Meet Ursula Hoefer | Acupuncturist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ursula Hoefer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ursula, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Helping people feel better mentally and/or physically gives me true joy – I’m sure I learned it from my mother! I really love treating someone who has come in with pain or anxiety and by the time they leave, they are moving a better or you can see that they are more at ease with themselves. It’s so rewarding to bring relief to people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am an acupuncturist who focuses on cosmetic/facial acupuncture, pain, and mental health (anxiety, stress, etc.). It is fun and empowering to be able to help someone improve their quality of life. I meet people where they are and guide them forward, gently and cautiously for some, and more quickly for others.

Like a lot of acupuncturists, I had a windy road to get here. Having decided on a complete career change, I went to grad school at almost 40 and had to find a balance between being older, studying something completely new, maintaining relationships, and the culture shock of moving to Southern California! It wasn’t easy, but it has absolutely been worth it.

I love being able to offer healthcare and support to communities who may not have had positive experiences, who “have tried everything,” and who are willing to explore other options. I’m very much pro-science, but the medical field has historically ignored a large portion of the population and that’s where people like me come in. We have the time and methods to treat people like individuals and as a whole person, where everything is connected.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

The Best Time Ever would definitely involve all of the L.A. highlights and then all of the Mexican food.

I’m originally from Canada, and our summers are *slightly* more compressed than here, so we try to make the most of outdoor things. We usually go to Gracias Madre for upscale vegan and possible celeb spotting (so LA!); for authentic, there’s the little family place in Lake Balboa – Taqueria Juanitos, and of course – if you see the elote guy, you gotta do it!

An outdoor concert, or movie with food trucks is always a hit. Renting bikes in Venice and heading to Santa Monica for some fun touristy views, followed by margaritas and tacos.

No trip to LA is complete without seeing the Hollywood sign, so heading up to Griffith Park Observatory is a must. For the friends that visit who love art – The Broad has a great collection and can be combined with a ride on the iconic Angels Flight.

If it’s been a busy week and you just want to chill with some beers and play some games, MacLeod Ale in Van Nuys has got you covered with sizeable outdoor seating and even anti-influencer soft-serve on tap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As stereotypical as this is, I truly could not have gotten here without the network of friends and study-buddies at school. My dear friend, study buddy, and co-worker: Marion Dunham!

Website: https://luminousacupuncture.com

Instagram: acuursula

Image Credits
Luminous Acupuncture