When I got into a car accident late last year, my back hurt like I've been rear ended by a cross country truck (even though I was hit by a compact car). For weeks I would be in and out of the medical office for a follow-up and I even had a referral to see a physical therapist. The PT session was fine, but I needed more help without relying on the prescription pills and muscle relaxants prescribed to me. Mind you, prior to the accident, I periodically experience some tolerable lower back discomfort after having back surgery five years ago. However, since the car accident, I was desperate to ease my constant lower back pain. The pain that didn't cease was why I approached Rita for her acupuncture services. I have never been treated by an acupuncturist prior to seeing Rita, and it's not that I'm skeptic, but it's more or less because I dislike needles with a passion. I've been a weekly patient of Rita's since Nov '14 and I'm proud to say that I have never missed a week. I simply cannot afford to miss a session because not only is she helping me with my lower back pain, but she also helps with my other health/well-being issues. Not only does she offer her acupuncture services, but she also provides me with health guidance (making recommendations on what food/beverages to avoid) and herbal remedies (all natural Chinese herbal teas specifically mixed to treat each individual's needs). The herbal teas were nothing I've ever tasted before (I've never had the pleasure of eating dirt, but I'm describing the teas' taste as dirt), but I can feel myself gradually improving from the inside out. NOTE: She has never forced me to purchase the herbal teas and the health guidance she gives you are simply recommendations for a healthier you. She can give you all the tools you need to improve the quality of your health and well-being, but ultimately, the decision is yours whether or not you follow her guidance. Rita genuinely cares about her patients' well being and treats her patients' initial issues first. But she doesn't stop there; she continues further to tackle her patients' other issues. She is knowledgeable, gentle, and a true professional. I highly recommend Rita's services (acupuncture, Chinese herbal tea, and health guidance). Rita has done wonders for me and I look forward to my weekly treatments! read more

More Than Five Stars for Rita Panahi! After recovering from Covid, I was determined to heal in a truly healthy and holistic way--and that's when I found Rita. Her wellness care helped me bounce back faster than I ever expected. I've continued seeing her to support my hormone health, and I can honestly say: Rita is the best. She has an incredible ability to analyze health concerns with both precision and compassion. Her approach is thoughtful, natural, and deeply caring. If you're looking to elevate your health and wellness, Rita is the one to trust. She's not just a practitioner--she's a true partner in your healing journey. read more

Rita is a true gem. A friend highly recommends me seeing her. She has guided me through my journey of healing in many directions. I am seeing the progress. She is truly caring. I always feel refreshed after treatment leaving her office. read more

I struggled with digestive issues and symptoms for a long time and didn't think there was a sustainable fix. Rita provided a detailed and comprehensive assessment in our first session and after just a few weeks I already started to see and feel signs of improvement. Rita provided the most personal care I'd ever experienced from an acupuncturist, and her communication goes above and beyond. She listens every week during your session and adjusts treatments based on what you're feeling most recently, and most importantly recommends the tools (diet, supplements) to improve your overall health to pair with her treatments. I highly recommend Rita. read more

ONLY COME HERE IF YOU WANT TO FEEL BETTER!! Humorous but apropos. Whether you believe (1) that there is an invisible chi force that the needles align in balance or (2) the needles work to physically release the tension in the muscles (which, I'm more inclined to believe): the effect is undeniable. I've seen Rita 5 times now and my muscles are so much more pliable and now stretching easily releases the muscle tension. Pain free and flexible movement as a 50+ year old - YAY! As to Rita herself, she is not only completely professional, experienced, and knowledgeable, she was born with a healthy dose of empathy so she genuinely cares for her patients. This is NOT a patient mill like other places. And the office and the building are serene with a woodsy surrounding - so conducive to the vibe. read more

Rita Panahi is just incredible. I feel better and better after every visit. I'm recovering from massive shoulder/rotator surgery. She is knowledgeable and CARES about her clients. She is by far the BEST acupuncturist in the area. She is also a talented writer/author. I'm currently reading, "How to changed your Karma now." This book so speaks to my heart, I highly recommend reading it. read more

Rita is incredibly knowledgable and talented. In the eight months that I have been laying on her table she has released many heavy emotions and healed many aches and pains in my body. From anxiety, depression to knee and back aches, Rita knows exactly where to put her magic needles and make me feel amazingly better. Rita also makes herbal medicine and has given me a remedy to help my energy levels - and it works! I recommend Rita to anyone who believes in wholistic medicine. read more

Rita is amazing. She helped me so much with my IVF journey. I am now 5 days away from welcoming our miracle. Her knowledge is unmatched. The way she helps with diet, supplements and comes up with a plan is so helpful. It's also a huge bonus that she is soooo incredibly nice. I would highly recommend. read more

My cousin owns a clinic in CT (where Rita moved from)for past 16 years. Dr. Golnar Raissi, in acupuncture and Chinese medicine . She is so excited that I went to get my first session in San Ramon at Rita's. I have been using these two modalities to defeat depression(single Mom of two since 2011)and knee injuries(was a mountain trail hiker since 2012-2018)torn ACL etc. happily. I have avoided surgeries for knees and have solid gold relationship with my children since 2019. I highly recommend Ms. Panahi and her staff to you. read more

I have been seeing Rita Panahi for 9 months. I was having bad headaches for over a year. The Doctors did every test imaginable. They could not find anything. The headaches continued until i started to see Rita. In just a few visits i am now headache free. I feel wonderful and enjoy life more. I continue to see her for other issues. read more

Seeing RIta has completely changed my sleep pattern, energy levels and overall health. I was referred to Rita because I was suffering from intense sleep disruption and night terrors. She made me feel understood and helped me find solutions to help me sleep. After just one session with her I had noticeable results. She also recommended a new health routine for me that has helped me greatly. She has amazing insight on natural remedies, which I prefer. She has a calming and supportive nature, and that alone honestly helped put me at ease. read more

Before receiving eastern medicine. I used to have back problems as well as just body exhaustion. First appointment I was scared for the treatment. However, as times went by I see improvement at different parts of my body, I want to appreciate how genuine Rita is with her job and is willing to educate her clients through every step of the way. I'm lucky enough to have her as my first acupuncture experience we her. You should defiantly ask her about anything that concerns you and your health, she will defiantly help you as best as possible:). PS: I even got my parents to join the Acupuncture family yay!! SHE'S THAT GOOD! read more

Rita successfully treated me for whiplash sustained in a car accident (other driver ran the red light) in February 2016. Although I was seeing a Chiropractor, I was still experiencing pain in my neck and back as well having headaches. Rita's acupuncture treatments helped lessen the pain and regularity of the headaches--to the point where I no longer had them! In June 2017, I injured my right knee (side ligaments) using a hamstring stretch machine at the gym. The pain was excruciating every time I walked downstairs or bent down to kneel. It felt as if a sharp knife was digging into the side of my knee. Nothing prescribed by my doctor was helping--ibuprofen, ice, mild stretches, etc. I was still in pain with no hope of my knee getting better. I contacted Rita to see if she could help me. Rita again treated me successfully! I no longer have ANY pain with my right knee and regained full mobility! Before my acupuncture treatments, I dreaded walking down stairs or kneeling. NOT ANY MORE!!! Rita also successfully treated my husband for thyroid and itchy scalp issues. Before, his scalp was unbearable and "felt like ants crawling on my head." He is a happy camper now! My husband and I are thankful and grateful for Rita. Her knowledge and expertise made a difference in how we feel today. Rita is a caring individual who is concerned about the well-being of her patients. We feel Rita is the best!! read more

I don't think words can express the gratitude I have for crossing paths with Miss Rita. I was battling an antibiotic resistant infection causing frequent bladder infections which had turned into chronic IC. I also had no energy, thyroid issues, complete exhaustion and just felt like giving up. I had previously tried everything holistic including other acupuncturists and herbalists. My healing journey has happened in layers, but my daily bladder pain had subsided relatively quickly. I got my energy back, started sleeping through the night and had no more anxiety. Rita has a gentle way about her, she's a natural healer who offers a whole body approach - mind, body and spirit. I am a highly sensitive, spiritual person and I can confide in Rita with all of my hearts secrets and I know they are safe with her. When we got the infection under control, we have worked on my other health concerns with great success; my frequent neck pain, my thyroid and diet, my deeply buried emotional scars. You can just feel the healing taking place during the appointment and the days that follow. Rita is the best!! read more

I initially went to Rita for treatment of back spasms, and not only did she get my back feeling great, but recommended dietary changes that have cleared up my skin, and made me feel better and healthier. I have been seeing Rita for ~10 months and not only has the back pain disappeared, my back feels more loose and flexible. Rita fixed some other nagging problems I had such as tendonitis in my upper arm. My right arm hurt so bad I couldn't raise it above my head, but now I am pain free and have full use of my arm. I recently had a thorough physical exam complete with a host of blood tests, and the tests came back better than they have in years. I attribute this to Rita and would recommend her to anyone with pain or health issues. Jim W. read more

I went to Rita after months of a UTI that had been prescribed antibiotics repeatedly by Kaiser docs. Within a few days, my pain had gone way down and after months of lying on the couch, was back to being able to do the things I love. She is kind and a good listener and tailors each treatment to how you feel that day. I live in Sonoma and have to drive over an hour each way to get there, but it's so worth it! She's a miracle worker and I am recommending her to everyone I know. read more

Rita is a very professional, knowledgeable, caring, understanding and a great listener. I found her during my search for alternative treatment program, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The program she provided has made a huge impact on my overall health and well being. I was apprehensive about Acupuncture prior to seeing Rita, now I look forward to each visit. She puts me at ease and is very gentle. The office is very clean and quiet. I've been on the program for several months. I'm confident I'm healthier due to her guidance, nutritional plan and Acupuncture sessions. I have tons of energy and naturally lost weight (BONUS!). My family and friends are amazed at the changes and ask "what are you doing different?". She genuinely cares and that's what I was looking for during my search. I highly recommend Rita for anyone looking for the perfect Acupuncturist read more

Rita is a miracle worker and absolutely knowledgeable in her field of health and nutrition. Before I became Rita's patient every one of my joints ached so much that I was experiencing 24/7 chronic pain, and this has been going on for many years. A few acupuncture treatments later I woke up one morning and was pain free!! I was in shock because I couldn't remember when was the last time I felt no pain. Rita has turned my world around!! She has also helped the pain in my Achilles heels disappear. I highly recommend her! read more

Came in suffering with intense neck pain. I began felling better after just a couple treatments and am now pain free. The office is very clean and comfortable. Rita knows what she is doing and has a very healing manner. I highly recommend her. read more

I went to see Rita almost five years ago. I had severe uncontrolable asthma. I was taking medications with multiple side effects and Rita treat me to reduce their side effects. At the same time she did strengthen my health. After a few months of treatment, I started feeling much better and doctors agreed to stop medications gradually. I haven't had another asthma attack since then. I am much more stronger in all aspects of my life after seeing Rita. She has changed my eating habits and I can feel the difference. I will recommend her with no doubts. I also come from a family of doctors and fortunately they also believe it is better to avoid prescriptions. Rita has the proper background and knowledge to guide you to the use of natural medicine. Plus she is a wonderful person!! read more

Rita is the best acupuncturist I've ever visited. I began weekly appointments with her over two months ago and always leave her office feeling great. She really takes the time to find out how I'm doing before each treatment so she can tailor it to my needs. I highly recommend her! read more

Rita is an excellent acupuncturist!! I saw her weekly throughout the second half of my pregnancy, and her treatments helped immensely with all the symptoms I was having! Backache, trouble sleeping, you name it. She is also very knowledgeable about diet and wellness and general and was able to give me some very helpful pointers. I no longer have insurance coverage for acupuncture, otherwise I would be seeing her weekly even if just for the relaxation!! read more

I had never been to an Acupuncturist prior to seeing Rita Panahi. I'd always wondered if the usage of this type of medical practice was something that worked or not. I'd been having a lot of issues with swelling in my legs. I was speaking with a friend of mine that had had a hip replacement and she mentioned how much Rita was able to help her in relieving the pain she was having following the hip replacement. She told me that 85% of her pain went away after the first visit with Rita. I thought, "well, if it works so well for her, then maybe I should give her a try." I called and was able to get in to see Rita within the next week. The first thing she did was go over my medical history with me and talk to me about my eating and other health habits. The first treatment made a huge difference in the amount of swelling in my legs. As time has gone on now, and I continue to see her every week or two weeks, I've learned so much from her about what types of things my be upsetting my system, and how the foods we put in our bodies and the environment we put ourselves in can be toxic to us. I've learned most how to change just one thing a week, or even a month, and how much it can help with my overall health. If you are considering seeing an Acupuncurist, Rita is gentle and kind, and will help you with what is ailing or giving you pain. Along with that, Rita is very intelligent and knows what she is doing. I highly recommend her. read more

Rita is a healer. I had a physical in May. My thyroid was outside the normal at 5.45. I am a 64 year old male, and have always been very active. I noticed I was looking to take a nap in the afternoon, and even if I did, I would wake up not rested. OK I thought, must be the old man aging process. It was nothing major, and not harmful. After the diagnosis I was given the prescription of Synthroid. I know the body is capable of healing and wanted a different answer. So, I contacted Rita who came highly recommended from a physical therapist I have worked with for about nine years. I did a 3 month treatment, and last week I went in for a follow up blood test. My TSH was back in normal range at 3.9. More than that, since the second day of the first treatment, I have had almost no urge to sleep in the afternoon. I also noticed that my forearm skin is no longer dry and flaky. That happened at week three. Reading about acupuncture, I always see that it works, but, rarely do I see hard evidence that it does. So, I thought I would provide the numbers. I will continue with Rita because I believe acupuncture, which has been around for 5000 years, treats the body as a whole, and not just one particular symptom. Rita makes her clients feel welcome, she takes the time to know you, and is flexible with her treatment as the patient needs change. Is it a permanent fix. I do not know. But, I think it is like working out. I believe it takes consistency over a period of time. Rita is the right person with a great bedside manner. read more

I started acupuncture when I was having trouble becoming pregnant. After just two months of seeing Rita I became pregnant! The office is very relaxing and I look forward to my sessions. Rita is extremely knowledgeable and has also helped me get on track with a proper diet. I highly recommend Rita and am very happy to have found her. In addition to being an expert in her field, she is also just a great person. read more

I have been seeing Rita since September 2014 and she has been treating me for a variety of health issues during this time. The most incredible was her support during my first pregnancy. I had the most amazing pregnancy - no morning sickness, no swelling, no other common issues, and while I did exercise daily and ate healthfully, I believe, acupuncture made a big difference to the way I felt. Healthy diet is something Rita emphasizes, as well. She takes a holistic approach to her treatment and discusses your nutrition and lifestyle, tweaks to which may have a profound effect on one's health. Moreover, I love Rita as a person. She is so caring, understanding, and very kind! She is a great listener, as well. read more

I struggle how to put into words how much Rita helped me with my health. I began with her, admittedly as a bit of an unbeliever, for tennis elbow. I no longer have any pain or issues - I practice yoga and do strength training regularly. Since the success of that original problem, Rita continued to treat me to manage my cholesterol without medication, inherited from genetic family trait. She has helped straighten out my menstrual cycle and reduce the intense cramps I was getting monthly. She also encouraged me with nutrition counseling, upon which I lost 10 pounds. I continued to see Rita regularly until she moved from Los Angeles - which is still a huge personal loss to me. She kept me healthy and pain free - at which point I was 53 years old. Being very active, and at my age (if you are near to it you'll understand) that was quite an accomplishment. Everyone I referred to Rita has had success with whatever their issue was - shoulder pain, asthma, gastrointestinal issues, sleep challenges, etc. I continue to refer people to her with complete confidence. She is still always my first call for advice and counsel for any new thing that crops up - even though I can't see her like I did in person due to her move to San Ramon. Just to give you some additional perspective, I come from a family of doctors. Don't get me wrong they are very helpful when appropriate, however I am now also a true believer in alternative solutions, due to my myriad of positive outcomes with Rita. Because she moved she encouraged me to find another acupuncturist to see, which I am. But the bar was set so high with Rita that even though my new person is good, she is just not Rita. I trust her. One of my friends and i, whom I referred to Rita who had also been seeing her regularly before she moved, often speak of how much we miss her. He just said the other night - "if I was within 100 miles of her I would be getting treated by Rita weekly". I concur. read more