Acupuncture =
We’ll get right to the point.
Acupuncture =
“Qi,” or energy, moves through the body and the internal organs along channels or pathways called “meridians.” Meridians are similar to arteries, veins, and nerves throughout the body. When there is stagnation of blockages along the pathways, imbalance, dysfunction, disease, or pain can occur.
Acupuncture restores health by removing imbalances and blockages through the insertion of small, sterile needles into specific points of the body. The points of insertion are specifically chosen based on a patient’s needs and the goals of treatment, with the overall goal of allowing energy to flow freely through the body.
Acupuncture treatments are not painful; in fact, many patients feel nothing at all during the procedure, while others experience a prickling or aching sensation and still others feel a warmth of heaviness during treatment.
Common Uses
Many people think of acupuncture as a treatment for pain relief—and while it is undoubtedly effective in relieving pain, it is also so much more than that. Clients have come to Community Wellness Collaborative for relief from any of the following conditions:
If you’re curious as to whether acupuncture can help you with a specific issue, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll answer any questions you have and make sure you’re comfortable with what to expect from your acupuncture treatments.
Our Practitioners
We’ve got an amazing team of acupuncturists at our Adams Ave location in Normal Heights.
Dr. Ryan Altman, DACM, LAc.
Insurance Accepted: Some
Focus Areas:
- Internal Medicine (Digestive Disorders, Hormonal balancing, Fertility, Autoimmune, etc.)
- Emotional Wellness: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, etc.
- Japanese style Energetic Sessions
Dr. Ryan is the Founder and CEO of Community Wellness Collaborative. Originally from New York, he was transplanted to San Diego for High School. After college in San Francisco, he returned in 2001 for Grad School at Pacific College of Health Science. Dr Ryan created the Healing Arts Festival, Integrative Health Nights clinical rotation, as well as the Adams Avenue Integrative Health facility. He was part of the inaugural cohort of practitioners invited to participate in PCHS's Doctoral program and has assisted in program evaluation and clinical supervisor roles for the college. Currently only treating patients part time, Dr Ryan also works in the Office of Health Equity and Climate Change for the County of San Diego's HHSA - Public Health Services department. In his free time he enjoys live music, travel, and traveling for live music. For more on Dr Ryan, see the History of our organization here
Michelle Coltart, L.Ac
Insurance Accepted: Most
Focus Areas:
- Chronic pain management
- Healing acute injuries
- Stress management
- Addiction recovery
- Mental health support
- Pregnancy support
Michelle Coltart, L.Ac. discovered the Chinese healing art of Acupuncture in the early 1990’s while working in the computer industry. After a co-worker suggested she get a treatment, she realized her true calling. She fell in love with this healing modality, instantly impressed by the effect it had on the health and wellbeing of herself and those she cares for. She began her studies by attending seminars and reading every book she could find; a few years later she left the world of computing and returned to school to explore the wonders of this medicine in-depth. Along the way, she has studied nutrition, herbology, postural analysis, and medical qi gong. Michelle’s passion for this medicine shows in her commitment to her patients. Her compassion, humor and gentle needle technique set people at ease. She delights that those she treats are as amazed by the effect as she first was.
Dr. Leda DeRose, DACM, L.Ac.
Insurance Accepted: Most
Focus Areas:
- Pain management
- Insomnia
- Mental health
- PTSD
- Anxiety and depression
Dr. Leda DeRose, DACM, L.Ac. began her career in Massage Therapy in 2011. She received her education at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine where she earned an Associates of Science degree in Massage Therapy and Asian Body Work, and graduated with a Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Now a Licensed Acupuncturist, Leda integrates Traditional Acupuncture, Herbology, and Asian Body Work to fit individual needs. She is passionate about health, wellness, and practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine with compassion and a genuine connection. Leda is dedicated to lifelong learning, professional development, and personal growth. She believes in the principle of facilitating good health by promoting and restoring balance and integration of the body’s natural systems.
Dr. Maile Helgeson, DACM, L.Ac.
Insurance Accepted: Some
Focus Areas:
- Orthopedic & Sports Injuries (3 yrs specialty training with local expert Dr. Mark Kastner)
- Emotional Wellness: Stress, Anxiety, Depression, etc.
- Hormonal Management
Dr. Maile grew up in Coronado, Ca just across the bay from San Diego. In 1999, she pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from University of California in Berkeley, and then in 2003, she attended the Santa Barbara City College Marine Diving Technology Program and returned to San Diego in 2004. After having both knees rehabilitated with consistent acupuncture treatments, she eventually found her way to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. Specializing in orthopedic and sports medicine, she worked as an assistant for three years under the mentorship of Mark Kastner L.Ac and interned at USCD with the young athletes. Maile enjoys riding her bike around University Heights, eating delicious and nutritious food, and practicing Chinese medicine. She is honored to be an assistant in your healing experience.
Dr. Crystal Rose Tank, DAOM, L.Ac.
Dr. Crystal Rose Tank, DAOM, is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist with over a decade of experience in integrative healthcare. She is certified in Neuro-Acupuncture and specializes in pain management, facial rejuvenation, and holistic wellness. Dr. Tank earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) with a focus on pain management from Bastyr University, where she also completed internships at prestigious facilities such as Harborview Medical Center and Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of TCM in China.
With a deep understanding of both acupuncture and massage therapy, Dr. Tank brings a unique perspective to her practice. Her hands-on massage expertise informs her acupuncture sessions, allowing her to assess and address musculoskeletal imbalances with precision. Conversely, her acupuncture training enhances her massage techniques, providing patients with a deeply restorative experience.
Dr. Tank’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that every individual’s path to wellness is unique. She combines minimally invasive, gentle acupuncture techniques with tailored lifestyle guidance to help her patients achieve sustainable health improvements. Whether working with patients recovering from chronic pain, navigating addiction, or seeking holistic skincare solutions, she designs treatments that empower the body’s natural healing potential.
Based in San Diego, California, Dr. Tank is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and holds additional certifications in Battlefield Acupuncture and NADA protocols. She has practiced in Washington and California, building a reputation for compassionate, personalized care.