old oak acu
rest, recovery, & recalibration
If you are dealing with pain, stress, or simply need some support to function at your best, we are here to help.
what to expect
Treatments with Steven are focused on regulating the nervous system, removing physical and emotional tension, and reestablishing the body's structural balance. This may be helpful for pain, injuries, digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, emotional challenges, and much more.
Acupuncture sessions begin with intake, inquiry, and palpation (pressing on areas of the body) to help identify imbalances. Next, tiny filiform needles are used to stimulate specific acupoints. Most points will be barely felt or cause a dull, achy sensation, while others, for more orthopedic functions, may fasciculate (spasm) as the muscle releases. Depending on the patient's needs, electro-acupuncture, cupping, massage, gua sha, moxabustion, or herbs may also be utilized.
"Growing up in Southern California, oak trees speckled the hills and came to represent a reprieve from the heat of the day. In this way, Old Oak Acupuncture aims to provide a space for rest, recovery, and recalibration so you can return to daily life with a sense of calm, ease, and greater balance."
Dr. Steven Thorsen DAcCHM LAc
CEO / Acupuncturist
Steven is a California native living in San Diego. After spending much of his youth chasing excitement through extreme sports, he fell in love with climbing in 2009. Around the same time, he discovered the benefits of yoga as a complement to the physical and mental challenges climbing provided. These practices have influenced his perspective as a yoga teacher and routesetter for many years.
Inspired by the idea of dharma and discovery of one’s unique purpose in life, Steven’s desire to help others realize their potential sent him in many directions. Teaching yoga showed the value of self-study and mindfulness. The arts showed that anything can be an art form if done with presence and mastery. Education showed him that individualized treatment is needed for each person to be their best self. Across the board, he found that true health and happiness are an integration of body, mind, and spirit working together.
After receiving powerful acupuncture treatments to rehab injuries and recover from some challenging experiences, he began his studies of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in 2022 at Pacific College of Health and Science.
In May, 2026, Steven received his Doctorate of Acupuncture with Specialization in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Since then, he has continued treating a variety of issues with special interests in sports medicine, mental health, and nervous system regulation.
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