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Shakeh Avanessian, L.Ac. CFMP
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner
(818) 445-5423 althealthcenterpmc@gmail.com
16241 Askin Drive Unit 103
Pine Mountain Club, CA 93222
RELEASE, RELAX & UNWIND
IN GOOD HANDS
GET TO KNOW ME

From a young age, I've been drawn to the wonders of science and medicine. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology, I began working as a technician in various medical laboratories and later as a project manager in clinical trials. While I built a great respect for Western sciences, I never felt as fortunate until I found my calling in Eastern medicine.
Over twenty years ago, I experienced the transformative power of acupuncture firsthand, after receiving several helpful acupuncture treatments for an unresolved pain in my leg. This sparked a strong curiosity in me to learn this mysterious discipline.
With the support of my husband and family, I decided to further pursue my education in the healing arts of Asian medicine and became an acupuncturist in 2006. I then established an office in Toluca Lake, CA, and have since been certified in Functional Medicine in 2019.
Due to life’s circumstances, and much to my delight, my husband and I moved to the lovely community in Pine Mountain Club, CA in 2020, where I launched my second office, “Alternative Health Center”. I decided to close my practice in Toluca Lake in December of 2024 to be able to focus on one office and to spend more time with my family.
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I am passionate about helping my clients achieve optimal health and wellness through the powers of Eastern and Western medicine. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, stress, or other health issues, I'm here to guide you on your journey to a happier and healthier life.
In modern societies, we are conditioned to equate our bodies to machines. But I prefer to compare the human body to a garden. And for a garden to flourish, we must take the time to nourish its roots and foundation in order to rejuvenate and sustain good essence.
I am also committed to my own health by keeping up with my hobbies, like reading, hiking, road biking, Qi gong and yoga.
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
- Dr. Maya Angelou
PHILOSOPHY

Services
ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL MEDICINE
As a licensed acupuncturist, I balance the intricate systems of the body by carefully choosing a set of points and by gently inserting very thin needles in different areas of the body. Gentle electrical stimulation may be utilized to achieve an effective treatment, along with cupping therapy for musculo-skeletal pain. Additionally, I use and prescribe herbal and botanical formulas to treat many chronic diseases and discomforts. Please visit the "FAQ" section in my site, if you have any questions about the above mentioned modalities.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
Functional Medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the ROOT CAUSE of the disease.
I begin this process by collecting as much health history information as possible from my patient. By carefully evaluating this history, a tentative plan of action for the first visit is formulated. After an extensive face-to-face meeting is completed, I may order more specialized laboratory tests to "dig deeper". Once the source of the problem is identified, I support the complex systems of the body with appropriate lifestyle guidance, and herbal and nutritional medicine. Further follow-ups are scheduled to discuss progress and/or modify the plan of action if necessary.
NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE
Taking into account the signs and symptoms of the disease, along with my findings from laboratory test results, I identify vitamin, mineral, and hormonal imbalances. At this point, individual nutritional counseling, lifestyle changes, and supplementation are recommended to guide you through your journey of restoration. High quality and non-toxic supplements are also supplied in my office to facilitate this transition.
LABORATORY TESTING
Examples of Laboratory Tests:
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Extensive blood work and urinalysis
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Stool analysis
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Food sensitivity testing
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Food allergy testing
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Leaky gut testing
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Autoimmune testing
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Saliva or urine testing for hormones
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Saliva or urine testing for cortisol levels
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Toxic element testing
Anchor services
CONTACT
GET IN TOUCH
Shakeh Avanessian L.Ac. CFMP
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