As a reflexologist, I've had the pleasure of serving our community for 23 years. However when it's me that needs healing support, it's George I call on. Most recently I was in big-time need 2 days ago dealing with back spasms, and George spent 2 plus hours with me utilizing a combination of his acupuncture skills along with back, shoulder & neck "body-work magic"! He proved, again, he always knows what to do and I am completing 2 days of being pain-free once again! It would be easy to write many pages of accolades about George. But here's another I have to mention. When my Dad reached 90, George was the only "healer" I was comfortable sending him to. For Dad's last 2 years, he was seeing George on a weekly basis for a chronic back problem he dealt with most of his life. He looked so forward to his appointments, and he always had the highest of praises for George. George made Dad's life better. There's no words that can express my gratitude for his contribution to Dad's final years! read more

My arm went from 20% mobility to full mobility in the first visit. After the second visit I was able to walk without pain for the first time in years. Dr George is the best acupuncturist and body practitioner I've ever been to, and I highly recommend him to anyone suffering from pain or limited mobility. I referred my friend to him and saw her after the visit - she was in awe and filled with gratitude at how good she felt - said she got her body back. Reasonably priced for the services rendered - he's worth twice what he charges. read more

He cured my period cramps! He worked on my front psaos area due to some back pain and I noticed about a 50% in period cramps after the first session and a 100% improvement after the second session. I have dealt with painful period cramps for years. When I mentioned it to him, he said other women have told him the same thing. A miracle! Thank you George! read more

I don't even know where to start. It has taken me way too long to write this review because I wanted to do it complete and total justice. First of all, Dr George is not your typical Acupuncturist. He is a master manipulator of the human body to resolve, heal, and bring comfort to whatever affliction you might be experiencing. Acute, chronic, or those who just need to calm their central nervous system. He's been a god send for me. His lifetime of experience goes back to massage, body manipulation, pressure points, and of course needles. I've had several sessions that did not include any needles. He employs several modalities including laser light, cupping, scraping (Chinese quachan), muscle movements, stretching, and so forth. I've had 3 low back surgeries that have resulted in peripheral pain down my legs, hips, etc. I've also been going through the most stressful time of my life. He has helped my go from a ball of stress and anxiety to being calm within a 2 our session. From numbness in my toes, to relief that I wasn't going to lose my toes. LOL. Yes, I see him once a week for 2 hours and don't know what I would do if not. I'd probably end up back on the surgical table to be honest. Not where I want to be. I highly recommend you go and see this highly experienced, patient, thorough, and kind practitioner. Don't wait!!!! read more

George explained everything before hand and I got the full "package" acupuncture treatment! laser,needles, and a lovely massage. His office was very clean and cozy. Highly recommend!! read more

Dr. George is a true professional, who fully explained his methodology in clear and concise manner. I came to Dr. George with a bad back and hip and through intense therapy and acupuncture was able to reduce my pain and limp to almost nothing. He made me feel comfortable with the work that was being done and had a convenient and simple office experience. read more

After one session with George I am pain-free! He is the first person I will go to anytime I have musculoskeletal pain. I have a regular acupuncturist who I see once every month or so for overall balancing and primarily energetic work. I decided to schedule a visit with George because I was in pain and he specializes in musculoskeletal issues. I had recently received a shiatsu massage which lit up an old chronic pain pattern in my neck, shoulders and arms. I had been dealing with these symptoms for about 2 weeks: tension, muscle spasms and angry trigger points in my neck, shoulders and upper back with dull, achey radiating pain into my forearms. I had already seen my chiropractor for this with little to no improvement. I am an acupuncturist and healer myself, and have been blessed to have previously received a wide variety of healing modalities from many gifted healers including craniosacral, osteopathic manipulation, medical massage, acupressure and other high-end massages. Let me tell you, what George did was an epiphany! I have never experienced anything like the body work he did. He efficiently and methodically worked on releasing tight muscular insertions in my neck and upper back (where muscle meets bone) including where the trapezius attaches to the top of the shoulder blade. He used just the right amount of pressure and for someone who appreciates deep, effective body work, it felt great! He also spent some time on my midback, glutes and feet. He then applied a medical laser device, then acupuncture needles (he got some good ones, and didn't leave them in too long), then a rapid release tool that breaks up scar tissue. He then had me lay face up as he worked on my pectoralis and psoas muscles and finally a very relaxing laser point treatment to stimulate acupuncture points on my ear, face and scalp. Finally, he gave me an exercise to stretch my tight pectoralis muscles (whoops, I forgot to do these until now!...But I have been massaging my pecs with a car buffer), as well as some very helpful postural tips. He was extremely generous with his time an energy. When I floated out of his office the pain was gone. It has been 2.5 weeks since that visit, and other than a brief and mild flare up of the symptoms during the 48 hours after the treatment with him (about 25% the severity of what it had been before I saw George), my neck, shoulders and arms have been back to normal! Because he is so thorough and understands how everything is interconnected, it was an extra long session: about 3 hours of actual treatment time, but if you have the time and money I don't think they could be better spent. Finally, I gifted a 2 hour session with him to my p90x2 super fit husband and he loved it and is planning on gifting a session to his mom next time she's in town! read more

George is an expert at what he does. I visited with back pain and George applied a variety of different natural techniques to eliminate the pain and also taught me strategies to prevent future recurrences. He listens to you as a patient, looks for reasons behind the details he notices and sets about addressing them. Well worth the trip to Carlsbad. read more

I have neck pain due to a series of car accidents from years ago that were not cured with chiropractic care or physical therapy. My first acupuncture session with Dr. George was wonderful! He took his time to explain how the body reacts to stress and injury and showed me some great stretches that would help my neck and back before actually working on me. His combination of massage and needling helped my neck and shoulders feel better than they have in years! read more

George is an expert in his field. He is very intuitive. George has the empathy to feel what you feel and can identify causes and underlying issues without you even pointing them out. He then can tap into his numerous modalities, Acupuncture, Laser, Massage, even Acupuncture without needles. George is pleasant, passionate and will give you more than you bargain for. I have used George and am very comforted to know that if I am in pain or discomfort, George will work his magic. Highly Recommended. read more

I just had my first session with George this past weekend and had a wonderful experience.. He spent a great deal of time explaining to me why I have been suffering from upper and lower back pain as well as the belly bloating problem I have been having! The acupuncture session followed by the laser therapy was extremely effective. He also did a great deal of body work that provided so much relief to the tension I had in my shoulders. I really appreciate the effort he put into relieving me from the pain I was having and also giving me some great advice to use at home. George is very warm, kind, and professional. I was extremely comfortable with him and very impressed with his passion and knowledge. I'm looking forward to visiting him again! read more

My initial visit provided immediate relief for pain in my neck and back. I decided to commit to a series of treatment sessions, and George provided a discount package. My initial visit was for two issues (elbow and neck/back) and the session ran about 30 minutes longer than expected. I offered to pay for the additional time, but George would not accept. Thanks George! I look forward to my treatment series. read more

I have suffered with chronic, back, neck and shoulder pain for over 34 years after a fracturing a vertebra in my back and 3 subsequent car accidents. I have seen at least 6 different acupuncturists over the years, some of whom blended their practice with chiropractic and Chinese medicine, some with naturopathic remedies and some with osteopathic treatment. I was referred to George Ritachka during a period of particularly intense low back neck and shoulder pain. My entire right shoulder was in so much pain and spasm that it was essentially frozen. I have to tell you I arrived with very modest expectations as I no longer expect anyone to be able to do much more for me than relieve my most acute symptoms and ideally get me back to my usual state of modest function but with chronic pain. I had such remarkable relief after my first 2 hour treatment with George that I decided to give him a chance to see if he could do more than relieve my most acute symptoms. You have to know that after 34 years of pain management and every type of practitioner known to humankind offering me their best treatments in a an effort to help me I have become rather skeptical. I've had 8 treatments with George over 2 1/2 months and I have gone from being unable to sleep on my right side and so much spasm in my right shoulder that radiated down my whole arm, that I could not sleep through the night, I could barely work the mouse on my computer, or blow dry my hair and really so much more. Now I can sleep on my right side again, (in fact I can sleep though the night!) I have full use of my right arm again, and I'd say I've experienced about 75-80% relief of my pain and spasm in my back, neck and shoulder and I'm still seeing improvement. His combination of massage, laser treatment and traditional needling has been a magical combination for me. Perhaps his healing powers are even more profound, because he doesn't just stick you with needles and leave the room, he treats you the whole time and you can literally feel his caring heart and the power of his true intention: he's a healer. If you've given up hope of ever being pain free, like I had, or you're new to pain and don't want it to become "normal", I highly recommend that you get in to see George. If, like me, you've been living with chronic pain for years, you understand when I say that George has given me back a quality of life I pretty much gave up on. read more

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. I'm a strong believer in preventive maintenance and view being healthy as much more than the absence of disease. Working with George on an ongoing basis fulfills my need for preventative maintenance. In addition I also see George as a fabulous resource when I have some illness/issue with my body. Several years back he helped me back from a "frozen shoulder" condition. More recently I saw him when I had some flu-like symptoms. George brings several different modalities for alternative healing - some ancient like acupuncture and acupressure and some modern like the use of lasers. I highly recommend his work for both preventative and repair. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. read more

I highly recommend George. I had suffered from headaches, backaches, neck-aches, shoulder pain, and itchy underarms for almost 2 and 1/2 years. I had become allergic to any deodorant which made my itchy underarms unbearable at times and it was so hard to avoid scratching. I met George 2 months ago and he explained everything clearly and slowly to me, taking extra time. (English is my second language.) First, he worked on my various aches. He was very professional and I felt much better. It was then that I opened up to him about my itchy underarms because I had been embarrassed about it because I couldn't pin down when it would happen, only that deodorant made it worse. He gave me a one hour treatment (laser, massage, and needles) for my underarms and asked me to check in with him later. One week later we talked and I realized that my itchiness was gone and hadn't bothered me at all. It had really changed my life like a miracle. My armpit itchiness is gone and I can use deodorant without any irritation. I'm a so happy with his serivce. Thank you so much, George! read more

As both a highly experienced Massage Therapist and Acupuncturist.... you get the best of both worlds with George. And, it's a real "two-fer" when he gives you an exploratory massage ahead of your acupuncture portion of a session. You get more relaxed and he gets to zero-in on where your issues are located. No throwing darts against the wall and then drawing a bullseye over where they landed. I've been to at least 5 acupuncturists and over 20 massage therapists. George is the best of both disciplines! read more

George used a combination of acupuncture, acupressure, and massage, to help with pain relief due to my fibromyalgia. I am grateful beyond words for all the positive results that were achieved! George is also empathetic, soft spoken, and extremely professional! I highly recommend him! Virginia W. read more

I've never experienced such a flow of energy surging through my body, and I could've stayed on the table for hours. George's technique and bedside manner is beyond outstanding, and I highly recommend anyone looking for the specialty that neuro acupuncture has to call upon him. read more

I went to see George for a massage therapy. I've been very stressed, tired and haven't had a comprehensive full body massage for over 1.5 years so I had a lot of muscle tightness and blockages. George found all the right spots and immediately loosened up the gnarly areas. He also helped me become more aware of what's happening with my mental process, shared insightful perspectives as well as good advice which helped me feel more empowered and hopeful. George was great at discerning my issues both in the mind and in the body. So he gave me a holistic, comprehensive therapy that addressed body, mind and spirit! During the treatment, he is very considerate and kept asking me how things are to make sure I am comfortable. Before George's treatment, I felt depressed and dead like a zombie. After George's help I felt refreshed, optimistic and alive again, and this good feeling lasted not only for the rest of the day. After I got home I practiced methods he showed me I could do by myself, released some more stagnation and still feel good the next day! I am very grateful and blessed to have George's help! read more

Magician! So I walked in off the street, as I was at the family owned lamp store next door. I did not do any reasearch or know a thing about George, this amazing healer. 6 sessions later my shin was healed. Prior to George, I had failed at physical therapy and even had two MRI's. I am sending everybody I know in North County to George! He not only knows his craft, he blends his strong handed massage with acupuncture...Thank me later!! read more

I went to see George for persistent pain in my elbow. I had had accupunture treatment before, so I thought I knew what to expect. I have to say, I was very impressed with George. He used different modalities including low level lasers and accupressure treatment to help ease my pain. No needles! Not a big fan of needles anyway, so this was wonderful! He took the time during the initial session to help educate me in ways I can actually help myself to manage my pain. Overall a great experience. I highly recommend George. read more

We gave our mother a session with George for Christmas last year and she can not say enough good things about it. She felt light as a feather and very relaxed after the session. It's always a good gift idea for us now. read more

George is 2 for 2 ! After helping me, he also helped my soccer playing son get back on the field after a nagging hamstring pull had set him back for 10 days. He does not have to use needles. He used his extensive training in massage in combo with laser . Thanks George! read more

I recently was looking for an acupuncturist for my shoulder problem. He not only spent more time than I paid for but he used a special laser on me as well. He kept asking if I felt any better during his treatment but I had to be honest and tell him no. Hours later my shoulder pain was gone and hasn't returned. Love this guy!!! read more

This was the biggest waste of money ever! He called me at nine pm the night before the appointment to reschedule to a time which I told him would be a tight squeeze for me. He tried to sell me additional time at a discount and I reminded him that I did not have the time or the money to add the time to the 1 hr of acupuncture plus 15 minute consult I had already purchased. He arrived to the visit late, spent 1.5 hours on the consult, then charged me for the extra time if I wanted to actually get what I had come for. I ended up missing the rest of my appointments and spending more than agreed. I emailed his practice the next day with my complaint (that was weeks ago) but I never got any response. read more

I have been back to George many time now. I sincerely believe in George and in acupuncture. What impressed me the first time I met George was that he truly listened carefully to my needs, focused on addressing them. He is professional and knowledge within this field is outstanding. I was amazed at how well acupuncture worked to relax me, relieve pain in my hip, knee and a head. George knows exactly what he was doing and took great care to explain everything to me. He followed up to see how I was doing several times. The treatment was painless and very relaxing. It was a wonderful feeling walking out of treatment and having your body and mind feeling great and not have any pain. George is a true healer who takes great pride and care in his work. I would highly recommend him to anyone considering acupuncture as an option for healing, health and well-being... It works! Thank you, George for helping me and caring. read more

George is an incredible practitioner. I went to see him due to my frozen shoulder. Not only has my range of motion improved tremendously, I feel less stressed and overall,more at ease. After my session today, I am able to breathe easier and have a greater sense of calmness. George is a great listener and is able to focus treatment to my specific needs. I would highly recommend George! read more

Went to see George, on a friends recommendation, with serious sciatic pain. i came in limping and in some of the worst pain i had ever experienced. I am not one to go to doctors much and am a bit squeamish about needles. It certainly helped that George was warm, friendly and engaging. Immediately after my first appointment i was nearly 50% better! i went for a total of 4 times over a two week period and by then i was pretty much back to normal. It was quite amazing and i definitely recommend Georges' services. read more

George is a double-whammy. He's both an incredible masseuse and acupuncturist. He loosens you up before the acupuncture and then afterwards... you can't get that kind of full-blown treatment anywhere unless you schedule appts. with two people. And, he explains what exercises you need to do to reduce whatever is ailing you. I'd recommend him to anybody. read more

George is absolutely wonderful! I had a severe, painfuil plantar fasciatis and tried everything. I saw my general practician, a podiatrist, and chiropractor. I read everything online, did the exercises, stretches, ball rolling with my foot, ice, heat...etc. I even had a cast put on my foot to allow it to heal and rest for three weeks. I've spent a fortune on shoes, inserts, gadgets on line etc,,,,Nothing really worked although I'm sure getting my body in line (chiropractor) was important and helped. Then I heard about and saw George. He does acupuncture without needles using massage and pressure points. He spent so much time focusing on what initially caused this condition (a sprained ankle and bone chip), then massaged my entire body focusing on the stress that was preventing me from healing. He is truly a healer and cared enough to find ways to get me beyond the immense pain. No one else even comes close to caring about patients the way he does. I highly recommend him to anyone experiencing pain. I also recommend him to anyone that wants a FANTASTIC massage. He's really good at what he does. read more