The Held Space

Have you ever felt that managing your health, especially with a condition like PCOS, is an uphill battle? In this episode, Anna is joined by Lokahi's fertility expert, Cara Ortiz, to explore the holistic connection between your lifestyle and hormonal harmony. Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a gentle yet powerful path to understanding and managing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Cara breaks down complex topics, offering a new lens through which to view your health—from cycle regulation and insulin sensitivity to fertility and overall vitality. This conversation provides a hopeful path toward rebalancing your body by nurturing its innate healing ability.

• How Traditional Chinese Medicine views PCOS not just as a diagnosis, but as a pattern of imbalance, such as "dampness" or "blood stasis," which can be addressed holistically.
• The surprising reason why common diet trends like fasting may not be the best approach for women with PCOS, and why warm, cooked foods are considered superior for hormonal health.
• Practical ways to support your body's healing, including gentle movement, choosing clean foods, and creating a sleep environment that nurtures deep, restorative rest.
• About the synergy between Western and Chinese medicine, and how combining both can create a faster, more effective path toward your health and fertility goals.
• How specific herbal formulas, like the renowned Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan, can help the body manage stress, improve circulation, and support the entire reproductive system.

If you have any questions, comment below and follow for more episodes on holistic wellness.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered about the invisible world within you that shapes your health, mood, and even your thoughts? In this profoundly insightful episode, Anna is joined by Acupuncturist Dr. Deborahlise Mota, DACM, L.Ac., MAOM, to explore the profound connection between the gut microbiome and Chinese medicine. Discover how our bodies are intricate ecosystems, and our well-being starts in the gut. Dr. Deborahlise explains complex topics, offering a new lens through which to view your health, from blood sugar regulation and hormonal balance to fertility and emotional resilience. This conversation provides a hopeful path toward harmonizing your body by understanding and nurturing the trillions of microbes that call you home.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The concept of "Qi" in Chinese medicine can be understood as the invisible life force that underlies our microbiome.
• The surprising link between the microbiome of the mouth and the placenta, and what it means for a healthy pregnancy.
• Practical ways to feed specific, beneficial microbes, like Akkermansia, with red polyphenol-rich foods such as pomegranates to support blood sugar and fertility.
• About the "three brains"—in our gut, heart, and head—and how they work together to regulate our physical and emotional states.
• How acupuncture and specific foods can help release trauma, move the body out of a "fight or flight" state, and create an environment where healing and conception can occur.

We hope this conversation inspires a new appreciation for your body's inner wisdom. If you have any questions, comment below and follow for more episodes on holistic medicine!

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode, we welcome back our multi-talented acupuncturist, Dr. Smriti Shamapant, to dive into the world of holistic beauty and skin rejuvenation. Dr. Smriti shares her expertise on using acupuncture, microneedling, and nano-needling as natural alternatives to traditional cosmetic treatments like Botox.

We discuss:

• The science behind acupuncture and microneedling for boosting collagen, elastin, and skin elasticity.
• The rise of "Botox parties" and the potential long-term effects of starting Botox too young.
• How hormonal changes, like menopause, impact skin health and how natural treatments can help.
• The role of Swiss apple stem cells, marine biopeptides, and CBD oil in skin rejuvenation.
• DIY skincare tips inspired by Ayurveda, including turmeric and chickpea flour masks.

Whether you're curious about natural beauty treatments or looking for ways to age gracefully, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Tune in to learn how to care for your skin holistically and make the most of your skincare routine!

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode, Anna sits down with Dr. Smriti Shamapant to explore the transformative benefits of pediatric acupuncture. From addressing chronic pain, stress, and sleep issues to supporting children with sports injuries and academic pressures, Dr. Shamapant shares her expertise on how acupuncture can complement Western medicine and enhance overall well-being.

We discuss:

• Why children benefit from acupuncture and how it complements biomedical care.
• Common conditions treated, including ADHD, allergies, and sports injuries.
• The importance of empowering children in their healing journey.
• Alternative techniques for kids who are hesitant about needles.
• The role of acupuncture in supporting children with chronic illnesses and oncology care.
• How screen time and academic pressures impact kids' health and how acupuncture helps.

Dr. Shamapant also shares heartwarming stories from her practice and insights into creating a calming, empowering experience for young patients. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply curious about pediatric acupuncture, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In the final episode of our 4-part menopause series, host Anna Rudel and certified menopause specialist Catherine Davidson offer a new, compassionate perspective, reframing menopause not as something to be endured, but as a phase deserving of support, understanding, and proactive care.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Menopause: An Illness or a Natural Phase? We explore the dual nature of menopause, viewing it as a natural biological process that can still significantly impact your daily life, and why it's okay to seek help. (01:15)
• The Endocrine Connection: Learn why menopause can be compared to other endocrine conditions like thyroid issues or diabetes, and how declining ovarian hormones—including testosterone—affect your entire body. (02:21)
• Why Hasn't Menopause Been Discussed? We uncover the historical and societal reasons women's health has been dismissed and celebrate the shift towards open, honest conversations. (06:24)
• Navigating Your Options: A look at Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) as one of many tools, discussing who it's for, who it isn't, and the importance of finding a provider who truly listens. (08:14)
• A Balanced Perspective: How Traditional Chinese Medicine views menopause as a natural transition, and how we can find a healthy middle ground between over-medicalizing and simply "sucking it up." (11:19)

Resources Mentioned

Ready to feel supported and informed on your menopause journey?

Your next step is to join our 8-Week Group Coaching Program for Menopause and Perimenopause.

In this supportive community, we will explore key topics to help you thrive, including:

• Hormone Basics
• Nervous System Support & Stress Management
• Optimizing Your Sleep
• Fitness and Food for Your Changing Body

Here's what's included:

• Weekly private podcast episodes + live Zoom sessions
• Personalized plans, stress management techniques, and nutrition strategies
• A supportive community of women navigating menopause together

💡 Launches September 2025! Want to learn more about the program? Schedule a FREE 15-minute discovery call with Cathryn today!

👉 [Book a FREE discovery call with Cathryn]

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

In this episode, we explore how menopause impacts the nervous system and why it’s at the root of symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia. Building on Episode 1’s TCM perspective, we’ll discuss the connection between hormonal changes, stress, and the autonomic nervous system.

What you'll learn:

• How TCM views the nervous system during menopause.
• The role of Qi and Yin-Yang balance in calming the mind and body.
• Practical tips: breathing exercises, acupressure points, and herbal remedies for stress and anxiety.

Key questions answered:

• “Isn’t menopause about hormones? How does the nervous system fit in?”
• “How does stress affect menopausal symptoms?”
• “How does acupuncture help with menopause?”

Share your comment questions or experiences with us!

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

This episode explores the profound connection between hormonal shifts during menopause and your emotional well-being. We move beyond simply listing symptoms and frame this life stage as a significant opportunity for emotional transformation and personal growth.

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com

Welcome to our first episode in our 4-part menopause series. Join Anna, founder of Lokahi Acupuncture, as she welcomes Certified menopause specialist and acupuncturist, Cathryn Davidson to explore menopause through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Together, they unpack how TCM offers holistic tools to support women during this transformative stage of life, blending personalized care with ancient wisdom to address common symptoms and promote well-being. 

At Lokahi, we offer personalized acupuncture and massage treatments to support your well-being, with a focus on reproductive health, pain management, and stress relief. 

📍 Located in San Jose, California. 

🌿 Book a Session: Click here to book with Karina Garcia.

👉🏼 Discover more at lokahiacupuncture.com