iris Martin, L.ac, dipl.om (Pasadena & Carlsbad)
Hi! I am a Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and the founder of VIM. It is my passion to help others feel their best.
I have a background in social services, psychology, and education. After working for nearly a decade with special needs children, I began studying and teaching yoga with the hopes of bringing more balance and peace into my life. Since 2008, I have been teaching a variety of yoga classes from Prenatal to Vinyasa flow in studios as well as in private settings. I have always been an athlete, and played volleyball year-round growing up. My love of movement and sports was a natural precursor to my fascination with and study of the body.
I became inspired by personal experiences receiving acupuncture and decided to go back to school for my Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In acupuncture I have found my true calling and I am blessed to be able to draw from knowledge gained in all parts of my personal and professional life. I focused on pain relief and pain management in school and received an additional certification in Sports Medicine. I studied under amazing teachers learning how to apply different techniques to speed healing time, increase range of motion, and decrease and eliminate pain. This medicine is such a practical tool for athletes and should be incorporated into training plans for optimal performance, injury prevention, and recovery. I love treating pain related to postural issues, ergonomics, and repetitive stress injuries as well.
I graduated from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz and worked for many years in Los Gatos, CA at a family-centered practice treating the full gamut of imbalances such as allergies, migraines, pain, digestive issues, etc. As our lives tend to inform our practices, this clinic also focused on fertility, prenatal, and postpartum care and I was fortunate to be a part of this group throughout my own fertility struggle and IVF pregnancy. Acupuncture was an integral part of my journey and this experience added a layer to my learning and expertise that I didn’t anticipate but am so grateful for. Being able to help patients facing similar challenges is one of the many silver linings of my personal journey. I will forever be passionate about helping women conceive and care for their bodies before, during, and after pregnancy.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. I found myself facing a new set of obstacles and an opportunity to blend my knowledge of eastern medicine with the aggressive but life-saving approaches of western medicine. I am now cancer-free and even more grateful for each day that I am here to love and serve. These “accidental” specialties have expanded me in ways that weren’t accessible before and have blessed me with the ability to more compassionately care for my patients.
In my spare time I relish the young years with my rainbow baby and seek out new adventures. I love reading, exercising, traveling, and enjoying nature.
Dr. Sheen Lu, DAIM, Ph.D., L.Ac. (Pasadena)
As a biologist, herbalist, and California-licensed acupuncturist, I take a holistic approach to health-balancing prevention and healing in harmony with nature. My focus is on personalized care, treating not just the disease but the individual as a whole, considering how their environment lifestyle, and emotional state influence their well-being.
From an early age, I was captivated by plants, dreaming communicating with flower fairies. This passion led me to earn a Ph.D. in Plant Biology and conduct research at the University of California, Los Angeles. My journey into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) began when personal health challenges inspired me to seek natural healing alternatives. After five years of rigorous training at Alhambra Medical University, I graduated as valedictorian with the highest academic honors, earning both Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, along with the President’s Award. My studies, combined with my regained health and life balance, reinforced my dedication to TCM.
To deepen my expertise, I traveled to China multiple times to receive specialized training in various TCM modalities, including Tai Qi/Qi Gong, meditation, moxibustion, cupping, and auricular acupuncture. My mission is to provide personalized, proactive, patient-centered care that empowers individuals to take control of their health and live life to the fullest.
Guided by my interests in Buddhism and Taoism, I strive to achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit in my clinical practice. My daily routine includes Tai Qi/Qi Gong, meditation, or yoga, which enhances my focus, fosters personal growth, and improves my relationships. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, golfing, and skiing, which provide physical exercise, mental relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature. I also participate in community service by offering free seminars that introduce TCM principles and help other integrate them into their daily lives.