Tao of Wellness

Business Details

50 Years

experience

Trusted Acupuncture & Wellness Services in Santa Monica

Tao of Wellness was founded in 1976 by Master Ni Hua-Ching, a 38th-generation Chinese medicine practitioner and Taoist master. Our practice combines 5,000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern integrative healthcare, offering treatments for fertility, chronic pain, immunology, and wellness optimization. Our team includes internationally recognized doctors who have authored over 70 books on Taoist philosophy and Chinese medicine. We maintain a holistic approach treating body-mind connections through acupuncture, herbal therapy, tuina massage, and nutritional counseling. Our Santa Monica and Pasadena clinics serve as both treatment centers and educational hubs through our affiliated Yo San University.

With 74 generations of Taoist lineage and 38 generations of medical expertise, we emphasize teaching patients self-care alongside professional treatment. Our practitioners have appeared on major media platforms including The Doctor Oz Show and The New York Times. We collaborate with institutions like Children's Hospital Los Angeles to advance pediatric acupuncture research. Our mission remains rooted in Taoist principles of energy balance while maintaining scientific rigor through clinical research partnerships.

Services

Acupuncture Herbal Medicine Tuina Bodywork Cupping Therapy Nutritional Counseling InfiniChi Energy Therapy Far-Infrared Heat Therapy

Details

Year established: 1976

Highlights and features

We offer 48 years of continuous practice combining Taoist tradition with modern medicine
Our doctors come from 38 generations of Chinese medical practitioners
We maintain research partnerships with major medical institutions
Our practitioners have authored over 70 books on Chinese medicine
We operate both treatment clinics and an accredited TCM university

Website

Update Listing

Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture uses fine needles at specific points to balance energy flow and stimulate the body's natural healing. This 5,000-year-old practice treats chronic pain, fertility issues, and emotional disorders by improving circulation and regulating neurochemical activity. Our practitioners combine traditional techniques with modern research findings to optimize treatment effectiveness.

Herbal Medicine

Custom herbal formulations address specific health concerns using time-tested Chinese medicinal recipes. Our pharmacopeia includes plant-based remedies for digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and immune support. Formulas are tailored to individual constitutions and adjusted throughout treatment to match healing progress and changing health needs.

Tuina Bodywork

This therapeutic massage technique manipulates energy channels through targeted pressure and stretching. Tuina relieves musculoskeletal pain, improves circulation, and restores joint mobility. Our practitioners integrate acupressure with deep tissue work to address both immediate discomfort and underlying energy imbalances.

Nutritional Counseling

Personalized nutrition plans apply Taoist principles of food energetics to modern dietary needs. We teach patients how to use seasonal eating, food combinations, and targeted supplementation to support healing and prevent disease while considering contemporary nutritional science.

InfiniChi Energy Therapy

This specialized modality combines breathwork, meditation, and energy channeling to restore vital energy flow. Practitioners use guided sessions to help patients release emotional blockages, reduce stress, and enhance overall vitality through traditional Taoist energy cultivation techniques adapted for modern practice.

People

Dr. Daoshing Ni

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Licensed Acupuncturist and Diplomate of Chinese Herbology with expertise in reproductive medicine. Co-author of Tao of Fertility and former California Acupuncture Committee examiner. Specializes in integrating traditional practices with modern medical standards.

Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Co-Founder & Director of Research

38th-generation Chinese medicine practitioner and bestselling author of 18 health books. Board-certified in anti-aging medicine with international media presence. Co-founder of Yo San University and leader in integrative medical research.

Albert Vaca

Licensed Acupuncturist

Masters degree from Yo San University with specialization in sports medicine. Former Dean of Clinical Education and co-author of BACK to Pain-Free Health. Combines martial arts background with acupuncture orthopedics certification for musculoskeletal treatments.

Dr. Shannon Lawrence

Doctor of Acupuncture

Licensed Acupuncturist with doctorate in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Former professional ballerina brings movement-based healing perspective. Specializes in orthopedics, pediatrics, and women's health with focus on mind-body wellness integration.

Questions

What services does Tao of Wellness offer?

We provide acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage, cupping therapy, and nutritional counseling for conditions including fertility, chronic pain, and wellness optimization.

How does acupuncture work scientifically?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points to release endorphins, improve blood flow, and regulate nerve signals. Research shows it affects neurochemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

Are your practitioners licensed?

All our acupuncturists are California Board Licensed and nationally certified. Our doctors hold advanced degrees from Yo San University.

Do you treat children?

Yes, we have a pediatric acupuncture program in partnership with Children's Hospital Los Angeles for managing chronic pain in children.

What makes your approach unique?

We combine 74 generations of Taoist lineage with modern research, emphasizing both immediate treatment and long-term self-care education for patients.

How many treatment sessions are typically needed?

Most patients receive 6-12 weekly sessions depending on condition severity. Chronic issues generally require more sessions than acute conditions.

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Reviews (7)

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Megan S.

Jun 17, 2022 Report

I've had a great experience at the Tao of Wellness. I was new to acupuncture and uncertain if it would help my needs, but I worked with Angela and was truly amazed by the results. Angela, from the very beginning, was supportive, optimistic and taught me a lot along the way. If you're interested in a great clinic and great physician, I would definitely recommend giving it a shot!

Silvia D.

Mar 26, 2022 Report

I made an appointment over the phone came to my appointment and was told I don't have obe. I'm very upset at the unprofessionalism. No one has free time in LA to waste on driving anywhere for no reason

Candice M.

Nov 30, 2021 Report

I have been going to Tao of wellness on and off for 10 years. Just met Angela! She has magical hands & SO sweet. I loved my experiences with both Angela and Dr Mao so far! They are both amazing as I'm sure everyone working here is great!

Allyson K.

Jul 23, 2021 Report

I saw Angela all through my high risk pregnancy. I felt great and had a healthy pregnancy and I attribute much of that to the treatment I received from Angela. She is fabulous and was able to immediately address any issues I was having. I am now seeing her postpartum to help with healing and nursing. I can't recommend her services enough!

Lauren O.

Jul 20, 2021 Report

I can't say enough great things about the wonderful people at Tao of Wellness. I've been seeing Dr. Angela for over a year and it's truly been life changing! I had very bad lower back, neck, and shoulder pain which Dr. Angela helped me resolve within my first 3 months of treatment. I also have constant migraines and headaches which she has helped me address through personalized herbal supplement recommendations.

The staff at the front desk is extremely responsive and helpful, and always asks me about my experience when I leave. I feel like everyone I encounter in this office is genuinely happy to be there and cares about my health, customer satisfaction and overall experience. I recommend Tao of Wellness to everyone I know and am pretty shocked to see some of the low ratings below. This place is magical and I highly encourage everyone reading this to go and find out for yourself!

B. K.

Jul 12, 2021 Report

I can honestly say that Angela has saved me from a lifetime of headaches! I used to get really bad migraines and since seeing her for body work (tuina i think it's called?) and cupping and sometimes acupuncture, they've all but gone away. It wasn't just the treatment, but her knowledge and her stretching techniques that have helped in ways I didn't think were possible. After seeing sinus doctors, allergy doctors, neurologists, specialists for years etc, seeing her has been such a game changer and the only thing I know that has actually helped me prevent going into headache hell for 3 days at a time.

Cj D.

Jun 19, 2021 Report

I went to Dr Angela because I was having horrible hot flashes. Her treatment recommendation was once a week acupuncture appt along with herbs, and she said it would take 8-12 weeks. After 6 weeks, the flashes were far less severe and after 10, they were completely gone and have remained that way with maintenance. What a wonderful way to put an end to the misery, hormone-free!