Joan has been a compassionate and caring healthcare practitioner for more than 25 years. She began her practice in rehabilitation as an occupational therapist and later pursued acupuncture. Her experience in both of these areas allows her to share the benefits of both western and eastern healing modalities with her acupuncture clients.

We offer you a unique approach to getting well and staying well. Red Leaf Wellness is a multi-disciplinary clinic that emphasizes whole integrative health for better wellness and healing. Our talented team combines the best of ancient Eastern and modern Western medicine to develop comprehensive functional and alternative medicine treatment plans to promote your physical, psychological, and social well-being.

At Santa Cruz CORE, we have a passion for what we do. We make an effort to spend significant time and energy with each patient to ensure their needs are met. For us, it’s more than just acupuncture; our acupuncturists work with multiple healing modalities during an acupuncture session to get you feeling better. Working to create positive change in the body, we use a combination of needling, moxa, gua sha, cupping, ear seeds, massage, and Tai Chi and Qi Gung. Each individual is treated as such, an individual with an unique body and we use our various tools to create the most healing we can in each session.

Have you been told “you just have to live with it?” If you’re looking for acupuncture in San Diego, we can help! People get acupuncture treatment because they’re tired of suffering and want to feel better. I help people regain their health, feel better and get back to enjoying life. Many people suffering from chronic pain and chronic health conditions haven’t gotten good results with regular medicine, and are looking for safe, natural holistic treatment that works. When they’re ready to stop suffering, acupuncture can help.

About Dr. Amsu El
I’m Dr. Amsu El. I help people feel better in their bodies, think more clearly, and make changes that last.
My approach is simple and rigorous. I listen deeply, find the real pattern, and act with precision. I build plans case by case using electrical acupuncture, non-invasive bio-electrical therapy, breathwork, herbs, and practical lifestyle design. No templates. Your care is designed for you.

I was shaped by family, community, and wise Jegna's who insisted on integrity and results. Losing my sister young showed me what happens when care chases symptoms instead of terrain. In my clinic we intervene early, before a molehill becomes a mountain, and we pair nature with science so progress is real and measurable.

Sometimes the right move is acupuncture or targeted electrical work. Sometimes it is sunlight, grounding, target journaling, or speaking the truth your body has been holding. Each tool has a time. The person determines the method.

I am here to reflect who you are, lighten the load you are carrying, and help you align with your internal compass, the most reliable healer you have. If that resonates, we can work.