Acupuncture & Wellness
PUT YOUR BODY
IN GOOD HANDS
Release, Relax, Unwind
My —
HOLISTIC PRACTICE
PHILOSOPHY
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness,
you touch everything."
- Lao Tzu
About
My name is Kristina Elminoufi, L.Ac., Ph.D
I am a California board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist with a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in psychology, sociology, and journalism.
My practice focuses on pediatrics and takes a whole-child approach to care. I treat a broad range of pediatric concerns, including digestive, respiratory, sleep, and psycho-emotional conditions, as well as ADHD, OCD, and neurodivergent presentations.
I also treat patients across the lifespan, with particular interests in women’s health and fertility, mental-emotional health, chronic pain, and internal medicine. My approach integrates Chinese medicine with Western medical perspectives and emphasizes collaboration with other healthcare practitioners. Treatments are individualized and may include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, Shonishin, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance.
I currently practice at Yo San University’s Community Clinic, in Venice, and at Trinity Acupuncture in Torrance, California and offer Telehealth visits (please use contact form below).
TUINA - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
HOLISTIC DESIGN CONSULTATION
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ACUPUNCTURE
CUPPING
INFINICHI -ENERGY HEALING
GUA SHA -'SCRAPING'
TUINA - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat paining the Western Hemisphere.But what few people know is that acupuncture can treat many conditions, such as:
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Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
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ADHD
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Anxiety
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Dental pain
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Headaches incl. tension headaches & migraines
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fertility
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Hormonal imbalances
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Arthritis
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Menstrual cramps
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Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
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Tennis elbow
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and much more
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as Qi which flows through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, energy flow can be re-balanced.
From a pure Western perspective, acupuncture points stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin. The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences. Moxa is usually made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort which is compressed into a stick or pole that can be lit and allowed to smolder, producing a unique form of very penetrating heat.
The smoldering moxa stick is held over specific areas, often, though not always, corresponding to certain acupuncture points. The glowing end of the moxa stick is held about an inch or two above the surface of the skin until the area reddens and becomes suffused with warmth. It is not uncommon for patients receiving moxibustion to report a sudden flooding of warmth that quickly radiates along a specific pathway.
Examples of moxibustion use:
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Pain due to injury or arthritis, especially in "cold" patterns where the pain naturally feels better with the application of heat
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Digestive problems and irregular elimination
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Gynecological and obstetrical conditions, including breech presentation in late term pregnancy
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Protection against cold and flu strains
GUA SHA -'SCRAPING'
Gua Sha is a scraping technique with a smooth-edged tool to gently stimulate areas of your body where there is inflammation or stagnant qi to help improve circulation and promote healing. “Gua sha is a very standard treatment modality to stimulate the meridians. often red marks remain for a short while up to a few days along the areas where Gua Sha was performed.
Gua sha is most often used to relieve muscle and joint pain. Conditions of the muscles and bones are known as musculoskeletal disorders. Some examples include:
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back pain
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tendon strain
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carpal tunnel syndrome
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immune system improvement
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reduce inflammation
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and much more
Cupping is used in traditional medicine in several parts of the world, including China. It involves creating suction on the skin using a glass, ceramic or plastic cup. Negative pressure is created in the cup either by applying a flame to the cup to remove oxygen before placing it on the skin or by attaching a suction device to the cup after it is placed on the skin.
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Cupping may help reduce pain
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Release scar tissue and fascial adhesions.
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Reduce painful trigger points.
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Improve circulation, blood and lymph circulation.
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Relieve pain.
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Promote mobility and range of motion.
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Improves mature scars.
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Decrease toxins.
Cupping leaves temporary marks on the skin.
HERBAL CONSULTATION
Do you only need an herbal formula and no body work? We can help. We offer in person or remote herbal/ formula consultation. We will discuss your concern, do a patient intake and prescribe an herbal formula or remedy. Pricing for herbs/ formula not included. Product price charged separately based on formula and herbs used.
TELEHEALTH CONSULTATION
Do you only need a consult and no body work? Are out of State or can't travel to our location? We can help. We offer remote consultation via phone. We will discuss your concern, do a patient intake and offer TCM advice based on your needs.
PEDIATRIC CARE
Providing pediatric care through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) differs significantly from adult treatments. Our holistic approach nurtures children's health and well-being with non-needle techniques, short needle retention, herbal remedies, and Shonishin (scraping). We prioritize gentle treatments that promote balance and harmony, ensuring children receives the best care possible in a safe and supportive environment.
TUI-NA - THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
Tuina is a type of therapeutic massage developed in China more than 2,000 years ago. Tuina is effective for relieving headaches, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is also effective for musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, shoulder tension, lower back pain, and numbness and tingling in the limbs.
Tuina's techniques range from light stroking to channel tracing. This includes the use of hand techniques to massage soft tissues (muscles and tendons), as well as stretching, acupressure, and other techniques to relax muscle spasm, mobilize joints, and reduce inflammation. Herbal ointments or liniments can also be used topically to enhance the above therapeutic methods.
Treatment sessions last 15 minutes plus a 15 minute consultation. Patients should wear loose and comfortable clothes during the session. Patients often return for additional treatments for chronic conditions. In addition to the release of pain, the patient usually feels relaxed, or surprisingly energized, by the treatment.
Tuina is not used for conditions involving compound fractures, external wounds, open sores or lesions, or with infectious conditions such as hepatitis. Tuina should not be performed on the abdominal region of a pregnant woman. Wait at least one hour after eating before entering treatment.
GET IN TOUCH
Way of the Tao
Acupuncture & Wellness
Welcome to Little Qi
Little Qi is a children’s wellness brand rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
and the Five Elements. Little Qi helps children ages 6–12 understand their emotions, listen to their bodies, and build lifelong self-care habits.
Through storybooks, movement cards, and guided meditations, we transform classical Daoist teachings into playful, screen-free tools for modern families.
At Little Qi, we believe that every child is born with a vital life force — Qi (气) — that flows through the body, heart, and mind. When Qi moves freely, children feel calm, kind, and connected.
Our mission is to nurture that natural flow through imagination, movement, and mindful awareness — helping each child rediscover balance in a fast-moving world.