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Meet Marina Dabcevic of Awaken Now Acupuncture & Wellness in Santa Monica

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Dabcevic.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Croatia but grew up in Sydney, Australia. I eventually moved to America to pursue my dream of becoming an acupuncturist and herbalist. I earned my Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture at Yo San University in Los Angeles, California.

After successfully passing the national boards and California licensing exams, I earned my doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. During this time, I completed a 1-year internship at Skagit Valley Regional Cancer Care Center, where I worked closely with doctors and patients. I also completed an internship at two prestigious hospitals in China. Prior to my studies in Eastern medicine, I earned a diploma in Reflexology and a Bachelor Degree in Homeopathy at the Nature Care College in Sydney, Australia.

As a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, I specialize in oncology and chronic pain management. My approach is holistic – taking into account not only each patient’s physical state but also his or her mental and emotional states. The body is entirely connected and we know that the physical state has an impact on the mental and emotional states, just as much as the emotional state influences the body physically. I tailor each treatment specifically to each patient and strive to achieve the best end result the patient requires. My goal is not only to help my patients but to educate them so each patient can help themselves.

After Seattle, I moved back to Los Angeles and got the head acupuncture position in a multidisciplinary practice. This is where I met my husband – a chiropractor. Eventually, I left and started Awaken Now and a year later he followed. Now we run a family business. We are very close to all our patients, we see their kids, we go to graduations and other events, and they are watching our kid grow up when she comes to hang out in our office! We love the family feeling that we have created, the safe space where our patients can tell us anything and we get to treat their mind, body, and soul.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but it hasn’t been overly bumpy either. Business goes up an down when you first start but nothing that wasn’t expected. Plus having your significant other by your side helps with any bumps because you always have support.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Awaken Now Acupuncture & Wellness – what should we know?
Our mission statement is Awaken to your health, your lifestyle, to the world around you, AWAKEN TO YOU!

The whole idea around this was to educate patients and create more of a preventative culture. That way, they can become more in tune with their bodies, as well as their mental and emotional states so that they don’t have to be here all the time! We want to promote health and not focus on disease.

I specialize in oncology acupuncture but mostly I treat chronic pain, digestive problems (and in Chinese Medicine, your digestion is your second brain. If that isn’t working, the rest of you won’t work – it affects how your food is processed and how much nutrients you absorb not to mention how you sleep, your mood, your energy and much more), menstrual problems and infertility. We are also thrilled to introduce our newest treatment – Cosmetic Acupuncture!

I chose to get certified in the Mei Zen facial acupuncture technique because although the focus is on anti-aging of the face and neck, it also treats the whole body. We know that the skin cannot look radiant and supple unless our internal systems are balanced. It is a fine art what Chinese medicine can achieve when harmonizing the inside so that health reflects on the outside. The Mei Zen facial acupuncture technique specifically focuses on plumping and lifting the skin of the face and neck, it reduces fine lines and puffiness, improves complexion to reveal softer, smoother skin, minimizes jowls, and fades away age spots.

It won’t work overnight. This is a specific ten session protocol that is performed twice per week for five weeks. The reason being the dermis takes 4-5 weeks to regenerate. We need to continuously stimulate the dermis with micro-traumas caused by the hair-thin needles to build collagen and elastin to create long-lasting results. The best part is that all you need is to get the ten session Cosmetic Acupuncture protocol once every 2-5 years if monthly facials are scheduled for regular maintenance.

You don’t have to fear the needles. They are so small that you can barely see them. Although there are approximately 80 needles in your face, you will feel very relaxed listening to the soft music and the trickle of water from the nearby fountain. A serene experience in the most tranquil setting.

As an added bonus, I uses GM Collin Skincare products, prime partners of the Oscars. As part of your ten sessions, you will get three facials with your choice of the following masks: a vitamin C mask which fills your skin with enough vitamin C to fight free radicals, strengthen the skin against sun damage, and boost collagen production to give you firmer, smoother skin; or an incredibly healing algae mask which hydrates, softens, and detoxifies the skin, replenishing it with essential vitamins and minerals.

Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries. It encourages the body to promote natural healing, alleviating aches and pains, promoting digestion, aiding in sleep, calming the mind, and now making you look younger! I am excited to be at the forefront of this wellness movement.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
We are very fortunate to have patients that are from a higher socioeconomic status and because of this and also how close our patients are to us, they help us a lot and guide us in all business matters.

Obviously, our friends and parents who are always so supportive and rave about us everywhere they go! But I think we have to give most credit to our patients. We have never really advertised our business, everything has been word of mouth and that happens because we spend so much time getting to know each and every person. The more we know and understand the faster we can heal and the quicker the patient can get back to their every day life ailment free. Which just leads us to seeing more people in the end!

Pricing:

  • Initial acupuncture session $165
  • Follow up $110
  • Cosmetic acupuncture office – 10 sessions including 3 facials $2000
  • Cosmetic acupuncture home visit – 10 sessions including 5 facials $4000
  • Acupuncture home visit $300

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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