Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Provider in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Chinese Medicine has been dedicated to providing personalized, integrative healthcare through traditional Chinese medicine since its founding. Our practice combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic therapies to address individual health needs with precision and care. With over 12 years of experience in private practice, our lead practitioner brings extensive clinical training and a deep commitment to patient-centered healing. We specialize in women's health, pain management, and wellness optimization, utilizing evidence-based techniques rooted in ancient Eastern traditions. Our approach emphasizes customized treatment plans, combining acupuncture, tinctures, and lifestyle guidance to restore balance and vitality. We serve patients seeking natural solutions for chronic conditions, injury recovery, and preventive care, supported by insurance partnerships with major providers.Our serene treatment environment fosters relaxation and healing, reflecting our belief in the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and energetic well-being. Through continuous education and community engagement, we strive to advance understanding of traditional Chinese medicine's transformative potential. Our practice maintains rigorous standards of sterility and safety, using disposable needles and evidence-based protocols for all treatments. With a focus on patient education and empowerment, we guide individuals through their healing journeys with compassion and expertise.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Prescriptions
Cupping
Moxibustion
Gua Sha
Tui Na
Reiki
Floral Acupuncture
Flower Essences
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Over 12 years of specialized experience in women's health and pain management
- Customized treatment plans combining ancient and modern techniques
- Licensed acupuncturist with 900+ clinical hours and doctorate-level training
- Accepted by major insurance providers including United and Blue Shield
- Proven patient outcomes with personalized care approach
What people say
Effective treatments
Professional and thorough
Serene atmosphere
Natural healing presence
Life-changing results
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves precise placement of sterile needles at specific points to regulate qi flow and address health imbalances. Our treatments target pain management, stress reduction, and systemic wellness through individualized protocols. Patients experience relief from chronic conditions while benefiting from our practitioner's advanced training in traditional Chinese medicine techniques.
Herbal Prescriptions
Customized herbal formulations in tincture, tea, or pill form correct bodily imbalances and enhance treatment outcomes. We combine classical Chinese herbal formulas with modern research to create personalized regimens. These natural solutions support immune function, hormonal balance, and recovery from chronic conditions while complementing acupuncture treatments.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy uses controlled suction to release muscle tension and improve circulation. This technique effectively addresses chronic pain, sports injuries, and stress-related conditions. Our practitioners combine traditional cupping with modern safety protocols to ensure optimal results and patient comfort during each session.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture combines micro-needling with traditional techniques to reduce fine lines and improve skin vitality. This non-invasive treatment stimulates collagen production and enhances facial circulation. Patients achieve natural skin rejuvenation while benefiting from our holistic approach to beauty and wellness.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion applies controlled heat from smoldering mugwort to specific acupuncture points for healing. This technique effectively treats musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, and gynecological conditions. Our practitioners use precise temperature control to ensure patient comfort while maximizing therapeutic benefits through enhanced qi circulation.
People
Kristen Swegles
Licensed Acupuncturist, MTCM, CMP
Kristen Swegles holds a Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has practiced acupuncture for over 12 years. She specializes in women's health and pain management, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care. Her training includes 900+ clinical hours and advanced studies in integrative medicine.
Questions
What conditions do you treat with acupuncture?
We treat chronic pain, women's health issues, digestive disorders, stress-related conditions, and sports injuries using acupuncture. Our personalized approach addresses both symptoms and underlying imbalances.
Do you accept insurance for treatments?
We accept major insurance providers including United, Aetna, Blue Shield, and Cigna. Out-of-network coverage depends on individual plans - contact us for verification.
What happens during a first acupuncture visit?
Initial consultations last 90 minutes, including health history review, tongue/pulse diagnosis, and treatment. Follow-up sessions are 60 minutes focusing on ongoing care and progress assessment.
How should I prepare for an acupuncture session?
Arrive relaxed, wear comfortable clothing, and bring completed paperwork. Avoid heavy meals before treatment and plan to rest afterward for optimal results.
What makes your herbal prescriptions unique?
Our herbal formulations combine classical Chinese medicine with modern research, creating personalized blends that enhance acupuncture effects and address specific health patterns.
Reviews (2)
Annette G.
Jan 17, 2017
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The best acupuncturist I just love her work! Thank you for all you do! She is so dedicated, goes the extra mile and I walk out every time feeling like a million dollars which is a miracle given what this body goes through! After my car accident and years of suffering she's done wonders to help maintain my body functioning!
Paul Z.
May 20, 2016
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My experience with Kristen was wonderful. This was my first time receiving acupuncture and I was a bit nervous. Kristen did a great job making me feel relaxed and comfortable. Before seeing her I was having pain all along my right arm from shoulder to hand. After my treatment I not only felt relief in my arm, I also felt the strength in my grip return. Her office has a very nice atmosphere and parking was easy too.
