My experience with Dr. Tsai was in 2017. Prior to seeing Dr. Tsai I had reoccurring hives that started on my upper arms - they'd appear everyday for an hr & subside. I used histamines; but in spite of that, they soon progressed to my lower arms, the back of my thighs, then all over my body. They'd occur more often lasting longer periods, sometimes in the middle of the night. I tried baking soda baths among other remedies, but nothing worked, and I felt desperate for relief! Chinese medicine is known to cure the root cause, and not just simply treat symptoms; my search lead me here. Dr. Tsai did tell me the first week would be difficult, as the symptoms would express even more in the process of purging. That happened. Over the course of 6 months I visited weekly or biweekly. In that period, I had 3 different prescriptions of Chinese herbal medicine, that I'd brew to take 3 times a day. (I will say after a month and a half I had no more hive breakouts.) The medicine is no cake walk, but I wanted to never experience another breakout so I stayed the course. I can say I've never had one to this day. Dr. Tsai's skills and bedside manners are impeccable! I've mentioned him to friends over the years in conversation, even after moving out of CA. Preface, I've never left a review for anything, I'm leaving this now because I've always wanted to; and I've just come off conversing/recommending him again to a family acquaintance that lives in CA. I remain so appreciative of his care! read more

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Following arm surgery, my left arm was immobilized with the elbow at a 90-degree angle for a little more than three months. By the time the brace came off, I had developed frozen shoulder. It was painful, physically limiting and taking a long time to resolve. My chiropractor sees Dr. Tsai, and recommended I see him. WOW. Dr. Tsai performed acupuncture on me during three visits over the course of two weeks, and... SUCCESS! I went back once for a follow-up, and my shoulder has been great ever since! I highly recommend Dr. Tsai and his magic touch! read more

I have been struggling with sleep for over a year now. I'd fall asleep but 2 hours later I'd wake up and be awake for the rest of the night full of anxiety. It was so bad I actually started getting scared to go to bed. I had no idea how painful lack sleep could be. I started taking sleeping pills and life was just a medicinal mess. Last week I had a session with Dr Kim. I had tiny improvements. Yesterday was my second session and I slept from 9-6 without waking up and with NO ANXIETY!!! I can't say thank you enough. My only regret was not coming sooner. Praise the Lord. Thank you for your help Kim. read more

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My 1st acupuncture treatment through work comp for my work injury was back in 2001. It was suggested by my chiropractor to promote a more therapeutic healing along with Chiropractic. I had spinal stenosis from my injury that created so much swelling., & sciatica became part of the pain as well. Dr. Peter Beauclair had 30+ years, having studied in Tibet by a fabulous mentor. He then moved to Big Island Hawaii&had his own practice. How he came to live in Escondido, I don't know, but he commuted to Orange to treat patients at Dr. Thatcher's office. That is how I was so fortunate to become Peter's patient. After I became more pain-free, I was able to continue driving for OCTA; a profession I truly enjoyed, driving public transportation. (27 years to date) Unfortunately, Peter and his family moved up to Quebec & and I lost my acupuncturist. But I am so thrilled to have become Dr.Kim's patient. I have had great results from her sessions and are longer lasting.The reason I shared my history, is I believe acupuncture should be considered for anyone with problematic areas. I would've suffered longer if I had not been fortunate to have found Dr. Kim. I'm looking forward to my next visit, as I am way overdue dealing with work comp approval. read more

I first went to Dr. Tsai seven years ago with vertigo. I had two treatments and the condition was cleared. In 2022 I went back with mild symptoms of dizziness which felt like the onset of vertigo. I had one treatment and everything was cleared. I loved going to Dr. Tsai he is clear with what is happening in the body and provides only the care needed. He will not have you continue to come in for treatments that aren't needed. I hightly recommend his services. He was referred to me by a friend who also suffered with vertigo. Dr. Ahmondra Mcclendon read more

One thing is for sure, I never imagined that what I thought was a basic acupuncture appointment could turn into some of the best medical care I have ever received. My practitioner is Kim, and aside from being a wealth of knowledge, she is so kind, patient and involved during every visit. She goes through my lab work, cares about my treatment plan, listens to all of my concerns and plans out my treatment with me. Each appointment is better than the last. I feel heard, understood and truly cared for. Kim has helped me tremendously with anxiety and fear based issues and is actively working with me on a few other health concerns from a preventative standpoint. I can not recommend her enough! Truly the best! *Before I posted here I noticed a negative review about Kim below. Normally I would mind my own business but I am compelled to stand up for her. Kim has been treating me for a few months and not a single time did she use her bare hands to hold my acupuncture points after pulling the needles out. She always uses cotton balls and cleans my skin with alcohol. I have never felt like the treatment is less than 150% sanitary. The office and the treatment rooms are always very clean and the front staff very welcoming. Just had to throw that out there! :) read more

Tsai Acupuncture Group Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine 2815 Jefferson St Carlsbad, CA 92008 8/23/2015 I was referred to Tsai Acupuncture Group over 2 years ago and have been receiving treatment since then. I can't be more satisfied with Tsai Acupuncture Group and its staff. The newly decorated office is in a great location with ample parking. The staff is very professional, friendly and caring. I feel very privileged to be one of Kim's patients because she is as good as it gets. She is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, professional, & caring. She is very attentive to my issues and exceeds my expectations of a phenomenal acupuncturist. Kim does whatever she can to accommodate my needs during each session so that I can have the best possible treatment, comfort, relaxing experience, and results. She goes beyond what is expected of her to meet the needs of her patients. I am amazed of her incredible accuracy when targeting all my troubled areas. I never want my sessions to end and always have incredible results. I cannot say enough positive comments about Kim and highly recommend her for anyone who is seeking treatment. read more

I highly recommend Tsai acupuncture . Doctor Tsai is very knowledgeable and has helped me, family members and many friends over the years. Without hesitation I always attempt to seek his advice on medical matters, heavily relying on him for his expertise for a second opinion. He comes highly recommended and for good reason, Dr Tsai Is truly the best acupuncture doctor. read more

This review is solely on Kimberly Sher Fried, (not Tsai). I saw Kimberly 5 times for acupuncture treatment in March. On the 4th treatment I confided in her assistant that I had picked up scabies from their tables. She was sympathetic and apologized said the next time I come in they'd make sure sheets are cleaned. Well two days later Kimberly called me personally. She said what's going on, I told her at first I didn't know why my back was so itchy. But everytime I got up from a treatment my back would just get so itchy and come to find out I had scabies. She immediately got so offended and said "well how do I know you got it from here?! I mean I don't know where you've been. We here wash our sheets after every patient and this really bothers me and I don't want you as a patient anymore goodbye." This coming from a lady that punctures blood and uses her bare hand to apply pressure like really please use a cotton ball..no health safety practice here! I was appalled at her unprofessionalism. Mind you at that time I ONLY addressed it with her and her assistant quietly- told no one else about it.. I didn't have to. I could've just stopped going. I didn't owe them anything or vice versa. I didn't even ask them to foot my treatment lotion for the scabies! My mere motive was to help them become better. Because I genuinely believe in acupuncture and holistic care and specifically because it's in my hometown and I like to see small businesses grow and succeed. I suggested if she could switch to that roll of paper doctor offices use on their tables for sanitation purposes but she said no, we don't do that here. She even said "not even massage places use that, they use sheets". (*Not true I recently went to go visit another acupuncturists and low and behold guess what THEY had that roll of paper for every patient!) I repeatedly told Kim, at the time when she called it was ONLY concern out of a patient (me). She kept saying said no, no you're attacking me. What was I supposed to do?? Keep it to myself? It took me weeks to speak up, like a dummy I kept going back. It was my FIRST ever experience w an acupuncturists and in the phone conversation I found myself comforting her! She has a real immature problem with admitting to a mistake. Thought it was done there..Until she called me once again and said "maybe I was too egregious it was just that you caught me by surprise. I found out it was the padding that wasnt being washed. We're going to clean it for "you". You should really come back." Hesitantly I went back but by then it was too weird. I felt so awkward laying there letting her poke me. I could sense resentment and tension. I have no idea why I went back. When I was done her (same) assistant said "we're booked till next week and the week after that, we'll give you a call if something opens up". I never heard from them again. Update- this is 100% the truth of what happened to ME. The ONLY thing I hope is for her to treat every (not just certain) client w same dilligiance and respect. For her to humble herself and not abuse her position amongst weak vulnerable physically pained patients. If a paying customer notifies you of something that could potentially lose clientele take note And say thanks for bringing this to my attention we are definitely going to fix it, here's a free visit on me for your troubles! My observation is that she believes she's above the patient in thinking and in intelligence. And God forbid her practices are challenged if she, by chance, makes another mistake with somebody else what will happen then? this. This is the attitude you'll get. It's ok to not be 100 percent at your game all the time but just admit your fault, say sorry, fix it. I'd rather take my chances w that type of practitioner instead of her..whom DemandS to be seen as "perfect" and nothing less! And due to my review.. rest assure you wont get scabies now, I'm sure they're now on top of it! You're welcome. read more

After receiving a POSITIVE test for Lymes Disease after a Deer tick bite during a visit in the Midwest in May, now too late for Western medical protocol of administering antibiotics within 3 days of a bite. Tsai Acupuncture was my first call. Kimberly Fried, acupuncturist, exceeded my expectations in relieving my pain & planning my further treatment. Barely able to walk, a driver dropped me off at an elevator which opened to the Tsai Acupuncture Groups Office. Photos to come!! read more

Dr. Tsai is a very kind and amazing doctor of acupuncture. I had an terrible patch of back pain and spasms. Dr. Tsai took me in even though I didn't have an appointment. I immediately felt better after my session and was grateful he could see me and ease my pain, thanks to him and his staff. read more

Dr Tsai deserves more than 5 stars! He is such a talented, knowledgeable, and caring practitioner. They recently moved to this address, so the glowing reviews travel to this location as well! My family loves Dr Tsai and his staff! Please do yourself a favor and go see Dr Tsai to find out what he can do to improve your life. He will make your treatment as comfortable and as gentle as you need (don't be afraid of acupuncture and oriental medicine)! You'll be assured by his knowledge and caring voice that you are in GREAT hands. read more

I have had the privilege of being treated by Kimberly Fried for several months. On my first visit we discussed why I was there and Kim was immediately able to determine a course of treatment, which we then pursued. After my suffering foot pain for a couple of years she used her expertise to provide me with much needed relief. In addition to the treatments I have found her to be very kind, patient and generous with her time and knowledge. I'm very comfortable with her and would not hesitate to recommend. Additionally the clinic is located in an area easily located. The waiting and treatment rooms are clean, nicely furnished and offer a feeling of tranquility. read more

A doctor? A friend? Could it be that Dr TSAI understands that they are one? Not only does he understand but he embodies that truth. No matter your health concern, you will get only help, never disappointment. read more

10 years ago I had debilitating pain in my shoulder. It was so bad that it would occasionally wake me out of a sound sleep. I dreaded getting out of bed in the morning because of the pain! I'd have to use my left arm to cradle my right arm for at least 5 minutes before I could use it. My range of motion was quite limited. It turned out to be bursitis. My doctor at the time wanted to give me a steroid shot and put me on corticosteroid medication. A friend suggested going to see Dr Tsai. I had immediate relief and after 5 sessions I was 90% better. He said that that was all I needed and that the healing benefits would continue-- this is after I wanted to continue paying for a few more sessions! Well, he was right!! About a month later I was completely pain free, with full range of motion and to this day, 10 years later, the bursitis has never returned. AMEN!! read more

I just had my first treatment with Kimberly yesterday. She has wonderful healing energy and is an artist of healing. I have suffered for over 20 years with chronic vertigo. Sometimes it's so bad I can eat, can't walk, bump into walls, can't do much of anything. This can go on for days then just goes away only to come back and haunt me randomly. It has wrecked my life. I tried chiropractic for many years but there was no improvement. But today, my head is clear. I only feel the vertigo when I lay down or sit up. I am amazed how effective this treatment is and how easy it was to just lie there on the table and let the needles work. I'm hoping to get all my issues under control with this wonderful technique. read more

Dr. Tsai is an amazing practitioner! He is so kind and thorough.... I have been to several other acupuncturists and they always want to schedule several appointments. Dr. Tsai tries to take care of your issues in one appointment, but if need be, it might take a couple of treatments. I have seen him for a variety of minor adjustments and usually it is completely resolved in one time! I love going because I always leave feeling so relaxed and rested. He always covers me up with a solar blanket so I stay warm and usually have the best nap ever! So if you have serious pain or just need a little tune up, I suggest you visit Dr. Tsai. He really is the best in the business.... thank you Dr. Tsai read more

An Arteaga, Acupuncturist, is one of the very few medical practitioners who I have felt completely at ease with. So many times doctors and practitioners have rushed me in and out of my appointments. But When I see An for treatments she is PRESENT! A couple of things to expect with An Arteaga: - Listens with compassion and understanding - Incredibly knowledgable across Western and Eastern ailments and solutions - Results oriented toward your short and long term health goals and will get you on a plan that works. - Professional and realistic - Sense of humility even though she obviously is very strong in her work - Bonus: She has a great sense of humor! An has been treating me for several years now for life's curveballs. Most recently she addressed severe back and shoulder pain for me, which helped get me active again. Run, don't walk, to this talented acupuncturist if you need help with your health! read more

I went today for the second time to Dr Tsai, he worked his magic hands on me and loosen up and relaxed my muscles. I highly recommend to anyone to go and get acupuncture done by him. He is quick you don't feel the needles much when he puts them on your body, He is very friendly, makes you feel comfortable, make sure your ok the whole time and always on time. I will be going to him from now on. The front desk people are super nice and friendly as well, great environment. read more

I have been going to Kim for about 6.5 years now. I found her on a whim after having subpar acupuncture at a few other spaces. I have Lupus and was in full flare mode and desperate when I was referred to Dr Tsai's office. He was booked up for a month so I was asked if I'd like to see Kim and I said yes! I can not tell you what a gift she has been! I credit her knowledge with helping my body go into remission so i could conceive my last baby in a healthy body. Since having the baby I've had Lupus flares as well as an abdominal hysterectomy. She has been there every step of the way. Helping my body heal and recover to its best ability. She is knowledgeable, professional and incredibly intelligent and informed. I feel well taken care of each visit! I'm so thankful I found her! *side note here.. I saw the negative review below and I have to defend her as well as the office. Never once have I been pulled without a tissue or cotton ball. How exactly would you stop blood points with your bare hands anyway?? They change the sheets after each person and ever room is cleaned after each patient. The front desk is friendly and accommodating. And as I said before, Kim is the most kind and knowledgeable person I have been lucky enough to be treated by. She puts her all into every patient, which is why there's so many positive reviews on here. I feel sorry for the lady that posted that. Her profile clearly shows a pattern of extremely negative reviews and 5 stars of the same occupation but different office. I know that Kim would be embarrassed by all of us standing up for her, as humble as she is.. and frankly she doesn't need the justification, her work speaks for itself. However that review was so off the charts incorrect and blasphemous that I had to say something read more

I've suffered from chronic hiccups for eight years. Usually last 10 days. After my second visit to Tsai Acupuncture my hiccups have basically stopped. If I get them (maybe every couple days), there 'normal', and go away after a couple minutes max. It's now been a couple weeks and haven't had them. Maybe a little soon to proclame 'cured'. But this is the longest I've gone without hiccups or acid reflux. It's such a relief to finally be able to talk, sleep, & enjoy life as a 'normal' person. read more

Kim and dr. tsai are amazing. Every time I go in I feel like I'm falling apart and they always puts me back together.

This review is for Dr. Kimberly Fried, DACM, L.Ac. --I have been a patient for approximately 4 years. Dr. Kim has treated me with acupuncture and my body is healthier, happy and pain free! She also has suggested vitamin supplements that have improved my skin and hair. I always leave my acupuncture appoints pain free and SMILING! read more

I could not express my serious gratitude on here! If you have never had acupuncture...or if you have tried it many times (like me) and did not like it... TRY KIM! She is truly magic. She will change your world! Her knowledge is beyond impressive in addition to her passion and eagerness to pay attention to every detail that could benefit you in your recovery. No matter how long it takes she will work through the issues with you to obtain a detailed summary of all your pain which results in her well thought out plan of attack. I recently sent my brother who is a college athlete with various injuries to her. We do not trust just anyone with him and his injuries because it takes one mistake to possibly make an injury worse. He has had some complications in the medical field with some of his injuries. She sat with him for a long time to establish a medical history and then create a specific plan designed for him. She listened, asked questions, empathized and was more attentive than anyone he has experienced in his years of treatment in various medical settings. Words can not express our gratitude for Kim and her passion for what she does. She is a healer and you will not regret putting your trust in her skills and knowledge. Hats off to you Kim! read more

This was my second session with Kim Fried who was recommended by a friend. She worked wonders & seemed very knowledgeable putting all my apprehensions to rest. I actually could relax & enjoy my moment with the needles. Right now I am taking my teenager to her to get him treated for sinus & asthma. Unless I was superimpressed by Kim's ability I would have stuck to the traditional meds for my child! read more

I had my first session today with Kim. She was amazing. Before anything got started she went over everything I needed/wanted to know. Kim was very real, I felt like I could be open with her about any concerns I had as far as acupuncture goes. After she was done explaining everything and answering my questions we got started. Along the processes Kim checked in with me to make sure I was doing ok. All in all it was a wonderful experience. I highly recommend checking it out! read more

I've been seeing An Arteaga at TSAI Acupuncture for some months now for pain in my shoulder. An is amazing. When I first started acupuncture treatment I was not really a believer, but due to the pain in my shoulder I was willing to try. I cannot say enough good things about An. She is dedicated to her clients and has treated my injury with care as if it were her own. An is personable and knowledgable. I look forward to each appointment. And, while I'm not total pain free, my appointments help me to manage the pain. An is attentive, caring and a wonderful practitioner. I highly recommend An and TSAI Acupuncture to anyone who needs help with pain, a chronic issue, or just would like to take some time and relax. read more

Dr. Tsai & his staff are the best! They really helped my neck, and shoulder pain

The only acupuncture we could find in the area that took our insurance was Tsai Acupuncture. My family and I decided to give it a try. We were scheduled with An as our therapist. I was a bit skeptical at first as she appeared to be much younger than the previous acupuncturists I have had success with. We were all super impressed with her treatments. An is a true healer. Here is an example of one of the issues I had that she was able to cure in one treatment: My eyes were so dry all the time and I started buying eye drops that I was using everyday and night. An was able to work her magic and the dryness magically went away and never came back! We see her about once a week when our schedules permit. I highly recommend her if you are looking for the real deal. read more

Kim Fried is a wonderful practitioner. She is so well versed on general health and how to maximize good health through diet as well as acupuncture. I was new to acupuncture, but she explained everything so well and at every visit took as much time as I needed to discuss my concerns. I wholeheartedly recommend Tsai Acupuncture and Kim for anyone seeking a clinic to receive acupuncture. read more

Last week, I received one of the most relaxing, nourishing massages I've ever had - from An Arteaga. She sent me to the moon, where I remained for the duration of my day. The thing about An is that she's a true healer - she's intuitive, present, and compassionate. When she started my massage, I didn't realize how much stress was lurking in my muscles and probably also my fascia (isn't that a thing these days?), but toe by toe, limb by limb, she released the tension and I felt myself melting deeper into the table and into a state of calm I hadn't felt in weeks. I've had dozens of massages, and sure, I've had massages that felt physically great. But this one I could feel on an entirely different level; not only did she get my circulation moving but she also got my energy moving. In addition to having magic hands and an incredibly loving heart, An is a brilliant, highly-competent practitioner. She's extremely knowledgeable about the human body and Chinese medicine, and I have complete trust in her. I can ask An literally anything about my body - from "Is it weird that beet juice turned my urine pink?" to "Why do you think my gallbladder hurts?" and she'll respond with thoughtfulness and intelligence. I love going to An, and I highly recommend her to, well, everyone. read more

I first received acupuncture from Dr. Tsai over two years ago and have returned frequently since! Another acupuncturist Kim has been able to help me heal old injuries that I had given up on expecting to ever feel better. The range of health issues from stress to muscle tension to injured ligaments that Tsai Acupuncture has been able to help me with is considerable. I know the practitioners there are the best and truly care about their clients health and well-being. Kim answers all of my holistic health questions and gives thoughtful suggestions about ways I can actively prevent the muscle pain and inflammation I get from work. I'm still amazed after years at how effective a treatment acupuncture is at promoting healing and reducing pain. For anyone on the fence about a first time appointment I can share that the benefits I've experienced from acupuncture therapy have been worth the investment on my part and have given me pain relief that I can not experience through massage therapy or stretching alone. Thanks Tsai Acupuncture! read more