Today we’d like to introduce you to Nenita McElroy.
Hi Nenita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in healthcare began with a strong foundation in Western medicine. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and gained extensive clinical experience in a variety of high-acuity settings, with an emphasis on adult cardiopulmonary, surgical, and neurological intensive care at both UCLA and Duke University Medical Centers. Working closely with critically ill patients—including those requiring long-term ventilatory support and home care—deepened my understanding of the human condition and reinforced my belief in treating the whole person, not solely symptom relief.
After facing personal health challenges Western medicine alone could not rectify, my passion for holistic healing took root. A friend introduced me to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and I experienced firsthand the transformative benefits of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and meditative practices. This self-discovery to the world of natural medicine had a profound impact on my well-being and ultimately redefined my purpose as a healthcare practitioner.
Knowing how deeply meaningful the dream of motherhood is—and what it feels like to finally have a chance to make that dream a reality—I was inspired to pursue formal training in this ancient, integrative system to help other women navigate their own fertility challenges. I enrolled at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego and completed a rigorous four-year, full-time program—over 3,500 hours of academic and clinical training—in acupuncture, Chinese herbology, integrative pharmacology, and biomedical sciences. I graduated with a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine and became a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist through the California Acupuncture Board. I’m also nationally certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine by the NCCAOM.
Today, my mission is to empower and educate patients by guiding them toward long-term wellness through personalized, holistic care. While I treat a wide range of conditions—including hormonal and endocrine imbalances, autoimmune disorders, pain, and stress—my passion lies in women’s health. As a Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM), I specialize in fertility care for both women and men, helping individuals optimize their reproductive health and achieve their dreams of parenthood. Supporting individuals on their wellness journey is at the heart of my work. It continues to inspire me every day as it is a privilege to help others reclaim their health, restore balance, and feel empowered in their bodies.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Reaching this point in my journey has come with its share of challenges, but every hurdle along the way has continuously shaped who I am as a practitioner and person. Returning to school proved far more demanding than I anticipated. Although I was passionate about the studies and had a strong foundation in Western medicine, balancing full-time graduate school while raising two young daughters was not easy. For over four years, it was a daily juggling act—managing coursework, clinical hours, and motherhood all at once. Though demanding, the experience reinforced my dedication to the work I felt called to do.
Stepping into the role of entrepreneur was an unexpected challenge that caught me by surprise. Beyond mastering the clinical skills of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other healing modalities, I quickly realized I also needed to learn how to run a business—from marketing and operations to client communication and community outreach. Through guidance from various business coaches and agencies, as well as learning to hire the right people, I have grown tremendously in understanding the full scope of what it means to be a modern healthcare practitioner.
The journey has tested me in ways I never expected, but it has also made me a more grounded and well-rounded healer. Every challenge has strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to guiding others on their path to healing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Wellness?
At Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Wellness, we specialize in fertility and hormonal balance, supporting women and couples through their reproductive health journeys with personalized, integrative care. Whether our patients are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF or IUI, or seeking support throughout pregnancy, we offer a holistic approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our care plans are tailored to each individual, recognizing that fertility is not just a physical process—but an emotional and energetic one as well.
Beyond fertility, we treat a wide range of autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and celiac disease. While many initially seek out acupuncture for its well-known benefits in reducing pain and inflammation, TCM offers so much more. It addresses the root causes of imbalance, supports internal healing, and promotes long-term wellness across a wide spectrum of health concerns.
Our holistic approach includes therapies such as acupuncture, cupping, herbal supplementation, microneedling, advanced non-invasive body sculpting, and nutritional counseling with a focus on Eastern food therapy. What sets us apart is our whole-person perspective. We don’t just treat symptoms—we take into account the physical, emotional, and energetic factors that influence health.
At the core of our philosophy is the integration of Eastern and Western medicine. With a foundation in nursing, I bring a deep understanding of medical diagnoses, pharmaceuticals, and the often complex side effects that come with conventional treatments. This insight allows us to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western medicine—bringing together the best of both worlds to create safe, comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient.
Our practice blends ancient healing wisdom with cutting-edge modern technologies to help patients restore energy, vitality, and overall function. Our advanced therapies include state-of-the-art, non-invasive systems for muscle building, fat reduction, incontinence, and intimate wellness. These treatments are completely passive—patients simply lie down or sit comfortably while the technology does the work. It’s like getting the benefits of a workout without breaking a sweat.
We are most proud of the heart of our practice: it’s truly a family-centered space, both in how it operates and in how we care for our community. Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of treating multiple generations within families—from fertility and prenatal care to wellness support through every life stage. Many of our patients have been with us for years, and their continued trust and referrals have helped us grow organically through word-of-mouth and genuine relationships.
We’re proud to be a resource that teaches our community that there is a safe, natural, and effective approach to wellness. Our patients know they have options—rooted in both tradition and modern science—and we’re honored to guide them on that journey. After graduating with extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, despite having only one business course in my curriculum, I launched this practice as a solo endeavor. Balancing my time between treating patients in the clinic and doing school carpool pickups in those early years, over time the practice gradually grew into what it is today: a thriving, trusted, family-run clinic.
What we want readers to know is this: you can choose natural first. Many of our patients come to us after trying everything that Western medicine has to offer—often having endured years of medications, side effects, or being told that surgery is their only option. When they discover acupuncture and holistic care, they’re amazed at how much better they can feel—without invasive procedures or long-term prescriptions that don’t address the root cause.
Today, I have the joy of working alongside my oldest daughter, Willow. Together, we’ve built more than just a practice—we’ve cultivated a sanctuary of healing, connection, and community. Aviara is more than a place where people come to take care of their health; it’s a space where patients feel safe, seen, and supported. Here, wellness isn’t just a goal—it’s a lifestyle we’re honored to help people live every day.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Continued learning is a vital part of how I stay inspired and effective, both personally and professionally. I’m a big fan of the Commune app by Dr. Mark Hyman, which offers accessible, science-based content on functional medicine, nutrition, and holistic living. It aligns beautifully with our integrative approach and keeps me grounded in both clinical insight and mindful wellness practices.
I also regularly study the work of Kiiko Matsumoto, a renowned expert practitioner of Japanese-style acupuncture. Her teachings, along with a variety of texts and ongoing webinars, continue to deepen my clinical skills and keep me evolving as a practitioner.
As a practice, we’re committed to lifelong learning. Staying up to date with the latest in acupuncture research studies, modalities, and holistic innovations allows us to provide the highest level of care—and to keep our community informed, empowered, and at the forefront of their health journey.
Pricing:
- A few important notes we would like to share with readers includes that we do not bill insurance directly; however, we’re happy to provide superbills for those who have acupuncture benefits so they can submit claims for reimbursement through their insurance provider.
- Acupuncture is also an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), allowing patients to use pre-tax dollars to support their health and wellness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aviaraacupuncture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aviaraacupuncture/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aviara-acupuncture-and-integrative-health-carlsbad?uid=MLQdCXg5UAq9TXbZ0pDE2A&utm_source=ishare
