Hidden Gems: Meet Alexandra Ontiveros of Heart and Harmony Acupuncture

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Ontiveros.

Hi Alexandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Michoacán, Mexico, and I’ve lived in California since I was four years old. I was raised by my mom and my stepdad (who I call my dad), along with my two younger sisters. I come from a wonderful, hardworking family—my dad worked long hours as a truck driver, while my mom stayed home to take care of us.

I lived in the Los Angeles area until sixth grade, then we moved to Ontario, CA. I attended Ontario High School, which was often labeled as a “bad” school, but my experience there was the opposite. The teachers were amazing—they pushed us to think outside the box and truly prepared us to succeed. All the hard work I put in during high school paid off: I was accepted to UCLA, where I earned my B.S. in Biology.

While at UCLA, I was on the pre-med track and worked two jobs to cover school expenses. But as I approached graduation in 2009, I realized that pursuing medical school would take a toll on my mental and physical health. I decided to take a year off. During that time, I worked as a nanny for a woman recovering from breast cancer. It was through her journey that I was introduced to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. I became fascinated by how this form of healing could help restore the body’s natural balance and treat various illnesses.

I began applying to nursing schools, but financially, things weren’t lining up. Then, in 2010, I happened to drive past Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine. On a whim, I walked in. They told me a new quarter was starting soon and that I could still apply. Everything fell into place from there. Within a few weeks, I was starting a new chapter in my life.

I graduated in 2015 with a Master’s in Traditional Oriental Medicine. In 2016, I opened my first acupuncture clinic—and I haven’t stopped since. In 2023, I rebranded my practice as Heart and Harmony Acupuncture and partnered with an apothecary. Together, we opened a charming little shop on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, where I currently practice.

Oh, and I’m also a mom! In 2019, I welcomed my beautiful daughter Mia into the world. She’s my precious little girl, and balancing motherhood with running a business has been both a challenge and a blessing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh gosh, it’s been a bumpy road. Financially, it’s been tough—starting your own business comes with a whole set of challenges. But somehow, you push through. Then COVID hit, which slowed everything down even more. On top of that, insurance companies have such low reimbursement rates for our services, so I had to learn how to manage my practice wisely and make things work.

Being a mom has brought its own set of challenges. Balancing motherhood and running a business hasn’t been easy. I went back to work just two months after giving birth, and it was incredibly hard not being with my daughter full-time. But I was fortunate—owning my own clinic meant I could sometimes bring her with me while I worked. Even now, I often leave work to pick her up from school and then bring her back to the office with me.

Through all of this, I’ve learned how to juggle being both a mom and an acupuncturist. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Heart and Harmony Acupuncture is a healing space rooted in compassion, community, and the power of traditional medicine. I specialize in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, using these ancient healing modalities to help restore balance and wellness in the body. Our focus includes women’s health, stress and anxiety management, pain relief, fertility support, and general wellness.

What sets us apart is the heart behind the practice. I created Heart and Harmony not just as a clinic, but as a sanctuary where people can feel truly seen, heard, and cared for. My approach combines traditional techniques with deep, individualized attention—every patient’s story matters here. I’ve walked the path of burnout, imbalance, and healing myself, and I bring that lived experience into every treatment.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the warmth and authenticity that people feel when they walk through our doors. In 2023, we rebranded and partnered with a local apothecary to create a unique, welcoming space in Sherman Oaks. Our shop now also offers hand-selected herbal products, teas, and wellness tools—curated with intention to support our clients beyond the treatment table.

To anyone unfamiliar with acupuncture or holistic medicine, I want them to know that healing is not one-size-fits-all. We take a gentle, whole-person approach and meet people where they are in their journey. Whether someone is struggling with chronic illness, navigating motherhood, or simply seeking balance in a fast-paced world, we’re here to support them.Well… I provide acupuncture, cupping, and Chinese herbs. I take insurance. 90% of my clients are insurance based. I work on everything honestly. I don’t have a specialty because I like to be available for everyone’s needs. I like to combine Traditional Chinese modalities with modern Integrative medicine. I like combining both worlds and I think it helps me provide a well rounded service to my clients.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
Wow, that’s a tough one—I honestly don’t remember much of my childhood. But one memory that stands out is when my little sister Diana and I convinced our parents to buy us the new TLC FanMail album. We were so excited! What made it even more memorable was that both of our parents are very traditional, Spanish-speaking, and definitely not fans of R&B. But somehow, we made our case, and they gave in. That album became the soundtrack to a big part of our childhood—we’d sing and dance to it for hours. It’s one of those little moments that still makes me smile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heartandharmonyacupuncture.com
• Instagram: heartandharmonyacu