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:

Anxiety
Depression
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Insomnia
Mentrual & PMS Problems
Headaches & Migraines
Stress Related Disorders
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Addiction
Sinus Problems
Obesity & Weight Control
Arthritis
Infertility

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

Schedule an appointment
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.

Schedule an appointment
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.

Schedule an appointment
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.

Schedule an appointment
How Our Patients Are Healing from the Root Cause

I just underwent an IVF embryo transfer and my doctor recommended acupuncture to help with the implantation process.  Since my transfer, I've been beyond stressed and scared and worried, like what if it doesn't work, will my husband leave me, will I ever be able to have kids.... Etc. I feel none of that now. I feel weightless. Mind, body and soul. I feel so strong and so hopeful. If you've ever been on the fence about acupuncture, just go and try it already. I'm disappointed I waited 27 years to do this. Thank you so much, Joe!

Brianna J. on Yelp
How Our Patients Are Healing from the Root Cause

Leda helped rid me of a lot of chest pain, anxiety, and depression, and I couldn't be more grateful for her.  Adams Ave Integrative Health has been crucial in my journeys of rejuvenation, restoration, and recovery. I am grateful for the compassion and skills of their employees and am look forward to all my future visits

K.S. on Yelp
How Our Patients Are Healing from the Root Cause

I dislocated my thumb and couldn't afford health care. I received Acupuncture everyday for a week and I now have full function. I am forever grateful.

Rebekah B. on Yelp
How Our Patients Are Healing from the Root Cause

This place was fabulous! I def recommend it to anyone...  I got acupuncture from Dr. Maile Helgeson and she was informative, calm, gentle, helpful and had positive soothing energy that really helped the whole process. She also looked thoroughly at my charts to give me the best fit for my body/mind. I will be going back to visit them again soon.

T.T. on Yelp

Share Your Time

Give Us Your Feedback

GET
3
=
GIVE
1
MEMBERSHIP
3 wellness sessions
1 service to an underserved community member
$10 tax-deductible donation

giving an additional service
back to a community member

All for only $189 per month!

Member credits are valid for one year after issue and roll over month to month, until expiration. Memberships require 6-month commitments and then become month-to-month agreements. After the initial six-month contract period, you can cancel your membership anytime with a 7-day notice before the next billing cycle.
You are welcome to place a membership on hold for up to 2 months at a time; please note you cannot use credits on your account while it is on hold.
Although the standard membership is only valid for one adult and credits cannot be transferred, children under 12 may use their parent/guardian’s membership credits.

Family Memberships are available!

You can also upgrade an individual membership to a family membership. Add any household member and receive an additional 2 credits a month, with a total of 5 credits to share between the two of you. 

Each new person you add to your account results in 2 more credits to your account and costs an additional $125/month each.

Ready to invest in your health? Talk to a team member or call us at 619-546-4806 to sign up!

SERVICES COVERED:

CHIROPRACTIC

ACUPUNCTURE (RECLINER OR TABLE)

CLINICAL MASSAGE THERAPY (HALF SESSION)

Members may upgrade Clinical Massage Therapy “half sessions” to a Full or Plus session using multiple credits or by paying an upgrade of $25 per 30 min upgrade. Massage Only Membership is also available.