Services

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

in Santa Fe

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive form of holistic healing based in the Eastern philosophy of living in harmony with nature and our internal rhythms to create balance, support overall health and prevent disease. Chinese Medicine is an ancient, time-tested and highly effective form of natural medicine that has been developed and refined over 5,000 years. Chinese Medicine activates and supports the body’s innate self-healing capacity to restore health and prevent illness in the body, mind and spirit.

Chinese Medicine includes modalities such as:

Acupuncture/Acupressure

Stimulation of specific points on the body to balance energetic pathways, or meridians. Acupuncture can be used for a broad variety of acute and chronic diseases and imbalances, as well as preventatively for wellness and maintenance care. Spiritual and psychological matters are particularly responsive to acupuncture.

Acupuncture needles, Los Angeles

We offer the following acupuncture styles:

Japanese style acupuncture

A distinct form of acupuncture characterized by it’s trademark gentle and painless needling technique, emphasis on palpation for diagnosis and focus on meridian pathways. The needles are thinner and insertion depth is shallow, prioritizing comfort and precision during treatment.

Chinese style acupuncture

The original method uses thin needle insertion in specific parts of the body to treat pain, balance energy and restore health and wellness.

    Acupressure with optional essential oils
    Studies have shown that acupressure can be just as effective as acupuncture – without the needles! Food-grade Snow Lotus essential oils can be used with specific points to enhance their effect.
    Pediatric non-invasive acupressure (Shoni-Shin)
    A needle-free and gentle approach that balances energetics and treats common childhood ailments such as colic, recurrent ear infections, allergies, asthma and restlessness. Known for its gentleness, this approach is also effective with the elderly and those on hospice.
    Electro-acupuncture
    E-stim involves attaching electrodes to needles to add stimulation. Most effective in treating pain, paralysis and neuro-acupuncture.
    Five Elements acupuncture
    Worsley-style five elements acupuncture is a distinct approach that brings balance to each person’s unique constitution. With a particular focus on spiritual and psychological balancing, this approach uniquely targets elemental balancing with great precision.
    Esoteric acupuncture
    Developed by Dr. Mikio Sankey, Estoteric Acupuncture is a specific system designed for spiritual seekers. Unlike regular acupuncture, it applies principles of sacred geometry to Encode one’s energy field into that of love, expansion and freedom.

    Chinese Herbs

    Capable of treating just about any human ailment, herbal formulas are customized to meet your specific needs. Herbs are available in capsules, tinctures, pellets, prepared teas or loose form. Most Chinese herbs have been extensively researched to ensure potent healing qualities. We only use the highest quality herbs that are shown to be free from contaminants. Herbal formulas are carefully screened to ensure safety in interactions with any medications you may be taking.

    Cupping

    You may have seen pictures of athletes with big purple marks on their backs. You may be surprised to learn that this effect is therapeutic, and painless! Well known for its detoxifying and muscle-relaxing effects, cupping is also used to support the lungs, enhance the healing of sprains and fractures, promote circulation and support weight-loss. Pressurized glass “cups” are applied to the skin surface, creating suction and thereby pulling out toxins, promoting circulation of blood and lymph fluid which is a powerful recipe for deep therapeutic relaxation.

    Chinese Nutrition

    Developed over thousands of years, Chinese Nutrition principles emphasize a holistic approach to diet, focusing on balancing the body’s energies and preventing disease through food choices. It considers not just the nutritional value of foods, but also their energetic properties (temperature and flavor) and how they interact with the body’s organs.

    Offered with your treatment

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Biomat

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Infrared

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Moxa,

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Red Light Therapy

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Aromatherapy

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Somavedic

    Los Angeles Alternative Healthcare Sauna Dome

    Acupuncture is cumulative

    Each treatment builds on the last so keep coming. Skipping treatments may hamper your progress.

    Stick with it

    Get treatment several days in a row when there is a lot of pain or re-injury/aggravation of your condition. Continue to come for maintenance to remain symptom-free!

    Prognosis

    We can’t predict how you’ll respond. Every body and every person is unique. True healing takes time and patience. Listen to your body, come in as often as you need. Don’t give up on yourself – we’re certainly not giving up on you.

     
    Schedule free exploratory 15 min consultation!

    Harmony resides where yin meets yang in life’s dance

    Author Unknown

    Dr. Karina Menali - Integration Counseling

    ABOUT DR. KARINA MENALI

    In the course of my studies, I have had the unique honor and privilege to study Chinese medicine in it’s country of origin and learn from recognized masters throughout the world:

      • 2011 – Internship in integrative Chinese Medicine at Shenyang University of Integrative Medicine, Shenyang, China
      • 2012-2015 – Apprenticeship with Dr. Bong Dal Kim, founder of Emperor’s College, Santa Monica, CA
      • 2012-2015 – Chinese herbalist and teacher of at comprehensive Chinese herbal pharmacy, Emperor’s College Chinese Medicine Clinic, Santa Monica, CA
      • 2015 – Pilgrimage tour of ancient temples and Chinese Medicine practice in _____China,
      • 2013-2015 – Internships and study at Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
      • 2014 Internship at Disney Family Integrative Cancer Center in Burbank, CA
      • 2013 Internship at Being Alive Integrative HIV/AIDS treatment Center in West Hollywood, CA
      • 2015 Internship at Venice Family Clinic Integrative Medicine Center in Venice, CA 
    • Licensed Acupuncturist: California and New Mexico
    • Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (Emperor’s College, Santa Monica, CA)
    • Doctorate Degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (Pacific College of Health and Sciences, San Diego, CA)
    • Diplomate in Chinese Herbology, Acupuncture, and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
    • Certified Yoga Therapist (CIAYT)
      Advanced Yoga Teacher (ERYT-500)
    • Certified Reiki Master
    • Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
    • Certified Shame Healing Practitioner
    • Certified Embodied Parts Work Practitioner

    The WHO recommends Acupuncture for the following conditions:

    • Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
    • Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
    • Biliary colic
    • Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
    • Dysentery, acute bacillary
    • Dysmenorrhoea, primary
    • Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
    • Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
    • Headache
    • Hypertension, essential
    • Hypotension, primary
    • Induction of labour
    • Knee pain
    • Leukopenia
    • Low back pain
    • Malposition of fetus, correction of
    • Morning sickness
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Neck pain
    • Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
    • Periarthritis of shoulder
    • Postoperative pain
    • Renal colic
    • Rheumatoid arthritis
    • Sciatica
    • Sprain
    • Stroke
    • Tennis elbow
    • Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
    • Acne vulgaris
    • Alcohol dependence and detoxification
    • Bell’s palsy
    • Bronchial asthma
    • Cancer pain
    • Cardiac neurosis
    • Cholecystitis, chronic, with acute exacerbation
    • Cholelithiasis
    • Competition stress syndrome
    • Craniocerebral injury, closed
    • Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent
    • Earache
    • Epidemic haemorrhagic fever
    • Epistaxis, simple (without generalised or local disease)
    • Eye pain due to subconjunctival injection
    • Female infertility
    • Facial spasm
    • Female urethral syndrome
    • Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
    • Gastrokinetic disturbance
    • Gouty arthritis
    • Hepatitis B virus carrier status
    • Herpes zoster (human (alpha) herpes virus 3)
    • Hyperlipaemia
    • Hypo-ovarianism
    • Insomnia
    • Labour pain
    • Lactation, deficiency
    • Male sexual dysfunction, non-organic
    • Ménière disease
    • Neuralgia, post-herpetic
    • Neurodermatitis
    • Obesity
    • Opium, cocaine and heroin dependence
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Pain due to endoscopic examination
    • Pain in thromboangiitis obliterans
    • Polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein–Leventhal syndrome)
    • Postextubation in children
    • Postoperative convalescence
    • Premenstrual syndrome
    • Prostatitis, chronic
    • Pruritus
    • Radicular and pseudoradicular pain syndrome
    • Raynaud syndrome, primary
    • Recurrent lower urinary-tract infection
    • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
    • Retention of urine, traumatic
    • Schizophrenia
    • Sialism, drug-induced
    • Sjögren syndrome
    • Sore throat (including tonsillitis)
    • Spine pain, acute
    • Stiff neck
    • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
    • Tietze syndrome
    • Tobacco dependence
    • Tourette syndrome
    • Ulcerative colitis, chronic
    • Urolithiasis
    • Vascular dementia
    • Whooping cough (pertussis)

    What our patients are saying…

    Dr. Karina goes beyond validating my feelings, she welcomes and embraces them. This is true health care. I have never felt more heard and truly seen by a practitioner. 

    D. Martinez

    Frequently Asked Question

    How is Chinese medicine different from Western medicine?

    1. Unlike modern western medicine, which separates health care into specialties, Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach. It recognizes connections among various systems in the human body and treatments are highly personalized based on individuals’ unique constitutional needs.
    2. Modern western medicine often relies on extreme interventions such as harsh chemical medications and surgery, which can further dysregulate the body and cause myriad unwanted side-effects. Chinese medicine utilizes non-pharmaceutical methods that focus on prevention and healing. Treatments with natural modalities, herbs and lifestyle interventions support all-around health and wellness and rarely produce unwanted side-effects. 
    3. Whereas traditional medicine addresses symptoms on a superficial level, Chinese medicine digs deep to the root cause of dis-ease, correcting long-standing imbalances in the body so that you heal from the inside out.
    4. Longevity: Modern medicine is less than 200 years old. Chinese Medicine is over 5,000 years in practice. Thousands of research studies support the efficacy of Chinese medicine for a wide variety of ailments and needs.

    Why is it effective?

    Chinese medicine is effective because it targets the root cause of dis-ease to restore optimal health. It takes a holistic approach, which accounts for the interconnectivity of the body, emotions, mind and spirit. The diagnostic methods are precise and comprehensive, and the treatments are natural and individually customized. For example – did you know that symptoms such as “low back pain” and “infertility” can be caused by more that 12 different underlying patterns, each of which requires a different treatment? Because no two people have the exact same set of factors contributing to their presenting symptoms, when your unique underlying cause is uncovered, treatment is highly personalized and effective.

    Why did you choose this profession?

    Starting in my adolescent years, I began experiencing physical and emotional symptoms that my doctors had no explanation for. They attempted treating with medications that only worsened how I was feeling, and left me even more confused. When I learned about holistic medicine and the mind-body connection in college, I took matters into my own hands. My healing journey took  me on a deep dive into psychology, yoga, energy healing, Chinese medicine and functional medicine. I identified and was able to address the root cause of my symptoms and heal from the inside out. I also discovered that what I was doing was actually preventing illness and supporting me to thrive in all areas of my life. It ignited a passion and I knew I had to share this with others. Every day I am grateful to be of service doing what I love. 

    What are the most common reasons that someone needs acupuncture or Chinese medicine?

    People of all ages and backgrounds seek out Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to prevent disease, heal trauma and support their mental and emotional wellbeing, support their spiritual journeys, and heal a wide variety of physical issues. Many people find this form of medicine because other forms of medicine have failed them. Some patients are highly sensitive and require a medicine that harmonizes with their bodies. Many others seek out this holistic approach because of their recognition of the interconnectedness of their being and a desire to heal at the root level. 

    Does a session of Chinese medicine ever not include acupuncture?

    Some people do not want to do acupuncture, for various reasons. Acupressure is a non-invasive alternative. Other modalities in Chinese Medicine are highly effective and can instead be utilized during a session.

    Are clients able to come to you and get a session that is a mix of therapies?

    Absolutely! Combining therapies in a session is pretty standard practice, as multiple therapies are often needed to get the full benefit of treatment. True healing happens when there is integration among the physical, spiritual, mental and emotional planes – this is where integrative or holistic medicine excels to deliver powerful, lasting results.

    How many times do I need to visit you to see a result?

    While results are typically seen right away, it may take any number of sessions to reach your ultimate wellness goals. Your first session will paint a picture and help ascertain approximately how many sessions you may require. Many people start as patients – meaning they have a specific issue or concern that they want resolved – and end up becoming clients, which means reaching a place of thriving and coming in for tune-up sessions as needed for prevention and maintenance of vitality.

    How often should I plan to come in?

    • 1x every 2-4weeks – prevention and maintenance. Mild or no issues, seeking to maintain balance, prevent dis-ease and optimize wellbeing and quality of life
    • 1x/week – mild issues, pain 25% of the time, wellness & prevention, long-term treatment
    • 2x/week – moderate issues, pain 50% of the time, chronic conditions
    • 3x/week – moderate/severe issues, pain 75% of the time, near the end of your rope
    • Daily – Sever pain 100% of the time, acute conditions
    • SOME acupuncture is better than NO acupuncture. If you can’t make it in as often as you need, don’t hesitate to come in as often as you can. We will work with you.

    What do I need to do to prepare for my first session?

    Come as you are. Dress comfortably, and plan to have some time to yourself afterward. You are welcome to bring any past labs, medical notes, journals, test results, or any information that you feel may be relevant to what you would like to work on. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

    Can I work with you over the phone or zoom?

    Yes! We can certainly accommodate remote sessions for both Acupuncture and herbal consults.

    Do you accept insurance?

    Kai Wellness is not in network with private insurance companies. If your plan covers acupuncture, you can receive reimbursement directly from your insurance company by submitting a superbill, which we are happy to provide at your request. All out-of-pocket costs count toward your deductible.

    Services

    Book a call

    * Feel free to schedule a complementary 15min consult to explore working together

    Single session – 1 or 1.5 hours, virtual or in-person.

    Immersion healing journey – 1 day, virtual or in-person.

    Deeper immersion healing journey – Multiple days, in-person.

    Group sessions – Various options available

    You deserve to make an informed choice!

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