Clinical Training in China
Beijing, China
Completed clinical training at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Beijing China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Compassionate Care Rooted in Clinical Experience
A career shaped by diverse clinical experience and whole-person care.
Shizue Hayashi Ito, L.Ac. is a California-licensed acupuncturist with more than 25 years of clinical experience in Japan and the United States.
Throughout her career, Shizue has sought diverse clinical experiences, believing that each stage of her professional journey would strengthen her ability to provide comprehensive, individualized, and compassionate care.
She completed clinical training in Beijing, China, where she expanded her knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. While practicing in California, she further developed her expertise through auricular therapy workshops led by Dr. Li, an internationally respected authority in the field.
After earning her National Board Certification in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM™, formerly NCCAOM®) and her California Acupuncture License, Shizue returned to Japan to work as a hospital-based shiatsu therapist at Josai General Hospital. Collaborating with physicians in a comprehensive health screening center broadened her understanding of preventive medicine, laboratory interpretation, brain health, and the importance of caring for the whole person—not just the symptoms.
She later joined Seishindo Kampo Pharmacy, where she provided individualized Kampo consultations while continuing her professional education in fertility, women’s health, allergies, dermatology, and integrative skincare. Working alongside experienced physicians and practitioners further strengthened her clinical expertise and holistic approach to patient care.
Her clinical experience further expanded through home healthcare, where she cared for patients recovering from stroke, living with neurological disorders, and receiving palliative and end-of-life care. These experiences deepened her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered medicine.
Today, Shizue integrates Japanese acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kampo medicine, auricular therapy, and evidence-informed modern techniques to provide personalized care that supports healing from the inside out. Her background in Kampo medicine, skin physiology, and integrative dermatologic care also provides a strong foundation for her cosmetic microneedling practice, supporting not only skin rejuvenation, but also long-term skin health from within and on the surface of the skin.
Hospital Practice in Japan
Josai General Hospital
Worked as a hospital-based shiatsu therapist in the Comprehensive Health Screening Center, where collaboration with physicians strengthened my understanding of preventive medicine and a whole-person approach to patient care.
Photos from Josai General Hospital
Kampo Medicine & Professional Education in Japan
🍀 Seishindo Kampo Pharmacy
Provided Kampo consultations, recommending individualized herbal formulas based on each patient’s constitution and symptoms.
Completed advanced training in fertility, women’s health, allergies, dermatology, and integrative skincare while collaborating with experienced physicians and practitioners.
These experiences continue to shape my whole-person approach to patient care.
Photos with Seishindo’s president, managers, and fellow practitioners.
Compassionate In-Home Care
Home-Care Practitioner
Supported patients recovering from stroke, living with neurological disorders, and receiving palliative or end-of-life care. These experiences strengthened her commitment to dignity, careful listening, and individualized treatment.
Private Practice in Irvine, California · 2008–2017
Irvine Heritage Medical Plaza
Served the Irvine community for 10 years, providing personalized acupuncture and integrative care.
Photos of Irvine Heritage Medical Plaza, the clinic, and treatment rooms.
Teaching & Clinical Focus
Auricular Therapy Educator
Shares practical auricular therapy approaches with other practitioners, including accurate point location, clinical assessment, and the relationship between the external ear and nervous-system regulation.
Today
Integrative Care in Orange County
Every stage of Shizue’s career—from hospital care and Kampo medicine to private practice and advanced auricular therapy education—has shaped the comprehensive, personalized care she provides today.
Philosophy
Every patient is unique, and every treatment should reflect that.
My goal is not only to relieve today’s symptoms, but to support lasting health through personalized care, patient education, and prevention.
