Dr. Heejoo Hong, DAOM, L.Ac.

Founder & Owner: Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Dr. Hong is a compassionate Licensed Acupuncturist, Wellness Coach, and Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Hong is dedicated to listen to her patients carefully to address their concerns and to educate them to achieve optimal health.

​Dr. Hong’s tenure at the spinal center and medical centers has brought on extensive understanding of both modern and traditional medicines. While overseeing the acupuncture department, she designed and implemented various clinical programs in pain management, mind health, weight loss, detox, women’s health, children’s health, allergy, skin rejuvenation, hair loss, and body contouring. She will help you to have a detailed understanding of your body and find a comprehensive personalized care plan with safe and optimized treatment.

​With over 10 years of practice as an acupuncturist, Dr. Hong performs full range of acupuncture techniques including TCM, 4 Needles Technique, VST, Anatomical Acupuncture, Kinetic Acupuncture, Trigger Point Technique, Facial and Hair Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Guasha, Cupping, Scalp Acupuncture, and Auricular Acupuncture. She was also involved in various research projects and successfully introduced Traditional Chinese Medicine to other health care providers as a part of the IOMRI (International Oriental Medical Research Institute).

Dr. Hong believes that spiritual well-being is equally important for a balanced healthy life. When Dr. Hong is not working, she enjoys traveling with her husband and experiences new cultures and cuisines. She adores hairy friends including her cat Cookie. Dr. Hong is an avid yogi and also enjoys Pilates. With her love for the outdoors, you may run into her at one of the hiking trails of San Diego. Don’t forget to say “Hi!”

PROFESSIONAL STUDY AND AFFILIATION B.A., Molecular and Cell Biology, UC Berkeley, CA M.S.,Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture, Southern California University, CA D.A.O.M., Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Emperor’s College, CA

Board Member, California Acupuncture Board, CA Former Vice President, IOMRI (International Oriental Medical Research Institute), CA Certified Member, Korean Medicine Facial Rejuvenation Society, Seoul, Korea Certified Practitioner, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Facial Cupping Guasha, Michelle Gellis, L.Ac Certified Health Care Practitioner, Metagenics(First Line Therapy), CA Researcher/Presenter, iSAMS (Symposium on Acupuncture and Meridian Studies) Conference at UC Irvine, CA Medical Volunteer, Los Angeles 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games, CA Certified Practitioner, Willed Body Program at UC Irvine, CA Certified Practitioner, AISA (Association of International Saam Acupuncture), CA

Clinical Residency Program, Samra Hamsoa Acupuncture Spinal Center, CA Practitioner, Dr. Midas, CA Supervisor Acupuncturist, Acupia Wellness Acupuncture Inc., CA Practitioner, Mountain Health and Community Services Inc., CA

Dr. Heejoo Hong, DAOM, L.Ac. Founder & Owner: Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Acupuncture ... Read More

Dr. Kelsi Sando is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She is dedicated to listening carefully to her patients, addressing the root cause of their concerns, and empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Dr. Sando has a background in both clinical research and holistic medicine that has given her a well-rounded understanding of health from both modern and traditional perspectives. She has extensive training and experience in treating pain and injuries with acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, active release techniques, e-stim, moxa, and herbal medicine. She is a certified Microneedling provider and has advanced training and experience in Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture. She also specializes in treating internal conditions such as digestive complaints, allergies, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mental health conditions. She has experience working in mental health outpatient intensive treatment setting supporting patients with anxiety, depression, personality disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, OCD, and autism spectrum disorder.

Dr. Sando believes that true healing involves addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. Her approach is gentle, compassionate, and rooted in providing treatments that are holistic, personalized, minimally invasive, virtually pain-free, and highly effective. She works closely with each patient to develop personalized care plans that support the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. She is passionate about helping her patients feel empowered, supported, and confident in their journey toward lasting wellness.

When she is not in the clinic, Dr. Sando enjoys dance, art, and spending time with her cat, Camilla. She looks forward to partnering with you on your journey to wellness.

CERTIFICATIONS, AFFILIATIONS, & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science/ Bachelor’s of Science, Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine/ Clinical Research Coordinator, University of California Irvine, Department of Pediatrics/ Clinical Research Assistant, National University of Natural Medicine/ Certified Microneedling Provider, San Diego Cosmetic Acupuncture/ Advanced Cosmetic Acupuncture Certification, Acuregen/ Acupuncturist, Whole Family Wellness Center/ Microneedling & Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Provider, White Rabbit Day Spa/ Acupuncturist & BodyMind Provider, True Life Center for Wellbeing IOP Mental Health Treatment Center/ Acupuncturist & Active Release Techniques Provider, Action Performance Care/ Acupuncturist & Herbalist, San Diego Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture/ Acupuncturist, Hillcrest Community Acupuncture/ Acupuncturist, Modern Acupuncture/ Herbal Pharmacy Assistant, My Herbal Pharmacy/ Certified Yoga Instructor

SPECIALTIES Pain management / Sports medicine & injuries/ Mental health conditions: stress management, anxiety, panic disorder, burnout, adjustment disorder, major depressive disorder, prolonged grief disorder, premenstrual depressive disorder, postpartum depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, personality disorders, OCD, somatic symptom disorder, and autism spectrum disorder/ Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture and Microneedling Insomnia/ Digestive disorders/ Allergies, autoimmune conditions, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and other immune system disorders/ Chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain disorders, and other chronic conditions/ Weight loss

Dr. Kelsi Sando is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. She is dedicated to listening ca... Read More

Dr. Song brings a neuroscience informed perspective to acupuncture and integrative care, with an academic background in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan. She understands the body as an interconnected system, recognizing how the brain, nervous system, and internal organs influence pain, circulation, immunity, metabolism, and emotional health. Her approach focuses on identifying root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

She believes in the body’s innate capacity for self healing and supports this process through acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and customized herbal medicine when appropriate. Known for her gentle and attentive care, Dr. Song creates a calm and supportive treatment environment while integrating mind body practices such as breathing and meditation to promote balance and recovery.

Dr. Song emphasizes preventive medicine and personalized care, designing treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique constitution and lifestyle to support long term health and resilience.

Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time in nature, attending classical music and ballet performances, and exploring local food through the East Asian medicine principle that food is medicine.

SPECIALTIES

• Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: Chronic fatigue, vagus nerve dysfunction, insomnia, palpitations • Neurological & Neuromuscular Conditions: Migraines, post-stroke care, muscle spasms, peripheral neuropathy • Circulatory & Blood Disorders: Blood pressure regulation, Raynaud’s syndrome, edema, dizziness • Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Care: Sports injuries, neck pain, headaches, post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation • Holistic Wellness & Longevity: Immune support, preventive care, constitutional balance and body regulation • Women’s Health: Fertility support and reproductive care, menopause syndrome

Dr. Song brings a neuroscience informed perspective to acupuncture and integrative care, with an ... Read More