This review is way past due! I've known Pegah for over 12 years. She impressed me as a calm and…read morediscerning person, who was easy to talk with. I didn't know then she was interested in acupuncture. I sensed she had a healing spirit, but had no idea what she might be doing with it.
My previous experience with acupuncture was bad. I had an arthritic knee that was making it hard for me to get around. The doctor was highly regarded by my friends, but after his treatment I felt worse than ever. We spoke about that on the phone, and I decided acupuncture just wasn't for me.
Then my MD told me to expect knee replacement within the coming months, and require physical therapy for several weeks afterwards. So when Pegah called to tell me she had opened an office in La Jolla, and was doing a study on acupuncture for troublesome knees, I had some initial resistance.
She listened to my concerns, answered all my questions, and did so in a professional and assuring manner. There was no rush at all. She heard me out, told me what she would do, and what to expect. Pegah made no extravagant promises, but said she was sure she could help. So I gave it a shot.
The treatments were absolutely pain free. In fact, they were extremely relaxing. After a few visits, my knee was markedly better. The pain and weakness was alleviated to the point where I was able to go into physical therapy, which was out of the question before her treatments. Bottom line: It's been something like 5 years since the doctor told me to prepare for surgery and to be out of work for a while. My knee is so much better now, I don't even bring it up at doctor's visits anymore.
Late last year, I was stricken with Bell's Palsy. This is hardly a medical emergency, but it freaked me out. The whole left side of my face was paralyzed, and looked like melted wax. Pegah was very kind and patient. Her knowledgeable, nurturing approach settled me down. I felt improvement from the very first visit. Along the way she treated me with moxibustion. Not being much of a woo-woo guy, I didn't understand how that could possibly help, but there's no denying it did. I began to look forward to it.
The wind-up to that episode: within weeks, I had considerably better facial mobility. After a couple of months, people who have known me since the turn of the century couldn't tell I had ever been paralyzed.
Along the way, Pegah treated me for arthritis in my neck and shoulder, and also pollen allergies. These symptoms were alleviated as well.
During each visit, you can expect that she will begin by thoroughly checking out your situation. She'll address any questions or concerns you may have, with no sense of hurry at all. During the treatment, she is very gentle, and continually checks to see how you're doing.
I like her private office set-up. It's like a personal visit to a private physician, rather than being processed through a clinic. My visits were covered by the VA, and that's gotta be one of the most exasperating experiences ever for getting paid. Never a murmur from her about it, though I know they didn't make it easy.
Rest assured that Pegah doesn't upsell or push anything on you. I had several questions about Chinese herbal preparations, and gave her every opportunity to sell them to me. She declined to endorse the recommendation in my case. Pegah said she'd make it if I really wanted, but she honestly didn't think it would help my condition. She actually recommended other supplements she doesn't even sell.
So if a kind, genuine, and caring acupuncturist who will take the time for you and treat your needs, Dr. Pegah is my recommendation. Believe me - I drove by dozens of Chinese medicine practitioners from my home in East County just to get to her office in La Jolla, and I'd do it again.
