Testimonials

“I am a 72-year-old avid tennis player, water skier, and snow skier. Recently, my playtime has been significantly abridged due to a hip injury and a diagnosis of severe arthritis with no cartilage in my right shoulder, requiring a shoulder replacement. Seeking an alternative to replacement surgery, I had stem cells injected into that shoulder several years ago, but no positive results followed. As a final resort to avoid surgery, I decided to try acupuncture and had the good fortune of finding Nenita at Aviara Acupuncture and Integrative Health six months ago. Using acupuncture and herbs, Nenita addressed both problems. The hip issue, which was a torn tendon, tendonitis, and bursitis, has nearly completely healed, so much so that I experienced no difficulty with the hop on a recent snow skiing trip. The shoulder is a much more difficult problem. The progress with my shoulder, which was in constant pain even at rest and suffered severe restrictions and range of motion, has been quite impressive. From the first treatment, Nenita was successful in dialing down the shoulder pain substantially. With each subsequent treatment, the effect of her acupuncture lasted increasingly longer. Within two months Nenita had reduced the pain level to nearly nonexistent, except when employing my right arm to do certain repetitive or strenuous motions. This allowed for a reduction in the frequency of treatments. Within four months, I began to notice slight increases in my range of motion. At this point, the increase in the range of motion is substantial. Further, although there is still pain with certain movements, the recovery time to return to a pain-free level is very reduced, even though the frequency of treatment is now only once every three weeks. I have the highest respect and praise for Nenita’s professional expertise. I seriously doubt that I could have gotten to this point with another acupuncturist. Nenita is extremely diligent in finding the exact spots to place her needles to achieve the best results and to make acupuncture a painless process. Her knowledge of Chinese herbs is superb and she can prescribe those formulas that specifically target the problem. As a former intensive care nurse, she is equally qualified in Western medicine and can blend it with Eastern medicine where necessary. From the outset, Nenita was confident that the brand of precision acupuncture coupled with highly targeted Chinese herbs and good nutrition, would enable the body to heal itself. Although I can still not play tennis pain-free, I recognize that this is a lengthy war and I am quite happy to be winning battles along the way. For anyone seeking alternative medicine, Nenita has my highest recommendation.”
—B.C. Retired US Navy Fighter Pilot, Carlsbad CA

 

“10 STARS! I would give Nenita 10 stars if I could!  I’m nearing midlife and have been seeing acupuncturists for 35 of those years. Due to a move, I began looking for a new practitioner in Carlsbad.  Luckily, I searched YELP and found Nenita at Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health. I have been thoroughly impressed with her bedside manner, her skills in applying the needles, and her communication about the treatment plan.  Her knowledge and commitment to top-notch patient care is quite admirable. I was quite concerned with knee pain that kicked in a couple of months ago.  Nenita walked me through her treatment plan, and her recommendations for limited activity between visits, and always fully listened each time I came into her office so she was up to date on changes in my pain. Now a few weeks after starting treatment, my knee is pain-free and I have a game plan to continue to take care of it on my own. I have been a huge supporter of Acupuncture for 35 years and am quite thankful that Nenita is such an amazing Acupuncturist and a kind human being.  If you are looking for an acupuncturist, look no further!  Nenita will provide you with excellent care!”
– C.C. Project Manager, Oceanside CA

 

“I am a 65-year-old woman who has had a lifetime of digestive issues that my doctors diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. After years of visits to Western medical doctors, numerous tests, and multiple treatment strategies, my digestive system was getting progressively worse, rather than better. Eventually, I landed in the emergency room with diverticulitis. At this point, a friend referred me to Nenita at Aviara Acupuncture, and even though I had never had acupuncture treatment before, I eagerly made an appointment with her. This turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done. I have been seeing her for several months now, and for the first time since I can remember, I have stable digestion! The constant inflammation, accompanying pain, and other symptoms, have improved considerably. I can now eat food that I was unable to tolerate previously, and am able to live a life without constant worry of my digestive system getting in the way. In addition to my digestive issues, Nenita has treated me for chronic headaches that my doctors were unable to diagnose or effectively treat. These headaches left me debilitated for several days a month. After her treatment, I have now been headache-free for two months and counting! I cannot stress enough how much acupuncture treatment has changed my life and enhanced my overall health and energy. Nenita’s expertise in Chinese medicine is quite impressive. In addition, her kind and loving approach has been soothing to my soul. I highly recommend her for anyone struggling with a chronic health condition.”

— C.M. Retired College Professor, San Marcos CA

 

“Aviara Acupuncture is located in Carlsbad & I highly recommend having your individual consult and treatments with Nenita. I was referred by a friend of mine. I had my consult and have been getting treatments mainly for my fibromyalgia for a little while now.  I’ve been getting good results and have been seeing her weekly. I really look forward to my treatments.  She treats you as a whole person as well as the isolated issues at hand.  Eastern medicine is the way to go.  She will also assess what herbals are best for your condition(s).  Each time I am treated I leave feeling full …Mind Body & Soul.  She truly cares and builds a partnership rapport with you as an individual.  I love the cupping treatments the most.”
– B.G. Business Owner, Oceanside CA

 

“After going to my general practitioner and a disappointing experience at physical therapy, I turned to acupuncture with Nenita McElroy and was honestly surprised at the instant results that I didn’t expect. I’m not saying I was 100% cured but had a significant reduction in pain in both my hands that the Western doctors were not addressing or able to fix right after my first visit. She was also able to help with my insomnia, headaches, and severe back pain. OK, I was a wreck, but with her amazing patience and guidance, she talked me through the process and time line that I should hope to see results and so far everything has been on track. Within the first week, I felt a better range of motion in my whole body, and my spirits were lifted. Combining my treatments at Aviara Acupuncture with some gentle yoga was just the track that I needed. I highly recommend anyone that is ready to give her a try. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you!”
– K.J. Artist, Carlsbad CA

 

“Nenita is wonderful and very passionate about her work. She has been working on my tennis elbow. She is warm and calm and very knowledgeable in Chinese medicine. She is a great listener and takes her time with you to get to the heart of your problems.”
– T.B. Scottsdale AZ

 

“I began my wonderful journey with Nenita almost a year ago. She’s a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile brightens your day and heals your soul. She has a magical touch in her practice. Her acupuncture techniques is gentle and comforting! She worked with me in healing my back pain issues and has brought back my overall (chi) energy level. Thanks, Nenita for being such an amazing person and an acupuncturist. Look forward to working with you in the future.”
 – P.T. Dental Hygienist, Vista CA

 

“If you are ever feeling hopeless from chronic pain, please come to Aviara Acupuncture. Nenita is one of the most intelligent, loving and solutions driven women I have ever met. She honestly makes miracles happen! I had a botched knee surgery and herniated discs in my neck, and at 28 when you have a bit of a limp and neck trouble it’s worrisome. I have had countless shots, drugs and rehab, but never made the type of progress to recovery like I have here. I did sign up for a package, as these issues were classified as being chronic, but now I’m healthy enough to be doing boot camps! There is a month break between the next boot camp season coming and I will be signing up on another package because I’m excited on the continued, pill free, rehab from Nenita.”
– A.R. Consultant, Del Mar CA

 

“I have been with Aviara Acupuncture for over a year and for different acute issues.  I have nothing but good things to say for Nenita. She is one of the most caring integrative health care practitioners out there.  She truly takes the time to evaluate the whole person. Nenita has a huge heart, extremely knowledgeable and has a passion for understanding and treating her patients. Each time I know that I am getting her attention and wisdom to help with different symptoms.  I highly recommend Aviara Acupuncture and Integrative Health to anyone seeking a genuine and dedicated experience.”
– J.B. Art Teacher, Encinitas CA

 

“Nenita is terrific!  I have been seeing her regularly for the past year for different issues, particularly my migraine headaches. I am so happy to have gone to her because my migraines are a thing of the past. She is so patient and caring. Really a breath of fresh air when it comes to overall treatment as compared to others.”
– M.R. Attorney, Carlsbad CA

 

“I have been seeing Nenita for acupuncture for over a year now, I try to go every 2 weeks.  I have inflammation in the knees and wrist pain from over use of the computer.  I have been a runner for years and I have bad knee joints- acupuncture has been very helpful to alleviate the pain. I continue to exercise because of the treatments. I also do acupuncture for my over all health. She also do cupping which I enjoy.  I would recommend Nenita if you are looking for an alternative way to deal with pain.  I have not need to take an Advil in almost a year.  I also sleep like a baby after every time I see her.”
– M.P. Fashion Designer, Carlsbad CA

 

“Nenita has created a very special healing space at Aviara Acupuncture.  I came into her office and the first thing you feel is peace. I have been going through some challenges with my hormones and within 1 week of receiving an acupuncture treatment from Nenita I have felt so much more clarity and inner balance then I have in about 3 years.  I am sleeping better, I am not as “Moody” as I use to be and just all in all feel better. If you are looking to feel your optimum, call Nenita.  She has both the Western and Eastern mentality and can work with anyone.”
-M.W. Commercial Realtor, Oceanside CA

 

“Nenita is very knowledgeable in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She has a background in both and we had a wonderful discussion on health and wellness after my session with her. She understands the whole body and how a each client need an individualized approach to their health. She takes the time to answer questions and the session is not rushed. I came out of her office with complete confidence in her abilities. I would highly recommend her business if one wants to bring their life into a more complete balance.”
– S.W. Business Owner, San Diego CA

 

“Nenita is a wonderful, warm, and down to earth person. Just being in her office is calming and relaxing. She genuinely desires to help others overcome their issues, whether physical or mental health related. Nenita goes above and beyond in her acupuncture practice to support others’ well being, and I trust her wholeheartedly.”
– S.S. Psychologist, Carlsbad CA

 

“Aviara acupuncture & Integrative Health is the best place to go in Carlsbad. Nenita has done an amazing job in relieving my chronic neck & shoulder pain. In just 2 visits there was a remarkable decrease of the discomfort and within 2 more visits, the irritation almost is completely gone. I was very skeptical at first but it’s hard to argue with success. Thank you Nenita, you’re the Best!”
– D.P. Retired, Carlsbad CA

 

“I went to see Nenita to have acupuncture for the first time when I was experiencing some severe neck pain. She is beyond warm, caring and friendly and explained everything with such detail. I went in feeling frustrated with my body and left feeling renewed and in far less pain. I highly recommend Aviara Acupuncture and look forward to going again!”
– A.C. Branch Operations Manager, San Marcos CA

 

“I would like to take a moment to thank you for the acupuncture treatments I received from you. For years I have suffered from severe arthritis pain in my left hip and tendonitis in my right rotator cuff.   With only 2 treatments, I have been pretty much pain-free and have a full range of movement again. A big plus is being able to sleep through the night without having to rollover all night. I was apprehensive at first, but you made me feel very comfortable and thank you for introducing me to acupuncture and Chinese medicine. I look forward to learning more from you about other alternative medicines and herbs. I am new believer in acupuncture and will not hesitate to do again.”
– D.P. Military Project Manager, Atlanta GA

 

“I saw Nenita after an international trip when I hurt my back. I had several chiropractic treatments when I returned but they only gave temporary relief. After my first treatment, the pain was substantially less and each day, it eased up a bit more. After the second treatment, and about a week, the pain completely resolved and didn’t return. What a relief.  When a nagging knee pain from running returned, I went to Nenita again and she was also able to get rid of the pain and get me back on the road and set a new personal record. I have sent several friends as well and they have all had really good experiences. Since that first time, I have seen Nenita for another back issue and much to my amazement, it worked even after several weeks of struggling with it. This medicine is magic (because I don’t understand it) and Nenita has a mastery of it. Thank you!”
– M.M. Marketing Director, San Diego CA

 

First, one could not be in more caring or professional hands than with Nenita. Second, one will achieve results! Third, the needles do not hurt. They are not like having a shot. I have a severe case of Celiac Refractory Sprue. Symptoms of Celiac are weight loss, malabsorption, chronic fatigue, diarrhea, muscle aches, stomach cramps, bloating, gas, swelling, and anemia. Since using acupuncture and keeping my strict gluten-free diet I have now gained weight meaning, I am now absorbing nutrients! My bowel movements are normal! My fatigue is far less. I do not have stomachaches and can even drink coffee again. My iron levels are holding much more steadily. It is all pretty amazing to me. I feel fantastic! The next greatest improvement is that I have been able to reduce my medication. I had as many as 2-3 pills a day and now I take only one every other day!
—D.J. Retired HS teacher, Carlsbad CA

 

“Nenita is simply the best most caring understanding acupuncturist ever. Highly recommend her.”
– R.P. Interior Designer, Carlsbad CA

 

I have been going to Nenita, regularly for several months for my skin issues. I was in dire straits last summer when the skin on both sides of my torso began to turn a dark blue color with a yellowish border around the rash. It was awful. I have a weakened immune system due to the many regimens of antibiotics I have been put through over the years since childhood. My work place stress and high sugar diet were not helping. This weakness shows up as an unbearable and itchy skin rashes. Nenita methodically took the time to ask questions in order to understand my history, diet and surrounding environments. Over the course of weekly treatments, my skin rash gradually receded and the itchiness reduced as well. Some days, there would be very little itchy discomfort. My skin began to look normal again, including my nails. I highly recommend Nenita if you are new to acupuncture and if you are ready for alternative ways of getting better without the use of synthetic medications, since many of these almost always have some side effects.
— B.A. Engineer, Escondido CA

 

“Nenita is a wonderful practitioner and I highly recommend her acupuncture services. In the weeks before Christmas, I came to Nenita because I was in a lot of jaw pain and looking for a way to help alleviate it. She recommended a few sessions of acupuncture, and in the course of treatment, my pain went away completely; while it started subsiding immediately, it gradually was completely eliminated – so much so that when I saw her again after the Holidays, she asked about my jaw and I had completely forgotten that it had been so painful (the pain had been gone for weeks at that point, and never returned, so I forgot about it!). Check her out, you won’t regret it!”
– M.L. Consultant, Carlsbad CA