East-West Rheumatology

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/

10/05/2025

Due to Congressional inaction, Medicare telehealth flexibilities expired on Wednesday, October 1. This will have an immediate impact on all Medicare patients and providers utilizing telehealth services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare waived certain requirements it had in place for telehealth services. Due to the overwhelmingly positive results of those flexibilities, Congress continued to extend them.

However, because the extension of these flexibilities was tied to government funding negotiations, the government shutdown means that the following flexibilities have expired:
Read more below.

Dr. Zarbalian will continue to provide in-person medical care for our medicare patients. Unfortunately telemedicine flexibility is no longer supported by CMS.

https://www.entnet.org/news/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-just-expired-now-what/

10/03/2025

"The gut microbiome is a critical player in maintaining human health, and its modulation by herbal medicines is a burgeoning area of research.
My clinical experience shows that herbal interventions can be harnessed to alleviate gastrointestinal disorders, support immune function, and even impact metabolic health.
This is accomplished by viewing the body as an ecosystem and using the traditional understanding of herbs to help balance a disordered ecosystem"-Dr. Zarbalian

Click our website link below to learn more about our practice:
https://eastwestmd.com/

aupuncture

09/24/2025

The corporatization of medicine leads to lower quality and higher costs. Eventhough the upfront cost is lower, the downstream costs of diagnoses that are missed, incorrect treatments that are provided, and the complications that arise from these mistakes are paid for by our communities and families.
- Dr. Yousef Zarbalian

Dr. Debbie Fletcher co-authored a 2022 study that uncovered the troubling lack of full-time physician presence in many ERs. In her CNN interview, she explains how allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to practice unsupervised encourages corporations to replace physicians with cheaper labor to cut costs and boost profits. https://buff.ly/SW0qQHX

09/24/2025

Welcome Dr. Rasa 🍃
One-on-one coaching! Now at East West Rheumatology- where science meets self healing.

Click our website link below for more information:
https://eastwestmd.com/

09/03/2025

💡What is Prolotherapy:

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. By introducing a small amount of dextrose (a sugar solution) into targeted areas such as ligaments, tendons, or joints.
This gentle stimulation signals the body to send healing cells to the area, encouraging tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and strengthening weakened structures.
Over time, prolotherapy can help restore stability, improve function, and relieve chronic pain—especially in cases where tissues have become lax, irritated, or slow to heal.
Unlike treatments that simply mask symptoms, prolotherapy works with your body to rebuild and repair, offering a more sustainable path to recovery.

Click the link to learn more:
https://eastwestmd.com/restore-whats-worn-rebuild-whats-weak-renew-whats-possible/