This episode dives into Karina’s unique approach to bodywork, a "beautiful blend" of therapeutic massage and assisted stretching designed to unlock physical tension.

Episode Highlights

• From Kinesiology to CMT: Karina shares her journey from San Diego to San Jose State, where she studied Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science. Her transition from physical therapy interests to massage therapy was fueled by a passion for hands-on healing and her own history as a lifelong athlete.
• The "Tech Neck" Antidote: Living in the Bay Area, Karina discusses the prevalence of "tech neck" and rounded shoulders. She explains why working on the chest and underarms is often the secret to relieving neck and back pain.
• Massage + Integrated Stretching: Unlike a typical "deep tissue" session that can feel like "muscle mashing," Karina’s signature style is "super slow and super gentle." The massage prepares the tissue, while the assisted stretching "locks everything in" to increase mobility and decrease pain.
• The Power of Letting Go: Anna and Karina discuss the "emotional releases" that often happen on the table. By taking the "thinking part" out of stretching for the patient, Karina creates a safe space for true relaxation and nervous system regulation.

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, you’ll learn:

• Dr. Janet’s Journey: How she transitioned from sports medicine to specializing in pelvic health after seeing runners struggle with symptoms like leakage.
• What is the Pelvic Floor?: A clear definition of this group of muscles responsible for bowel, bladder, sexual health, and pelvic stabilization.
• The "Kegel" Conversation: Why Kegels aren't always the answer and the importance of a professional assessment.
• 5 Major Reasons for Leakage: Understanding that leakage isn’t always about weakness; it can also be caused by tension, low estrogen, or nerve irritation.
• The Stress Connection: How the pelvic floor is the only muscle group with direct input from stress nerves and why "Gremlins in your groin" is a real phenomenon.
• The Pelvis-Jaw Connection: The fascinating facial and nervous system link between clenching your jaw and tension in your pelvic floor.
• Practical Tips for Pelvic Health:
• Why sipping water is better for your bladder than "chugging".
• The importance of finding daily joy to relax the nervous system.
• Advice for teachers and nurses on the importance of regular bathroom breaks.

Final Thought from Dr. Janet: "Just because something is common doesn't mean that it's normal."

Resources:

• Dr. Janet Yiu's Website: https://www.optimizepelvichealth.com/

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

Core Concepts of Ayurveda

• The Five Elements: Ayurveda is built on the elements of Ether, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.
• The Three Doshas (Energies): These elements combine to create three primary energies that govern the body and mind:
• Vata (Ether & Air): Represents movement; qualities include dryness and cold.
• Pitta (Fire & Water): Governs transformation and change; qualities include heat and oiliness.
• Kapha (Earth & Water): Acts as the container or structure; qualities include wetness and heaviness.
• Finding Balance: The core philosophy of Ayurveda is achieving health by balancing these qualities—for example, cooling down if you are too hot or oiling if you are too dry.

Focus on Postpartum Care

Dr. Swami specializes in women's health and emphasizes the critical importance of the first 42 days postpartum.

• The Concept of "Vata Dislodgement": Childbirth creates empty space in the womb, leading to an increase in Vata (air/ether). If not properly pacified with rest and specific nutrition, this can lead to long-term health issues.
• Agni (Digestive Fire): Labor is a trauma that diminishes the body’s digestive strength. Postpartum care focuses on rebuilding this "fire" through warm, light, and easily digestible foods.
• Mental & Emotional Health: Dr. Swami highlights the use of Nutmeg and Saffron to support the mind and nervous system during the hormonal shifts after birth.

Practical Wellness Tips

• Cook Your Food: Dr. Swami’s #1 health tip is to prioritize cooked food over raw food, as it is significantly easier for the body to digest and can improve blood pressure and heart rate.
• Postpartum Superfoods:
• Bone Broth: Essential for rebuilding strength.
• Ginger & Fennel Tea: Supports digestion, wound healing, and breast milk production.
• Dates & Ghee: Recommended to help ease postpartum constipation.

Resources & Recommendations

• Dr. Swami's Website: VedicWild.com
• Recommended Reading:
• Dr. Vasant Lad: For those seeking an in-depth study of classical Ayurvedic texts.
• Kate O’Donnell: For accessible recipes and introductory Ayurvedic concepts.

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 discuss:

• Dr. Dowling’s Personal Story: How an unplanned C-section during her first pregnancy fueled her passion for helping other mothers avoid similar birth trauma.
• Understanding the Webster Technique: A gentle, specialized chiropractic adjustment focused on pelvic and sacral alignment to improve balance and mobility for expectant mothers.
• The Importance of Pelvic Balance: How misaligned ligaments can create uterine torsion, potentially affecting the baby's ability to settle into an optimal position for birth.
• Chiropractic Care vs. ECV: The difference between gentle chiropractic balancing and the forceful External Cephalic Version (ECV) procedure performed in hospitals to turn breech babies.
• Spinning Babies: How these specific exercises work hand-in-hand with chiropractic care to support optimal fetal positioning.
• Debunking Myths: Addressing common misconceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of prenatal chiropractic adjustments.

Featured Resources:

• Spinning Babies: spinningbabies.com

Connect with Dr. Meghan Dowling:

• Website: austinfamilychiropractic.com
• Instagram: @dr.megan.dowling

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

We dive into:

• Why the gut is considered the foundation of health.
• The immune system’s fascinating role in gut health.
• Signs of a healthy gut and what happens when things go awry.
• The importance of variety in your diet and how to eat 30+ plants a week.
• The truth about gluten sensitivity and how to identify if it’s affecting you.

Dr. Sue also explains the role of functional testing in uncovering hidden imbalances and offers practical tips for supporting your gut health. Whether you’re curious about probiotics, food diversity, or the connection between gut health and immunity, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Have questions for Dr. Sherry? Share them in the comments, and we’ll pass them along for a potential follow-up episode!

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

We explore:

1. Why postpartum recovery is so frequently ignored, and how mothers can shift the focus back to their own well-being.
2. What actually happens to your body during pregnancy and birth—from core changes to pelvic floor impact—and why the “bounce back” culture is so damaging.
3. The real timeline for physical and hormonal healing, including how breastfeeding affects recovery for months after you stop.
4. Simple, foundational exercises like the “magic exhale” and Tanya’s beloved “blueberries” technique to gently reconnect with your core and pelvic floor.
5. Clear red flags—like leaking, pain, heaviness, and numbness—that signal it’s time to see a pelvic physical therapist.
6. What to expect during a pelvic PT visit and why the experience is far more supportive and empowering than most people imagine.

Whether you're newly postpartum, years past childbirth but still not feeling quite like yourself, or simply curious about pelvic health, this episode offers validation, education, and practical tools to support your healing. Tune in to learn how small, intentional steps can help you rebuild strength, confidence, and connection to your body.

Connect with Tanya Goodrich, PT:

• Website: Visit HealthyPelvis.com for more resources, information, and to book an in-person or telehealth appointment.
• Special Offer for Listeners: Get $50 off your first session! Just mention HealthSpace50 when you book.
• Email: Have a specific question? You can reach out to Tanya directly at Tanya@healthypelvis.com.

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

We explore:

• The subjective nature of stress and how it affects everyone differently.
• The connection between stress and adrenal health, including the role of cortisol.
• Common symptoms of adrenal imbalance and how to identify them.
• Practical strategies for managing stress, from mindfulness to lifestyle adjustments.
• The surprising benefits of magnesium glycinate for relaxation, sleep, and overall well-being.

Whether you’re feeling the weight of Silicon Valley stress or just looking for actionable tips to improve your health, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you find balance. Tune in to learn how small, intentional steps can make a big difference in managing stress and supporting your adrenal health.

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

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.

In this episode, you will learn:

• 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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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