expanded to multiple locations, including Arlington (2012) and Kirkland (2021), while maintaining a strong emphasis on standardized clinical systems, quality assurance, and long-term patient outcomes. Equally important, the practice prioritizes patient education and collaboration, both within the clinic and across the broader healthcare community, to support sustainable, integrated care.

While Young’s clinical background includes extensive experience in pain management, women’s health, digestive disorders, and preventive care, his current role focuses on clinical oversight, provider mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He works closely with acupuncturists, physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to foster coordinated care models built on trust, clear communication, and shared clinical goals.

Young believes that meaningful healing occurs when patient experience and provider intention are aligned. When individuals feel understood and supported, and when clinicians are grounded, ethically guided, and collaborative, the conditions for true healing are created. This philosophy continues to guide Essential Acupuncture’s growth, culture, and commitment to serving the community with integrity and purpose.

Outside of the clinic, Young values time with his wife and two young sons, finding balance through family life and the same principles of intention and sustainability that inform his leadership in healthcare.