iris Martin, L.ac, dipl.om (Pasadena & Carlsbad)
Hi! I am a Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Yoga Instructor, and the founder of VIM. It is my passion to help others feel their best.
I have a background in social services, psychology, and education. After working for nearly a decade with special needs children, I began studying and teaching yoga with the hopes of bringing more balance and peace into my life. Since 2008, I have been teaching a variety of yoga classes from Prenatal to Vinyasa flow in studios as well as in private settings. I have always been an athlete, and played volleyball year-round growing up. My love of movement and sports was a natural precursor to my fascination with and study of the body.
I became inspired by personal experiences receiving acupuncture and decided to go back to school for my Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In acupuncture I have found my true calling and I am blessed to be able to draw from knowledge gained in all parts of my personal and professional life. I focused on pain relief and pain management in school and received an additional certification in Sports Medicine. I studied under amazing teachers learning how to apply different techniques to speed healing time, increase range of motion, and decrease and eliminate pain. This medicine is such a practical tool for athletes and should be incorporated into training plans for optimal performance, injury prevention, and recovery. I love treating pain related to postural issues, ergonomics, and repetitive stress injuries as well.
I graduated from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz and worked for many years in Los Gatos, CA at a family-centered practice treating the full gamut of imbalances such as allergies, migraines, pain, digestive issues, etc. As our lives tend to inform our practices, this clinic also focused on fertility, prenatal, and postpartum care and I was fortunate to be a part of this group throughout my own fertility struggle and IVF pregnancy. Acupuncture was an integral part of my journey and this experience added a layer to my learning and expertise that I didn’t anticipate but am so grateful for. Being able to help patients facing similar challenges is one of the many silver linings of my personal journey. I will forever be passionate about helping women conceive and care for their bodies before, during, and after pregnancy.
In 2021, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. I found myself facing a new set of obstacles and an opportunity to blend my knowledge of eastern medicine with the aggressive but life-saving approaches of western medicine. I am now cancer-free and even more grateful for each day that I am here to love and serve. These “accidental” specialties have expanded me in ways that weren’t accessible before and have blessed me with the ability to more compassionately care for my patients.
In my spare time I relish the young years with my rainbow baby and seek out new adventures. I love reading, exercising, traveling, and enjoying nature.
Dr. Skye Smith
I am a California licensed acupuncturist and Functional Medicine nutritionist. With a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western healing modalities, I integrate modern science with ancient traditions to create individualized treatment plans focused on addressing the root causes of health issues.
My journey in healthcare began with a BA in Medical Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz, followed by extensive studies at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco where I received both my Master’s and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I furthered my education through the International Program at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou China and specialized coursework at UCLA's Institute of Women's Health & Empowerment.
My patient care experience spans diverse settings, including public institutions like San Quentin Prison and the Women’s Health Center in San Francisco, as well as private and community practices across major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Paris, France. My expertise spans various health conditions, including chronic pain, digestive health, mental health disorders, and women’s health issues. I employ gentle acupuncture techniques, cupping, and Shiatsu to ensure a comfortable and effective experience for my patients.
In addition to my medical practice, I am deeply passionate about culinary arts and nutrition, which motivated me to pursue a second Master’s degree in nutrition and Functional Medicine at the University of Western States. Through this program, I acquired evidence-based practices for treating various health conditions, including immune disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, and hormones and neurotransmitter dysregulation. I also gained expertise in implementing proper and efficient detoxification protocols and promoting cellular health for longevity.
My approach to achieving weight management goals focuses on preparing the body for healthy and sustainable weight loss by addressing gut health and advocating for long-term lifestyle changes. I customize treatment plans tailored to individual needs, incorporating evidence-based dietary interventions, supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and laboratory test analysis.
In my spare time, I enjoy going to Farmer’s Markets to create various healthy meals for myself, family, and friends as well as spending time with my husband and dog in nature. I love horseback riding, dancing, and visiting architectural sites.