Acupuncture in La Jolla

Ancient Wisdom for Modern People

Our licensed acupuncturists pair the diagnostic depth of Chinese Medicine with a modern clinical understanding of the body. Every treatment plan is shaped by your health history, your symptoms, and your goals, and we take the time to explain our reasoning at every step.

First visit [90] min · Follow-ups [60] min · From $[ ]

Your First Visit

1. Intake. We begin with a thorough conversation about your health history, current symptoms, and goals, followed by a pulse assessment.

2. Treatment. Your practitioner selects points for what your body is presenting that day, using fine, sterile, single-use needles. Most patients feel only a light sensation at insertion.

3. Rest. You rest with the needles for about [20–30] minutes while your body settles.

4. Your plan. Before you leave, we review how you responded and recommend a course of care, so you always know what we are working toward.

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What Patients Come to Us For

Many patients come in for more than one of these. Your intake is where we connect the dots.

Pain & Sports Injuries — back, neck, joint, and muscle pain; strains and overuse injuries

Headaches & Migraines

Stress, Anxiety & Sleep

Digestive Health — IBS, reflux, and bloating

Women’s Health & Fertility — cycle support, PMS, menopause, and fertility care

Surgical Recovery — support before and after procedures

Cosmetic Acupuncture — facial acupuncture, often paired with gua sha and facial cupping

Acupuncture can be used on its own or alongside the care you receive from your physician.

Common Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are far finer than those used for injections. Most patients feel a brief, light sensation at insertion and nothing more.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and how long you have had it. After your first visit, we will recommend a course of care and explain what to expect.

How long is a visit?

Plan for about [60] minutes for your first visit, which includes your intake, and about [45] minutes for follow-up visits.

Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?

Yes. Many patients pair acupuncture with fire cupping, therapeutic massage, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We will help you decide what makes sense for your goals.

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is very safe. Share any medications or health conditions during your intake so we can tailor your care.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose clothing. Have a light meal beforehand and plan for a calm rest of your day if you can.

How much does acupuncture cost?

Current rates and session packages are listed on our Pricing page.

Clinical Care, Given With Intention

We take the time to listen, and we treat the whole person, not only the symptom that brought you in. You will always know what we are seeing, what we recommend, and why.

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Close-up of an acupuncture needle in a person's temple with eyes closed.
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A Calm, Thoughtfully Designed Environment

Our treatment rooms are quiet, warm, and set apart from the pace of the day, so your body can fully settle into each session.

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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.”