Nicole Hidaka L.Ac.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for

Fertility · Pregnancy · Women’s Health · Pain Management

Serving Santa Barbara, California | 206 713 2742

At Awakened Heart, in Santa Barbara, California, we use gentle acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle advice to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities in supporting people on their journey to a healthy conception, through pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and beyond.

Welcome! I am so glad that we found each other!

I am a nationally certified and California licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist who specializes in reproductive healthcare. I graduated from Bastyr in Kenmore, Washington and had a successful practice in Seattle for over 12 years. I recently moved back to Santa Barbara, where I grew up, and am so happy to be able to support the community in achieving their health goals.

 Since my early 20’s, it has been my mission to understand how women’s bodies work, our unique health challenges, and how to best support women with natural, alternative remedies. Previous to becoming an acupuncturist, I was an elementary school teacher; so I understand the power of education. I am passionate about advocating for you and sharing with you what I have learned along the way. I have spent, and will continue to spend, many years studying reproductive health and pregnancy as it relates to both Chinese medicine and Western medicine to provide you safe, natural and effective treatments.

If you have any questions about acupuncture or Chinese herbal therapy please contact me. I look forward to working with you!!

Offerings

It all starts by moving energy or Qi to achieve your body’s optimal state of being.

Next, I will recommend herbs or supplements that get to the root of the imbalance, to support you in-between visits.

The last step? You are given the tools that best support your body when it is in balance. Think of this as your new beginning.

At Awakened Heart Acupuncture we are especially passionate about women’s health issues, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care, but our patients come to see us for a variety of reasons.

We also treat conditions such as:

  • acute and chronic pain

  • digestive disorders ( IBS, chrone’s and ulcerative colitis)

  • insomnia

  • headaches (migraines, tension)

  • psycho-emotional issues (anxiety, depression, OCD)

  • peri/menopausal issues (hotflash, night sweats)

  • menstrual issues (PMS, irregular menses, painful menses, heavy menses etc.)

  • gynecology (endometriosis, PCOS, cysts)

  • chronic health issues (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure etc.)

  • autoimmune conditions

  • I lack words to express my profound gratitude for Nicole as my practitioner during my IVF journey. I truly believe it was because of her exceptional care, expertise, guidance and support that my first round of IVF was successful - a miracle. From our first consultation, Nicole made me feel heard and comfortable. She has an uncanny ability to dial in perfectly to both your psychological and physical health and is able to match it with an effective treatment. Nicole is knowledgeable, thorough, and incredibly empathetic. I trust Nicole wholeheartedly and am beyond grateful to have been in her care.

    Monica

  • I’ve been seeing Nicole for 10 years, starting with morning sickness support with my first child. She made a huge impact in my health management since. She is a kind, gentle, compassionate, and intuitive practitioner. She is an expert in her field and is easy to troubleshoot with to find the best treatment.

    Elissa

  • Let me tell you about an angel on earth - Nicole Hidaka - and a pivotal figure in my quest for better health. I have been working with Nicole since 2017 and her expertise in acupuncture paired with the warmest and most approachable demeanor made each visit beyond comforting. Nicole dove deep into understanding my health concerns, customizing sessions to address specific issues (fertility, anxiety, overall improvements to womens health to name a few). What always impresses me is Nicole's holistic approach. Alongside the sessions, she imparted valuable insights into lifestyle adjustments and wellness practices - empowering me to take an active role in my well-being. I wholeheartedly endorse Nicole to those seeking not just relief from ailments but a knowledge partner in their journey toward comprehensive wellness

    Christina

  • Nicole is absolutely fantastic! I really can't say enough good things about her; from her quality of care, patience, attention to detail and kindness. She made my fertility jounrey manageable. I saw Nicole weekly and she catered every treatment on the basis of where I was at in my cycle or what my body was needing. I cried the day she moved as she became such a huge part of my life, 10/10 would recommend!

    Katherine

  • Nicole is an acupuncturist who cares about her patients. Her technique creates calmness and she provides a relaxed, safe environment. I have never been happier to have dozens of tiny needles carefully placed head to toe! Nicole was able to help with inflammation from chronic back pain and various other ailments. I usually would doze off during a session, totally relaxed!

    Randy

  • Nicole was an absolutely essential part of my fertility journey and pregnancy. After several years of infertility, I finally sought out acupuncture, and her expertise, kindness, and commitment were integral as I went through surgery for endometriosis, a mock cycle prior to our embryo transfer, the "real" cycle in preparation for our embryo transfer, and finally, during pregnancy. She supported me, listened to me, cared for me, and cheered for me the entire way. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for her as a person and as a practitioner. She is just magical.

    -Kasha

  • Nicole is a beacon of light for women's health and wellness, blending expertise in Chinese medicine with genuine compassion. Her tailored approach addresses the complexities of conditions like depression, anxiety, stress and fertility with remarkable effectiveness. Through her deep understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, Nicole offers personalized treatments that not only alleviated my symptoms but also restored balance to both my body and mind. Nicole's dedication to empowering women on their journey to wellness is evident in every session, making her an invaluable ally for those seeking holistic healing.

    Heather

  • We were so blessed to find Nicole Hidaka! Both my husband and I were clients for several years and found her to be cheerful, perceptive, and always kind. We both benefited so much from her gentle healing touch, her skill, and analytic approach. I sought out acupuncture for some chronic lower back pain on the advice of my physician. I found Nicole on the recommendation of my physical therapist who had herself been a patient of Nicole's and who described how much Nicole had helped her during a difficult pregnancy. My physical therapist was spot on: my back pain became more manageable, my energy improved greatly over time, and I began to return to activities that I had put aside.

    We were saddened when she explained that she was moving out of state for family reasons. However, in the thoughtful style to which we had become accustomed, we learned that she searched for some time to find a replacement whose skill and expertise met her high standards in order to be sure that her clients were not left without support. We are happy to say that in her absence we are well looked after and are very grateful.

    We really appreciated Nicole. She was a consummate and caring professional and her treatments always produced positive results. We cannot say enough good things about her and yes, we miss her!

    Kathy and David