Meet Raphie Rose | Acupuncturist and Yoga Instructor

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

Hi Raphie, how do you think about risk?
I’m a firm believer in ‘if it scares you, you should do it.’ I feel like everything was a risk, every time I changed jobs, every move across the country or to other countries, every time I shifted gears. When I was growing up there was a prescribed sequence of events one was supposed to follow, including once you were enrolled in your career and I have certainly deviated from that path, more than once.  When you aren’t following the normal order of things there is uncertainty about what comes next, the risk seems greater, but the truth is it’s always there. Nothing is guaranteed, so if it lights you up and excites you, then you are better off taking the risk than staying unhappy, uninspired and apathetic. Having the choice or the opportunity to choose to take the risk is a gift and a luxury, one that shouldn’t be wasted. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Prior to becoming an acupuncturist and yoga instructor I was a fashion publicist, not the mot obvious trajectory into health and wellness, but I think it’s that background and appreciation of the demands on those in and around the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, specifically, that allows me to intuitively understand my patients’ experiences and needs.

I grew up doing yoga, thanks again to my mother, but I tried acupuncture for an injury and that first time was a magical experience that relieved me of pain that I had struggled with for almost 2 years. I had traveled for that first acupunture experience and when I returned home it took me a while to find a practitioner that was able to achieve the results akin to that first time. What most people don’t realize is how many different styles of acupuncture there are, like yoga in that way. Once you find a style that works for you and what you are working on, you have to find a practitioner you like within a reasonable location, with a schedule that works for you. The stars have to align, but once they do, treatment can be life changing, especially when you are consistent with it.

I treat and I practice the way I like to be treated. I teach that way too, the way I like to move and build strength, develop and flow. I’ve had to learn to trust that experience, that others will like what I like. Don’t get me wrong as any acupuncturist or yoga instructor will tell you, you have to treat and teach what’s in front of you and adapt to what’s needed and what people are capable of, but stylistically I approach it from the perspective of what I enjoy or find challenging or feels good. That has helped me.

What I’m currently most excited about is that I opened my own practice. In May of 2023, I moved into my own office space, with 3 treatment rooms in Marina Del Rey. I love everything about the space and the location. I love going to work everyday. It just feels good and I hope and trust my patients think so too. It’s scary; big investment, big commitment, big potential for growth but it was time and as scary as it was it felt very right.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well we’d start with yoga at Light on Lotus in Mar Vista or a workout at Equinox followed by acupuncture with me or if we were both doing it we’d go to Kuleana in Manhattan Beach, or sauna and cold plunge at RVIVL. Depending on the day of the week we might lunch or dinner right here in the neighborhood at Scopa or head down to Abbott Kinney or Zinque on Lincoln or Hatchet Hall. A different day we’d go up to Brian Reimer’s Farmshop in Brentwood. I’d probably take her to Nail Club LA on Sepulveda to get her nails done and to Nurse Giffen for a med spa moment. Post May-Gray and June-Gloom we’d definitely beach and hike Los Liones with a stop at Juicy Ladies and Alana’s for coffee. Other places on the list can include: Malibu Country Mart, Ice cream from Ginger’s Homemade Ice Cream, Banana Pudding from Magnolia, Shopping at Atwood on Lincoln and Tasting kitchen (when it re-opens).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are too many to list. Honestly my business and career only exists with the support of my community, my patients, my students and my friends and family. In terms of yoga, Kate Duyn and the Light on Lotus yoga studio, for being my teacher and my yoga home, for believing in me when I was a new teacher and supporting me as I developed my own voice and style and to the community she has built and shared there, including some of my favorite teachers and supporters; Vance Vlasek and Daphne Driscoll. The Group Fitness Managers at Equinox; Sarra Morton, Sara McGowan and Kate Wilson  encouraged me to bring a unique and special brand of crazy to the gym and its members. And Nathania Stambouli for being my yoga buddy and biggest champion since my first day of teacher training.

Regarding acupuncture, again, there are so many people who have supported my learning and business: Emperor’s College and the amazing faculty including but not limited to Dr. Christine Chang, Dr. Li & Fritz Hudnut, as well as the school’s founder Dr Kim and my amazing colleagues who have held my hand all the way through: Kelly Thomas, Dr Hitomi Asano, Beth Hefron and Amanda Lee Murphy. Tonia Robinson who made sure I was eating during school and helped with the dogs and Nora Callahan who has continued be my best friend through all my iterations.

Monique Dias who shared her talent, creativity and time to bring to life my new space and Scott Levine who showed up on more than one occasion, at the last minute, when I couldn’t be in two places at once. Marc Levine and Michael Chiaramonte, who are always there when I need it.

But most importantly, my mother, Deborah Levine, without her continued support, encouragement, friendship and patience none of this exists. She is the voice in my head and heart.

Website: www.raphierose.com

Instagram: @the_acu_goddess

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphierose/

Twitter: raphierose

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083676575006

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/raphie-rose-acupuncture-and-yoga-los-angeles-2

Image Credits
Vance Vlasek, Rian Basilio