I was looking for an acupuncturist with an extensive knowledge in Sacramento Area and I came across Steve on the net search. Prior to beginning my acupuncture with Steve, I had a few sessions with another practitioner in LA who was fairly new to his practice. While those sessions were very helpful, I am very glad that I stumbled upon Steve.

I primarily came for my anxiety/stress issues which stemmed from having a strict upbringing as well as a number of emotional issues such as going through war, losing a loved one, and moving from place to place, which, at times, can be very emotionally draining.

Prior to sessions with Steve, I already had Tai Chi as well as Yoga at my disposal, but I thought that adding another healing tool could not hurt. Being fairly new to Tai Chi and the workings of internal energy and breathing, I had a general understanding of how the acupuncture might work. The principles of Tai Chi are such that any tightness in the muscles leads to unnecessary strain and imbalance in the body, and that in order to regain health, it is imperative to rid oneself of that strain. Unfortunately, that strain accumulates in the body as we experience stressful events. It is ok to experience stressful events, as long as we are aware that the tightness in the muscles must be released. Even the smallest muscle tightness can throw the whole body out of balance.

In my case, having the needle inserted into a muscle that's tight, has done wonders. I'm sure that it's a whole lot more thoughtful than this if you read Chinese literature, but I am very scientific person and I think that there's a scientific value to acupuncture. My problem turned out to be a very tense lower back which prevented me from deep breathing. Even though I did Tai Chi and Yoga which are great tools for anyone, my problem turned out to be an inability to consciously release tightness of certain deeper muscles in my lower back. Acupuncture did just that, primarily because I did not have to do anything consciously.

It can take some time for it to start working as we have accumulated tightness in our bodies for a lifetime. Muscles will not relax all at once, but rather over time with some patience. I always make sure that I'm good to myself and that if any emotions surface after an acupuncture session, I have to fully let them be and accept them. Any resistance will just further constrict the muscles. I hope that my review can be helpful to some who have had a very stressful life.

Jadran

 

I have had acne my whole life, and in the process, have seen numerous dermatologists who have prescribed Tetracycline, Retin A, and other topical solutions. My acne would always come back, there would always be some left over, but I had given up over years of treatment. In the process of being very stressed out, having acne breakouts, and being over the age of 30, I decided to go with Acupuncture. The treatment with Steve Phillips was a combo for stress and acne with Chinese herbs. My acne has totally cleared and I noticed improvements in stress reduction. After the third treatment I had noticed a big difference in my stress level and had made an emotional breakthrough in my personal life.

I am so happy to have made the decision to try Acupuncture. Thank you Steve!
Will

 

I have been using alternative medicine for at least thirty years, and am very familiar with the many different methods. At different times during the last several years, I have seen Steve for digestive problems, neck pain, breathing problems, and stress. The results for all of those conditions have been outstanding. The soreness in my neck kept me awake at night and was almost unbearable. After one acupuncture treatment, not only was my neck pain completely gone, but as a side benefit of that particular treatment, I was in a state of complete bliss! The difference was truly dramatic. My breathing problems (shortness of breath from a hiatal hernia) were relieved after several treatments. I am thankful to have found his office, and would consider him to be my first option for treatment. As an alternative practitioner, Steve is the best. I would highly recommend him to anyone considering acupuncture or herbal medicine, for his peaceful manner, his professionalism, and his consistent results.

Peace and prosperity,
Judy

 

After a fall two years ago, doctors found signs of multiple sclerosis. Ever since then, Steve has been treating me for that as well as back and leg pain and weakness. Today I feel strong and stable, and I look forward to my future with confidence and enthusiasm. The acupuncture has also helped me a lot with stress and anxiety.
J.G., Female, age 45-50

 

Nine years ago, I endured a car accident that caused me a "whiplash" injury to the right side of my neck. At the time of the accident and for a several months following, I was in a significant amount of pain.

Although it seemed to gradually decrease with the use of ibuprofen and physical therapy. My physical therapist warned me that I would need to keep my body strong with exercise and stretches to prevent further injury or pain. However, what I failed to know at the time was that exercises and stretches wouldn't be enough. I carried a heavy backpack on one shoulder for many years during my college career. Bad idea!

This act alone increased my injury exponentially more than I anticipated. I always maintained a very healthy lifestyle, exercising and stretching as advised, yet my injury was worsening. About four years after my accident, I had reached the point where my neck and back would spasm out of control, causing excruciating pain to the point where some days I could not function with normal, daily tasks.

This began to happen more frequently, and I was having pain in places I hadn't before. The pain was radiating through the entire right side of my back, my neck, and my head. It was intolerable. I didn't know what to do anymore. Ibuprofen wasn't working, certain exercises seemed to aggravate the pain further, Yoga helped somewhat, but nothing was quite enough. By word of mouth, I heard about Steve Phillips' acupuncture practice. I had always wanted to try acupuncture but was afraid I couldn't afford it. Fortunately, I took the risk and attempted my first visit. Lo and behold, I was able to pay a reasonable cost that allowed me to receive my first treatment. The immediate relief I felt was invaluable. My pain ceased almost instantly, and I found the treatment to be incredibly peaceful and calming. Later, I realized that my back wasn't going into spasms anymore and I wasn't accumulating pain like before. I was absolutely thrilled! I finally found a treatment that is effective over a long term and doesn't require medication that potentially poisons my liver.

I continued going to treatments, a few times a month at first and now once a month for maintenance. A price tag cannot be placed on the relief I experience from acupuncture. I've even found that I look forward to my treatments and use the time to clear my mind, relax, meditate, de-stress, or even pray. By the time my treatment is over, I'm out of pain, relaxed, and my mind is clear. I am able to walk out of the clinic in confidence that I can live my life virtually pain free.

I highly recommend acupuncture to anyone seeking pain relief. I am certain you will find the relief you seek, because I most certainly have!

Janelle H. of Antelope, CA age 25-30

 

Acupuncture is very relaxing and gives me more energy, pain relief and a general feeling of well-being.

The treatments are given in a peaceful and very supportive atmosphere.

Mrs. J. B., age 69

 

Re: Steve Phillips

I am a patient of Steve Phillips. I came to him with complaints of lipoma of the neck and leg, and stress levels that bring on panic attacks.

Since coming to Steve, the lipoma in my leg has dissipated and the one in my neck is half its size. I believe it would be smaller than that, but due to my constant travel schedule and my failure to keep all of my appointments, he has not had a chance to fully focus on it like he would like to.

My stress levels are minimal after I leave Steve's office. I am calm and at peace. When Steve first started seeing me, I was WIRED (for lack of a better word)…now I relax and fall asleep on the table, and leave feeling great.

I have been to 2 other acupuncturists over the last 10 years. Never once did I leave their offices feeling relaxed.

I enjoy seeing Steve because I can communicate with him. He answers any questions or concerns I may have. He an understanding and kind person. He's great at what he does and he clearly enjoys what he does for his patients.

I recommend Steve to my own patients as well as friends who live in this area.

Lori W., age 45-50
Sacramento, CA

 

Dear Steve,

Thank you so very much for your kind healing help on using acupuncture on my poor little thumbs' area (tendonitis). The pain has at least gone. My left thumb area is now doing fine. But of course I'm right-handed so the thumb area on the right is not completely well. But we tried! And the stress release treatment that you had also done for me has been absolutely great! I'd always looked forward to it. I even fell asleep a few times–and that doesn't happen to me! And one more thank you–and that is relieving the pain in the sciatica area. At least I could apply pressure when standing and walking was not so painful! And that was with one treatment! I will surely come to you again when there is a need! Thank you for your kind help. I will of course recommend any one that needs help to you—you have been so helpful.

Sincerely, Ramona

 

I began seeing Steve Phillips for acupuncture several months ago. I visited Steve initially with great skepticism to attempt to get relief from chronic depression. I was seeking out anything contrary to the approach with which several doctors had treated me (more and more pills). I was out of hope that I could and would get any better, so I figured it was worth a try. Steve welcomed me into his clinic and demonstrated just how very intuitive he is about how the human body works. With a few questions in the first session, he had honed in on a plethora of symptoms (that all certainly contributed to my depression). I had been 'dealing with' these things, as they seemed to be a normal part of my body's functioning. I began treatment and a few short months later, my skepticism has melted into tangible relief: my digestion is better (I had very chronic IBS), my immune system is stronger, I have not had the allergy problems I typically survive through (and my chronic sinus infections are gone), I deal with stress better. I am no longer surviving as a victim of my body, but in greater harmony with it. I am all-around a more happy person, and this was no small feat! I am so very thankful that I gave Steve and acupuncture a try; I fear what I would be like today had I not.

Ms. Andrea A.