ActiveMed is your one stop shop for wellness! Dr. Matt Alavi is an intuitive acupuncturist healer offering traditional acupuncture with needles as well as acupressure and cupping, as needed. Him and his staff have always been so kind, compassionate and communicative. They also offer naturopathic, physical therapy and massage services. If you need an energy boost they also have vitamin shots! I'm so grateful to have found them and am feeling relief from my chronic pain. read more

See all

After successful back surgery over a year ago, I was unfortunately left with a mostly numb left foot and was told by my surgeon that this not un-common side effect would take 12-18 months to resolve, and even then I may only recover partial (or no) feeling in my foot. With nothing to lose, I started calling local Acupuncture places, and when I talked with Dr. Matt Alavi, he described Axon Therapy. In just my first two sessions, I've noticed a huge improvement I know would never have happened any other way. Nothing short of a magical outcome, thank you ActiveMed! read more

I cancelled my appointment today. The lengthy on-line paperwork is absolutely ridiculous. It was not setup correctly. It did not make sense. It required a blanket authorization to disclose and had signatures related to being a minor that did not pertain and that you had to sign. The forms were not customized and would lead to issues in information that would definitely not be correct. You would be forced to agree to AI recording of your care and there were no opt out options. Sadly, I gave up and cancelled my appointment. Not ADA friendly. There are no point to this online forms that have not been setup well. read more

I went to ActiveMed for acupuncture as I am trying to find some alternative pain management ideas. I saw Dr RB and she was amazing. She is well versed in her knowledge and causes of issues. She goes over the entire body to make sure there's no other issues or reasons for pain. She is gentle in her practice of acupuncture and combined it with electronic stem for an amazing result. She finished up with deep blue ointment to relax the muscles that were just activated. I will come back here over and over again. Also when contacting the office initially they made it an easy hassle free connection. All around this is a top-notch organization. read more

I love getting Acupuncture here. It actually works, helps me relax. The one time a week that I'm able to let go of all the tension and pain coming from my shoulders/neck/back. Thank you! read more

This review is way overdue. Several years ago I came here couple of times to get treated for back pain. Saw one of the practitioners and she was really nice and attentive. She used a couple of different needling techniques on me as well as gave me this heated herbal treatment on my stomach. They do take insurance, which was super helpful. However, the insurance only covers a 15 minute session. All the extra treatments are à la cart and extra. Facility is very clean, front desk staff very nice. read more

Brandi is great! I have been to her for around four months and my neck is getting better. She is very patient and listens to you.

First, as the husband of a successful full-time Acupuncturist (in a different specialty), I can report more about acupuncture than the usual surfer bro keeping ahead of life's middle age ailments. Matt Alavi is not just knowledgeable, but truly gifted with a deep fundamental understanding of how the body works, and a sense of empathy that gets straight to the issue. What I especially appreciate about his style is the main goal of getting you healed up so that you don't need to rely upon coming in regularly. Dude has legitimately added years to my life, by helping to keep otherwise debilitating issues at bay (like bad lower back disc, neck pain, elbow and shoulder issues). Matt's consistent success with treating my issues, along with a no-pressure style, will keep me coming back for as long as he continues to practice. Highly recommended. read more

RB is a truly amazing health practitioner. My tennis (pickleball) elbow is already feeling so much better after two visits, where she gave me acupuncture, electrical stimulation and Moxa treatments. I am amazed by the progress already. Office staff is friendly and wonderful too. Highly recommend! read more

1 visit. 1 visit with Matt and after 15 years of pain a weakness to my legs from an unsuccessful surgery, Matt was able to "re-attach" my nerve and muscle strength & response in my left leg. Not only that, in doing so it took my pain level on the left side from an "8" down to a "1" in just one 15 minute AXON session. This machine is no joke! Easiest way to explain in laymen's terms, it is "shock therapy". Essentially it felt like we were "fighting fire with fire" as my sciatic nerve pain was so severe that electricity was firing down my legs nonstop for years. The AXON machine sent a shock to my non functioning nerves and brought them back to life. After the first 15 minute session I immediately had the feeling of almost no pain on the left side and a week later still feels great! It also re-engaged my muscle strength of which I had maybe 10% strength when trying to hold a lock position in my thigh, knee, and foot positions. All of a sudden I had 90% engagement again. I realize that this will require some ongoing maintenance, but what an unexpected and incredible response! I've searched for pain relief for nearly 2 decades after a botched back surgery leaving me in more pain after the procedure than going into it. I feel lucky that I could manage the pain with minimal medication, but it's been essential to my pain management to date. My hope is that with continued persistence in Active Med's approach, that I can soon live with only minimal discomfort from my injuries because of Matt's approach to combating my chronic pain condition. This process is not for the faint of heart/mind as it is a tremendously painful experience, but it's what is necessary to fight my pain levels at this point. Some temporary discomfort for what now feels like some longer term relief. Finally, after nearly 2 decades of severe pain and suffering, to my first week without constant distraction from my leg pain. Next, the right side! I'll pass on an update after a few more sessions since my right side is much more severe than my left leg ever was. I was actually in a great mood the last several days, and I owe that all to Matt and the Active Med Care team. I'm so thankful I discovered them! read more

What a slime ball organization. So, I call there a couple of weeks ago looking for an acupuncturist who takes insurance. They tell me that my insurance only covers a situation where you are in a big room with a bunch of other people getting acupuncture, and it's needles only. No massage, no cups, no moxa, all of that is extra. I said, "No thank you, not for me." Flash forward a week or two and they start texting me and calling me telling me that ... "Your doctor referred you to get acupuncture with us." No. No, he didn't. No, SHE didn't. They didn't bother to mention the doctor's name, of course. So I call back and ask for the doctor's name (knowing that they will not have one) and she comes back with, "It was Dr. X." Oh, really. Dr. X. I don't know a doctor X." "Well, he referred you." "No, ma'am, he did not." I then proceeded to tell her (acknowledging that I understand she is a cog in the wheel) what a scuzzy, slimy company they are for lying to people to get business, just because they had my phone number from when I called. In a million years I will never give business to a company that is that slimy and sleazy to lie to get business. Harrasing people in the process. There should be laws. Edit: Let me just reiterate. They did NOT know my doctor's name when I asked them, I KNOW for a fact that my doctor did not refer me, and as per HIPPA regulations, they could not possibly know what communications my doctor and I have between one another. Doubling down only makes my point for me. Silence would have been a better option. read more

Great place! We went for acupuncture. Wonderful staff and services! Thank you for finding some time to see us during the holiday. We really appreciated the fiexibility! read more

I cannot say enough about Dr. RB - she is AMAZING!!! I have had intense back pain since April 1 as the result of a bulged disc on my L5 that is pressing on my sciatic. Daily, I would have to weigh the option of having excruciating pain just so I could be somewhat active in my kids lives (driving carpool, volunteering at school, playing with them, etc) vs becoming zombie-like from a hefty cocktail of pain pills and muscle relaxers that were needed to feel small bouts of relief. Some days were better than others, but as time went on, I was forced to miss more&more activities as the pills became more of a necessity. I couldn't even tie my shoes, my husband would have to tie them, because I got to the point where I couldn't bend over that far. I had to stop exercising. My kids became used to the fact that mommy didn't sleep in the bed with daddy anymore, because I could only find 'comfort' while asleep on the floor. They became accustomed to the fact that I couldn't sit on the couch to cuddle - standing or sitting in a firm chair was the only option. It was miserable! I attempted to attend PT, but would have to take my pills beforehand, and multiple times I was sent home after just 15-ish minutes because I was unable to complete even the most basic of stretches without silent tears streaming down my face. Fast forward to the middle of June. A friend recommended me to ActiveMed Encinitas. I met with Dr. RB and felt some relief after my very first appointment. Don't get me wrong, I was still in pain and unable to tie my own shoes, but from the first time I saw her I was able to completely stop taking my pain pills and muscle relaxers! After just 5 appointments (acupuncture and several appts also included cupping) my pain level went from an 8 to a 2.5! Dr. RB uses a different type of acupuncture needle than I have ever experienced - she will hook some of them up to electronic stimulation (imagine a TENS machine used commonly in PT attached to acupuncture needles). Never again will I suffer thru so much pain and need for medication! Are acupuncture & cupping expensive? Yes. But are they every single penny? 100% yes, if Dr. RB is treating you! read more

Matt is an effective and compassionate Acupuncurist with a wonderful team of therapists and support staff that is professional and welcoming. A go to office for all your healthcare needs. Highly Recommend. read more

I originally found ActiveMed for treatment of my chronic lower back pain. Acupuncture/Cupping was new to me but I was open to try it. Thankfully I did this and found Dr. RB who is very caring and vested in correcting pain or issues that I had. Within a few treatments I felt improvement. Since I originally started treatments for my lower back and neck, I've found tremendous change in these areas to where there is minimal soreness anymore. Because of these benefits found I asked about acupuncture for my legs and feet, which have had neuropathy and numbness for years. Recently I've had elevated burning feelings in my feet after golf. Discussing with RB she began treating my feet and lower legs with acupuncture and immediately the morning after my pain was gone. Now after golf my feet have no issues. I will continue to do the treatments to my feet and enjoy the pain free feeling that I have missed for a long time. Thank you RB and ActiveMed for what you have done for me and my health! read more

I have never been one to believe in eastern style medicine and always made fun of my wife for thinking it did anything. Then I got hurt at work and injured my lower back. My workman's comp Dr. sent me to get acupuncture and I was blown away on how good I felt walking out of that first appointment. The pain came back of course later that night because you can't cure a herniated disk with one treatment. It has been 3 months now of treatment about two times a week and I am not feeling anymore pain. I even ordered a cupping set online for the days when my workman's comp insurance runs out so I could continue with self care. Dr RB is outstanding at her work and the staff is all super friendly and professional. I am now seeing Dr. RB for treatment of my plantar fasciitis and after just 2 treatments, I am feeling the progression and less pain. If you are skeptical about this style of medicine like I was, let me be an advocate and the first to admit that I was wrong. Acupuncture and cupping is an amazing alternative to pain killers and cortisone shots. Just give it a try and stick with it consistently because you are not going to be healed overnight. Thank you Dr. RB and Active Med Encinitas. read more

Dr Matt is a life saver. Kind and warm-hearted and a natural healer. If you have chronic pain from an injury, he will make your life bearable again! Highly recommend! read more

~ I am currently receiving treatments from ActiveMed Intergrative Health. I've received treatments at the Poway and San Diego locations. Professional care and interactions with Staff from the moment you enter the office until leaving. Clean offices , cordial staff , not overbooked with other patients. Reminders for future appointments. I have had serveral Massage Therapist / Therapy. Olivier by far has been the best! An active listener and knowledgeable about Massage Therapy. Before Therapy is provided Olivier reviews any health conditions , explains in details the method of approaching individual treatments plan. Also , Olivier inquires about any concerns from the previous appointment before beginning new treatments. I have a lot of ongoing health conditions , some health symptoms overlap with other health conditions. Not a concern for me! Olivier is exceptional at providing Massage Therapy! read more

Brett Rabin is the best acupuncturist I've had in over a decade!!! I'm so happy I found him. Like the stars aligned and God said- your pain ends here! The front desk are also a pleasure to interact with. (: I recommend this location and Brett Rabin. read more

Amazing results and practitioners Brett did an awesome job on helping restore the muscle tissue in my hip, rotator cuffs and back read more

I went into ActiveMed Encinitas because my tibia fractures from being run over weren't healing. Two months after the accident my leg was still a cold, swollen, blob of meat that didn't feel like it belonged on my body. In my first treatment with Dr Lauren I immediately had obvious results of clearly decreased swelling, increased warmth, feeling and mobility in my leg. This continued with each treatment after. I feel so lucky to have found her and ActiveMed. Every person there has been great. I highly recommend them. read more

Nice people, but if you have health insurance, go elsewhere. They only give you 15 minutes for your copay - you have to pay more to get a full treatment. They also charge extra for the initial evaluation. read more

This place is great, if you've got physical pain issues they'll get you fixed up and healthy once again. I highly recommend you give them a call and get scheduled ASAP! read more

I'm not always the most trusting of doctors. But the treatment and care I've gotten at active med has completely changed my life. I couldn't recommend them more. read more

As first time clIents we didn't know what to expect, but we were thoroughly pleased with our services. Dana is just the best! She's patient, kind, and a good listener. After three visit take, my daughter is feeling much better and her pain is more manageable. I highly recommend ActiveMed.... and mostly Dana read more

Wow! I just can't say enough good things about Dana. To say she is amazing is most definitely an understatement. She is truly an artist who is kind, knowledgeable and caring as well. She really listens so that she can adjust her treatments according to your needs. I've gone to her for years but moved a year ago. So, now I have to travel an hour round trip to see her once a week. Totally worth it! read more

Dana Steindorf is absolutely amazing. Her ability to read the body and use the right treatment made all the difference. I came in with serious pain from my back to the tips of my fingers. I really couldn't use my right arm and couldn't sleep because of the pain. Did everything from urgent care to good drugs before coming with only limited help. My MD recommended acupuncture which after some research brought me to Dana. 2-3 times a week for about 3 weeks of acupuncture, cupping, and the right massage techniques and essentially the pain is gone and I have full use of my arm again. Dana is talented and caring. She listens so she can understand what you are feeling and how you are reacting. This is not cookie cutter, it is very much tailored to the patient. Awesome job Dana, thank you. read more

ActivMed is amazing. Dr. Matt fit me in for an emergency appointment. I was visiting family when I hurt my back. I was in so much pain. I had to fly out the next day, but I could barely take a few steps as I was unable to stand up straight or even touch below my knees. Dr. Matt helped me with acupressure points, electroacupuncture, CBD creme, and even showed me how to get out of bed with less pain. I was able to touch my ankles by the time I left. I could never have made it through those flights without his help. He even followed up with me a couple of times when I got home to see how I felt and to make sure I was following up with Epsom salt baths, magnesium supplements, and turmeric. He was fantastic. I highly recommend ActiveMed and Dr. Matt. read more

I recently put out a request for services and quickly received a response from Matt A. He let me know that Jessica would follow up with me shortly with more information. Sure enough, Jessica promptly responded ready and willing to help me. So often, customer service falls short long before ever making an appointment. Because of their friendly, professional and prompt responses I'm likely to check them out. read more

Dana did an excellent job with the acupuncture she gets 5 stars! I thought the front desk did a poor job with my in take sheet, scheduling my appointments and knowing what my insurance would pay. My appointment was after 5:00 and there was a big dog in the suite. I love dogs, but not where patients are receiving treatments. read more

I came to this place after having 6 major back surgeries, I came with the hope that they would be able to tame a nerve that I've had aching for the past 9 years, I spoke with Matt and he gave me no promises but said he'd give it his best. Well I have to tell you his best is better then I could expect, after three 20 minute sessions I lost a pain that 3 surgeons have never been able to fix, three more spots and we're good, Thanks Matt and Aaron and all your team for giving me back some life. Wow after six major back surgeries and you are the one to fix me read more

My orthopedic surgeon referred me for both physical therapy and Acupuncture for severe stenosis in my neck and a long-standing slight tear in my right rotator cuff. I was referred to Active Med in Encinitas, CA and scheduled an appointment with Brett Rabin, L.Ac., C.SMA. I wasn't quite convinced this would help, but Brett explained the process and the options we could try. He was very professional and concerned about both my understanding and comfort. Happy to report that after a few sessions, each one slightly different (mutually agreed upon), I'm feeling significantly better. The staff is great and Brett Rabin is excellent! I highly recommend ActiveMed Integrative Health Center. read more

I have come here several times for acupuncture and massage. The front desk was very helpful and personable. The office is clean and has a warm feel. I started coming because I had chronic lower back pain and after 6 weeks of treatments my pain is much more manageable and I even have pain free days! Thank you so much! read more

ActiveMed Integrative Health Center - Comfy waiting room - Acupuncture Near Me - Encinitas, California

See all

I barely could walk in because the pain of my back injury was so intense and I definitely came in a reluctant skeptic regarding acupuncture. I owe my deepest gratitude to Matt Alavi and his vast knowledge and experience w/ his gift of healing. He was able to relieve me of my pain within my first few visits and I walked out a firm believer!! Going strong ever since! He can help!! Thank you, Matt!! read more

Best experience here! Friendliest staff and very knowledgeable, from Jessica at the front desk to Dana and Matt. This is definitely the place to come for healing, especially a more natural healing. read more

I came to Matt after a friend recommended his office. I was here for some help after a trauma fracture to my shoulder 8 months ago that left ended with surgery and plate, & 16 screws in my left shoulder. I've have had a really hard recover with mobility and chronic pain. My shoulder froze and the doctor did a 2nd surgery to do a release and break up scar tissue. I had a couple therapy sessions and Covid hit and no therapy for months. Doing my exercises at home just wasn't enough to keep it from freezing again except this time the pain is even worse and I feel so stuck. My first visit with Matt I cried through most of it telling him how exhausted I was in pain and discouraged after all I had been through this is what I was left with. I had tried a previous accupuncture place for 6 visits with absolutely no results! Mattbhas such a professional yet down to earth, caring attitude . He immediately made me feel heard, comfortable and gave me my first glimmered of hope in months. He was honest and straight forward and said if we dont see results in 5-6 visits we probably won't, but I think I can help you. I am a Christian woman and have spent months in prayers over all this and I felt like God led me here and to this man to help me... and he has! In a matter of weeks he has increased my mobility more than therapy did in months. I still have a long recovery ahead but I cannot recommend Matt and his caring staff enough! His office is inviting, staff is friendly and he is a someone who has the heart and wisdom to know how to help you! He is a gifted practitioner and I have felt blessed to be treated by him. read more

Dr. Matt Alavi is amazing! When I was diagnosed with B6 toxicity and peripheral neuropathy this past March, my primary care physician wanted to prescribe me pain pills as a solution and I definitely did not want to go that route. I was in so much pain and had extreme fatigue from the toxicity, it was interfering with my daily life. Thankfully I read that acupuncture can help alleviate the pain and I found Dr. Alavi. I visited him at his Rancho Bernardo location by the Pomerado Hospital. After just a few visits, the pain started to lessen and he is helping me heal my nerves and get my life back. Dr. Alavi has an extensive knowledge of integrative medicine, acupuncture and how the body works as a whole. He is patient, listens and really cares about your whole health. I would highly recommend Dr. Alavi to anyone experiencing pain issues! read more

Great healing environment. Matt Alavi and his staff are attentive to all their patients needs and are experts in the field of Acupunture. I highly recommend ActiveMed Integrative Health! Matt, thank you for all you do and have done for me and your other patients! read more

Be warned they charge a non-coverage fee. I called my insurance company before making an appt to make sure they were in-network. They said yes 100% coverage, just a copay. I paid the fee because I thought I had to. Afterward, I called my insurance company to see if they could explain it and they could not. They said it was just another way for them to get money. So I called ActiveMed. They said insurance companies don't know the costs of everything, like needles and linens, it was a game they had to play. I pay my insurance premiums and don't feel like I should be charged the overhead costs of running a business. My insurance company can't believe it, so I'm filing a grievance against them. read more

Other doctors could not help me with my wrist "problem". I was in pain for 1 year till I got acupuncture at active med with Dr Matt. after 8 treatments my wrist is feeling much better, big difference! read more