Laurene Marshall
Pronouns
she/her
Location
Laguna Niguel, CA
education / certification
Doctoral in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Women’s Health
Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine
California Board Licensed Acupuncturist
Nationally Board Certified by the Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition
words I live by:
“A year from now, you will wish you had started today.”
areas of expertise:
Women’s Health, Fertility Support, Prenatal and Postpartum Support, Gynecological issues, Pain Management, and Menopause
how did you decide to become a chinese medicine practitioner?
As a young adult, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of natural healing. I started exploring the use of herbs and incorporating nutritional practices into my daily life, fascinated by how food could be used as medicine. This initial curiosity soon turned into a deep passion for herbal medicine. You could often find me at the local health food store reading books on herbs and nutrition, thumbing through the various herbal preparations, and picking the brain of the herbalist on staff. I enjoyed experimenting with herbal tinctures, teas, and poultices to address everyday health concerns.
My journey took a more personal turn when I faced some difficult health challenges. A friend had recommended acupuncture, and so I gave it a try. The experience was nothing short of transformative. Not only did I find physical relief, but I had a profound emotional healing that left me with a sense of well-being I had never known before. This sparked a deeper interest in learning more about Chinese Medicine. I was fascinated to learn how comprehensive it was in addressing the whole person through acupuncture, physical therapy, nutrition and herbal medicine. Because of my deep reverence for these traditional healing therapies, I knew I wanted to pursue this path. Although I always had a passion for helping women, as my journey progressed, my dedication to helping women also grew stronger. As a result, I eventually made women’s health the focus of my doctoral dissertation.
how does your ability to integrate western and east asian medicine inform your work with fertility patients?
Integrating Western medicine and Chinese medicine allows for a more comprehensive approach to fertility care. Western medicine offers valuable insights into the physiological and clinical aspects of fertility. On the other hand, Chinese medicine offers a holistic perspective, addressing underlying issues that improve fertility and overall health. I believe an integrative approach is the best of both worlds as it leverages the strengths of both disciplines. Not only does it help to optimize the chances of conception, but it supports patients with a more balanced and holistic journey.
What inspires your work?
Each patient’s story and progress drive’s my passion. I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to support my patients through one of the most significant and emotionally charged experiences of their lives. Witnessing their journey towards achieving their dreams of parenthood and knowing that my work can contribute is incredibly fulfilling.
what is your self-care ritual?
Getting out into the stillness of nature for long hikes or walks replenishes me more than anything. My daily exercise routine, hanging out with family, dinner with friends, and making sure I have unstructured time on Sundays to recharge me for the week. And of course, regular acupuncture and massage is vital for my wellness and self-preservation.
