Pamela J. Jacobson, L.Ac, Dipl OM
Pamela has lived in Orange County for 32 years where she began her career as a nurse specializing in gynecology and oncology. With many years of Western medical experience, Pamela brings a unique strength to her practice of Eastern and Functional medicine in that she is able to integrate these various medicines to assure a comprehensive approach for her patients.
Pamela made the decision to return to school to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine after battling a difficult illness that was unresponsive to Western medical treatment. Upon the advice of a friend, Pamela visited a naturopath and was quickly cured using acupuncture and herbal therapy. Her recovery was so remarkable that she was compelled to return to school to learn how she could combine Eastern medicine with her Western medical experience to help those with difficult health challenges regain their health and vitality.
Today Pamela is licensed to practice acupuncture and herbal medicine by the state of California (LAc) and is also a diplomat of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She attended a rigorous four year training program at the prestigious Pacific College of Oriental Medicine-San Diego campus where she graduated among the top in her class. Additionally, she has continued her education in the field of Functional Medicine, a branch of conventional medicine that utilizes laboratory testing and other modalities to identify developing conditions before they become disease.
Pamela treats a wide variety of health issues but has a particular interest in women’s health, autoimmune disease and cancer recovery.
Lisa Ponsford, MSN, FNP-C
Lisa R. Ponsford is a Nationally Certified Family Nurse Practitioner holding degrees in Business, Psychology and Nursing. After receiving her Masters Degree in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University, she began working at a Level One Trauma Center in the Inland Empire where she has been an accomplished medical provider
since 1994. Lisa has worked in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Units where
she has developed a deep appreciation for life and how quickly it can change. Feeling
the need to give back, she began teaching in the Nurse Practitioner Program at Loma Linda University. Along with her hospital work, Lisa wanted to explore her creative side and became certified in the area of Aesthetics. For the past 6 years Lisa has been specializing in Aesthetics as an injector and laser technician. She has outstanding knowledge and skill in the administration of Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and other injectables. She has a loyal and trusting client following and a great devotion to them and her work. “I truly feel individuals have the right to look and feel as healthy and beautiful as they desire”.
Lisa’s extensive training and licensing as a Nurse Practitioner allows for her to provide medical care similar to that of a primary care physician. In addition to Aesthetics, Lisa will be providing medical care at THS in the areas of Gynecology, Dermatology, Family Medicine and Urgent Care.
Raina Tsuda, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. & A.B.T, CMT
Raina graduated among the top of her class from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego with a Masters in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM). She is licensed by the California State Acupuncture Board (L.Ac.) and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and Asian Bodywork Therapy by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is also a certified massage therapist by the California Massage Therapy Council (CMT) and the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
She completed acupuncture internships at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, San Diego Cancer Center, Family Recovery Center in Encinitas and UCSD Seniors’ Clinic. After graduation she completed an international training program at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu, China. While there, she completed rotations in Diabetes, Oncology, Cardiology and Post-stroke.
Raina’s massage training is in Tui Na, Swedish and Pohaku, Hawaiian hot stone massage. She traveled to Hawaii and received the blessing of a Hawaiian Kahuna to perform the Pohaku massage here. Raina is also a STOTT Pilates ® Fully Certified Instructor and is completing her STOTT Pilates® rehabilitation certification.
Her journey into alternative medicine began as a result of a back injury from a car accident. This experience gave her the push she needed to seek help for all of her health problems that were not improving with Western medicine. She was so inspired by the success of alternative medicine that she left her corporate job and returned to school to become a healer. Raina is currently pursuing her Doctorate in acupuncture with her dissertation focused on acupuncture’s treatment of endocrine related disease.
To learn more about Raina and her services, click here.
Dr. Grace Soltynski, DAOM, LCSW
Dr. Grace joins The Healing Sanctuary as an anti-aging specialist, teaching her patients how to maintain their vitality as they age and how to enhance their beauty from the inside out. Additionally, Dr. Grace specializes in internal medicine and has successfully supported and treated patients with health problems such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, menopausal symptoms, hormonal imbalance, including polycystic ovary disease, and numerous orthopedic conditions. Dr. Grace uses acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutrition, tui-na, and comprehensive diagnostic laboratory tests to effectively treat her patients.
Dr. Grace is a licensed, board certified Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) in California. She graduated with her Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from South Baylo University, in Anaheim, California and received her Clinical Doctorate in Chinese Medicine from Emperors College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California.
Dr. Grace is affiliated with Long Beach Memorial Hospital were she worked for thirteen years, providing mental health care to women of child-bearing age and cancer patients. In addition, she completed a one year Fellowship in acupuncture at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles where she treated patients with Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease. She furthered her studies by completing an externship at Yunnan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Kunming, China. Prior to her doctorate, Grace received her Masters Degree in Psychotherapy (LCSW) from California State University, Long Beach, California.
Dr. Grace believes that everyone can achieve optimum health and wellness for themselves. She enjoys giving cutting edge lectures on topics such as “Finding your balance as you approach menopause and beyond”, “Natural prescription for perfect weight”, “Pain free in 6 Weeks”, “Cancer prevention”, and “Detoxify or die”.
Iben Larssen
Born in Denmark, Iben has been traveling the world for over 20 years studying, integrating and teaching the diverse ways humans of different cultures approach relief and wellness.
Iben brings a unique perspective and combination of ancient and modern healing methods, which are, in their simplicity, easily applicable in your everyday life. The very broad spectrum of her therapy and coaching goes beyond the understanding, into the “Knowing of Self”.
Iben offers, amongst others, Cellular Memory Re-Programming (CMR©), Body Intelligence Code (BIC©), Reiki (The Usui System of Natural Healing, of which she is an accredited Master since 1993), Resonance Therapy and Polarity Work, as well Regeneration Therapy, and Chakra and Brain Balancing.
Iben combines the deep energetic work which includes Reiki, Resonance Therapy, Regeneration Therapy, Chakra & Brain Balancing and Polarity Work, with verbal work incorporating Cellular Memory Re-Programming (CMR©) and Quantum Therapy. Iben delivers all the tools for healing for anyone who wishes to know one’s Whole Self, and find wellness on the Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual levels.
Iben’s work is focused on decoding the binary language of the body and its symptoms (Body Intelligence Code BIC©). Learn to listen, understand and work with the very clear language of your body – from pleasure to pain; interior as well as exterior – you will be able recognize your symptoms on all levels and how they may be different versions or expressions of “How can I better Love myself to Health?”
Indulge in Serenity, just for you, by having the experience of replenishing through receiving while you learn how to choose your belief systems to consciously create your reality (Mental Hygiene). Iben will guide you to recognize your belief systems and imprints and how you can change them in order to create Wellness, Relief, Serenity and Prosperity.
To learn more about Iben’s unique services click here.
Ivan Alencastro, LMT
Formerly with Spa Gregorie’s in Newport Beach, Ivan joins The Healing Sanctuary as our lead massage therapist. His kind gentle nature have made him a fast favorite among regular THS clients.
From gentle restorative massage to therapeutic and condition focused treatments, Ivan is expertly trained and experienced in delivering massage therapies tailored to your specific needs and goals.
For a limited time Ivan is offering free neck & shoulder treatments in our relaxation room. Call the front desk for details and to schedule your free massage today.
Cindy Miller, CYT, CPT
Cindy has been involved in the health and fitness industry for over 25 years. She is a Yoga Instructor, Yoga Therapist, and a Nationally Certified Fitness Trainer.
Her integrative, holistic approach to wellness includes fitness and nutrition with a mind-body approach. She emphasizes the importance of physical movement, mindful nutrition, and preventative care. Cindy understands that not one single form of movement benefits the body completely, therefore creating balance by using a variety of mind/body/spirit/fitness modalities such as, Therapeutic/Adaptive Yoga, Bodywork, Yoga, Balance Training, Fitness and more. Providing her clients with the best program suited for their needs, she encourages and teaches others how to live a healthier more well balanced life by educating them to make informed decisions and lifestyle modifications.
Cindy specializes in working with the senior population, post-rehab, medical fitness, pre-natal, special needs as well as clients suffering from chronic pain & illness such as back, neck & shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, cancer, and various age-related diseases
She has written several articles on Fitness & Wellness, conducts Wellness & Specialty Yoga Workshops throughout Orange County area, and establishes wellness programs for corporations.
Cindy offers private instruction focused on helping her clients regain their strength, balance and vitality. Click here for more information about sessions with Cindy.
Devin Osborne
Devin founded Mind-Body Consultants as a way to help people heal and find their power through the arts of Tai Chi, Qigong, and meditation. For more than 13 years, he has been studying the martial arts. He received his first black belt in the Korean art of Hapkido in 2000, and taught both Hapkido and Taekwondo for 4 years. Looking for a deeper understanding of the subtleties of the mind and body, he started to explore the Chinese internal arts of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Internal Shaolin with an emphasis on healing. In 2003 he received his 1st degree ranking and subsequently in 2007 received his 2nd degree advanced ranking in the arts of Tai Chi, Qigong, and Internal Shaolin.
Devin applies the knowledge and skills he has acquired over the years in helping people and specializes in working with chronic pain. He also assists people looking to reduce stress (both mental and emotional), anxiety, and physical tension, develop personal strength, and focus on all levels of their well-being.
Devin also offers private instruction and currently teaches Tai Chi for Kaiser Permanente’s health education department.
To learn more about our Qi Gong and Tai Chi classes click here.
Satch Purcell, L.Ac, OTR/L,
Satch is a board certified, licensed acupuncturist and occupational therapist. He holds dual master’s degrees in oriental medicine and occupational therapy from South Baylo University (SBU) and Loma Linda University.
He has had specialty training in traditional Chinese medical orthopedics from the American Acupuncture Academy with advanced training at the Dong Zhi Men Hospital of Orthopedics and Traumatology in Beijing China.
Satch was formerly an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor at SBU, where he taught acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chinese medical history. While at SBU he also did research on HIV/AIDS using acupuncture.
Satch has been an instructor at Pacific College of Medical Careers for the physical medicine assistant program and has taught anatomy, nutrition and human development to nursing students. Satch has apprenticed under well-known practitioners, worked in private practice and taught for the last ten years.
Caroline La, LAc, DiplOM
Caroline is a California state licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. She is also a diplomat of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Caroline started her career at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she completed a 4-year program and over 900 hours of clinical training, earning a Masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She also completed clinical rotations in Gynecology, Neurology, and Orthopedics at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China where she experienced treating patients in an integrative hospital setting.
Although Caroline treats a wide variety of disorders, she has a special interest in Internal Medicine, Women’s Health and Infertility. She has seen first-hand the power and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy in treating various gynecological disorders in which Western Medicine has very few treatment options for. Her goal is to educate patients in order to empower them to make healthy choices and take responsibility of their own health. Believing that every patient is unique, Caroline creates customized treatment plans for every patient based on their own imbalance. Treatments may include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, supplements, dietary and lifestyle counseling, and diagnostic laboratory testing.
Today Caroline practices at The Healing Sanctuary where she brings her specialization in women’s health and reproductive wellness. She is also the founder and owner of Acu-Pharmacy, an online Chinese herbal dispensary which helps Chinese Medicine practitioners formulate custom herbal formulas.
