Neck & Shoulder
Pain Relief
Heal Naturally & Holistically
READY TO FEEL BETTER?
Get natural, lasting relief with gentle treatments designed specifically for your body.
Is This You?
If you've been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder tension, it may show up as:
Stiff neck when waking up
Pain radiating into arms, upper back, or jaw
Frequent tension headaches
Stress that settles between the shoulder blades
Tight shoulders from computer work
Temporary relief from pain meds, massages, or stretching
You Deserve Lasting Relief. Not Just Temporary Fixes.
If you’re struggling with daily neck or shoulder pain, you’re not alone. Many of our patients come in feeling frustrated, exhausted, and looking for real relief.
At Healing with Zen, we go beyond symptom relief. Our treatments target root causes, release tension patterns, and restore true balance within the body.
How We Help You Heal.
Our acupuncturists use a combination of techniques to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore balance throughout your body:
01
Targeted Acupuncture Therapy
Promotes circulation, releases muscle tension, and supports the nervous system. This gentle therapeutic approach is designed to reduce physical stress, ease discomfort, and leave the body feeling more balanced, restores, and at ease.
02
Ear Seeds & Acupressure
A gentle, needle-free way to extend pain relief between sessions. Tiny seeds are placed on specific points of the ear so you can press them at home to relax tight neck/shoulders, ease stress-driven tension, and support longer-lasting results.
03
Cupping
Helps release deep muscle knots and relieve built-up tension throughout the body. It also supports healthy lymphatic flow to promote circulation, detoxification, and overall wellness. This can leave the body feeling lighter, more relaxed, and restored.
04
Customized Herbal Nutrition Support
Supports long-term healing by addressing underlying symptoms and restoring balance within the body for lasting wellness and recovery. It also helps support the body’s natural ability to heal and function more optimally.
05
Stress Relief Support
Because emotional and mental stress often show up physically—especially in the neck and shoulders. Releasing that tension can help the body feel more relaxed, grounded, and at ease. It may also support better sleep, improved mood, and overall well-being.
06
Nutrition & Lifestyle Guidance
Gentle stretches, posture tips, and relaxation methods to maintain results at home. each session is personalized based on your body's unique needs so you can experience lasting relief and better mobility.
What You Can Expect
Leave with personalized aftercare guidance and ongoing support to help you feel your best between visits.
01
Compassionate And Thorough Evaluation
We listen to your story and identify the root of your pain
02
Creating Your Personalized Care Plan
Your body is unique - your healing plan should be too.
03
Gentle And Effective Treatments
Many patients feel relief after their first or second visit.
04
Long-Term Support & Prevention
Guidance to help you avoid flare-ups and maintain mobility.
05
Make An Appointment Today!
Start your path toward lasting relief and better health.
MEET YOUR PRACTITIONERS
Dr. Zen Tuan, L.A.c
Acupuncturist, Herbalist & Clinical Director
LICENSE
CA Board Certified
CLINICAL AFFILIATION
NCCAOM Certification
GRADUATE
Emperor's College
DOCTORAL GRADUATE
YO SAN University
UNDERGRADUATE
UC San Diego
Zen Tuan is a California board certified physician of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the founder of Healing with Zen in Pasadena, CA. Her path into TCM began with a snowboarding injury. One acupuncture session restored range of motion in an immobilized arm that had been in a sling, and the experience redirected her career.
She holds a Masters Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine from Emperor's College and a Bachelor of Science from UC San Diego, with specialist training in pain relief, fertility, gynecology, digestive disorders, and mental health. Zen also provided acupuncture services at The Disney Family Cancer Center for 10 years, where she focused on cancer patient care using Balance Method acupuncture.
Dr. Kiera Layne, L.A.c
Acupuncturist & Herbalist
LICENSE
CA Board Certified
CLINICAL AFFILIATION
NCCAOM Certification
GRADUATE
SCU of Health Sciences
DOCTORAL GRADUATE
SCU of Health Sciences
UNDERGRADUATE
Pace UnIversity
Kiera Layne is a licensed practitioner of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at Healing with Zen. Her path into Traditional Chinese Medicine began after realizing she wanted a career that aligned more closely with her values, interests, and passion for holistic healing. Her passion for helping others discover its benefits.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship-Management with a minor in Biology from Pace University and a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine from Southern California University of Health Sciences, where she completed a concentration in Healthy Aging. Her capstone focused on the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Why Choose Healing With Zen?
HOLISTIC, PERSONALIZED CARE
We believe healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique body, symptoms, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, or emotional stress, we address the root cause—not just the symptoms—so you can achieve lasting wellness.
EXPERIENCED LICENSED ACUPUNCTURISTS
Our team is composed of board-certified, highly trained acupuncturists who have years of clinical experience treating a wide range of conditions. We stay up to date on both traditional techniques and modern research to ensure you receive the most effective and informed care possible.
REAL RESULTS, REAL STORIES
Our success is best told by our patients. We’ve helped hundreds find relief, recovery, and renewed vitality. From fertility breakthroughs to pain-free movement and better sleep, read their stories and discover how our work is changing lives.
Real Relief From Real Patients
Hundreds of 5 star experiences from patients across Pasadena, Los Angeles, and the San Gabriel Valley
Why Root-Cause Matters
Neck and shoulder pain is often treated as a muscle problem, but the root cause can be much more complex. Poor posture, stress, repetitive movements, old injuries, sleep habits, and even emotional tension can all contribute to chronic discomfort. While pain medications, massages, and stretching may provide temporary relief, they don't always address why the pain keeps returning.
Understanding the root cause matters because lasting relief comes from treating the underlying imbalance, not just the symptoms. By identifying the factors contributing to tension and pain, it's possible to support the body's natural healing process, improve mobility, reduce recurring flare-ups, and help you feel more comfortable in your daily life.
Ready To Feel Relief?
Your body is asking for help — and we’re here to support you. Contact us with any questions, or book your healing session today.
Common Questions
The questions patients ask most often before their first consultation.
Is acupuncture painful?
Most patients feel little to nothing. Many describe the sessions as deeply relaxing.
How many sessions will I need?
Some feel relief within 1–3 sessions; chronic cases may need a short series.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
We provide Superbills for reimbursement if your plan includes acupuncture benefits.
Can acupuncture help with headaches or jaw tension?
Yes — neck and shoulder pain often overlaps with these issues, and both improve together.
Stay In The Know
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From the Blog
Insights on Healing & Wellness
Heal Naturally & Holistically
April 22, 2021
Aromatherapy Neck & Shoulder Heating Wrap
Experiencing muscle tension in your upper back? Applying heat dilates blood vessels, promotes circulation, and helps sore muscles relax. Combined with aromatherapy, this self-care tool offers real relief at home.
Read Article →July 3, 2017
Ease Neck & Shoulder Pain at Home with Acupressure
Licensed Acupuncturist Katherine McCune demonstrates a simple acupressure point you can use at home for fast neck and shoulder pain relief — no equipment required, just a few minutes.
Watch & Read →July 17, 2025
Pain Relief Using Herbs and Acupuncture
At Healing with Zen, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are combined to treat pain at its root — whether chronic tension, recent injury, or stress-related tightness. Custom herbal formulas support lasting recovery.
Read Article →From Our YouTube Channel
Watch & Learn
Neck & Shoulder Relief — At Home Tips from Our Acupuncturists
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief with Acupuncture
See how our acupuncture treatments target the root cause of neck and shoulder tension — helping you move freely and feel like yourself again.
Watch on YouTube →Heat & Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Neck & Shoulder Heating Wrap
Learn how a heated aromatherapy wrap dilates blood vessels, eases muscle tension, and brings soothing relief to your neck and upper back at home.
Watch on YouTube →Quick Tip · Shorts
Quick Acupressure Tip for Neck & Shoulder Relief
A fast, easy acupressure technique you can do anywhere to instantly ease neck and shoulder tension — in under a minute.
Watch on YouTube →