Medicine Rooted in Ancient Wisdom 

Dr. Darla Chenin, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist based in Santa Cruz, California. She offers acupuncture and herbal medicine through a thoughtful, holistic approach to care. Her work is informed by classical Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on addressing imbalance at its source, supporting the body as an interconnected whole.

She treats a wide range of internal medicine concerns, including digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, fatigue, sleep issues, and hormonal and reproductive health.

Darla completed a graduate-level specialization in sports medicine, which informs her clinical approach to injury recovery and pain management when indicated.

Clinical Focus & Services

  • Traditional Acupuncture

  • Herbal Medicine

  • Internal Medicine

    • Stress & nervous system support

    • Sleep

    • Fatigue & low energy

    • Digestive health

    • Pain & musculoskeletal support

    • Hormonal & reproductive health

    • Women’s health (including menstrual support)

  • Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial Acupuncture (including Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture)

  • Sports Acupuncture

  • Nutrition & Lifestyle Support

  • Dietary Wisdom rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Telehealth Available

Meet Your Practitioner

Your Care Begins Here

Easily schedule appointments, manage existing appointments, complete paperwork, and access the patient portal using the link below. If you do not see an available appointment time, please reach out by phone or email using the information on the Contact page.

Book Online Here

  • Patient Testimonial

    “Darla is extremely knowledgeable in what she does. I feel confident going to her with my health needs and goals. Not only does she hold a safe space, but gives QUALITY care. Her acupuncture treatment is effective and calming, and she knows her herbs and other modalities really well, too. I can't wait for more treatments with her, as they will be a regular part of my routine.”

    — M.N.

  • Patient Testimonial

    “Dr. Darla Chenin is amazing. She makes you feel very comfortable and safe, she keeps a clean and relaxing space, she is very thorough, and she is very attentive to your needs! I went to Dr. Chenin for my first ever acupuncture appointment, and I felt so relaxed during and afterwards! It was amazing!! If you are in the Santa Cruz or Bay Area, I highly recommend seeing Dr. Chenin!”

    — C.K.

  • Patient Testimonial

    “I saw Dr. Darla Chenin for a telehealth appointment for dry eyes, nose, and mouth caused by chronic allergies. Dr. Chenin was very thorough and knowledgeable about how to treat my chronic dryness in a way that was compatible with my existing medication regimen. She was very caring and took her time to explain the herbs she prescribed for me and how they would help alleviate my symptoms. Dr. Chenin took into account the functioning of my entire body and gave me additional recommendations to improve my dryness through dietary changes. The online pharmacy that Dr. Chenin uses was affordable, fast, and efficient. The whole experience was very healing, seamless, and smooth. I highly recommend Dr. Darla Chenin for patients looking for a doctor with an integrative, Traditional Chinese Medicine approach and a balanced understanding of how Eastern and Western medicine can complement one another.”

    — A.S.

  • Patient Testimonial

    “I had a wonderful experience with Darla Chenin. She did an excellent job with my acupuncture treatment and took the time to thoroughly understand my concerns and overall health. She also thoughtfully prescribed herbal remedies tailored specifically to my body’s needs. Darla was incredibly thorough, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the entire process. Most importantly, she made me feel completely safe, comfortable, and cared for. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for skilled and compassionate care.

    Thank you so much Darla, you were amazing!”

    — K.K.

“Tong Ze Bu Tong; Bu Tong Ze Tong”

(Huang Di Nei Jing, Su Wen).

"If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is lack of free flow”

(The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon, Basic Questions).

—Ancient Chinese Proverb