| Acupia Wellness |
Digestive Health Acupuncture in Irvine, CA
Acupuncture for IBS, bloating, acid reflux, and chronic constipation in Irvine, CA. Korean integrative medicine at Acupia Wellness. Call (714) 832-1500.Acupuncture and Korean herbal medicine for IBS, bloating, acid reflux, and chronic constipation- supporting your digestive system’s natural balance.
Areas we care for
Our Care Approach
Our approach to digestive health considers the connection between the digestive system, nervous system, lifestyle, and stress. We support healthy digestion by calming the nervous system, supporting relaxation and addressing patterns of abdominal tension, and reducing internal stress triggers that can worsen symptoms. We aim to create an internal environment where digestion can operate smoothly — improving regularity, reducing bloating, and supporting nutrient absorption.
By looking at lifestyle, tension patterns, and stress responses, we provide care that addresses both immediate discomfort and long-term digestive balance.
WHAT IS THE ACUPIA GUT RESET SYSTEM?
The Acupia Gut Reset System is not a single treatment — it’s a way of looking at what actually keeps digestion working the way it should. Before recommending any treatment, we start by looking closely at the elements that create healthy digestion: the softness and flexibility of the tissue beneath the digestive lining, motility, circulation, and the body’s own ability to clear waste and internal stress. Rather than treating a single symptom in isolation, we look at how these elements work together.
WHY DOES YOUR DIGESTION STILL FEEL OFF, EVEN WHEN YOUR TESTS COME BACK NORMAL?
Many clients tell us the same thing: “My endoscopy came back clear.” “I’ve tried elimination diets.” “I’ve been on medication for months.” “But the bloating, the heaviness, the discomfort keep coming back.” The problem may not be isolated to just one area. Comfortable digestion depends on the digestive wall, its motility, circulation, and the body’s ability to clear waste all moving together, so treating only the surface symptom rarely creates lasting change. What we want isn’t simply short-term relief — it’s a digestive system that is genuinely functioning well. Normal test results do not necessarily mean that digestive discomfort is not real. Some people continue to experience functional digestive symptoms even when structural abnormalities have not been identified. Our approach considers lifestyle, stress, dietary patterns, and other factors that may contribute to digestive comfort.
WHAT ARE THE FOUR ELEMENTS OF GUT BALANCE?
We believe comfortable digestion begins in a “prepared environment,” created when four elements are in balance.
- Softness — the pliability of the tissue beneath the digestive lining
- Motility — the coordinated, rhythmic movement that keeps food moving through
- Circulation — the delivery of nutrients and the removal of waste
- Regulation — supporting the body’s natural digestive processes and internal balance
When these four elements work in harmony, the result is digestion that feels calm and steady — not something you have to manage symptom by symptom.
HOW DOES THE ACUPIA GUT PROTOCOL WORK?
Care follows three stages, each building on the one before it.
- Step 01 — Reset: calming the gut–brain connection and easing tension held in the digestive wall
- Step 02 — Balance: supporting healthy circulation and coordinated digestive function
- Step 03 — Restore: supporting tissue comfort and healthy digestive function over time
Healthy, lasting change rarely comes from a single treatment — it comes from a balanced system, which is why your care is sequenced rather than applied all at once.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE USED, AND FOR WHICH CONCERNS?
Because every client’s balance of tissue softness, motility, circulation, and internal balance is different, treatment is selected based on your individual evaluation and may include:
- Acupuncture — May be incorporated to support motility and circulation, for concerns such as bloating, sluggish digestion, and post-meal heaviness
- Electro Moxibustion — May be used to support warmth and tissue relaxation, for concerns such as a cold, tense abdomen and chronic tightness around the stomach
- Cupping — May be considered to support circulation and ease abdominal tension, for a feeling of fullness and abdominal discomfort that doesn’t resolve
- Personalized Herbal Medicine — May be incorporated to support internal balance, for concerns such as irregular bowel habits, reflux-type discomfort, and long-standing digestive imbalance
WHO IS A GOOD FIT FOR THE ACUPIA GUT SYSTEM?
This approach is often a good fit for people who notice the same digestive discomfort returning, no matter what they try:
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness that shows up soon after eating
- Frequent indigestion, reflux, or a lump-in-the-throat sensation, even with a normal endoscopy
- A stomach that feels tense, heavy, or “stuck” rather than settled
- Irregular bowel habits, including alternating constipation and loose stools
- Digestive discomfort that comes with headaches, fatigue, or low energy
- Symptoms that improve briefly with medication but return soon after
If these changes keep repeating, it may be a sign to look at the underlying balance, not just the surface symptom.
Acupuncture and related therapies are intended to support health and wellbeing and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual responses to treatment vary. Patients with persistent, severe, or unexplained digestive symptoms should consult an appropriate healthcare provider.
- OUR TREATMENTS
Supportive Outcomes
By supporting the gut–brain connection, reducing internal stress, and assisting healthy digestive function, we aim to support digestive comfort and improve daily wellbeing from the inside out.
Improved digestion and comfort
Reduced bloating and inflammation
Enhanced nutrient absorption and energy
Calmer, more balanced gut function
- TESTIMONIALS
Healing journeys shared
Posted on 박경윤Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just found Acupia Wellness through Google and Korean websites since I wanted to find an authentic Korean Han-eui-won(clinics/hospitals with Korean/Asian traditional skills) to get acupuncture treatment. I got Bell's palsy abouth three weeks after giving birth, and for Koreans it's known to get treatments from Haneuione and get medicines at the same time as fast as possible. Luckily, I found Acupia Wellness in Irvine through Korean websites, because it's already an well-known place. I fixed all the Bell's palsy symptoms with Doctor Ahn. She is very professional and has really good skills. Fortunately, one of Dr.Ahn's specialty was Bell's Palsy. I even feel my face muscles are more even than before. I got acupuncture treatment, electro moxibustion(which was really good for postpartum recovery, I felt different everytime I got this treatment. I sweated throughout night time and my body felt inner toxin came out all the time, my belly went back to normal very fast after giving birth.) and fire cupping. Right after I found this place and got the first treatment, I recommended here for my husband and my mother-in-law.(for their spinal health and body circulation) I started coming here twice a week with my husband for his tight shoulders and chronic headache from his work and postures. Not only they gave advice for his symptoms, all the treatments they gave worked really well, he doesn't have headaches anymore. I tried their herb medicine, too. I felt my body circulation is better. Also, when I first discovered this place, when I called, they kindly checked our insurance details to see if it matches with the services. Everyone who took care of us were very welcoming and heartwarming I felt like it's my hometown. I should've taken pictures to share more details I wanted to save for later, but I was pretty shy.. I highly recommend Acupia Wellness, especially thank you Dr. Ahn for fixing all the symptoms we were dealing with in a short amount of time. I will definitely be back soon for regular body management and postpartum recovery and especially when my body feels weaker.Posted on wa uTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Acupia Wellness is an excellent place for Korean health maintenance via acupuncture, cupping, and more. Prior to coming here I had little experience with these healthcare practices but upon assurance from the kind doctors and staff, my sessions were very comfortable and the benefits immediately felt after each visit. My wife had postpartum Bell's palsy symptoms which were relieved after regular visits for a month with Dr. Ahn, who cared for the both of us in a way that was much needed in this time of our lives. I cannot express my gratitude enough for Dr. Ahn and all the kind and caring staff at Acupia Wellness. Highly recommended and I always look forward to my next visits!Posted on Tracie KangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve discovered that with acupuncture, it’s not about the place, it’s about the practitioner. I’ve been to several clinics, but the difference truly comes down to who you see. Dr. Ahn has been exceptional. I see her regularly, and her care has become an important part of maintaining my overall health and longevity.Posted on So Young ShimTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 작년부터 다니기 시작해서 이제 이곳을 방문한지 일년이네요. 성장문제가 걱정이던 아들과 저 또한 틈틈히 치료를 받으며 느끼는건 처음부터 지금까지 원장님을 비롯해 안수현선생님과 임소양선생님 그리고 스텝 선생님들의 환자를 대하는 모습은 늘 기분좋고 감사한 마음입니다. 작은 키에 고민이 많았던 아들은 저보다도 작았었는데 이제는 완전 여유있게 엄마를 내려다 보고😆 팔꿈치 통증으로 살림하며 우울하게 살아가던 제게 치료도 해주셨지만 치료받으며 나눈 소소한 얘기들은 마음까지 치유해 주시더라구요. 아픈곳 뿐만아니라 그날의 컨디션을 늘 살펴주시고 하나라도 도움주시려는 선생님들의 세심한 배려와 따뜻한 말씀들에 또한번 감사드리며 앞으로 더 번창하시길 기원합니다!!🙏Posted on Sopheap LoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ll admit, I was a huge skeptic of acupuncture and had a major fear of needles. However, Dr. Kim has made me a complete believer in these treatment methods. I cannot recommend this practice enough! From the moment I walked in, I was impressed by the office staff and both Dr. Kim and Dr. Lee—they are incredibly attentive, courteous, and professional. The clinic itself is clean and well organized, providing a calm and safe environment. I initially sought treatment for severe acid reflux, but Dr. Kim has been treating my body as a whole, addressing joint pain, IT band issues, inflammation, and even urinary concerns. Their approach is truly multifaceted. Dr. Kim is incredibly knowledgeable, utilizing a range of modern and traditional techniques that go far beyond standard acupuncture. I’m always fascinated by the variety of tools she uses to target stubborn problems; her mastery of different needle methods is impressive, ranging from the 'quick in-and-out' technique to electro-acupuncture, where electrodes provide a mild, stimulating current. Today, I received electro-acupuncture on my stomach for reflux, 'wet cupping' on my back, and heat therapy for circulation—all while having my toes treated for arthritic joint pain. If you are looking for a practitioner who treats the 'whole person' with specialized, modern tools, this is the place to go!"Posted on andreaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It’s been a few years since I got treated by Dr.Ahn after an accident, and she has been a key to my recovery journey. She is very attentive and takes time to listen to patients and address their needs by tailoring treatment for individual needs rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach. From the very beginning of my visit, she has provided the utmost care. Beyond her technical skills, she makes you feel cared for as a person rather than just as a patient. I am very grateful to have found her, and I would strongly recommend her to anyone seeking for thoughtful and compassionate care.Posted on Eddie ShanahanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to leave a review and deep thank you to Dr. Soo Hyun Ahn. She has been treating my neck and lower back after a terrible accident that left me with tingling, numbness and pain in my neck referring down to my left arm, and my lower back referring down to my right foot. Dr. Ahn began treating me shortly after the injury and I noticed an immediate improvement in my pain level, and range of movement. After a couple weeks, we had a breakthrough after a particularly intense treatment of needles in the back of my neck and that was the first night I actually slept. I would highly recommend Dr. Ahn to anyone and feel so grateful to know about her and Acupia! Thank you!Posted on Min Soo ChoiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 2년전부터 꾸준히 이용하고 있는데 갈 때마다 안수현 선생님께서 너무 진료를 잘해주시고 세심하게 살펴주셔서 매일 편안하고 건강하게 잘 지냅니다. 너무 감사합니다. 또한 직원분들도 친절하시고 성심껏 도와주셔서 매우 감사히 잘 다니고 있읍니다. 번창하세요. 강추 ❤️Posted on Frances DowTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have tendonitis in my left shoulder causing me pain when I try to reach my back. Additionally, I would have pain in my knees when I try to squat down from time to time. Using acupuncture and cupping, Dr. Lee and Dr. Songyan Kim have reduced the pain in my shoulder and knees. As I continue to get the weekly treatment, I definitely feel the improvement. I appreciate their professionalism and knowledge.Posted on Hannah KimTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I slept wrong and couldn’t turn my neck, it was very painful. After receiving acupuncture from Dr. Soyang Kim, I was able to move my neck right away, which really surprised me. She was very skilled with the needles and very kind, so I felt comfortable during the treatment and had a great experience.
- FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This is my first time to do acupuncture. Does it hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised to find that acupuncture is not painful. The needles we use are extremely thin, much finer than those used for injections. You may feel a tiny pinch or a gentle tingling sensation when the needle is inserted, but many patients describe the experience as relaxing. Some even fall asleep during the session!
What is cupping?
Cupping is a traditional therapy that uses gentle suction to improve circulation, release tension, and support the body’s natural healing process. Small cups are placed on specific areas of the body, creating a vacuum that helps draw out stagnation and ease sore muscles. Many patients find cupping deeply relaxing, and it often leaves temporary circular marks that fade within a few days.
How many times do I have to get treatment?
The frequency of treatment depends on the severity and duration of your condition. For acute pain or chronic issues, we usually recommend starting with two sessions per week to achieve noticeable relief.
As your symptoms improve, visits are gradually reduced, first to once a week, then every two weeks, and eventually to once a month for maintenance and prevention. This step-by-step approach allows your body to heal while supporting long-term balance and wellness.
Insurance
Yes, we do accept insurance. Coverage may vary depending on your plan, so the best way to confirm your benefits is to contact us directly. You can call us or simply send a text message to 949.654.1500, and our team will be happy to check your insurance eligibility for you.





