Digestive Health Exam & Our Favorite Digestive Aids for Bloating, Gas & Irregular bowels
How is your overall digestive health? Are you suffering from Bloating, Gas, Cramping, Diarrhea or Constipation? You are not alone! Many of our patients are battling with digestive issues on a daily basis. Which is why we take pride in our digestive health exam! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPbctILfkEU&feature=youtu.be We are here to help! In this video Zen Tuan, demonstrates a quick digestive health exam we perform here at Healing with Zen! We do this to evaluate our patients overall digestive health.As any doctor
The Guide for Glow Getters (Part 1)
The Guide For Glow Getters (PART 1) Hello Glow Getters!! In this blog 2 part blog series it will provide you with more information on facial acupunture. Also there are answers to common questions that we have heard over the years about facial acupunture. I’m Vanessa Ho, L.Ac. a licensed acupuncturist at Healing with Zen who is passionate about skin health and making sure patients feel beautiful naturally! I’ve always suffered from tired, dull, and acne prone skin for many years.
Women’s Health Support using Acupuncture
In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, learn why acupuncture is becoming the “Go To” way to treat Women’s Health! Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are extremely helpful in treating Women’s Health such as: Fertility This is actually one of the most common studied areas of Acupuncture and has been scientifically proven to help improve fertility for those trying to get pregnant Regulating menstrual cycles Researchers found that acupuncture outperforms ibuprofen when it comes to treating painful cramps as well as helps
Women's Health Support using Acupuncture
In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, learn why acupuncture is becoming the “Go To” way to treat Women’s Health! Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are extremely helpful in treating Women’s Health such as: Fertility This is actually one of the most common studied areas of Acupuncture and has been scientifically proven to help improve fertility for those trying to get pregnant Regulating menstrual cycles Researchers found that acupuncture outperforms ibuprofen when it comes to treating painful cramps as well as helps
Acupuncture 101: Everything You Need to Know
HOW DO ACUPUNCTURE SESSIONS WORK? Acupuncture treatments stimulate specific points of the body through the insertion of very thin needles. Stimulating these points, sometimes known as meridian points, is thought to set off a reaction starting with sensory receptors, which then stimulate nerves that signal messages to the hypothalamic-pituitary system. From a Western perspective, acupuncture is seen to work by increasing blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural pain-reducing response. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by addressing and balancing the body’s natural meridian
FAQs About Herbal Therapy, Answered
https://youtu.be/TxjXnLuI7Aw Curious about the benefits of herbal therapy? Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about what herbs are and how they can help you. What is herbal therapy? Herbal therapy involves the use of individual herbs, or more often, herbal formulas as a treatment for symptoms or as preventative medicine. Herbal therapy has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to help patients with a wide variety of issues.In most cases, patients are given a
What the Heck is “Cupping”, Anyway?
What is Cupping? CUPPING THERAPY: ANCIENT HEALING FOR MODERN AILMENTS Although “cupping” may sound unfamiliar or even a little odd to those new to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s a time-tested therapy with a long history of healing. In fact, cupping has been practiced since at least 300 A.D., and its roots stretch across ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Middle Eastern cultures. The technique may have evolved over time, but its purpose has remained consistent: to mobilize blood flow, relieve stagnation,
Cooling vs. Cold Drinks: What’s the Difference in TCM?
Cooling vs. Cold Drinks: What’s the Difference in TCM? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43tzAOttFig In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “cooling” describes a drink’s traditional energetic classification, while “cold” describes its actual serving temperature. A beverage can therefore be considered cooling even when served warm or at room temperature. Understanding this distinction can help you make sense of TCM dietary advice and pay closer attention to your own beverage preferences and digestive comfort. These classifications belong to traditional Chinese medicine theory. They should not be
Postpartum Recovery: How Acupuncture Can Support Your Body After Birth
Postpartum Recovery: How Acupuncture Can Support Your Body After Birth https://youtu.be/Wj5onekW1T8 Having a baby is a major physical and emotional transition. While so much attention naturally goes toward caring for a newborn, new mothers need care and support, too. If you recently had a baby and feel exhausted, emotional, overwhelmed, or simply not quite like yourself, you are not alone. Postpartum recovery takes time, and every person’s experience can look different. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we work with

Can Stress Affect Fertility? What to Know When Trying to Conceive
Can Stress Affect Fertility? What to Know When Trying to Conceive https://youtu.be/8R5e5UkXoY0 If you’re trying to conceive and feeling stressed, you may have asked yourself: “Is stress the reason I’m not getting pregnant?” It’s an understandable question. Tracking your cycle, waiting for test results, and wondering what to do next can make an already stressful season feel even heavier. The reassuring answer is that you do not need a stress-free life to conceive. Researchers have not established that everyday stress

Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Supportive Care
Hashimoto’s Disease and Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Tests, and Supportive Care https://youtu.be/uzW5Y2BvRJk Feeling exhausted, cold, or unlike yourself? Thyroid symptoms can be easy to dismiss, especially when they develop slowly. Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system affects the thyroid. Over time, it can lead to hypothyroidism, meaning the thyroid does not produce enough hormone for the body’s needs. If you have Hashimoto’s or suspect an underactive thyroid, understanding your symptoms and test results can help you have
PMS Case Study: Acupuncture Relief For Painful Periods
PMS CASE STUDY: How Acupuncture Helped an 18-Year-Old Find Relief Natural relief for PMS, Menstrual Cramps, Headaches, & Hormonal Balance with Dr Zen. Painful Periods Aren’t Something You Have to “Just Live With” Does every month bring: Severe menstrual cramps PMS Bloating Mood swings Headaches Fatigue Back pain Hormonal imbalance If you’ve searched online for acupuncture for PMS, natural treatment for painful periods, acupuncture near me, acupuncturist Pasadena, hormone balance naturally, or holistic women’s health, you’re not alone. At Healing

Fertility Acupuncture Case Studies & Patient Testimonials Every fertility journey is different, which is why personalized care can make such a meaningful difference. At Healing with Zen, our fertility case studies and patient testimonials share real experiences from individuals and couples who incorporated fertility acupuncture and Chinese medicine into their reproductive health journey. From supporting hormonal balance and menstrual cycle health to complementing IVF, IUI, and other fertility treatments, these stories offer insight into how acupuncture may be incorporated into
Simple Daily Habits to Reduce Inflammation & Support Healing
Simple daily habits can make a powerful difference in reducing inflammation, supporting healing, and helping your body function at its best. In this post, Dr. Kiera explains the benefits and remedies to do at home. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, stress, or illness. In the short term, it’s an important part of healing. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to fatigue, joint pain, digestive problems, hormone imbalance, autoimmune conditions, headaches, anxiety, and poor sleep. At
PMS Relief with Acupuncture: Why PMS Happens and What Your Body Is Telling You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEAx5kLAM9I PMS Relief with Dr. Zen: Why PMS Happens & How Chinese Medicine Can Help. Do You Feel Like a Different Person Before Your Period? If you experience PMS Symptoms every month—mood swings, bloating, cramps, or simply feeling unlike yourself—you’ve probably heard the phrase: “It’s just part of being a woman.” But just because Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is common doesn’t mean it’s something you have to accept. At Healing With Zen in Pasadena, we believe PMS is more than a monthly inconvenience. From a
Life can feel overwhelming. Between work, family responsibilities, and the constant demands of everyday life, it’s easy to feel stressed, mentally exhausted, or disconnected from yourself. While acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer powerful ways to restore balance, your healing doesn’t have to stop when you leave the treatment room. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBuG6V-LxT4 At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we love introducing our patients to GemElixirz Aromatherapy—a collection of crystal-infused essential oil sprays designed to support relaxation, emotional wellness, focus, and overall
Restore Balance Naturally: How Qi Gong Supports Low Back Pain, Stress Relief & Lung Health
For over 4,000 years, Qi Gong (pronounced “chee-gong”) has been helping people cultivate better health through gentle movement, intentional breathing, and focused awareness. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi Gong translates to “energy work” and is designed to improve the flow of Qi—the body’s vital life force. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQQEmu9m9WE At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we believe that true healing comes from addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with chronic low back pain, ongoing stress,

Purification and Detox: Our 21 Day Program
Watch Dr. Zen Explain the Science Behind Our 21-Day Purification and Detox Program Are you constantly feeling tired, bloated, inflamed, or struggling to lose weight despite eating healthy? If so, your body may be asking for more than another diet—it may need support. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Should I do a detox?“ The answer isn’t about surviving on juice cleanses or following restrictive fad diets. A true purification program
How Gut Health, Stress & Hormones Affect Your Thyroid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssomcG31cLM When most people think about thyroid problems, they focus only on the thyroid gland itself. While the thyroid plays an important role in regulating metabolism, energy, and body temperature, it doesn’t function in isolation. Your gut health, stress response, hormone balance, and nervous system all work together to influence how your body functions as a whole. When one of these systems becomes imbalanced, it can affect many others—including the thyroid. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we take a
How Hormones and Stress Affect Your Thyroid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieETwQl4-w4 When people think about thyroid problems, they often assume the issue begins and ends with the thyroid gland itself. While the thyroid plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and body temperature, it doesn’t work alone. Your thyroid is closely connected to other systems throughout the body—including your hormones and your stress response. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we often see patients experiencing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low energy, and irregular menstrual cycles. Although these
Why Neck and Shoulder Pain Keeps Coming Back
https://youtu.be/ga61NhfJkIY If your neck and shoulders constantly feel tight—even after stretching, massages, or taking time to rest—you may be wondering why the discomfort never seems to go away. Many people assume poor posture is the only reason for chronic neck and shoulder pain. While posture, ergonomics, and repetitive movements certainly play a role, they often aren’t the complete picture. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, neck and shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment. What
Why You’re Bloated Even When You Eat Healthy
If you’ve cleaned up your diet, eliminated foods you thought were causing problems, and still deal with bloating, you’re not alone. Many people assume that bloating is always caused by eating the “wrong” foods. They remove dairy, gluten, sugar, or carbohydrates, hoping they’ll finally find relief. While food sensitivities can sometimes contribute to digestive symptoms, they’re not always the root cause. https://youtu.be/v1ZvzPIeGzA At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, bloating is one of the most common digestive concerns we treat. In
Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine for Fertility: What’s the Difference?
Trying to conceive can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating lab results, hormone testing, ovulation tracking, and endless advice. While Western medicine has made incredible advances in fertility care, many people find themselves wondering if there’s another piece of the puzzle they’re missing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfvXvtCWcRs At Healing with Zen, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between Chinese medicine and Western medicine for fertility?” The answer isn’t that one approach is better than the other—they simply
Vestibular Migraines and Vertigo Relief with Acupuncture: A Patient Case Study
Vestibular migraines can be incredibly disruptive to daily life. Unlike traditional migraines that are primarily associated with headache pain, vestibular migraines often involve dizziness, vertigo, balance disturbances, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. For many people, these symptoms can make work, exercise, travel, and even simple daily activities feel overwhelming. In this case study, we’ll look at how acupuncture helped a 33-year-old patient experiencing vestibular migraines and persistent vertigo regain their quality of life. Understanding Vestibular Migraines Vestibular migraines affect the balance
The Hidden Signs of Chronic Inflammation: What Your Body May Be Trying to Tell You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mGFhxOaoHs&t=2s Watch Dr. Kiera discuss the hidden signs of chronic inflammation and how acupuncture may help support your body’s natural healing process. Many people think inflammation only shows up as swelling, redness, or pain. However, chronic inflammation can be much more subtle. It often develops slowly over time and may affect multiple systems throughout the body before obvious symptoms appear. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we frequently see patients who have been struggling with fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues,

Prepare for pregnancy with confidence: A Holistic Chinese Medicine Perspective
Preparing for pregnancy the healthy way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-LfuuUwwC4 Preparing for pregnancy, most people focus on ovulation tracking, hormone levels, and timing intercourse around their most fertile days. While timing certainly matters, fertility is about much more than a single moment in the menstrual cycle. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we work with individuals and couples at every stage of the fertility journey. Some are preparing to conceive naturally, while others are navigating IVF, IUI, embryo transfers, recurrent pregnancy loss, or

Community • Connection • Healing Burden of Proof meets Healing with Zen for a Happy Hour Special in Pasadena! We are always looking for new ways to make acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine more accessible to our Pasadena community. That’s why we were thrilled to host a recent Acupressure Happy Hour at Burdenproof, bringing together wellness enthusiasts, curious newcomers, and members of our local community for an evening of healing, education, and connection. These events are designed to introduce people to
New Ear Seed Styles Available!
✨NEW EAR SEED STYLES AVAILABLE!! ✨ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLwXp033jFo At Healing with Zen, we believe healing can be both functional and beautiful. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our newest ear seed styles: 💎 Crystal Flower 🤍 Pearl Flower 🤍 Classic Pearl ✨ Iridescent Crystal Whether you’re looking for stress relief, improved sleep, digestive support, or hormone balance, ear seeds offer a gentle and convenient way to stay connected to your wellness goals throughout the week. ✨ WELLNESS YOU CAN WEAR: NEW

Autoimmune Disease Myths: A Deeper Look
Autoimmune Disease Myths: A Deeper Look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D-Yplxdj4w Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people, yet they are still widely misunderstood. At Healing with Zen, we often hear patients repeat the same discouraging beliefs—many of which simply aren’t true. This newsletter begins a deeper dive into common autoimmune myths, starting with one of the most harmful misconceptions of all. “There’s No Point in Getting Better When You Have an Autoimmune Disease” This belief is incredibly common—and incredibly damaging. Because autoimmune diseases are often

DIGESTIVE HEALTH: REAL PATIENTS, REAL STORIES Digestive health concerns can affect nearly every aspect of daily life. Symptoms such as bloating, constipation, acid reflux, gas, abdominal discomfort, irregular bowel movements, food sensitivities, nausea, and indigestion can make it difficult to feel your best. At Healing with Zen, we take a whole-body approach to digestive wellness. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we look at underlying patterns that may be contributing to digestive imbalances. Through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and personalized

Irregular Menstrual Cycles And Excessive Bleeding After Birth Control: A Case Study
Many women expect their menstrual cycle to return to normal shortly after stopping birth control. While this may happen for some, others find themselves dealing with irregular periods, spotting between cycles, prolonged bleeding, hormonal acne, and other symptoms they did not anticipate. At Healing with Zen, we often see patients seeking a more natural approach to hormonal health after discontinuing birth control. This case study follows a 34-year-old woman who sought acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) support for irregular
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGDoRPey_WI If your autoimmune symptoms seem to worsen after the holidays, you’re not alone. Many people notice increased fatigue, inflammation, joint pain, brain fog, digestive discomfort, and other autoimmune symptoms in January and the months following the holiday season. At Healing with Zen in Pasadena, we see this pattern every year among patients managing autoimmune conditions. The good news is that these flare-ups are often not random, and they do not mean you have failed in your healing journey. Understanding
chronic Cough, Acid Reflux, and Phlegm: How Digestive Health May Be Connected
Chronic Cough, Acid Reflux, and Phlegm: How Digestive Health May Be Connected Many people assume that a chronic cough is always related to allergies, asthma, or a respiratory condition. However, digestive health can sometimes play a much larger role than expected. In some cases, acid reflux, poor digestion, and mucus production may all be connected. In this case study, we share the experience of a 78-year-old female who sought care for a chronic productive cough, acid reflux, and ongoing digestive

Father’s Day at Healing with Zen Father’s Day at Healing with Zen, we want to highlight how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modalities like acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping therapy, and lifestyle support can play an important role in men’s wellness, recovery, stress management, and overall vitality. When it comes to men’s health, many men wait until pain, fatigue, stress, or other symptoms become severe before seeking help. But more people are beginning to look for proactive and natural ways to support

Achilles Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and How Acupuncture May Support Recovery Naturally
Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects people of all ages, especially active adults, runners, athletes, and individuals who spend long hours on their feet. When the Achilles tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, even simple activities like walking, climbing stairs, or exercising can become painful and frustrating. At Healing with Zen, we regularly help patients looking for natural, supportive ways to manage pain, improve mobility, and encourage healing without relying solely on medications or invasive procedures. In this
https://healingwithzen.com/what-we-heal/fertility/ https://healingwithzen.com/what-we-heal/pregnancy/ https://healingwithzen.com/what-we-heal/post-partum-care/ https://healingwithzen.com/managing-menopause-with-acupuncture-and-herbs/ https://healingwithzen.com/acupuncture-for-menopause/ https://healingwithzen.com/hormonal-imbalances-a-tcm-perspective/ https://healingwithzen.com/fertility-hormonal-imbalance/ https://healingwithzen.com/fertility-hormonal-imbalance-niu/
hormonal Imbalances: A tcm perspective
https://youtu.be/gO3tmWO8gJQ Hormonal imbalances. Many people are told their hormone levels are “normal,” yet they still struggle with PMS, fatigue, mood swings, or irregular cycles. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining your symptoms. 🌿Why Hormone Symptoms Can Exist Even When Labs Look “Normal.” Hormones naturally fluctuate throughout the month, and standard lab testing often captures only a single moment in time. This is why symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, irregular cycles, or digestive issues can still be present
Embryo Transfer Acupuncture for IVF & IUI: Benefits, What to Expect, and Support on Transfer Day
IVF & IUI Embryo Transfer Acupuncture: Gentle Support on Transfer Day Embryo transfer day is one of the most emotional and meaningful milestones in the Fertility Journey. Whether you are undergoing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), this moment often comes with hope, anticipation, and understandable stress. At Healing with Zen, we offer on-site embryo transfer acupuncture designed to support you physically and emotionally during this important stage. Our goal is to help you feel calm, supported, and
Stress, Digestion, Gas, and Bloating: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
Stress, Digestion, Gas, and Bloating: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection Bloating, gas, digestive discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and a tight or unsettled feeling in the stomach can often be signs that your nervous system is under stress. Many people don’t realize that chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impact digestive health. In this case study, we explore the powerful connection between stress and digestion, how the gut responds during overwhelming or high-stress periods, and why supporting digestive health is essential for

Autoimmune Disease Myths: A Deeper Look (And Why Improvement Is Possible)
Autoimmune Disease Myths: A Deeper Look (And Why Improvement Is Possible) https://youtu.be/6sluN9bxvO0 Autoimmune diseases can feel confusing, frustrating, and unpredictable. One day you feel okay — the next, you’re dealing with fatigue, inflammation, or symptoms that don’t seem to make sense. And for many people, the most discouraging part is being told: “This is something you’ll just have to manage forever.” At Healing with Zen, we approach autoimmune conditions differently. Instead of asking: “How do we suppress symptoms?” We ask:

Finding Relief from long covid symptoms using Acupunture
One Patient’s Long COVID Journey: Key Lessons From a Case Study Long COVID has emerged as one of the most challenging post‑viral syndromes of the 21st century. Unlike the acute phase of COVID‑19 infection, which may resolve within a few weeks, long COVID symptoms can persist for months or even years, often fluctuating unpredictably and affecting multiple body systems. In this case study video with Dr. Kiera Layne, we share one patient’s Long COVID recovery story and explore three key

HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP YOU RELIEVE TMJ: A NATURAL AND HOLISTIC APPROACH TO JAW PAIN
TMJ Case Study: From Jaw Pain to Jaw Freedom https://youtu.be/ge8Qy44NEd8 A 36-year-old patient came to Healing with Zen experiencing jaw tension, neck and shoulder tightness, and low back pain, all of which were significantly worsened by stress. She reported frequent muscle tightness and discomfort that impacted her daily routine. After receiving one Balance Method acupuncture treatment, she noticed significant relief in both pain and tension. Her jaw felt more relaxed, her range of motion improved, and the overall sense of

Pediatrics: Caring for Little Ones with Gentle, Natural Support At Healing with Zen, we understand that children require gentle, thoughtful care that meets them exactly where they are. Their bodies are growing, their systems are developing, and even small imbalances can influence their comfort, mood, sleep, digestion, and overall ease. Our approach to pediatric acupuncture and herbal support focuses on nurturing the child as a whole, rather than simply addressing symptoms. Every child is unique, and so are their needs.