Person receiving acupuncture therapy on their shoulder with needles inserted, in a serene room with hanging plants and a wall decoration.
Person smiling during an acupuncture session with needles on forehead and chest, lying down with braided hair.

Acupuncture

Ancient Wisdom for Modern People

At Essential Medicine in San Diego, CA, we specialize in integrative acupuncture that combines ancient practices with modern biomedicine to deliver comprehensive and effective care. Our holistic approach addresses your unique health needs, offering personalized treatments for body, mind, and spirit, ensuring that every aspect of your well-being is nurtured. Experience dedicated, patient-centered care in the heart of La Jolla Village, where your health journey is our priority.

Reception area of a clinic with wooden desk and indoor plants

Discover San Diego’s Ultimate Acupuncture Retreat

At Essential Medicine in San Diego, CA, we offer more than just exceptional care; we provide a truly transformative wellness experience that reshapes your approach to health and healing. Our practice is deeply rooted in the profound wisdom of Chinese Medicine, a time-honored system that has been healing people for thousands of years. We don’t just treat the symptoms you experience on the surface, we delve deeper to uncover and address the underlying causes of your health issues. At Essential Medicine, we are committed to guiding you on a journey toward a healthier, more vibrant you, one that goes beyond temporary relief and leads to true, enduring transformation.

Discover How Acupuncture Can Transform Your Health

Our expert acupuncturists skillfully treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and stress to digestive disorders and skin conditions, using an integrative approach that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're dealing with migraines, insomnia, allergies, or hormonal imbalances, our personalized treatments are designed to restore your natural balance and elevate your overall well-being. Discover the power of acupuncture in managing everything from fatigue and respiratory conditions to postoperative recovery and high blood pressure, all while receiving dedicated, compassionate care that supports your unique health journey.

Experience the Life-Changing Benefits of Acupuncture

Chronic Pain: Acupuncture can help alleviate persistent pain conditions such as back pain, migraines, and arthritis by stimulating the body’s natural painkillers.

Stress and Anxiety: By balancing the body's energy and calming the nervous system, acupuncture is effective in reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Insomnia: Acupuncture improves sleep quality by addressing imbalances that may be causing sleep disturbances.

Digestive Disorders: Conditions like IBS, acid reflux, and gastritis can be managed through acupuncture by promoting digestive health and reducing inflammation.

Fertility and Menstrual Issues: Acupuncture supports reproductive health by regulating hormones and improving blood flow to reproductive organs.

Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines by targeting specific pressure points.

Allergies: By boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation, acupuncture helps manage seasonal allergies and asthma.

High Blood Pressure: By promoting relaxation and improving circulation, acupuncture can help manage hypertension.

Depression: Acupuncture can complement other treatments by balancing neurotransmitters and improving mood.

Fatigue: Acupuncture restores energy levels by addressing underlying causes of fatigue, such as stress or poor circulation.

Postoperative Recovery: Acupuncture aids in speeding up recovery time and reducing pain after surgery by enhancing circulation and promoting healing.

Hormonal Imbalances: Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal activity, assisting with conditions like PMS, menopause, and thyroid issues.

Respiratory Conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis can be alleviated through acupuncture, which helps clear airways and reduce inflammation.

Immune Support: Regular acupuncture sessions can strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to infections and illnesses.

Joint and Muscle Injuries: Acupuncture accelerates healing and reduces pain and inflammation in joint and muscle injuries.

Skin Conditions: Acupuncture can improve skin health by addressing underlying imbalances that contribute to issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, promoting clearer and healthier skin.

A Holistic, Personalized Approach to Lasting Wellness

Our approach is deeply personalized, recognizing that true wellness involves more than just treating isolated symptoms. We take the time to understand your unique needs and life experiences, addressing the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected aspects of your health. By considering every layer of your well-being, we create tailored treatment plans that not only alleviate immediate concerns but also promote long-term balance and vitality. This holistic perspective ensures that our care supports your entire being, fostering lasting wellness that extends beyond the treatment room and into your daily life.

Emotionally Attuned Care

Emotionally attuned care is at the heart of our practice, where we believe that healing extends beyond physical treatments. A compassionate bedside manner plays a crucial role in this process, creating a safe and supportive environment where patients feel truly heard and understood. When care is delivered with empathy and genuine connection, it fosters trust, reduces stress, and enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. By addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of health, our emotionally attuned approach helps cultivate deeper, more lasting healing. This holistic care model empowers patients to embrace their wellness journey with confidence, knowing they are supported every step of the way.

Close-up of a person taking another person's pulse on their wrist.
Close-up of an acupuncture needle in a person's temple with eyes closed.
Person receiving acupuncture, lying down, with needles in face and shoulders, white wrap covering torso, tattoos visible on arms.
Person receiving acupuncture treatment with needles inserted in face and chest.
Close-up of acupuncture needles in a person's head during a treatment session.
Close-up of acupuncture needles inserted into skin, with a visible tattoo, during a therapy session.

A Sanctuary for Healing: Our Impeccably Designed Clinic Space

Our clinic space is uniquely and intentionally designed to be a sanctuary for healing and rejuvenation. Every detail, from the calming colors to the soothing sounds and natural elements, has been thoughtfully chosen to create an environment that nurtures both body and mind. The tranquil atmosphere allows patients to fully relax and immerse themselves in the healing process, free from the distractions of the outside world. This carefully crafted space supports our holistic approach to wellness, providing a serene backdrop where patients can feel safe, comfortable, and truly cared for as they embark on their journey to better health.

Natural healthcare clinic entrance with wooden reception desk, plants, and frosted glass door.
Modern interior featuring wooden shelving with various containers, plants, and décor items. A small refrigerator and water dispenser sit below. Large plants in the foreground, with a light-colored sofa and lamp in the background.
Minimalist spa treatment room with a cushioned therapy bed, white sheets, and wooden slatted ceiling viewed through a circular mirror.
A rustic bathroom with wooden walls features a round mirror and a stone sink on a carved wooden vanity. Lush green plants decorate the space, creating a natural and serene atmosphere.
Circular wall-mounted planter with green plant inside
A small room with a massage table, a chair, and wooden floor, viewed through an open doorway.
Interior view of a hallway with a round mosaic wall art featuring blue and gray tiles. An open door leads to a room with wooden flooring and green plants, including potted plants and a wall-mounted plant. Natural light illuminates the space.

  • From Mary M.

    “Essential Medicine is such a rare gem in the healing world. It is truly a space that embody's wellness in all forms. The practitioners, the offerings, and the actual energy in the space allows for total healing to take place. Working with Acupuncture with Dr. Chris has opened my eyes to a whole new way of being. Over the last 6 months I feel like I have uncovered so much of what was getting in the way of transformation. I have so much less inflammation, my mental clarity has dramatically improved, and I have a way better connection to myself with a renewed feeling of confidence. Cannot recommend Dr. Chris enough!!”

  • From Crystal D.

    “Before Dr. Candelaria, I had worked with 5 different acupuncturists from 2014-2019 and had only had mediocre results. In 2019, I had a session with Dr. Candelaria and it was the most physically healing and transformative acupuncture experience I have ever had.

    To say that she is gifted is an understatement. Her work deserves more than five stars. I couldn’t believe how powerful of a treatment modality acupuncture can be. She was truly attentive to my physical and emotional deficits that needed support during our session, and I swear she tuned into something deep. She knew where in my body needed the acupuncture for my symptoms, and she has the most compassionate bedside manner I’ve experienced from a medical practitioner of any kind.

    She sets the bar quite high. I would recommend her to anyone.”

  • From Silvana V.

    “Chris is truly a "health care provider." I have had chronic low pain for about thirty years and have tried many different forms of therapy, including other acupuncturists. Chris is in a league of his own! His treatments have made a huge difference to my quality of life. My pain level was often a 10+ and I felt pretty hopeless. Now it is at a 4 or 5 most of the time and I am enjoying life again. The combination of acupuncture, cupping, and massage significantly relieves my pain. He has also created a lovely, relaxing clinic conducive to healing. I am so grateful for the work Chris does and his commitment to caring for/about his patients. I would give Essential Medicine 10 stars if I could!”

  • From Dulia C.

    “Dr. Jools, thank you for a wonderful time and for the natural healing of your needles to my aching shoulder blade. Your hypnotic voice put me to rest. Also your strong arms relaxed my muscle with your massage. My sauna experience afterward was incredible too! I'll do it again whenever I'm back in San Diego.”

  • From Emily W.

    “I have been going to essential medicine for over a year now for acupuncture and I would recommend to anyone! New or familiar! Everyone is so nice, welcoming, and I always leave feeling relaxed and genuinely cared for.”