East-West Rheumatology

05/01/2026

May is Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Awareness Month. Are you or someone you love living with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS)?

Beyond making a diagnosis, Dr. Zarbalian's approach is unique in that we focus on improving quality of life using a personalized approach that includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, medications, and lifestyle change (including diet and mind-body medicine). No person with Hypermobile EDS is experiencing the exact same symptoms and each person has a unique physiologic profile.

At East-West Rheumatology, our focus is to listen, evaluate, and guide you with personalized medicine. If you’ve been struggling with joint pain, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, MCAS, in tandem with hypermobility, know that there is support and we are here to help you begin your journey toward better health.

For more information on our clinic, click the link below:

https://eastwestmd.com/about/

04/30/2026

Dr. Yousef Zarbalian recently attended the annual American Academy of Medical Acupuncture conference with hundreds of other physicians around the country who integrate medical acupuncture within their medical practice.

The Pre-Symposium Mastery of Medical Acupuncture workshop lead by Francisco Lozano, MD was a highlight of the conference. Dr. Lozano is a western-trained physician who spent years in China and Japan after completing his allopathic medical education. He is Professor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion at the School of Medicine of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in Mexico City, where acupuncture training is being integrated into postgraduate training for physicians.
The purpose of Dr. Lozano's workshop : refine diagnostic accuracy and broaden our range of effective clinical procedures as well as exploring a wide range of specialized acupuncture technique. This included fire needle, point injection therapy, catgut embedding, long-needle methods, acupotomology (knife-needle techniques), fascia- and collateral-channel–based needling, and others.

04/21/2026

Allergy season doesn’t have to mean constant sneezing and congestion. Acupuncture can help support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and ease symptoms like sinus pressure and itchy eyes naturally.
Nevin Turk, LAC has found that many patients who regularly have acupuncture sessions notice improvement in breathing easier and feel more balanced during peak allergy months. 🌿
If seasonal allergies slow you down every year, it might be worth trying a different approach.

Clink the link below for more information about our clinic:

https://eastwestmd.com/

04/03/2026

Dr. Zarbalian recently attended a 2-day Chinese herbal medicine seminar led by Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji, a master herbalist and recognized as one of the leading clinicians and teachers in the field of dermatology and Chinese medicine.
The focus of the seminar was on Eczema and Rheumatoid Arthritis – two increasingly prevalent and complex conditions – through the refined lens of Chinese medicine. We are pleased to incorporate these new insights into our clinical approach to further enhance integrative care for rheumatologic conditions.
By incorporating these practices, targeted herbal prescriptions can reduce arthritic pain, swelling, and stiffness while regulating inflammation and supporting immune balance—ultimately improving quality of life.

Whether you’re curious or ready to dive deeper into holistic healing, herbal medicine offers a gentle yet powerful way to reconnect with your well-being. Click the link below to learn more and make an appointment:
https://eastwestmd.com/about/

03/02/2026

Dr. Zarbalian's retreat at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles was beautiful. The cooking class, led by Tara, was based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of eating in alignment with the seasons. The food was full of color and vibrant tastes. Each dish was a celebration of the season!

Check out their website for more information on their retreat: https://sivanandala.org/

12/05/2025

⏰ Time change alert!
Our Seasonal Alignment Qigong Workshop has a new start time.
Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with your body and the rhythms of the season.
Updated time: 5:00 PM

Click the link below to save your spot:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasonal-alignment-qigong-and-somatic-principles-tickets-1974954326555?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnGGHMV1KVCaw_VQVUOhXuEAbxFqgyxRlvAGvQRD4MTZSi7yybODyoyXVikD0_aem_RnORcvQIowm7Qb46erbhmw

11/26/2025

Join us in a practice of qigong and somatic principles designed to restore balance, align with nature’s rhythms, and awaken embodied presence.

Guided by an acupuncturist, life coach, and physician, this gathering is a space to reconnect with your energy, your body, and the wisdom of the season.

Click the link below for more information:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seasonal-alignment-qigong-and-somatic-principles-tickets-1974954326555?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn-7LMHcxrNl4vM9HmhtFLt6c_6jq9eyGl8EXGi-Gg93wCIeauFmRaDwZR0PE_aem_JpT45mIvzeKlnIvgJkRHtw

10/22/2025

Unlocking the Healing Potential of Acupuncture in Conjunction with Western Medicine:
"When it comes to our health, the fusion of Eastern and Western approaches opens doors to a holistic medical solution. “Acupuncture first” is not just a catchphrase; it’s a paradigm shift that challenges the traditional norms of immediate aggressive interventions in Western medicine."

To learn more, click the link below:

Unlocking the Healing Potential of Acupuncture in Conjunction with Western Medicine When it comes to our health, the fusion of Eastern and Western approaches opens doors to a holistic medical solution. “Acupuncture first” is not just a catchphrase; it’s a paradigm shift that challenges the tra...

10/15/2025

What is Microneedling?

Ever wondered how celebrities maintain their flawless skin? The secret might just be microneedling, a revolutionary skin rejuvenation technique that’s been creating waves in the beauty industry. But what exactly is it, and why is it so popular? Let’s dive in.

Click the link below to learn more about the benefits of Microneedling which is provided by Nevin Turk, LAc at East-West Rheumatology:

Ever wondered how celebrities maintain their flawless skin? The secret might just be microneedling, a revolutionary skin rejuvenation ....

10/10/2025

When was the last time someone took a good look at your tongue?

Sure, we all know it helps us taste, chew, swallow, and speak, but in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it does much more than that—it’s like a mirror for your whole body’s health. A quick glance at your tongue could reveal much more than you think, making tongue examination an essential practice in this ancient healing art.

Ready to take the next step? Click the link to our website to book your appointment:
https://eastwestmd.com/