Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Houn.
Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent more than a decade in the corporate world before a chance encounter changed my path completely. One afternoon, I met Dr. James Choi, an acupuncture master, who told me he could sense I was meant to become a healer — that this path was already within me. At the time, I didn’t think much of it.
Soon after, I moved to Shanghai, China, to explore business opportunities for my entrepreneurial ventures. Ironically, during my time there, I suffered a few injuries that led me to seek acupuncture treatments — experiences that proved unexpectedly transformative. Out of curiosity, I decided to enroll at an acupuncture university.
From the very first day of class, I was captivated. The holistic way Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body felt both profound and intuitive. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong calling. Today, I’m a Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and the owner of Beyond Acupuncture, located in Laguna Beach, Orange County, with a second location coming soon. I also serve on the faculty at South Baylo University, where I teach both full-time and part-time graduate students of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Leaving a stable corporate career at UC Irvine Health was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I had spent years building a solid path in healthcare administration, surrounded by great colleagues and the kind of security most people hope for. But deep down, I knew something was missing. I wanted to do work that felt more personal — something that allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. Walking away from that stability wasn’t easy, but it opened the door to something far more meaningful and gave me a renewed sense of purpose as an acupuncturist.
Starting my practice turned out to be smoother than I expected. There’s been a growing appreciation for acupuncture and holistic medicine, which has made running the clinic both rewarding and sustainable. Many of my patients come through word of mouth — a sign that they feel cared for and want to share that experience with others.
Looking back, my business background — including a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University — has been more helpful than I ever imagined. It’s given me the tools to manage the practical side of healthcare while staying true to the heart of Eastern medicine. I try to approach my work with a balance of structure and creativity, which has allowed me to build a practice that feels not only successful, but deeply fulfilling.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through acupuncture and herbal medicine, I help patients reconnect with their bodies’ natural rhythm and ability to heal. My patients often share that they’re sleeping better, feeling more energized, digesting more easily, and experiencing a greater sense of balance and well-being.
What I love most about my work is the diversity of people and conditions I treat — no two patients are ever the same. While many come in for pain relief, I also work with fertility, sports injuries, stroke recovery, digestive issues, neurological conditions, and stress-related disorders — pretty much every kind of health condition you can think of.
One of the most meaningful experiences early in my career was helping a woman in her late thirties who had suffered several miscarriages. After a series of acupuncture and herbal treatments, she became pregnant again and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby girl. It was an emotional moment for both of us — a reminder of how powerful and personal this medicine can be. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping many women conceive naturally or alongside IVF treatments. Research even shows that acupuncture can significantly improve IVF success rates, which makes this work especially rewarding.
What truly sets my practice apart is that I work alongside my father, Dr. Robert French — a physician who has practiced Western medicine for more than 50 years. Learning from him has given me a deep appreciation for the strengths of both Eastern and Western medicine. He’s been an incredible influence on my approach to patient care, especially in teaching me the importance of compassion and truly listening to people’s stories.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books by Eckhart Tolle, especially The Power of Now and A New Earth, have been profoundly influential in my life. I’ve listened to these audiobooks countless times as a way to stay grounded and centered. Like many people, I used to chase happiness in the future — believing it would come after the next goal or milestone. Tolle’s teachings helped me realize that true peace exists only in the present moment.
So much of our anxiety and depression stems from living in the future or dwelling on the past, and both can take a real toll on our health. While I still have moments of regret or worry, I’ve found that I’m most at peace — and most joyful — when I’m treating patients. Acupuncture requires complete presence; it’s a form of meditation in motion. This work has not only allowed me to help others heal but has also taught me the deeper meaning of being fully alive in each moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondacupuncture.com
Image Credits
All photos taken by Andrew Houn
