My wife decided to try miconeedling rather than Botox for a natural solution for tighter, brighter skin. She was extremely pleased with her results due to both the procedure and the custom serum. Dr. Bret was/is extremely knowledgeable, warm, and thorough with his explanations regarding the sessions and benefits of miconeedling. We would highly recommend Dr. Bret for any and all of your acupuncture or microneedling needs. read more

I want to share my experience with Dr.Bret, I had horrible TMJ pain coming in. I've experienced this pain for the past four years. I have seen a chiropractor, where I came in three times a week for months. It took Dr.Bret one session to work his magic. I felt a instant mobility in my bottom jaw immediately after our first session. I highly recommend coming in if you been dealing with any pain. read more

I have been lucky enough to be treated by Dr. Bret five different times and every time has been AMAZING!!!!! The micro needling is the best thing I've ever done for my skin, better than Botox or a CO2 Fractional laser! He's treated my low back pain with injections (I have 3 herniated disks from an old injury) and I just wish I would have found him 20 years ago!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I usually don't write reviews but as a person with chronic back pain, Bret has been my life saver. Every time my back flares up, Bret has been able to to ease my pain after each treatment. Bret does not rush you during your treatment appointment. read more

Highly recommend! I have issues with TMJ and felt at a loss trying to find a fix when my jaw locked up for an extended period. I spoke with Brett before making an appointment and he was very friendly, knowledgeable and honest about the process which made me feel comfortable off the bat. Brett really listens to your concerns and goes above and beyond. I found the experience very relaxing and ultimately I feel was a key part in helping unlock my jaw. Unexpected bonus was tension relief through my whole body, especially upper back which has felt the best it has in a long time! read more

Bret is one of the most welcoming and nicest. Acupuncturist I've ever had. Not only did he go out of his way to treat me for migraines but he also treated my daughter (who was very anxious to have the acupuncture needles). Bret was incredibly calming to her and talked her through her anxiety. She's open to going back and that says a lot about Bret's care. I'd highly recommend this business. read more

I'm a firm believer in acupuncture, and I have been going to Dr. Bret for quite some time now. A friend recommended acupuncture when I was going through severe fibroid symptoms. I had the impression that acupuncture was only for pain, but Dr. Bret helped balance out my hormones which led to relief with heavy periods due to fibroids. Dr. Bret listened, understood my issues, and addressed my symptoms with just a few treatments. I trust Dr. Bret, and now I use acupuncture for sleep, stress, for back pain. I'm so glad his clinic also offers micro-needling, and I love how my skin feels after every session. I see the difference in my skin, and I'm excited to continue this treatment every month. Bonus, I even got carded at the grocery store, so I know the treatments are working. Inner Balance Acupuncture is my one-stop shop for beauty and wellness! read more

Dr Bret is an amazing acupuncturist. and offers some wonderful alternative services for refreshing your skin to and younger healthy glow! 10/10 highly recommend. read more

Bret helped me a couple of years ago with some knee pain I was experiencing from wearing high heels, but more recently I fell and started experiencing horrible vertigo. I couldn't drive. I couldn't make any sudden moves without the world feeling like it was coming out from under me. My blood pressure was low and my heart rate was high. I'm a clinical nutritionist so I was taking vitamins and homeopathic's and all of the things I knew how to do to support my inner ear and my blood pressure and all of that. Only after going to see Bret did I experience any relief. For three hours the first time, and after my second treatment it went away completely within a couple days. It was weird, but the way I knew it was working was he stuck needles in my jaw and my fore head and several other places, and 10 minutes after he walked out of the room to let the needles do their thing I could feel my ears popping, but it was a different kind of popping. I felt clarity in my head, my headache that I'd had for a week went away. I felt, or really heard, a kind of crackling, like things were moving inside my inner ear. Long explanation, but I really feel like people need to know it's possible to get rid of vertigo. I highly recommend Bret! read more

Dr. Ellington was professional and provided excellent and skilled care. My treatment including a micro-needling session that was super effective! I am looking forward to another treatment and will definitely be looking into the injectables. read more

I came to Julie for heart palpitations. I immediately felt I had made a good choice seeing her. She took the time to ask me lots of questions about my health and lifestyle and was able to get a good idea what to do. She zeroed in on my liver health and gave me an herbal tea of her own making to help my liver. She also suggested some diet changes and she did some sessions of acupuncture. I have no more heart palpitations and feel much better than I did before. I have also changed my diet for the better and I'm sure that is also really helping. Julie really offers a complete solution. She is very knowledgeable in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and I believe both are often needed to resolve many health issues. She was such a big help, especially since 'my western medicine heart doctor' didn't have any suggestions other than not to worry about it. I will always come see Julie first when I have a health issue. read more

I've been going to Inner Balance for about a few months, and I'm a believer. Acupuncture was sort of a last-ditch effort to solve some pain I was having, and I was really amazed when I started seeing results. In addition to being gentle with the needles, Bret has a lot of knowledge about homeopathic remedies. He's not a pusher, but if you're into trying to solve your own problems with non-prescription methods, he can help. My insurance covers most of my treatments, and he's been great about working with me on my co-pays. If you're having pain, I think some acupuncture sessions are worth a try. read more

Okay, I would give Bret Ellington 10 stars if I could. I've never done acupuncture before and didn't know what to expect. Bret is a super cool guy, and very calming and knowledgeable. He was super gentle and made me feel at home. I can't wait to book my next appointment as well as send my wife in to try it for herself. As far as the treatment goes, I feel much more relaxed and loose around my neck and shoulders today, the day after my first treatment. I absolutely recommend Inner Balance Acupuncture! read more

I can't believe I have not yelped on Inner Balance sooner! Bret is THE. BEST. (And I am a tough customer to please) I came in with a sciatic nerve problem that had been troubling me for over a year. I had tried massage and chiropractic, but nothing helped. After ONE session, the pain was almost completely gone, and after the second, it never returned again! I was so shocked that I kept doing Hula Dance-type moves to try to get it to hurt again. It's never bothered me since. He also treats me for Restless Leg Syndrome, and after suffering with this my whole life, I can say that thanks to Bret, my legs are at peace! ;-) I've recommended my boss, my mom, and my friends, and everyone has been 100% happy with his services. And he has a beautiful, spa-like office that is just perfect when you need some chill time. :-) read more

Dr. Bret takes the time to listen to his patients. He is very professional, honest, friendly and respectful. The only problem is that if you start going to his clinic, no other clinic will ever be able to measure up! Thank you ! read more

I've found acupuncture very helpful in managing my migraines in the past, so when my husband and I had difficulty conceiving after 6 months I knew this was the first thing I was going to try. I'm so grateful I found Bret as soon as I did, he really is a miracle worker! He spent a great deal of time talking to me about my concerns and trouble spots before ever sticking a pin in me. Even other acupuncturists I've been too have never spent the time and care he did in really getting to know me. He is someone who even if you don't go back for months and months, it feels like you just saw him yesterday. He has a great bedside manner! After my first session with him, literally that night, I took an ovulation test and got a positive. I was amazed...how could "alternative" medicine work so quickly! Well, lets just say that a month later I had a big fat positive pregnancy test in my hand, and that after six months of struggling with irregular cycles and disappointment my husband and I were pregnant! My baby girl is 3 1/2 months old now, so this review is long overdue. :c) I recommend Bret to anyone and everyone, he is the best acupuncturist I've ever been too, and just an awesome person to work with. I know he will be the first person I visit whenever I have a health issue. read more

I should have written this review a while back, but better late than never... I started going to Inner Balance to help out with an Achilles issue I was having. I never had acupuncture before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Right when I walked in, I felt comfortable. Bret (the acupuncturist and owner) creates a warm and friendly atmosphere! He explained everything to me and answered all my questions. I could tell that he really cared about helping me out. I'm a long distance runner, so I was concerned about my Achilles and I had an event coming up. After a few visits, my Achilles pain went away. I would highly recommend checking out Inner Balance Acupuncture to help out with your aches and pains. Bret is very knowledgeable about his practice and will be able to help you out!!! read more

Bret at Inner Balance Acupuncture was awesome. Called him in the last minute and he fit me right in. I had lower back spasms and now I feel great! He is also a very nice, traveled person that makes sure that you're feeling good afterwards, attention to details. read more

Bret is amazing at his work! After suffering from anxiety for well over a year, my doctor has been helping me find alternatives to medicine, (medicine helps, however, I don't really want to be on meds). He asked if I had considered acupuncture. Bret came recommended to me so I gave him a call and made an appointment. He was very honest, to the point where I asked how will I know if this is working. Bret said if it isn't helping in 2-3 weeks, this isn't for you. Who risks losing business, Bret! He is honest and 100% passionate about your well being and making you whole. Bret also is very knowledgeable in the human body and knowing what pressure points work best for your ailment, and treating you for your body. I feel like he is in tune with you and ask the right questions to treat you. I am doing better than I have since my original panic attack. At this point, I feel like Bret is the reason why. Don't be afraid to give acupuncture and Bret a try. It truly doesn't hurt. The environment is soothing, relaxing, clean, and energizing. I truly feel like a different person when I leave his office. Oftentimes, I am so relaxed I don't want the session to be done. If you hesitating, don't, and go! read more

Bret helped me break a SIXTEEN day migraine cycle and it has not come back since. Words cannot express how grateful I am!! Life was becoming an awful cycle of pain and misery. This was my first round of acupuncture and I was really surprised how pleasant it is... In addition to treating my pain. read more

I have been to a few different acupuncturists in the past, but Bret takes treatment to the next level. He is as interested and vested in his clients holistic health, and takes the time to listen carefully to my specific needs. I have been seeing him recently following a car accident to deal with some lingering pain/issues and have nothing but the highest respect for him and his practice. He is professional, friendly, compassionate and very knowledgeable. His office is clean, calming and welcoming. I trust him without reservation and recommend you try him before considering any other office. It may be the best decision you ever make for your health and wellness. read more

I am a 48 year old firefighter with many injuries and aches and pains. My job can be very physical and the older I get the harder it is to recover. I reached out to Bret for treatment. The clinic is very clean and the staff is super friendly. My treatment was intense and relaxing at the same time. Bret is very clinical in his approach which has resulted in positive results for me. I felt immediate relief and reduced swelling in my knee, as well as an increased range of movement after the first treatment. Bret is easy to talk to and developed a treatment plan that is very affordable for me because my insurance does not cover treatment. They also offer therapeutic massage which has also helped my recovery. Highly recommend. read more

I was having some stomach issues the day I had an appointment with Bret. I walked out of there with NO more stomach pain or issues. I don't know how he does it but I always leave feeling like a million bucks without spending a million bucks! read more

I'd like to take a minute to brag on my friend Bret Ellington and his business, Inner Balance Acupuncture, in Lake Forest. I came to Bret when I first arrived in Orange County to see if he could help make sure my migraines wouldn't return. They never did! He's the best at what he does, plus he's a super nice human being. If you need an ache or pain taken care of, or even anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, infertility, etc., visit Bret! read more

I was not a believer in acupuncture. I had surgery on my right forearm Which required a plate and screws to put it back together. I had my surgery on a Thursday morning and was in agony on Friday despite pain medications. I feel I generally have a fairly high tolerance for pain. A friend suggested I see Brett for acupuncture. At that moment I was willing to try anything for relief. Bret treated me Friday night. I was able to sleep and Saturday morning I reached for my pain meds and realized I had 0 pain!!!! The swelling was completely gone!!! I was able to start physical therapy much sooner and get my range of motion back quicker as well. I am a believer now and have since used Inner Balance for other things as well. Give it a try you will not be disappointed. read more

My daughter was referred by a friend to help treat her chronic migraines, it helped her greatly!! She came in with a level 9 migraine that NO hospital er dr could relieve that she had for over 2 months! Numerous trips to the er, neurologists and urgent care could not fix! The first visit her hot it to a level 3 within 2 more visits she had no more pain!! He is a life saver for my daughter! If you need help with pain management with your migraines go see him!!! read more

I have been a client for only a few weeks and am amazed by the effects. I have been to another Acupuncturist in the past, but there is no comparison. Starting from the initial evaluation, I was impressed with Bret and his expertise. I sought out the help of acupuncture for chronic muscle tightness in my upper/mid back. After only a few treatments, I have experienced profound results. I highly recommend Bret if you are looking for someone who truly cares about the client's results. read more

I just met Dr. Bret for the first time the other day. He is a very nice person. Dr. Bret impressed me with his ideas and approach to health care. I am a chiropractor myself and met him through a mutual patient that just loves him. I am going to definitely start referring patients looking for acupuncture to Inner Balance Acupuncture. Thank you for taking the time to meet me at my office. I look forward to the results my patients will enjoy with your care :) read more

I was one of the biggest skeptics of acupuncture, I thought "how could little tiny needles help with my issues, especially since they go in places other than where I hurt?" but I am now a believer. I have gone to Bret for a couple of different problems, I do a lot of walking and have gotten some pretty angry tendons in the process, but each time I have gone to see him I have had substantial relief after one session, I have started using him to manage my fibromyalgia, and when I wake up with a flare up he is one of my first phone calls of the day. He gets me right in, treats me, and gets me back to being able to enjoy life, generally after just one session. If you are not getting success with traditional Western medicine I highly recommend Bret Ellington and Inner Balance Acupuncture. read more

If I could give more stars, I would! Bret is AMAZING!! I suffer from Chronic Migraines and between botox and chiropractic, I still have server bouts of pain, can't sleep and hate taking the meds because they cause other problems. I was referred to Bret but Dr. Glass and in just two visits, shoulder, neck and head pain that I would have had to take meds for was gone within 30 mins of leaving his office. I look forward to seeing how it turns out. ;) read more

After trying to relieve the pain of hip bursitis with a cortisone shot and physical therapy, I was still suffering with painful symptoms. My neighbor asked if I had ever considered acupuncture and I quickly said, "No." The thought of someone inserting needles into my body was not appealing. Out of desperation, I have to admit, I took her referral information and called Inner Balance Acupuncture. The consultation appointment with Bret was encouraging and I could hardly wait to start. Post the first treatment, which was totally painless, I felt better; however, I wanted to reserve my opinion. After a number of treatments, I can now walk normally, including up inclines and stairs. Bret is absolutely terrific at what he does and in addition is a wonderful person. I highly recommend Bret at Inner Balance Acupuncture if you are suffering with any pain. Don't wait, call him today! read more

Let me start by saying that I was really nervous my 1st time but Bret made sure to explain and calm me before we started I totally loved it and can truthfully say it did help my anxiety. I really recommend acupuncture but it has to be with Bret because I have never tried anyone else nore will I because I feel very comfortable here. read more

Accupuncture Virgin here. I'm super active and after being told by a doc I needed to lay low and pop Advil or a few weeks... I looked to alternatives. Brett is terrific and the process was painless (literally). Amazing vibe at this studio. Relaxed and not over-the-top Zen. I also didn't get a sales pitch for future appointments. If you are thinking about trying Accupuncture-give Brett a call! read more

Dr. Bret is an amazing professional -- caring, compassionate, kind, super educated and always ready to serve. The sessions I have with him are healing and wholeHearted. I started a cleanse to clear allergens and move my way into greater health and he has supported me with acupuncture and knowledge and camaraderie. I'm so grateful to have been referred here and to be the happy recipient of so much training and wisdom! read more

I love this place! If you are looking for a great acupuncturist who is dedicated and honest, go see Bret! He will address your issues and heal your pains. I suffer from migraines and lower back pain. His treatments have made life so much more enjoyable and pain-free. He will focus on your needs and not give you "extra" treatments you don't need. He has two adorable, calm dogs that hang out in the office as well. read more

Amazing immediate results !!! Dr. Bret is thorough and informative. The benefits of acupuncture and massage are endless.

I've been meaning to yelp Brett for over a year now, I use this site often as a resource for myself but tend to procrastinate writing reviews. I'm doing this now while my latest experience is fresh to help you all out :). I've been to see Brett several times & he is simply the best you will find. Each appointment I've had has been for different reasons & he never ceases to amaze me. As a RN it's important to me to to seek out skilled healers & he's the type of person that will make you feel comfortable, at ease & fix whatever may ale you . read more

To be completely honest, I didn't really think that acupuncture would work. I thought it was kind of touchy-feely and probably wouldn't do anything. The only reason that I decided to give it a try is that my back has bothered me off and on for 25 years and I didn't want to take pain meds. I am so happy to have been proven wrong! Bret was able to quickly diagnose and fix my problem. After only 4 treatments, I am pain-free! And as an added bonus, his dog Maggie comes into the office with him and she loves visitors! If you have any aches or pains, go see Bret! read more

My family and I have been seeing Bret for several years now. Not only is he a master at his craft but he is an AMAZING person to boot! His gentle touch and kind heart make every visit that more comfortable! He is in my eyes THE BEST!! I have referred several people to him over the years and they are just so happy that I did! Even my eldest son who hates needles looks forward to his visits with Bret. And honestly the pain relief I get after my visits with him is unbelievable. If I could I would give him 10 stars, not just 5...See you next week!! read more

After many years of suffering a arthritic neck I discovered Bret who has provided the only relief that I have had. He is kind, caring, and extremely well versed in his profession. I would highly recommend his office for any malady. read more