• Mark Fortney, L.Ac.

    Mark Fortney, L.Ac.

    Acupuncturist

    Mark developed an early interest in Chinese culture while growing up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a passion that deepened through his studies and travel in China. He earned a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Dickinson College, then went on to complete graduate work at the University of Iowa, where he received master’s degrees in Anthropology and Education. After several years teaching in New York City and the Hudson Valley, he chose to follow his long-standing interest in Chinese medicine and earned a Master of Acupuncture from The Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in 2005. Since then, Mark has spent more than twenty years in practice, including a decade running his own clinic in Nashville, before returning to Pennsylvania to practice in Philadelphia.

    Mark has extensive experience treating a wide range of conditions, with particular expertise in women’s health, fertility support, cycle regulation, and perimenopause. During his early years in Nashville, he practiced in a clinic with a strong focus on women’s health, where he worked closely with clients trying to conceive both naturally and with assisted reproductive support. He has experience supporting individuals and couples through many stages of the fertility journey, including cycle regulation, preparation for conception, and care alongside IVF treatment. His work in this area has given him a deep appreciation for the physical and emotional complexity of fertility care, and he brings a thoughtful, steady approach to supporting patients throughout the process.

“You have to live spherically – in many directions. Never lose your childish enthusiasm – and things will come your way.” – Federico Fellini.

This quote encapsulates my approach to life and healing. I believe in embracing all aspects of life, maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity, and trusting that the right path will unfold.

facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
FollowFollow us
PinterestSave

  • CHINESE MEDICINE LOVE STORY

    What brings you joy?

    Connecting with other people, making friends, and talking about life gives me joy. My father died when I was young and with his death I learned two big things. The first was that life can be short so its important to enjoy the time we have.  I also learned that stuff matters far less than connections to people.  Friends who make me laugh and friends who connect me to my true self with deep authentic conversation are real treasures.  I also should say, my two hound dogs spark my joy and keep the embers burning.

  • HOW I WORK

    What's your superpower

    My Chinese Medicine super power is fitting a treatment to what is going on individually with my clients. I love the rich history and theory of Chinese Medicine and have found that looking carefully into the names/characters of the acupuncture points opens a deeper level of understanding and use.  I work to listen to clients and then figure out how that fits into the lens of Five Element Theory.  I’m a teacher who is the son of two teachers and I love to explain and share the strategies and insights of Chinese Medicine so people can use them to reclaim their health.

  • WHO AM I

    What was before Six Fishes

    About 25 years ago, I left public school history teaching in New York to follow my passion and become an acupuncturist.  I moved to the south in order to attend school with the intention of returning to the northeast once my studies were complete.  Along the way I got distracted and spent a decade in Asheville North Carolina where I built an acupuncture practice and taught at Daoist Traditions, the Chinese Medicine school there.  Next I moved to Nashville, TN to be closer to family and I spent another decade cultivating a practice there.  As my mom was aging and her health declining, I decided to finally return to PA to be closer to her and chose Philly for its amazing restaurants, walkable cityscape, and lively culture. Being here seems to both connect me to my roots and be a new adventure.

Schedule with Mark
Paul Cybularz Crystal Horkins

Connect with us