Our Story

Dr Caleb Mortensen performing acupuncture on a woman's back

An interest in holistic health

Dr Caleb Mortensen has always been fascinated by eastern healing arts. This led him to completing a Bachelor of Health Science in Chinese Medicine (Hons) at Victoria University.

Through his studies, Caleb found a passion for acupuncture and started attending workshops to meet masters of the practice.

Chinese medicine tools including Garlic, moxibustion and a spray bottle laid out on a stainless steel bench.

The chance encounter

Mortensen had just finished university when fate led him to acupuncture master Katsuhiko Okuma Sensei.

“I ran into Katsuhiko Okuma on the street, we recognised each other from a workshop years earlier and started talking. Truth be told, I think he was impressed that I could pronounce his name so easily and invited me to come visit his clinic.”

Dr Mortensen was already qualified and practising, but an internship with Katsuhiko Okuma would teach him more than he could ever learn at university, and so began a decade-long relationship as master and student.

Black and white image of Katsuhiko Okuma performing origami whilst another man observes. Found in State Library Victoria Archives.

Sensei and apprentice

Okuma dedicated many hours to training Mortensen in the refined and intricate techniques of Japanese acupuncture. He generously shared his knowledge and skills, nurturing the young apprentice in his journey towards mastering this ancient healing art.

This is how Kotan Acupuncture was born- Kotan, a term signifying ‘elegant simplicity’, aptly embodies the refined approach to healing techniques instilled by Okuma. Their collaboration spanned a decade, characterized by a deep bond and shared dedication, until the time came for Okuma to journey back to Japan.

Large monstera plant in front of a grey wall and medical  drawing of human head.

A new home in Brunswick East.

In 2019 Dr Caleb Mortensen moved Kotan Acupuncture to the light-filled space in Brunswick east.

Though Dr Mortensen’s apprenticeship has long passed, he continues to learn from the masters, regularly travelling to Japan to meet with Ikeda Masakasu and Edward Obeidy.