Acupuncture
Time-tested healing for pain relief, stress reduction, and whole-body balance
By Shaun Menashe, LAc, MTOM, Dipl. O.M. — Licensed California Acupuncturist and Founder of Golden Mean Acupuncture. Practicing since 2014.
Acupuncture is a time-tested healing practice that supports pain relief, stress reduction, and whole-body balance. At Golden Mean Acupuncture in Los Angeles, treatments blend traditional Chinese medicine with a modern understanding of anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience. The approach at Golden Mean honors the wisdom of an ancient medical system while integrating evidence-based insights to support the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and help the body restore balance naturally.
What Acupuncture Can Help With
Acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization for the treatment of numerous conditions (WHO, 2003), and research supports its effectiveness for chronic pain, stress-related conditions, and more (Vickers et al., 2018).
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Chronic and Acute Pain
Back, neck, shoulders, headaches, migraines
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Stress & Mental Health
Stress, anxiety, depression, brain fog and sleep issues
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Digestive Concerns
IBS, reflux, constipation, nausea
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Fertility & Reproductive Health
Fertility support and reproductive health
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Pregnancy & Labor
Pregnancy support and labor preparation
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Immune & Respiratory
Immune support, allergies, and respiratory health
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Hormonal & Metabolic Balance
PMS, menopause support, thyroid-related symptoms, fatigue
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Additional Conditions
Neurological concerns such as neuropathy and post-stroke recovery
Your First VisitWhat to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
The first visit begins with a comprehensive intake to discuss health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. Both traditional diagnostic methods (such as pulse and tongue assessment) and modern clinical insight are used to create an individualized treatment plan.
Ultra-fine, sterile needles — about the width of a human hair — are placed gently at specific points on the body. In over a decade of practice at the Los Angeles clinic, patients who are initially needle-phobic are often surprised by the sensation. Rather than the "pinch" they expected, most describe a dull, heavy warmth known as "De Qi" — a sign the nervous system is responding. New patients are walked through their first few points to ensure they feel informed and in control.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, which includes the intake conversation, needle placement, and a rest period. Needles are retained for no more than 45 minutes, allowing the body to shift into a healing state. Many patients notice improvements after just a few sessions, with benefits building over time.
Session Overview
Comprehensive health intake
Pulse and tongue assessment
Individualized treatment plan
Ultra-fine sterile needles
60–90 minute sessions
Restful healing period
Integrative CareA Thoughtful, Integrative Approach
Acupuncture works well alongside Western medical care and is often used in combination with physical therapy, medications, or other treatments.
Many patients find it helps reduce pain, improve resilience to stress, and support long-term wellbeing — particularly those navigating the demands of LA's creative, entertainment, and tech industries.
About Your Practitioner
Treatments are provided by Shaun Menashe, LAc, MTOM, Dipl. O.M., founder of Golden Mean Acupuncture.
Shaun has been a licensed, California acupuncturist since 2014 and holds a Master's degree from Emperor's College of Traditional Oriental Medicine. He is a Diplomate of the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM).
Shaun’s practice is grounded in over a decade of experience treating the physical and emotional effects of high-pressure environments. He frequently works with professionals in the Los Angeles creative and tech industries to address chronic tension, performance anxiety, and burnout. His clinical focus includes pain and stress management, integrated holistic health, and the development of sustainable wellness protocols.
Location
Golden Mean Acupuncture is located near Dodger Stadium in Angelino Heights, serving Echo Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Koreatown, Downtown LA, and East Hollywood.
Ready to Get Started with Acupuncture?
Book online or call to schedule your first session.
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization for treating numerous conditions. At Golden Mean Acupuncture in Los Angeles, commonly treated conditions include chronic lower back pain, neck pain, migraines, headaches, digestive disorders such as IBS and reflux, infertility and reproductive health concerns, anxiety, depression, insomnia, allergies, and hormonal imbalances including thyroid-related symptoms and PMS.
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Acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system by shifting the body from sympathetic dominance toward parasympathetic activity, which governs rest, digestion, and recovery. This shift is central to its clinical effectiveness for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Needle stimulation also triggers endorphin release, modulates cortisol levels, and promotes anti-inflammatory signaling through the vagus nerve, which connects the gut, immune system, and brain.
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Yes. Acupuncture is clinically effective for repetitive strain injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, and IT band syndrome. Treatment reduces local inflammation, releases myofascial tension, and promotes tissue repair. It is a practical option for patients whose work or lifestyle involves sustained physical repetition and who prefer to avoid or reduce reliance on anti-inflammatory medications.
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Yes. All practitioners at Golden Mean Acupuncture hold valid California state acupuncture licenses issued by the California Acupuncture Board under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Licenses can be verified publicly through the DCA license lookup. National board certification through NCBAHM, the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, is also maintained, reflecting completion of national competency examinations in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
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At Golden Mean, ultra-fine needles about the width of a human hair are used. Most patients at the Los Angeles office report a sense of deep relaxation rather than pain. Any initial sensation typically fades within seconds.
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This depends on the condition being treated. Acute issues may respond in 2–4 sessions, while chronic conditions often benefit from a longer course of care. A realistic treatment plan is discussed during the first visit.
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Yes. Acupuncture is widely used during pregnancy for nausea, back pain, and labor preparation. Certain points are avoided during pregnancy, and practitioners at Golden Mean are trained in prenatal protocols. The clinic works in tandem with local midwives and OB-GYNs to ensure prenatal care aligns with each patient's broader birth plan.
Page last updated: February 2026