Meet Zelina Medina of AcuVida Acupuncture in Highland Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zelina Medina.

Zelina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Highland Park, in the 80’s and 90’s when it wasn’t the easiest place to live. It was notorious at a national level for gang violence and was very unsafe. Most of the families were low-income, immigrant families facing many hardships on a social and economic level. I always knew that somehow, I wanted to give back to my community and always had an innate desire to help people, I just didn’t know exactly how at the time.

To escape the violence, I took every class available at Plaza De La Raza in Lincoln Heights; ballet, jazz, piano, art, theater, you name it and I was in it. I am an artist at heart.

Out of high school, I attended FIDM, graduated with honors and started working immediately in the fashion industry. It was exciting, glamorous and creative…until it wasn’t. As target price demands increased and overseas production became the norm in the industry, the designs were becoming mere knock offs and the creativity was being lost. I was also working extremely long hours, partying, and generally not living a very healthy lifestyle. Eventually, all that caught up to me.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with Lupus and Kidney Failure. I spiraled out of control and ended up in the hospital for a week. It was my wake-up call. When I was released, I made a complete turnaround with my life.

I did everything I could to heal, not just my body, but my heart and my soul. I started doing yoga and hiking every day, I started meditating, reading and writing. I started to see a therapist, and went to meetings. I was also seeing an acupuncturist. I started reading about different types of traditional medicine and I fell in love with the healing arts. I enrolled in school to become a Licensed Acupuncturist.

I made a swift recovery because I immersed myself in healing. I no longer suffer from the effects of Lupus, and my kidneys are healthy and strong.

I graduated with my Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences in 2015, and became a Licensed Acupuncturist in July 2016. That same month, I opened up my own acupuncture practice: AcuVida Acupuncture in Highland Park.

I’ve always been a survivor, from sexual abuse, addiction and even surviving a near-death experience. I am living, breathing proof that we can overcome any challenge that presents itself, even healing from an “incurable” disease. A lot of us just need help finding the right tools.

I became a healer to help others find their own healing potential.

I had almost lost faith in mine, and I want to be a reminder, an inspiration to keep pushing forward, no matter what.

I love working with patients, and love helping them through some of their toughest challenges. It is an honor to be of service.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve always been an exceptional student. At least that’s what I thought until I was in Med School. The program was academically challenging, and made me doubt my abilities as a healthcare provider and soon to be doctor. It was very competitive and I always fell behind and didn’t think I was as smart as the rest. Eventually, I realized that everyone has their own journey and their own style.

I also had to sacrifice time with family and loved ones, very often. I was always studying for one exam or another, and couldn’t spare too many free moments. Now that I have more flexibility with my time, I’m working on building those relationships.

My biggest challenge yet, is giving myself permission to dream big. I find that oftentimes, we are afraid to dream big because of our backgrounds, or our shortcomings, or even our fears. I had so much fear when I started out, but as I kept going, it wasn’t really that scary. I was limiting myself and selling myself short before, but I want to strive for bigger and better. Anything is possible!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I opened up my practice in July 2016 and have been blessed with amazing patients. They all have a story that I can relate to, and all of my patients feel like friends. They all tell me the same, and how warm I make them feel.

I make it a point to make them feel relaxed while they’re in my office, and empowered with healing tools when they leave. I also like to make myself accessible so that they feel they have support.

They all LOVE my essential oils products. I make unique custom blended oils and sprays. They feel rejuvenated, since I use aromatherapy in every treatment and for their specific ailments. I often incorporate multiple modalities including acupuncture, cupping, massage, herbal topical, aromatherapy and moxabustion. I also usually prescribe herbs as they work synergistically with the acupuncture; I LOVE plant medicine! Every new patient gets homework in the form of a Wellness Plan, tailored to their specific needs.

I have had patients with autoimmune conditions, pain management, digestive issues, insomnia, mental and emotional health and so much more. I’m amazed every time I’m reminded of the human body’s healing potential when the right tools are applied.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I had many interests. I was in Girl Scouts, Cheerleading, Basketball, Journalism and all sorts of arts classes.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even at a young age. I used to sell candy and ice cream and I had my own library.

My passion has always been music. I’ve always wanted to sing and dance. Music has such healing power and it’s so therapeutic.

I was always different and couldn’t fit into just one group. In high school, I hung out with everybody. I was Senior Class President because I loved planning events and organizing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.AcuvidaAcupuncture.com
• Phone: 323.250.0913
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Acuvida_Acupuncture
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/acuvidaacupuncture
• Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/acuvida-acupuncture-los-angeles

Image Credit:
Photos 1, 8: Q.Q.
Jade Photography LLC