East Meets West

Wonderful place. They take the time to get to know you and your specific needs. They really care about your well being, mind body and spirit. I started feeling the positive effects within days. A great holistic approach to what ails you.

Craig was amazing! He took the time to listen to me and focused on the areas that have really been bothering me. He was attentive and worked with me to find a solution for the chronic pain. Thank you!

A friend of a friend recommended EMW, and I’ve been incredibly impressed with all of my visits there. Each time I walk away feeling like a million bucks. Paulina and Craig are both incredibly talented. Having never done acupuncture before, Paulina gracefully introduced me with ease into my first session. Craig has done some amazing things on a particularly persistent injury, and it’s made a remarkable difference. Always look forward to my appointment!

I second all of the 5 star reviews here, Polina is an absolute godsend in my life. I found her 3 years ago when I was having crippling neck pain, muscle spasms, and could barely turn my head. I’d seen a chiropractor and massage therapist about this issue many times, had been prescribed pain killers and muscle relaxers and never felt any better. I decided to take a chance on acupuncture, and the result after one session was immediate relief. I began coming regularly to stay on top of it, but also because I just really like her and the calming environment she has created at EMW. I was skeptical at first and now its something I can’t image living without.

Was great to see. Polina again today shes a miracle worker. Bravo. Polina!!! Your knowledge about the body is quite enlightening and I enjoyed our visit. Always a calming experience with You. Thank You very much.

Words can’t even express how grateful I am to Polina. Craig, and the staff here. When I found this place, I was at rock bottom. after a couple months I have never been happier and healthier, spiritually. Physically and emotionally. As a disabled combat veteran I’m fully covered by the Va to use their facility’s and to get medical care. Nothing really worked for me until I discovered this place. I would highly recommend east meets west because I can genuinely say my life has been saved and I have a new take on life!

For acupuncture: I had tried acupuncture at three other places that friends/​doctors had recommended and it had always been helpful in a limited way. But then I saw Polina. AMAZING! She not only works wonders with a pinched nerve or a thrown out back, but my allergies and asthma are finally under control! I’ve recommended her to at least six friends, and they all swear by her. I’ve been going to her for about five years, and couldn’t imagine my life without her.
For nutrition: Nilli is some kind of wizard! I’d been sick off and on for years — it felt like I was a car that was on its way to the junkyard. I’d been to my western doctor several times to describe my symptoms, and she said I was fine — and intoned that it was in my head! (Yes, the post nasal drip was in my head, but that was not what she was talking about.) Even Polina was at a loss, so she suggested that I see Nilli, the nutritionist that she had just brought on. Nilli looks at your blood work — the same blood work that my regular doctor said «looks good.» She then spent over an hour going over everything, and explaining that my body wasn’t producing enough red blood cells and that’s why I probably felt XYZ (she listed every one of my symptoms). With a few simple changes in my diet and a few supplements (and she told me where I could get each of them the cheapest), I felt 80% better in just a couple of days. Her philosophy with me was what is the cheapest, fastest way to get me back to good health — and it worked!

I’ve been going to East Meets West for about 7 months, and I absolutely love it! Polina is my acupuncturist and she is awesome. From day one, her gentle spirit, and peaceful energy, let me know I was on the road to recovery! I came in with a very damaged neck and shoulder (long story!) and after months of failed treatments elsewhere, I started to feel relief after my first treatment with Polina. She is so kind, and so gentle with the needles, my body responded incredibly well. She had such a desire to rid me of my pain that she also did some cupping, magnets, and a few other things that were equally as amazing. Then, I added the massage therapist, Craig, and now my pain is almost non-​existent. Craig truly has magic hands! He has such an understanding of the body. When he removes knots, unlike most, you don’t even feel it. One of the best massages I’ve ever had! And after, he gives you a beautiful crystal to send you off with good energy. Had both acupuncture and a massage today, and I left feeling like I was floating. But the absolute best part of EMW is Polina’s beautiful, very LARGE dog, Teddy, aka Zen dog!!! Any place with a calm, big, soft, cuddly puppy is alright with me! You will not be disappointed here!

This review is long overdue. I have been seeing Polina over the years since 2008. I began my treatment, initially, for anxiety and depression and she was amazing. I ended up taking herbs and seeing her on a semi-​consistent basis and she always made me feel so comfortable. Her treatment helped more than any pharmaceutical I was prescribed.
A few months ago, I was in a car accident that seriously injured my neck. I had seen three different neurologists/​neurosurgeons, all who told me I needed to have surgery on my neck immediately. I decided to visit EMW and talk to Polina before I went through with it. I showed her my MRI results and spoke to her about what I was feeling and we made a plan. I cancelled my surgery 48 hours before I was supposed to have it.
Today, after over 20 consistent treatments, my range of motion has increased, not only significantly, but my body overall feels so much more open. She has taught me so much about my body and how to take care of it, especially in times of pain and injury. I will continue to see Polina for tune-​ups and because her place is so relaxing. You walk out of there feeling like you can do anything. At least that has been my experience.
I’ve recommended a few friends here and they continue to get treatments for a variety of ailments. I highly recommend Polina and EMW. The staff is so friendly and it is quite a peaceful place. :)

Seven months ago I was suffering from a severe neck problem. After being prescribed pain pills from my doctor which I didn’t want to take, trying several different forms of massage and physical therapy that had no effect. I was referred to Polina and East Meets West. In 5 treatments, Polina and her acupuncture had amazing results, the pain was gone.
For years, I had also been taking medication for high blood pressure and high cholesterol but wanted a more natural way of dealing with it. I became very curious if acupuncture and Chinese medicine could help so I inquired with Polina. With my physician’s agreement, I decided to try Polina’s plan of diet, vitamins, tea and acupuncture. After 2 months of treatment and checking my BP daily, I saw it drop to normal levels consistently. Because I also felt amazing from the regimen and my energy levels were up, I also found exercise more enjoyable. No doubt that has helped but I certainly put about 85−90% of my success to Polina and East Meets West. I would encourage anyone with high blood pressure to consider this, speak to your doctor. It just might work for you too! I’ll be an East Meets West /​Polina devotee for a long while!

This place is pretty awesome, it’s a beautiful space, very zen and calming. The acupuncturist is fantastic and also specializes in Chinese medicine. I went here on a whim, was in a lot if pain and they fit me in. Definitely thankfully to find this place on Unilocal

polina and the other woman I saw (sorry, I forgot her name) were both quite pleasant and made me feel comfortable. unfortunately the treatments didn’t work on me. I went 5 times and saw no improvement. I hear sometimes that’s just the case: acupuncture doesn’t work on everyone.
I had a bad experience in regards to billing. at all 5 appts I told them that I had dual insurance and therefore did not owe a copay. they didn’t believe me. they insisted I pay the copays for all of my appts, «And if it is the case that you weren’t supposed to pay them, then we will reimburse you right away. It’ll be really easy.» well, guess what… I didn’t owe the copays. and it took me 4 months to get my money back. with me calling every couple weeks to check on it. Not. Easy. and they made me feel guilty about getting my own money back. not cool.

I’ve had acupuncture once before but Polina is a step above. She truly cares and has been working on a few ailments at a time which have all improved if not fully disappeared. She has put me at ease from day one and has also offered herbal options along the way. Definitely recommend!

Very nice facility. I have had acupuncture by both Polina and Rachel and they are both amazing. I believe the results of acupuncture to be very practitioner-​dependent, so you want a good one, and these practitioners have years of experience and know their stuff! Has helped me tremendously with chronic neck and back pain. After my first few visits I was so impressed that I referred my girlfriend here as well.
They are very helpful and flexible with hours and with scheduling appointments, which is helpful for my busy work life. Also, they take insurance.
Everyone here is very friendly and compassionate, which makes you feel very welcome and cared for as a patient.
East Meets West is a truly holistic center. Polina uses multiple complementary therapies and services. I have not used their other services (massage, MD, nutrition, etc) but I would not hesitate to if I were looking for these.

Polina is a caring, funny and patient acupuncturist who has helped me with various issues, from back pain to anxiety. Their new office is beautifully and tastefully decorated, inviting you in for a session filled with peace and happiness.
I like the fact that she has brought on a nutritionist and MD. I’ve never had to use their services, but it’s nice to know that I have those options.

Summary: You need Acupuncture, Massage, or healing — go here. The place is amazing. East Meets West is on Wilshire, easy parking on Stanley and their new offices are beautiful.
Details:
First, I’m an all natural person. No health insurance
I would never do acupuncture until I started going to Polina about 5 years ago.
Now’s she’s helped a dozen ailments from sore neck, sore back, headaches, colds, you name it — she’s a gifted healer that **really** cares about her patients.
Second, Craig is newer, but an amazing massage therapist. He knows how to help those neck and back strains and finds the ailing spots with his gifted healing sense and hands.
Go here and be healed.
It’s acupuncture and massage with real caring souls there to help and guide you to wellness!
Tell your friends.

This place is amazing!!!
I started going to East Meets West because I had about 11 lumps in my neck, shooting pain from my neck through my head, & debilitating dizziness that came on all of a sudden. After the 1^st acu session I noticed a difference and a couple of amazing sessions with Polina later I saw their MD who now works out of their office Dr. David Fuchs.
David is more of a holistic Dr. than most MD’s & is more about letting the body heal itself through natural treatments than every single other Dr. I’ve been to who just masks the problem with drugs. I much prefer Dr. Fuchs’ methods!
On top of my regular acupuncture to treat the issue + cupping that Polina also administered, I began seeing Craig their massage therapist. He worked his magic on me & in 2 short treatments combined with Polina’s acu I felt like I had a new neck! The pain went away & most of my bumps disappear. Now they are nonexistent!
Miracle workers here!
I highly recommend them to my friends/​co-​workers & want to share with the Unilocalers of LA how awesome they are. Not only are they incredibly skilled at what they do, they are all kind people and that combination makes me want to go back again & again!

Everything about East Meets West is truly EXCEPTIONAL!
I had acupuncture done for some recurring migraines and Polina’s expertise helped tremendously. In addition, they recently expanded their services to include what I consider to be some of the best massages and facials in LA. I got a Swedish massage and a mini-​facial recently that were exactly what I needed — relaxing, personalized, rejuvenating, and affordable!
I cannot recommend this holistic center highly enough — in particular the calm and friendly environment, the quality of the services, and the really unique and beautifully-​designed space.

I’ve been going to Polina off and on for the past couple of years, partly because my work insurance covers her, but mostly because she’s just GREAT. Almost totally and completely painless; she believes in the Japanese methods which minimize pain, and yet, she works quickly and effectively — there have been times when my back’s been in full spasm and after one session with her, I’ve walked out nearly pain free. She’s got a great understanding of both Eastern and Western thought, and she’s got a great manner besides — she’s open, friendly, smart, and gentle. She’s expanded her business to include massage, yoga classes, and nutrition, with an alternative pharmacy on the premises.
I’ve been to a lot of different acupuncturists, and I believe she might be the best.

I love Paulina for she is passionate about good health and wellness keep your eyes open for is going to open a wellness center very soon…
. I will keep you all posted