Please Call for Questions or to Schedule an Appointment
Address: 9045 Haven Ave Ste 108 Rancho Cucamonga CA, 91730
Why Koi?
Koi fish are admired for their strength and determination, swimming against the current and overcoming obstacles along their journey. They have come to symbolize courage, perseverance, patience, strength, and success, as well as friendship, companionship, and love.
The two Koi in our logo also represent balance and harmony—the complementary forces of Yin and Yang. These qualities reflect the philosophy behind our practice: that healing is a journey toward greater balance within the body and in life.
At Koi Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we believe that pain, injury, and health challenges can often be overcome through support, determination, perseverance, and harmony. Just as the Koi continues forward against the current, we are here to support our patients as they work toward improved health, greater function, and a better quality of life.
About Dr. Marissa Palmer – DC
- Doctor of Chiropractic
- Bachelors of Science, Kinesiology Allied Health
- Director Government Affairs. (California Chiropractic Association)
- AVCA & IVCA Certified Animal Chiropractor
- Founder, Koi Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Background / Family
Marissa’s passion for natural healing began with her love for people and animals. Growing up, she often cared for injured animals and fostered pets. Proud of her Japanese heritage, she carries forward its traditions of community, compassion, and helping others. Today, her family includes two dogs, two cats, and a horse.
Her interest in chiropractic began after watching chiropractors treat horses for pain and movement problems. She was amazed by how the animals responded to treatment. Her interest grew even stronger after chiropractic care helped her with headaches and migraines when she was younger.
Outside the office, Marissa loves exploring new cities, hiking trails, trying new restaurants, dancing, and spending time with her animals. She believes in enjoying life, staying active, and inspiring others to do the same.
Chiropractic Specialty
Dr. Marissa Palmer specializes in gentle chiropractic care for patients of all ages. She especially enjoys helping people who are nervous about chiropractic or who may not be comfortable with traditional adjusting techniques.
During chiropractic school, she was inspired by instructors who used gentle techniques to care for elderly and seriously injured patients. This helped shape the way she practices today.
Marissa’s goal is for every patient to feel comfortable, informed, and supported. She takes time to explain what may be contributing to a patient’s pain and how treatment can help. She also focuses on rehabilitation, strength, balance, and coordination. Her experience includes helping patients recover from injuries, strokes, and other neurological challenges through adjustments, exercises, and hands-on therapies.
Career
Marissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2011. She graduated magna cum laude from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 2015 and also completed her certification in Animal Chiropractic through Options for Animals that same year.
In 2015, she helped establish Koi Chiropractic & Acupuncture with a simple goal: to provide compassionate, personalized care that helps each patient feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey to better health.
About Physician Michael Mark – LA.c, Dipl. O.M
California Licensed Acupuncturist
Physician of Oriental Medicine
Nationally Certified Diplomat of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine. Including: Diplomat of Herbal Medicine and Diplomat of Asian Body Work (NCCAOM)
Certified in Clean needle technique
Background / Family
Michael grew up with a strong sense of family, community, and helping others. His two older brothers taught him the importance of support, resilience, and being there for the people around him. These values continue to shape how he cares for his patients today.
Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and martial arts were also part of Michael’s life from an early age. His grandfather was a grandmaster of Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and his family taught him the importance of movement, balance, and traditional healing. Growing up, Michael experienced acupuncture and herbal medicine firsthand, including using them for his own sports injuries. These experiences inspired his passion for Chinese medicine.
Outside the office, Michael finds balance by spending time outdoors and surrounded by nature. He enjoys gardening and watercolor painting, and you may even see some of his artwork displayed around the clinic.
Acupuncture Specialty
Michael specializes in internal medicine and complex health conditions. He understands that symptoms can have many contributing factors, including nutrition, stress, overwork, activity level, and the environment.
He takes time to look at the whole person rather than focusing only on individual symptoms. Michael explains his findings in simple terms so patients understand their condition, treatment recommendations, and goals. His treatments combine traditional Chinese medicine with an understanding of Western medicine. Depending on the patient, care may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, Asian bodywork, and other techniques.
Michael believes that trust, teamwork, and personalized care are an important part of healing. He treats his patients with warmth and respect and finds great satisfaction in helping them reach health goals they once thought were out of reach.
Career
Michael earned his Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, graduating magna cum laude in 2015. He became a California Licensed Acupuncturist that same year and completed national Acupuncture Licensing through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). He also holds a Diplomat of Chinese Herbal Medicine and Asian bodywork.
In 2015, Michael helped establish Koi Chiropractic & Acupuncture, where he continues to provide personalized acupuncture and traditional medicine with a focus on helping patients understand their health and work toward lasting improvement.
About Massage Therapist Guillian Cardenas – LMT
English / Español
Background / Family
Guillian’s dedication stems from her strong family values and her drive to create a better life for her children. As a proud mother of three independent adult children—one currently serving in the U.S. Navy—she leads by example, showing the power of hard work and perseverance. Her home is full of love, shared with two dogs, four cats, and a rabbit.
Massage Specialty
Guillian Cardenas was raised with a deep appreciation for the importance of caring for one’s body and living a healthy, natural lifestyle—a philosophy she continues to embody and share with her clients. Her lifelong commitment to holistic well-being inspired her to pursue a career in massage therapy, where she could empower others to achieve their own health goals.
Career / Education
Guillian graduated from United Education Institute in 2010 and has spent the past 15 years building her career in the medical field. Her approach to healing is constantly evolving, shaped by both formal training and the personal connections she builds with her clients and colleagues. She is skilled in a wide range of therapeutic techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue, cupping, lymphatic drainage, pregnancy massage, and acupressure.
With warmth, experience, and a passion for healing, Guillian welcomes every client with the goal of restoring balance, relieving pain, and supporting a healthier, more grounded life.
Insurances
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) & Preferred Provider Organization (PPO):
- American Specialty Health, Kaiser Permanente, Anthem BlueCross, Anthem Blue Shield, Simple Therapy / Physmetrics / ChiroMetrics (Simple MSK), Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), Scan, Brand New Day, Aetna, Landmark Health, Health Net, Cigna and many more.
Please call with your Membership Information and Insurance ID to verify your benefits.
Our practice is dedicated to serving the Rancho Cucamonga, Alta Loma, Fontana, Upland, Ontario, Rialto, Bloomington, Jurupa Valley, Colton, Pomona, Chino, Jurupa Valley, Riverside, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire region.
Koi Chiro Acu 