Shen+Tonic

Cosmetic (facial) Acupuncture can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote collagen production, improve blood circulation- giving you a more youthful glow.

In addition to the beauty benefits, cosmetic acupuncture also has some health benefits as well. It can help ease any tension in the face (since we hold so much tension in our face), jaw pain from clenching our teeth/jaws which can cause pain in our necks and shoulders, alleviate nasal congestion and sinus issues and help relax the mind and spirit.

If interested in booking a session, book online or message me for more information to see if you’re a candidate for cosmetic acupuncture.

If you have had Botox, it is recommended to wait 4 weeks out.

Happy May! New hours for the rest of Spring and Summer ☀️ Check back soon for Spring and Summer specials!

New Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 10:30am-7pm
Saturday: 11am-2pm

DM to book or see link in bio!

Happy Lunar New Year!!!

This year is the year of the dragon 🐲 Anyone else a Dragon?

According to Chinese medicine, winter is a time for rest, rejuvenation, and conservation. It is seen as a season of yin energy, which is associated with stillness, coldness, and darkness. The focus during this time is to nourish and support the body’s deep energy reserves to maintain optimal health.

In Chinese medicine, winter is associated with the water element and the organs of the kidneys and bladder. These organs are believed to be responsible for storing and distributing energy throughout the body. Therefore, it is important to take care of these organs during this season.
To promote winter wellness, Chinese medicine recommends several practices.

It is advised to incorporate warm foods into the diet to counterbalance the cold weather. These include foods such as soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. It is also suggested to consume foods that specifically nourish the kidneys, such as black beans, walnuts, and kidney beans.
In addition to mindful eating, it is important to rest and get plenty of sleep during winter. This is because the body’s energy is naturally drawn inward during this time, and adequate rest allows for proper energy conservation and rejuvenation. Engaging in gentle exercises such as tai chi or qigong is also beneficial to maintain circulation and promote overall well-being.

Furthermore, it is recommended to keep warm and protect the body from cold temperatures. This can be achieved by dressing in layers, wearing warm socks, and keeping the neck and lower back covered, as these areas are believed to be vulnerable to cold.

Overall, according to Chinese medicine, winter wellness revolves around nourishing and supporting the body’s energy reserves, resting properly, and protecting oneself from the cold. These practices aim to maintain balance and optimize health during the yin season.

Naught or Nice- The holidays are the most stressful time of the year for everyone 😰

If you find yourself too stressed to enjoy the holidays, family and friends - Acupuncture, cupping, ear seeds and a gua-sha facial session will help reset your nervous system even if you are short on time.

These rates are good till Jan 6th. Book online (link in bio) or message. Saturday appointments available.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and relaxing holiday season!

My Black Friday Cyber Monday Sale is here! Save on healthcare’s best supplements and wellness products from now until the 28th. Save 35% off retail price! Stock up this winter on all your vitamin/supplements needs.

If you haven’t already, sign up for my online dispensary to save. You can find the link in my bio. LINK IN BIO

I am so grateful for all my past, present and future clients. Thank you for the opportunity to work one on one with you in your wellness journey. Your trust and support mean everything to me!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family 🦃

🙏

With so much uncertainty going on in today’s world and life in general, breath work is a great tool to have.

There are many types of breath work but the “5-7-8” method is what has worked for me when I suffered from major panic attacks. I still practice this when I get overwhelmed and has helped tremendously.

Try it and hope it helps you too.

Wishing you peace and health always.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each season is associated with specific organs, elements, emotions, and foods. Here's a simple explanation of TCM theory for the Autumn season, focusing on the Lung and Large Intestine organs, as well as related elements, emotions, and recommendations for wellness:

In Autumn, the Lung and Large Intestine organs are particularly important.

The Lung is associated with the element Metal in TCM. It's like a delicate flower that needs attention. It's responsible for breathing and plays a role in our immune system.

The Large Intestine is also related to the Metal element. It helps eliminate waste and toxins from your body.

Grief is the dominant emotion associated with the Metal element and these organs during Autumn. It's normal to feel a bit melancholic during this season, but excessive grief can be harmful.

Pears are considered a beneficial food in Autumn. They're moistening for the lungs and can help with dryness that can occur due to the season's drier air.

White is the color associated with this season. It represents purity and simplicity.

Wellness Recommendations for Autumn:

Since grief can be a concern during Autumn, focus on emotional balance. Engage in activities that bring joy and help you process any grief.

Incorporate pears and other moistening foods into your diet to support the health of your Lung and Large Intestine organs. Additionally, enjoy warm and nourishing soups and stews to keep your body warm as the weather cools.

* continue in comment section

While families are enjoying their summer vacations, we may be tempted to spend time outdoors. Long-duration heat waves cause heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat strokes. We encourage our to take workouts inside and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.

Take a few minutes to review this graphic so you are aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them. Stay safe out there during the summer heat wave! ☀️

Science says yes!

Advice | Does acupuncture work for chronic pain? Here’s what the science says. The evidence behind acupuncture for treating certain conditions such as headaches and back pain is convincing.

Just the few benefits of acupuncture!

It helps with a wide range of symptoms. If you’d like to know how acupuncture can benefit you, please reach out. I am taking new patients.

If you’re on the fence about acupuncture, I still have the special service for people who want to give this medicine a try before committing. It’s $100 for acupuncture and cupping. No detailed intake. Just a great way to de-stress and help with any tension in the neck and back area thru cupping.

To book a session, message me or click on the link in bio!

Stay cool out there!

We’re proud to now carry — plant-based skincare made consciously for people and the planet. 

✨ Formulated by licensed acupuncturists with healing bioadaptive herbs 

✨ Made in small batches with plants grown without pesticides

✨100% free of hormone-disrupting ingredients like parabens & phthalates 

✨ Always vegan, cruelty-free and made with planet-kind packaging 

Browse the line and discover healthier, naturally glowing skin! Use the link in my bio and/or experience any of the holistic cosmetic/beauty treatment services we offer using the TOMA skincare line.

New service coming soon ✨

This is how your body communicates 📞 Listen and respond with kindness, rest, nutrition, excercise and of course, acupuncture 🪄+ cupping

DM for questions or click the link in bio to book

When seeking any alternative modalities, especially acupuncture (Chinese Medicine), it takes time (and patience) for your body to heal. In Chinese Medicine, we measure health through how well your health is in balance or in harmony. Any pain, discomfort, emotional imbalance, etc. means there is some level of disharmony or imbalance.

There are three distinct phases or stages:

1. Relief - This varies from person to person. From what I noticed, the first session is where most people feel the most improvement. This is because the body is going from a significant level of imbalance to being balanced or in harmony after your first session. This may take one session or a few to feel the significant relief. Again, it varies on each person (chronic v acute pain, constitution, age, etc.)
2. Healing - This phase is the duration from when you start to feel relief to when the majority of the pain or health issues have been resolved. This can be anywhere from six to twelve or more treatment sessions. Each session builds upon the last treatment - just like going to the gym.
3. Maintenence - Once things have been resolved and feel great, the maintenece phase is like a tune up. It can start off as once a month to every other month to every few months or so.

Again, these recommendations vary depending on each person and each acupuncturist’s recommendations.

Auricular therapy rocks!

Don’t fear these tiny acupuncture wands 🪄 They’re thinner than a hair shaft, flexible, safe, sterile and disposable.

Side effects: reduction of pain, increased mobility, reduction of inflammation, calmness, improved sleep, and may give you courage to get a tattoo!
Some may experience slight bruising at certain acupuncture points and may feel tired right after the session.

Have you heard 👂🏼of Auricular Therapy also known as Ear therapy?

It’s one of my favorite acupuncture sessions because it is quick, effective, given sitting up and allows you to take those cool selfies 🤳🏼 Though you may move during treatment, it is still important you relax and let these tiny needles 🪄do it’s magic ✨

Have you tried or interested in Auricular acupuncture?

PS- the ear diagram only shows a small portion of ear points. There’s a lot more!

Over the years, I have received these incredible feedback from patients and as ALWAYS it amazes me how powerful this medicine is!

This patient was bed ridden for 5 days prior to seeing me and was not able to bend or move due to her excruciating pain in her lower back. So getting out of bed on her own after the first acupuncture session is huge progress!

This patient also knows from past acupuncture sessions that her pain may feel worse before feeling better. It’s always a scary feeling. But the body takes time to readjust and heal itself after each session and each session builds upon itself just like working out. She will be seeing me again twice this week until her pain subsides and then drop to once a week.

If you are looking for a way to get out of any kind pain naturally, I am currently taking new patients. I’d like to add that while acupuncture is great for many kinds of pain, many people do not know it also helps with emotions, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and so many other ailments.

DM for more info or schedule an appointment.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the loving and selfless mothers out there 🌷

And to those who are struggling today, I am thinking of you and sending you much love today ❤️

May is for Mother’s Day, Teacher and Nurse appreciation week. If you’re looking for something special to gift for that special mother or mother like figure in your life, thank a teacher or a nurse for their dedication- here’s a few wellness ideas. You may mix and match however you see fit 🌹

For this special month, I have combined my microneedling session with body acupuncture to target both wellness and beauty in one session. Red LED light is included as well as a cooling mask and a customized herbal serum to take home.
This package is $255 (valued over $400). Optional cupping may be added on for additional $45)

As always, you know what to do- DM me for more 411, purchase or to book!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and thank you to all the teachers and nurses out there 💗

Face mapping has been practiced by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years. It was one of the diagnostic tools used to avoid having to palpate the body as it was inappropriate for the doctor to touch a female patient at the time.

This Chinese face map above corresponds to different areas of the face and its relation to the various organs and systems in your body. This suggest that if there’s an imbalance within the body, it will be seen externally on the corresponding area of the face.

As practitioners, we were trained to look at one's face to observe the coloring, texture, the quality of hydration, areas of any blemishes, wrinkles, etc. We use information to help diagnose or confirm a person’s health concern(s).

For example, redness in the face indicates heat. It can be due to various things such as retention of heat from external factors (ie- working out, weather) or it can be caused from diet or emotions such as anger.

On the other hand, if someone’s face is pale there is an overall deficiency in the energy, fluids and/or nutrients. It is mostly associated with impaired digestion.

A common area of concern on the face are dark circles and bags under the eyes. This corresponds to poor kidney and adrenal energy. There are different causes for this but the biggest reasons are poor sleep, overwork and exhaustion.

These are just a few examples on how we can use face mapping as a guide or resource to gain valuable information about one’s health.

*Please note, this map is not to be used for self medical diagnosis but instead can be a useful guide that can help you take steps to improving your overall health.

Image: unknown - if anyone knows where this popular image is from, let me know. I’d love to give proper credit. Thank you✨

Some say imitation is the best form of flattery. I say testimony such as this one is the best kind of flattery 🥰

Thank you to those who took the time to review my services the past year. I know we all live hectic lives and last thing anyone would want to do is log on, or create another login, PW to write a review. But as being a new small business owner, I truly appreciate it! And I am sure other small business do as well!! Thank you ❤️

If you’re looking for another way to treat menstrual pain, give acupuncture and herbal therapy a try! Number of sessions will vary per person and it may help relieve other symptoms you have!

The major things to know before and after an acupuncture/cupping session ✨

Please have something in your stomach prior! I can’t stress this enough!

And covering up after a cupping sesh 🧕

Lunar New Year specials! Offer is till Jan 31st (can be booked in Feb but must be booked by 1/31st)

First time patient take $25 off first initial session which includes a full medical history evaluation, a customized session, recommended treatment protocol, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Returning patients $90 on follow up sessions.

DM to book or book online. Discount will applied at time of service.

Also, the Micro-needling and LED light therapy promo $175 has been extended.

DM for questions or to book.

Stay warm out there!

Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) starts next week on January 22, 2023 and last about 15 days.

This year is the year of the Rabbit. If you are born in 2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939 and every twelve years in between. If born in January check to make sure if you were born prior to that year’s Lunar New Year. It is believed that the Rabbit symbolizes patience and luck.

According to CT Holman who has been trained in Lunar new year predictions, he states the following:

This year is a Yin Water (each year represents an element, yin/yang and an animal. This year is Yin Water Rabbit. Because the Yin energetic represents more resting, night, female - we should expect the year to be less chaotic than the previous year. But we should not be surprise at more crazy weather such as flooding, landslides (as it is happening) as it represents the water element of this year and more earthquakes especially in the ocean.

In 5 Element theory, water feeds wood. The Rabbit also symbolizes Spring which is the wood element. Therefore, in health we may experience more digestive issues so best to avoid overeating and drinking. Also this year is the best time to let go of trauma and limiting belief systems that no longer serves you.

If you’re born in the year of the Rabbit and are not turning 60 this year, born in the year of the Dragon or Rooster, he advises to carry a Dog charm as it is the Rabbit’s secret friend and will protect you from adverse luck. However, if you are a sheep or a pig, you will have extra luck this year!

He goes on to more detail like for business, relationships and nutrition. Comment below if you’d like a part 2!

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture

TCM is an ancient form of medicine dating back thousands of years that centers around restoring harmony within the body to treat a variety of health issues.

It is a comprehensive medical system.

Acupuncture is the most common modality in TCM. Thin, disposable and sterile needles are inserted at certain acupuncture points to stimulate your own body's healing mechanism, release natural painkillers, regulate your nervous system, promote blood circulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine determines the quality of health by focusing on the overall body’s vital energy. If there is an imbalance within, it can block energy and causes symptoms which eventually lead to disease.

Acupuncture can treat a variety of health concerns. Most common are pain both acute and chronic such as neck, shoulder and back pain; headaches/ migraines, knee pain, etc.

What most people do not know is that it can treat other issues such as digestion disorders, mental/emotional health, menstrual pain, skin related issues, and much more!

Most common and valid concern from people are acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles differ from the hypodermic needles (the ones you see at the Doctor's office). Acupuncture needles are very thin needles about the size of a hair. They are sterile and disposable as well.
Upon insertion, most people will feel a tiny prick but some do not feel anything at all.

Post treatment- it is recommended you take it easy for the rest of the day to give your body to re-calibrate itself. You may feel a bit more sleepy, relaxed, and may experience the "acupuncture high". This is all normal.

TCM and acupuncture is a natural and safe modality that takes patience to see the overall effect. Just like working out, each session builds upon another.

Recommended sessions - For chronic issues, it is recommended to get acupuncture weekly for 6-8 weeks (it can vary depending on each person) before re-evaluating treatment protocol.

For acute issues, the recommendation is at least 2 times a week for 2-3 weeks and weekly thereafter. Again, these are basic guidelines and varies with each person and practitioner.

Since opening two month ago, I have enjoyed sharing this medicine and watching the faces light up with I share what this medicine can do.

I’ve come to realize many in this area have heard about acupuncture but are unsure of many things.

So, my goal for 2023 is to de-mystify this medicine to the best of my ability! And if you have any questions, please ask away!

With that said, here’s a post of what it takes to become a board licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in CA. Other states have different requirement. In CA, we must have graduated from an accredited program (masters program though some continue to get their Doctorate).

A licensed Acupuncturist's education and training in Chinese Medicine is extensive and comprehensive.

The Master's program consists of at least 4 years of Western Medicine, Chinese Medicine, Chinese medical terminology (Western too), Acupuncture and techniques, Herbal Medicine, Tai-chi, Qi-Gong , Nutrition, Clinical studies, Clinical rotations and externships with several hundred patient/clinic hours and a state board license exam. This is the short list of requirements.

And that is just the bare minimum requirements to practice in CA!

Every two years, we are required by the state to complete 50 hours of continuing education classes. This is why your acupuncturists are continuing to refine their skills and education.

Hope this helps!

Is this the year, you’ve promised yourself that you’ll take better care of yourself? If so, we’ve made it easy and attainable to do so!

For the month of January, and I have partnered together for 30 minute massage or acupuncture for $50. Included in the acupuncture treatment will be ear seeds to help extend the treatment. This is perfect if you have some kind of pain (chronic or acute) in the body, stress, anxiety of if you’ve always been curious about acupuncture!

Because it is only 30 min, we can only address one issue. For a more detailed session, book the initial consultation which is about 90 minutes. I’m taking on new patients who want to finally start taking control of their health and life. DM for more details!