DrZelina Acuvida

DrZelina Acuvida DrZelinaMedina.com
AcuvidaAcupuncture.com
IG: DrZelina_Acuvida
323.250.0913
DM's NOT CHECKED HERE Please email or text to the above numbers. Hablo Español.

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Virtual Services: DrZelinaMedina.com

In person services: AcuvidaAcupuncture.com

Inquiries: Please contact 323.250.0913 call or text, email at: [email protected]

Due to privacy, we do not correspond through social media. Messages are not monitored here. Dr. Zelina Medina, Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine


My name is Zelina and I have a passion for healing and wellness. Coming from a lineage of healers, I discovered my life path after recovering from several health hardships including Lupus, addiction, a back injury and more. In 2007, I found myself stuck in a health and emotional rut. I had been recently diagnosed with Lupus and I felt as though my life and desire to keep living it, was slipping away. My kidneys were failing and my doctor told me that if I didn’t take the medication he was prescribing, I would die. I didn’t know a whole lot about healthcare then, but taking an immunosuppressant drug (a drug that suppresses the immune system) seemed counter intuitive. I started researching Lupus day and night and found that most patients who took those drugs were progressively getting worse, and with newer problems. “There must be another way,” I thought. I found alternative ways of healing and at the urge of my mother I decided to try acupuncture. From that very first treatment, I felt a major shift. My faith in recovering was renewed, I felt as though healing was possible. “Why isn’t everyone doing this?” I thought. I was progressing with each treatment, and combined with food therapy, yoga, meditation, and other forms of therapy; my health was restored. My transformation was quick; my labs were normal after just a year. Acupuncture became my answer to everything, even when I asked myself “what am I doing with my life?” It felt so natural to pursue the healing arts, and my life has changed for the better. Getting healthy was a long and challenging process, but it has been absolutely worth it! As a practitioner, I believe that people have the capacity to heal themselves. Our bodies are amazing works of art that sparkle with energy and functionality and whose self-healing mechanisms can be initiated using the right tools. I also believe in empowering others to become active participants in their recovery. I work by discovering and treating the root cause(s) of disease, which in many cases is/are due to a mind-body-spirit disconnect. Trauma stuck in the body often manifests as pain, discomfort or other health conditions. I often work with folks recovering from trauma, autoimmune conditions, ancestral trauma, mood imbalances and more. I like to combine different forms of therapy such as acupuncture, guided meditation, food therapy, plant medicine and herbs, cupping, moxibustion, movement therapy and anything else I feel someone needs. It is important to understand that healthy is a lifestyle. You matter and how you move through life matters. I am not your typical doctor, I like to listen and I devote my time to you and your healing journey. I have gifts to share and my work is unlike anyone else’s. My goal is to help you look and feel great, to remind you of your POWER and to make you feel seen and heard. I graduated from Southern California University of Health Sciences with my Master’s of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and completed my Doctorate program at Emperor’s College in March 2018. I completed a Traditional Mexican Medicine course in Oaxaca, Mexico as hosted by the University of New Mexico, a study program at the Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, CA, and countless independent studies in holistic health and spiritual well-being. I am licensed by the California Acupuncture Board.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, then you already know that there is a fire in Boyle Heights that has been burning for...
06/22/2026

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, then you already know that there is a fire in Boyle Heights that has been burning for a few days. There is a lot of smoke in the air that is full of irritants that can affect your lungs, your respiratory system, your head and more.
If you are generally healthy, you will likely be just fine.

However, if you are immune compromised, struggling with a health condition, then you need to take extra care and get more support and be extra careful.

Seek medical support if your symptoms flare.

If you have a medical emergency, seek medical attention right away from the nearest emergency room.

Please share this with others.

06/19/2026

5 Common Fitness Mistakes for Women

As a lupus and trauma survivor, former triathlete, and doctor, I’ve learned a few things when it comes to fitness.

Most women struggling with autoimmune issues, hormone imbalances, weight challenges, and the general stress of life are making some very common mistakes when it comes to exercise.

And unfortunately, these mistakes can hurt us in the long run.

And hey…no shame.
I made these same mistakes too.

Here are the ones I see most often:

1. Overtraining
Intense exercise or doing too much of it can increase inflammation and stress hormones. This signals danger to the body and the body begins holding onto reserves, which can actually lead to weight gain.
Stick to simple, balanced routines. 30–45 minutes is usually plenty. And enjoy it.

2. Under-recovering
Not resting enough prevents your body from repairing and restoring itself. It also signals stress to the nervous system, which can dysregulate hormones and metabolism.
Rest throughout the day and aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

3. Working out at the wrong time
Late evening workouts can elevate cortisol when the body should be winding down, which can disrupt sleep and hormone balance.
Morning workouts tend to support better nervous system and metabolic regulation.

4. Not eating enough
Especially protein. And skipping breakfast is very common.
Your body needs fuel throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar, support hormones, and sustain energy.
Aim for three meals per day with fiber, healthy fats, and protein.

5. Doing too much too soon
Start slow and build gradually. This helps prevent injury and keeps the nervous system regulated.

We are women and women have different needs and rhythms.

When we honor our bodies, safety comes naturally and healing soon follows.

If you need support, send me a DM.

Research:

Leproult, R., & Van Cauter, E. (2011). Role of sleep and sleep loss in hormonal release and metabolism. Endocrine Development.

HELP ME SHARE MY WORK:
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06/18/2026

✨ Childhood trauma doesn’t just live in the mind.
It lives in the body.

One of the most important truths I’ve learned as both a doctor and a survivor is this:

Early trauma affects our physiology:

🧠 The brain
⚡ The nervous system
🛡 The immune system
🔥 Inflammation levels

When a child grows up in an unsafe environment, the brain adapts for survival.

That can mean:

• hyper vigilance for threats
• elevated stress hormones
• inability to rest and feel safe

This IS NOT weakness.

It’s intelligence.

Of a system that learned how to survive.

But when the nervous system stays stuck in survival mode, healing becomes difficult.

Digestion, hormones, sleep, immunity.
Everything slows.

Research now shows that early life stress increases the risk of autoimmune disease later in life.

Not because trauma directly “causes” illness.

But because it changes the landscape of the body.

And the good news is this:

The same nervous system that learned survival can also learn safety.

Healing is possible.

I’ll be sharing more about the trauma-autoimmune connection in future content

If this resonates, you are not alone.

And if you are ready to address healing at the root,
💬 DM me HEALING

Research:
• Felitti, V. J. et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
• Dube, S. R. et al. (2009). Adverse childhood experiences and autoimmune disease. Psychosomatic Medicine.

HELP ME SHARE MY WORK:
PLEASE LIKE, COMMENT, SAVE, SHARE, TAG A FRIEND 💕


06/17/2026

🍳 Eggs are a superfood — especially for women with autoimmune.

Eggs are one of my favorite foods because they provide healthy fats and protein together — a powerful combo for stabilizing:

• blood sugar
• hormones
• energy levels

And they’re one of my favorite breakfast foods. 🤍

Here’s what eggs support:

🥚 Hormone balance — cholesterol is the building block for hormones
🥚 Blood sugar stability — protein + fat prevent spikes and crashes
🥚 Brain health — choline supports cognition and nervous system function
🥚 Immune regulation — rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E)

In TCM, eggs support kidney energy, which is the foundation of your health, energy and vitality.

If eggs work for your body, they can be powerful medicine.

Curious how to personalize nutrition for you?
💬 DM me FOOD AS MEDICINE.

Research:
• Wallace, T. C. (2018). Eggs and health outcomes. Nutrients.
• Zeisel, S. H., & da Costa, K. A. (2009). Choline: An essential nutrient. Nutrition Reviews.

HELP ME SHARE MY WORK:
PLEASE LIKE, COMMENT, SAVE, SHARE, TAG A FRIEND 💕

06/15/2026

The real reason you are still struggling with autoimmune

This may be hard to hear.

The reason many women are still struggling with autoimmune…

is because they are only addressing symptoms and avoiding the true root cause.

Another supplement.

Another elimination diet.

Another medication adjustment.

And while these things can have value…

They are often not enough.

Because autoimmune is rarely just about food.

It is often about something deeper in the body:

🌹 Unresolved trauma

🌹 Emotional suppression

🌹 Chronic self abandonment

🌹 Living in survival mode for years

You CANNOT heal a body that feels this way.

This is what too many women are avoiding.

And it’s costing their health.

As both a doctor and autoimmune thriver, I learned that my healing accelerated when I stopped asking:

“What can I take?”

And started asking:

“What is keeping my body stuck?”

That question changed everything.

If you feel like you’ve “tried everything” and still aren’t getting better…

There may be something deeper your body needs.

It is asking for something different.

I’m opening a few spaces for women who want deeper personalized support healing autoimmune symptoms through an integrative approach.

DM me HEAL 🌹



Research:

Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation contribute to inflammatory signaling and autoimmune progression.

• Segerstrom, S. C., & Miller, G. E. (2004). Psychological stress and the human immune system. Psychological Bulletin.

• Slavich, G. M. (2016). Life stress and health. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.



HELP ME SHARE MY WORK:

PLEASE LIKE, COMMENT, SAVE, SHARE, TAG A FRIEND 💕

Mindful Mondays With Dr. Z: A Women’s Walking GroupJoin us for a relaxed, supportive walk to connect, move your body, an...
06/08/2026

Mindful Mondays With Dr. Z:

A Women’s Walking Group

Join us for a relaxed, supportive walk to connect, move your body, and build community together.

This is a space to slow down, get outside, meet like-minded women, and nurture your health in a way that feels simple and sustainable.

Whether you’re navigating stress, autoimmune, burnout, life transitions, or simply looking for meaningful connection, you are welcome here.

What to Expect:

* A gentle group walk

* Health and Wellness tips

* Simple breathing or grounding practices

* Fresh air, movement, and community

No special fitness level is required.

Come as you are.

Event Details

Date: June 15 and every Monday thereafter

Time: 5:30p - 6:30p

Location: Lacy Park 1485 Virginia Rd, San Marino

Cost: Free

Register: DrZelinaMedina.com/events

05/29/2026

The real reason your symptoms won’t go away (and what to do about it) 🔥

Inflammation is normally a protective process, but when it becomes chronic, it’s the source of joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, and the symptoms that are stealing your life.

If you’re navigating trauma or autoimmune, mastering how to reduce inflammation is key to reducing your symptoms while addressing the root cause.

When I was in my worst flare, I thought I needed medications.

What I actually needed was to calm the fire inside.

Here’s what works:

🧘‍♀️ Meditation - Regulates your nervous system and signals safety to your immune system

🌬️ Breathwork - Activates your vagus nerve and shifts you out of fight-or-flight

🥗 Nutrient-dense foods - Gives your body the tools it needs to heal, not just survive

🌿 Herbs - Nature’s pharmacy for calming inflammation (best if customized for you by a licensed provider)

😴 Prioritize sleep - Where your body does its deepest healing and cellular repair

Research published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity shows that women who incorporate daily nervous system regulation practices experience up to 58% reduction in inflammatory markers within 8 weeks—without adding a single medication.

This isn’t about adding more to your plate.

It’s about choosing practices that amplify and simplify your healing.

Which one are you committing to this week? Comment below.
And if you’re already doing one of these, tell me which has made the biggest difference for you. 💬

Want a personalized anti-inflammation protocol designed specifically for YOUR body and triggers?

DM me “REDUCE” and let’s create your roadmap.

I’m taking on 3 new clients.


05/26/2026

People see chronic illness as a diagnosis.

But they don’t see the grief.
The nervous system exhaustion.
The mental battle of trying to stay hopeful in a body that feels unpredictable.

They don’t see the guilt of needing rest.
The frustration of wanting to do more.
Or the emotional weight of constantly pushing through invisible symptoms.

Healing is not just physical.

It’s emotional.
Mental.
Spiritual.
And deeply personal.

That’s why conversations like this matter.

Because so many women are silently carrying pain nobody around them fully understands.

To anyone navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, trauma, fatigue, or invisible struggles:

You are not weak.
You are adapting, surviving, and still trying your best every single day.

And the right support matters.
That’s why we got together to show you what support and collaboration looks like…

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

DM me ready if you’re ready for support.

Collab with 🤍 and

05/22/2026

Susana had Lupus and is one of many women that I have helped throughout the years.

She was struggling with flares, joint pain and so much more.

After working together for just a few weeks, she started noticing a significant decrease in her symptoms.
Eventually, she decided to wean off of her medication.
None of her symptoms returned.

She started to notice clean energy, better moods, no stress and a pain-free life.

If you are ready for these kind of results and ready to heal at the root, DM me, “I’m ready”

Address

Los Angeles, CA
90042

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Friday 6pm - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+13232500913

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