ActiveMed Integrative Health Center

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, tennis/golf elbow, neck pain, 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.

I had the most amazing experience. It was my first time receiving acupuncture and I’ve never felt so relaxed. I will definitely be returning for more treatments.

ActiveMed is amazing. Matt Alvai is superlative, his knowledge, superb. And I cannot say enough good about not only the office, and the office staff, but Axon Therapy by Neuralace for amazing non-pharmacologic relief of pan that one can get here. As a physician myself I understand the importance of kind, and compassionate care. And Matt and this office has it dialed in. Highest rating! These guys deserve 10 stars! I cannot thank you enough for your care. 🙏🏻 This is the place where medical doctors go for care.

I scheduled my first appointment and when I arrived they were so rude I couldn't even continue with the appointment. I am a strong believer that who you put as the face of your company reflects on the rest of it. They charged too much for the appointment I didn't attend and no one answered me when I called to explain the situation. I emailed, I left voicemails, and was never responded to. How am I supposed to trust the doctors here if I they won't even answer me? Now I am over a lot of money and still have extreme hormonal issues. 0/10 would never recommend.

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!

Dr. Matt went above and beyond for in every way possible. He provide excellent care from scheduling, communication and treatment and we are very grateful to have had the pleasure to work with him.

Fantastic service. I’m on a long visit from the east coast and they fit me in for a series of sessions to address an issue I was having. Wonderful receptionists on the phone and at the office. Dr. Dana was attentive to my needs, warm, caring, and professional. I would highly recommend.

I trust and depend on Matt to be the expert on how to manage everything from my neck, shoulder and also back pain. He truly cares and has a patient for life.