Elena Grigoryants is a licensed acupuncturist originally from in Samarkand Uzbekistan. She became a medical student in 1990, and graduated from Ivanovo Medical Academy in 1997. In 1998, she became an Obstetrician Gynecologist, and ran her private practice as an OBGYN for 11 years.
In 2008 she immigrated to US with her husband and daughter. In 2012, she started her Master of Chinese Medicine program at Yo San University and graduated in 2016. In 2018 she became a licensed acupuncturist, and opened a her current practice Panacea Acupuncture Center in Studio City. Aside from Panacea Acupuncture Center, she also owns Bercana Med Spa and running this
business alongside her acupuncture practice.
Hello Elena Grigoryants, L.Ac.!
Welcome to the Acupuncturist of the Month interview.
So, how long have you been practicing acupuncture for, and what are your specialties?
I graduated from Yo San University in 2016 and I have been practicing as a Master of Chinese Medicine/ LAc since 2018. I also have a Western Medical background; I practiced as an OBGYN in Russia for 12 years. My specialty is women health, menopause, fertility treatments, weight loss program and cosmetic acupuncture.
What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?
When I was a medical student, I came across with a healer and a practitioner who have been helping patients in the medical facility and he had been performing ear acupuncture treatments for. I found this medicine very fascinating and nature connected.
Tell us about bamboo cupping at Panacea Acupuncture. How is bamboo cupping different from regular cupping?
I am using bamboo cups in my practice for cupping in the abdomen area for a fertility treatment and for the labor induction. I’ve noticed that bamboo cups warm up the meridians and channels more dipper and disperse the stagnant energy and blood much better, also they don’t leave strong bluish marks after suction. Bamboo cupping works better for a sciatica nerve inflammation.
Cosmetic facial acupuncture services have gained in popularity in recent years as an alternative to some of the mainstream cosmetic treatments available. How has your service, face lift acupuncture, improved your patients’ skin condition? What is the most rewarding part of providing this type of service to your patients?
For past 2 years I gained more requests for cosmetic acupuncture procedures like regular face lift needling for the face and neck areas and microneedling. I am performing cosmetic acupuncture for scars, acne, rosacea (it’s a skin condition that relates to the liver channel) and
for fine wrinkles. My patients can see the result right after the treatment that makes me feel very satisfied of doing holistic approach for skin conditions.
On your journey to become an acupuncturist, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
On my journey to become an acupuncturist and Master of Chinese Medicine I had some obstacles of memorizing Chinese terms and Daoism as a philosophy of a Chinese Medicine that needed to be digested by my western mind set.
Share a recent success story you had with a patient. What acupuncture points, herbs, or other interventions (meditation, yoga, nutrition, etc) did you use to help them achieve results?
A recent success story is a story of a pregnant patient with breech baby at 34-35 weeks of pregnancy. I have been performing 4 treatments, and I used a direct moxa treatment and moxa stick to turn the baby. I have been applying moxa at BL 57 acupuncture point.
You have a world of experience in the eastern medicine field, which work or educational experience do you feel impacted you and your practice the most to get you to the point you are today?
Throughout my journey in the field of Eastern medicine, one particular work and educational experience stands out as profoundly impactful in shaping my practice today. My time spent studying and interning under a highly respected professors of Yo San University who helped me to understand the ancient healing techniques and philosophies of Chinese Medicine. Studying in Yo San University not only honed my technical skills but also plunged me to the cultural context of Eastern medicine.
“My passion, building strong relationships with patients, and collaborating with other healthcare practitioners fosters a supportive network that sustains the practice.” – Elena Grigoryants
What makes you feel inspired about acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a timeless and profound healing art that continuously inspires me on multiple levels. Its rich history, holistic philosophy, and remarkable ability to facilitate the body’s natural healing processes.
Looking back, what advice would you have given to the younger version of yourself, who was just getting started in this profession?
I would advise my younger self to cultivate patience and a deep trust in the body’s healing capacity. Each patient is a unique journey, and progress takes time.
What keeps an acupuncture practice going?
My passion, building strong relationships with patients, and collaborating with other healthcare practitioners fosters a supportive network that sustains the practice.
What are specific roadblocks to watch out for as a new acupuncturist?
New acupuncturists should be mindful of establishing a consistent client base and managing the financial aspects of their practice. Also, they should maintain work-life balance and nurturing self-care to prevent burnout.
We have all occasionally had a patient come into our practice who is upset, frustrated, and a little angry. Maybe it’s from work, being stuck in traffic, or life in general – we have all been there! What advice would you give to fellow acupuncture students and/or colleagues on how to deal with situations like these?
Take a deep breath, approach upset patients with empathy and active listening. Acknowledge their feelings, offer a safe space for expression, and assure them of your commitment to their well-being. Also, I offer them herbal/fruit tea that I always have in my office for patients.
What are your favorite acupuncture points, and why?
My favorite point is Heart 7 (Shenmen) point. It helps to soothe the heart, nourish the blood and calm the spirit also its good for emotional balance. Additionally, the Kidney 3 (Taixi) point’s role in restoring vitality and grounding energy resonates deeply with me.
Tell us about some herbal formulas and foods you find yourself consistently recommending to your patients, friends, and colleagues. What makes these herbs/foods so helpful?
I frequently recommend Xiao Yan San formula that helps with depression, anxiety, lower stress level, also manage symptoms around and after menopause. These include fatigue, mood swings and insomnia, also it helps to relive uncomfortable feelings during ovulation period. Incorporating warming foods like ginger and turmeric can help invigorate circulation and balance the body’s energy.
Sometimes, the best resource for improving our skills is by learning from the other acupuncturists we meet along our professional journey. What is one thing you learned from a fellow acupuncturist or holistic practitioner that has helped you in your professional growth, or in your care for patients?
A fellow acupuncturist once emphasized the importance of cultivating a deep presence during treatments. This advice has helped me enhance my intuition and connection with patients, leading to more profound healing experiences.
The COVID-19 pandemic has without a doubt had a significant impact on the acupuncture practice community and small businesses alike, and while it’s on the mend, we are still navigating through the new normal as acupuncture providers. How has COVID-19 changed your practice? Have you added or removed any services due to the pandemic?
COVID-19 made me to integrate telehealth consultations for herbal recommendations and lifestyle guidance.
Do you have any daily habits or rituals that keep you at your “best-self”, both as an acupuncture practitioner and person?
I start each day with Qigong practicing and stretching to center my mind and body. This practice enhances my focus, cultivates mindfulness, and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
The kindest thing a patient said to you recently:
A patient recently shared, “Your treatments have not only alleviated my physical pain but have also brought a sense of tranquility and balance into my life.”
The funniest thing a patient said to you recently:
“You have the magic touch! Can you iron my scares after a breast reconstruction”?
As an acupuncturist, what are you most proud of thus far in your professional journey?
I’m proud of the transformative journeys I’ve taken with my patients. Witnessing their progress, both physically and emotionally, and being a part of their healing process is deeply fulfilling.
We are always learning and growing, and looking back, the person we were a year ago may be slightly different than the person we are now! In the past year, what is one new thing you learned about yourself as an acupuncture practitioner, and how has this new knowledge improved how you work, your patient care, or overall mental outlook?
Over the past year, I’ve learned to embrace the power of mindfulness in my practice. It was a very difficult year of my life; I have lost my husband. I have gotten a great support from my patients who I have been taking care for past five years. Also I understand that by staying fully present with each patient, I’ve found that I can intuitively tailor treatments and provide even more personalized care.
If you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be and why?
“Harmony Within, Health Throughout” – This message encapsulates the essence of acupuncture and its ability to restore balance and well being from the inside out.
What is your definition of success?
Success, to me, is the ability to facilitate positive change in the lives of my patients, helping them achieve greater health, balance, and overall well-being.
If you could have one superpower what would it be and why?
If I could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to instantly understand and alleviate others’ pain and suffering. This power would allow me to offer immediate comfort and healing, both physically and emotionally.
*Rapid fire questions! *:
Morning or night? Morning
Tea or coffee? Tea
Sun or moon? Sun
Cupping or Tui na? Cupping
Yin or Yang? Yang
Meditation or exercise? Exercise
Instagram or Facebook? Instagram
Top 3 Favorite Books? Karlos Castaneda, Avicenna canon of medicine, Omar Khayyam rubaiyat
Where can other licensed acupuncturists, students, and patients go to learn more about your work?
