Dr. Antonia (“Toni”) Balfour is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine specializing in the holistic treatment of skin conditions with herbal medicine. With over 20 years of clinical practice in Pacific Palisades, she is the founder of Yin Yang Dermatology and co-owner of its sister business, Oasis Palisades.

Toni holds a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University and a Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Yo San University, where she graduated with highest honors. She is a California-licensed acupuncturist and herbalist and a National Diplomate in acupuncture and Chinese herbology, board-certified through the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Her interest in herbal dermatology began in the late ’90s where, as a student in acupuncture school, she saw complex cases of eczema and psoriasis. In 2008, while pregnant with her daughter, she developed a skin condition known as PUPPP which caused intense itching and widespread lesions. It was well treated with Chinese herbs, which inspired her to pursue continuing education in dermatology as a specialty. In 2012 she completed a Diploma  in Herbal Dermatology at Regent’s College in London, England with world renowned expert Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji.

Additional post-graduate work includes a certification in Acupuncture and Cancer Care from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York as well as post-graduate studies in women’s health and fertility treatment for both men and women.

Toni is currently a member of the board of The International Association of Chinese Medicine Dermatology.

Toni served as the ’08/’09 president of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. As Chamber president, she focused on “greening” Pacific Palisades, creating a business greening committee and working with Palisades Cares to receive an LA Community Beautification Grant to install recycling receptacles throughout the commercial district of the Palisades.

Toni first became interested in Chinese Medicine while living in Taiwan where she taught English as a second language. One of her students brought her to a traditional Chinese doctor for the treatment of chronic TMJ and neck pain. The results were so impressive that she began to study Chinese medicine soon after, ultimately deciding to make TCM her career. In addition to her clinical practice, Toni’s writings have been featured in MindBodyGreen, Prevention magazine, and various other publications.

Toni completed her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida where she studied, enjoyed life, and became a licensed private pilot. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Southern Africa. She and husband Marc have a fun-loving young daughter, Scarlett, and two cuddly dogs.