About Our Acupuncturist

Meet Phi-Lan Nguyen, Licensed Acupuncturist in Honolulu

My name is Phi-Lan Nguyen, and I am a licensed acupuncturist in Honolulu, Hawaii and founder of Zen Attitude Acupuncture, established in 2011.

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From a young age, I witnessed the powerful effects of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine through family members who would leave treatments feeling deeply relaxed and renewed. These early experiences shaped my understanding of the body’s ability to heal when properly supported.

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At age 16, my mother suffered her third and most severe stroke, and I quickly stepped into the role of caregiver. During this time, I also experienced the frustration of limited resources for stroke recovery. After about a year, both occupational therapy and physical therapy determined that her progress had plateaued. She struggled to walk, prepare food, and often became emotional when she couldn’t find the words she wanted to say.

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Our family was told that most stroke survivors make very little recovery after two years—a prognosis that did not consider complementary therapies like acupuncture.

 

Acupuncture and Stroke Recovery: A Personal Journey

More than two decades after her stroke, my mother’s recovery has been remarkable. She is able to walk, manage her basic daily needs such as showering and eating, and express herself verbally. She can even debate with my father from time to time.

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I am deeply grateful to Western medicine for saving my mother’s life, and equally grateful to Eastern Asian medicine for improving her quality of life. Ultimately, quality of life is one of the most valuable forms of health we have.

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This experience shaped my passion for acupuncture and my commitment to helping patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their daily lives.

 

Our Philosophy: Improving Quality of Life Through Acupuncture

My mission as an acupuncturist is simple: help patients improve their quality of life.

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Whether you are coming in for:

• A wellness acupuncture tune-up

• Support with chronic pain

• Treatment for acute injuries

• Help with neurological conditions

• Collaboration with other healthcare providers

• Or exploring acupuncture as a last option after trying many treatments
   

I am committed to helping you achieve the results and relief you need.

 

Education and Clinical Training

I earned dual Master of Science degrees in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in 2010, one of the leading institutions for natural medicine education.

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My clinical training includes over 1,350 hours of hands-on patient care at:

• Bastyr Center for Natural Health

• Harborview Medical Center (Chronic Fatigue Clinic, HIV/AIDS Clinic, International Clinic)

• Providence Mount St. Vincent Nursing Center

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My final intensive externship was completed in Shanghai, China, where I trained in three hospitals and gained deeper experience in traditional Chinese medicine and neurological acupuncture treatments.

 

Acupuncture Specialties

At Zen Attitude Acupuncture in Honolulu, I have a particular passion for treating neurological conditions and complex chronic health issues.

 

Common conditions treated include:

• Nerve impingements and nerve pain

• Migraines and chronic headaches

• Stroke recovery support

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Bell’s Palsy

• Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Stress and fatigue

• Musculoskeletal pain
   

Each treatment plan is customized to your specific condition and overall health goals.

 

Holistic Treatments Offered

Treatments at Zen Attitude Acupuncture may include a combination of:

• Acupuncture therapy

• Cupping therapy

• Dietary and lifestyle guidance

• Wellness coaching

• Health education rooted in traditional Chinese medicine
   

By combining these approaches, we aim to support the body’s natural healing systems and restore balance.

 

Inclusive and Welcoming Care

At Zen Attitude Acupuncture, we proudly welcome all individuals and backgrounds. Our clinic is committed to providing compassionate and respectful care to everyone, without discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

 

Insurance Coverage

We accept many insurance plans for acupuncture services in Hawaii.

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Insurance networks may include:

• Motor vehicle accident claims using PIP

• Kaiser Permanente

• HMSA

• HMAA

• UHA Health Insurance

• Aetna

• UnitedHealthcare
   

Please note that Medicare generally does not cover services at our clinic.

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If you would like to verify your coverage, please call our office, and we will gladly help confirm whether we are in-network with your insurance provider.