I've gone to a decade of alternative therapies for back pain and nothing compares to the progress I've made working with Dr. Woodworth. My back was completely frozen, and within one session I was functional, but still sore of course. He was referred to me from a friend, and I'll say the same thing he did, "You just have to experience it to believe it." Also he's hilarious Thanks Doc! read more

I have had chronic neck problems for years. With just a couple visits and instructions for routines at home, my neck pain has gone away. Michael is very thoughtful with his procedure and instructions. Highly recommended. read more

I visited Michael with tennis elbow after numerous PT sessions that yielded no improvement. 2 acupuncture sessions with Michael resolved the issue, that was nearly 2 years ago. I recommend Makari to friends with back and joint issues, he always finds a way to resolve the issues. read more

Mike is nice enough, but he doesn't listen very well... I shared with him my issues and although Im sure he is skilled - I ended up feeling TEN TIMES worse leaving and there after for a week. I cannot AFFORD that and m old acupuncturists( many) NEVER left me in pain and headache after acupuncture. So although he seems nice enough he needs to listen better when someone says they have sensitivities and what not. He is a bit of a know it all in my opinion. read more

I was having terrible neck and head pain that was just not going away. My friend recommended Michael and I'm glad I decided to make an appointment. The very first time he treated my neck I felt immediate relief and since then I've gained back mobility and am pain free. I'd been to acupuncturist before, but by far my experience with Michael has been above them all because he takes the time to ask important questions to determine the root cause of your ailments as well as explaining what the process towards recovery will be like. He cares for patients and makes sure he treats you in as few sessions possible which is HUGE if you're in pain. I will be recommending Makari wellness to everyone I know that needs help with pain and/or other ailments! read more

I was diagnosed with a TIA which resulted in twitching seizures, memory loss, and cognitive issues. The traditional doctor prescribed anti-seizure medication but I did not want to take the medication because of the life changing side effects. Instead I searched for an acupunturist that specializes in neuro-therapy. Mike at Makari Wellness provided precise and customized acupuncture that was essential to reestablishing my cognitive abilities and my seizures are now less frequent with mild twitching. I am so happy that I decided to try Makari Wellness and I am so happy with the results. Mike's professionalism is top notch. He's a walking/talking encyclopedia of the Chinese practice/art of acupunture and its herbal remedies. I trusted his judgement every step of the way. I am so much better off today than I would have been if I followed my traditional doctor's advice. Thank you, Mike! read more

Sports injury: torn lateral ankle ligament from an inversion ankle roll. My daughter (8th grade at the time of injury) heard a pop and was immobile for a bit as she kept her foot elevated while it healed. After 2 months she didn't feel anything so went back to soccer...but would often feel pain and discomfort -but not enough to make her stop- which wasn't good if she planned to continue playing sports. I brought her in to see Michael (who also treated my husband for neck/back pain successfully) who quickly saw what the issue was and gave her an acupuncture treatment and massaged/stretched the ligaments and surrounding muscles. After her treatment, my daughter was sent home with instructions on specific exercises and stretches she needed to do and she was back on the field 2-3 weeks later and hasn't had an issue since. A year later she successfully made the varsity soccer team as their starting sweeper and has proven to be their number one defender. Thanks to Michael she was able to get back to her full potential and continue her passions with out any issues. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are our go to for any injury and most health related issues. read more

Michael is quite knowledgeable, kind, and passionate about his work. I've been to quite a few acupuncturists in my short life and Michael takes the cake! His needle work is effective, giving my relief for weeks. I'm now on a maintenance schedule and sometimes I forget to schedule because I'm feeling so good. I know I need maintenance care, so I will continue my care with Michael indefinitely. Thank you for all you do and my apologies for taking so long to write this review! Best - Phuong read more

Michael is a miracle worker. I have gone in with 9/10 pain and walked out with maybe 2. Incredible active release therapy and needling techniques. I have seen several doctors in the same field in other parts of the country and in San Diego and he is without a doubt the best, most knowledgable, professional and effective. His intentions and goals are clear in helping you help/heal yourself, these treatments will have you not going anywhere else. read more

After 5 visits the tingling and cramping in my legs has practically disappeared.Michael is very knowledgeable and dedicated.I totally endorse him. read more

Amazing place and Michael really knows what he is talking about. He has been the only one that can figure out my back pain and relieve the back pain. He believes strongly in what he is teaching you and is extremely knowledgeable about his field. Read his website and learn about his needle process, it is NOT like any other acupuncturist. I tried others which did nothing for my pain. He does ART and believes in chinese herbs which I had never tried before but it has got me off other medications and I am so happy with the process we are making. He wants you to be well and not to have to see him for years. I saw him about 20 years ago and now I am back and enjoy learning more and more from him. read more

I went to do taxes yesterday and of course I talk about Micheal when I see someone in pain. She emailed me and asked if she thought Micheal could help her friend since he has one pain. This is my response and how I truly feel about him. Micheal is someone who believes in making people better. His slogan is "make well, be well." I've been seeing him on and off for over 10 years. He has healed me from stomach issues, neck pain, migraines, menstrual issues and now he's working on my back and hip issue. He is more than an acupuncturist, he is someone that knows the nervous system and the muscular body better than most neurologist. For over 20 years he has studied and learned techniques that Western medicine doesn't understand. He has a clear understanding of how to heal ailments that debilitate people. Heart attacks, stroke, autoimmune diseases, neological issues, and so very much more. If you go on his website and also read his yelp reviewers you will see what I'm talking about.  But in my experience Micheal is kind, super funny, confident and I have always felt cared for. He has healed me in ways that doctors just scratch their heads. So I really love him.  Like Makari Wellness says, " Make well, be well." read more

I have been going to Makari Wellness in Oceanside for years and I have had tremendous success with the treatments. I highly recommend Michael. read more

To start off I am 30 years old and was in a car accident last March which brought me to Michael! I had other underlying issues I will discuss below! My mom broke her back anr had major spinal fusion surgery! She was told she would feel pain for the rest of her life and never have full mobility again! She is in her mid fifties and I am so happy to say because of Micahel she surfs, horseback rides, lifts my nephew and is very physically active with no pain! She always talked about him, but I was skeptical! I thought I needed shoulder surgery! Issues that have been eliminated while seeing Micahel: 1. I used to suffer greatly from monthly pms, cramps, mood swings, hormone fluctuations, horrible throwing up! Now I have no symptoms where as before I would be debilitated 2. My shoulders hurt all the time any time! As I played a lot of sports for a long time, school, life my job are all physical! My right shoulder hurt so bad I would be in tears often and nothing alleviated the pain! Now after about 4 visits I don't feel a thing but sweet relief on both sides 3. My knee was constantly hurting when I sat down after my car accident! He worked and worked and now I also feel no pain! He also figured out it was my back causing my knee pain! 4. I have had a lot of emotional experiences some in which I just haven't dealt with! A few times I have cried in Michaels office and never been made to feel weird! In fact he calmed me down and explained what was happening!!! I take herbs that totally have helped with emotional discomfort, depression and just overall made me feel at ease Overall all the advice and exercises he has given me have helped me so much and will continue to help me through my entire life! I am so grateful for him! My family also goes to him and we all love him! Lastly, he is so caring and kind and you just can't help be in a good mood around him! I have been open and honest with him about certain life choices and he never makes you feel bad rather offers you words of encouragement and information on better options! Every week I look forward to going to see him! He has improved my entire quality of life!!! So glad to do this young so I can live a long pain freer life!!! read more

I moved here from Maryland where amazingly I had a separate person for acupuncture, active release, and herbal supplements. Michael combines all 3 to heal in any way possible. I had a strange shoulder injury which he patiently evaluated over weeks until he figured out what was wrong and worked on it, giving me many exercises in the process which have made things much easier in other athletic endeavors as well. Meanwhile he helped with new supplements as well. He is truly heaven sent. And to top it all off he works with my health insurance, I'd pay full price for him but $20/visit is even better. read more

Dr. Woodworth treated me for low back pain. I live an active lifestyle and it's an issue I've been dealing with for as long as I remember, but this time the pain was not tolerable. I was very pleased with the instant relief achieved by the needle work and ART, however, even more thankful for the correction and exercises assigned and shown to do my part in treating the pain towards a long term solution. My visit was very educational, I learned a lot about my posture and grown habits contributing to my low back pain which I will work towards improving. I've only had two visits and look forward to completing my treatment for a long term solution to my low back pain. Dr. Mike was very approachable and knowledgeable and easy to talk with and learn from. read more

Mike is a true healer. I have not come across a practitioner that has so many tools and so much knowledge at his disposal. From active release technique (art), acupuncture, orthopedic "dry-needling" acupuncture, and herbal medicine. I highly recommend going to see him. read more

Michael is an amazing acupuncturist and I am so glad I found him and his practice. His acupuncture and herb treatments cured an issue I was having that would not go away on it's own. He is truly a professional and I will absolutely be referring all my friends and I would not hesitate to go back to his practice with any future issues. read more

Michael is wonderful! I've had acupuncture, ART and Graston done by him. After multiple hip surgeries, I've had numerous issues with my hip and lower back. One of my major issues was numbness/trouble activating my glutes, each visit gets better. My lower back pain and tightness, is now completely gone (simultaneously had treatments from a chirporactor, I think they compliment each other very well). Michael takes the time to understand your issues and comes up with a plan to resolve them. The treatment, combined with basic exercises really help you to HEAL, not just feel better. For any future injuries/issues, I will always go to Michael for treatment! read more

I've been treated by Michael on 20+ occasions over a 4 year period and have always been care for expertly. What's important to me and where he excels is: ease of scheduling, promptness(or communicate otherwise), listening, asking questions, sharing technique and education during the session and most important-providing feedback so as to alleviate the core issues. He's a whiz @ body physiology and sharing his deep knowledge. Oh, and he's FUN to be around! I'll go back and recommend you do to.... read more

An ongoing shoulder issue brought me to Makari. The first visit was very informative. I have a better understanding of the injury and looking forward to exercises, rehab, and acupuncture. Michael was extremely sympathetic and encouraging. read more

Makari wellness is a one stop shop. With several modalities under his belt, Dr Woodworth gets right to the core issues at hand and helps you peel away the layers to get to the root. I kept getting sick more than ever in 2018, Dr Woodworth designed a specific formula for me that had me better in a week. I threw my back out and couldn't walk or stand with out severe pain. Dr Woodworth had me back in action with just two visits. The rest was up to me in keeping the correction intact. So grateful for his knowledge and his willingness to learn new ways of healing. Always a step ahead. read more

110% recommend Makari wellness....Mike is incredibly knowledgeable about various disciplines and treats the ENTIRE person. My husband has avoided surgery for a pinched disc in his NECK....he is active duty. We brought in our 14year old for sever back pain (sports related). Stop wasting time everywhere else. read more

Mike is amazing!! I can not recommend his services enough! His approach to treatment, education, and technique is top notch. As a professional skydiver who has had nagging neck/back/shoulder issues I never thought it would be possible to feel this good given the number of jumps I do and the physical toll work takes on my body. What I have always thought was especially cool from the beginning is the fact that he doesn't want to see you back repeatedly-meaning he wants to see you get better and not need his services. This is something you don't often see in other practitioners (want to schedule you for ongoing appointments long term, etc). He is also super flexible with scheduling as he has often been able to fit my boyfriend and I in last minute. read more

Mike is a great person! I have benefited from his treatments for years. If you need help give Mike a chance to help you!

Dr. Michael Woodworth is a Godsent. My family and I recommend him to everyone we know because the results have been phenomenal.

I had a bike accident Feb 2020 which resulted in a concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury. I suffer from dizziness, headaches, and shoulder pain to name a few. I had physical therapy and vestibular ocular therapy but it wasn't helping much. Finally, in Jan 2021 my physical therapist referred me to get acupuncture treatment. My insurance does not cover acupuncture so I had to do my research to find the most cost effective acupuncture care in the San Diego North County area. Despite finding less expensive acupuncturists, I decided to go with Mike. What made me chose Mike is his intensive study in this field and his expertise in TBI. So far, I have had 3 treatments and each treatment has definitely made a positive difference. The pain is subsiding and symptoms are lessening. Mike also provides instructional videos for mobility and stability rehab. I was provided a herbal supplement during my treatment to help deal with sleep and digestion issues and it has been effective with no side effects. The cost is worth it because of the quality and effectiveness of the treatments. Booking appointments is also very easy. I am also impressed with how prompt Mike responds to questions via email. I've also asked Mike for advice and his opinions on various tools i.e pillows, gua sha, massage gun and feel that he gives his honest opinion and doesn't encourage it if it isn't beneficial. read more

Michael's expertise with orthopedic acupuncture and ART is unmatched. During my career as a professional triathlete I have experienced a wide array of treatment from physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists. But I must say that the treatment I received at Natural Solutions Acupuncture far exceeded anything I have previously encountered. After a sudden flare up of my ITB, I was extremely impressed with Michael's ability to correct the issue in one quick visit. Furthermore, his attentiveness and flexibility with scheduling allowed for a much faster rebound than I expected. I will definitely be returning for tune ups and any issue that arise in the future. read more

I was referred to Natural Solutions by MROC Training center in Oceanside because it was the week before my first Spartan race and I had a lot of pain in my lower right leg muscles around the calf and tibia. I received one session of acupuncture and some active release treatment 3 days before the race and went on to race with no pain at all! I was amazed! This stuff really works and the professional treatment and knowledge is unparalleled by other "fad" treatments. I highly recommend Natural Solutions Acupuncture to anyone from competitive athletes to the average Joe just looking to be more mobile with less body pain. read more

Mike is the real deal. In April 2014 I had anterior talofibular ligament reconstructive surgery and had a rough recovery. After a year in PT with continued swelling and very little activity I went on Yelp to find an acupuncturist, and found Mike. In the first appointment he diagnosed me with poor blood circulation by looking at my tongue and my pulse. He put my on a daily regimen of herbal supplements, of which the formula got stronger as my rehab continued. I saw him twice a month, and he would use dry needling, acupuncture, heat lamps, moxa, ART and Graston to help get the blood flowing in my body. I also had digestion problems, which he addressed in the herbs and the acupuncture. He also sent me home with my own moxa stick to further enhance blood flow in between sessions. I received treatment from Mike for my ankle for about 6 months (I averaged about 2 visits per month). It takes time to build healthy circulating red blood. He is all about getting you healthy again - recovery, not maintenance. I wish I have before and after pictures of my ankle. Before it was swollen and purple. Now it looks fairly normal and feels great. Now I am doing calisthenics for 30 min 3 times a week, and walking 10,000+ steps 3-4 days a week. I wear compression socks everyday, which help, but I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Mike. I've had some problems with the soft tissue and muscles in my calves since starting up activity again last year and Mike diagnosed some imbalances and suggested corrective exercises to do at home. Anytime I have a problem I think Mike can help with, he will be first on my call list. read more

True healers are hard to come by. Michael has a comprehensive and unique holistic approach to health, that very few health practitioners do. I make it a point to visit him whenever I'm in SoCal. I highly recommend Michael and his services. read more

I sought Michael's help for chronic hamstring tendinopathy, specifically, needling of the area and have seen him 4x for that condition. There has been a marked improvement in the condition and through discussions with him, I think I have a better idea how and why it started. I'm hopeful that I can correct the muscle imbalances that have caused this and I can thank Michael for guiding me there. Michael is professional, yet accessible. He uses a combination of tools to treat the problem; acupuncture, Graston, FMS, and Active Release Technique among them. He showed me numerous strategies to employ at home to assist in my treatment. If you plan on seeing Michael, please know that you are an active participant in your treatment and you will improve by working on yourself with his support. He has been honest, clear, and prompt in his communication with me via email and is a good listener in the clinic. I cannot recommend Michael highly enough and I hope to count on him as a resource in my own career in sports medicine. Thanks, Michael! read more

I went in to see Michael because I dropped a coffee cup on the top of my foot.... OUCH! Overtime my toes became so sore as well from the permanent lump/injury on top of my foot! My toes felt like they had been burned! I'm a Naturopathic practitioner myself so I'm aware of various treatments, etc, but this was out of my scope of practice, and I was extremely concerned I wouldn't be able to continue my daily workouts. I saw Michael for 3 treatments, but my foot was already out of pain, the permanent bump I had on top of my foot was about gone and this was after just two sessions! I went in for my 3rd session because that's what he suggested and I'm here to tell you his work and knowledge was impressive to say the least! I'm a believer and will continue to refer others from here on out! TY Michael you are amazing! read more

Michael is great. I've been seeing him for various sports related injuries since 2012. As a competitive athlete I'm always pushing my body past it's limit. Natural Solutions has kept me going through all the aches and pains through a combination of ART, Acupuncture, and herbal therapy. Specifically, I've seen great results for lower back, IT band, and shoulder related problems. read more

I started going to Michael Woodworth 3 years ago for active release technique (ART)deep tissue massage on my neck and shoulder. Michael's combination of acupuncture techniques and ART was able to open up my neck and shoulder and not only alleviate my pain, but enhance my performance. About a year after I began seeing Michael, I developed severe and chronic stomach pain that landed me in the hospital 3 separate times. It felt like someone was stabbing me in the stomach and involved intense vomiting. The doctors performed many different tests on my stomach and they could not provide me with an answer as to what was going on. They put me on 6 different medications and none of them worked at all. One day I went to see Michael for my usual ART visit and happened to mention to him that I was in the hospital just a couple days ago. Michael told me he wished I had told him earlier about my stomach problems. He told me exactly what he thought was going on with me and told me he could treat it. What ensued was nothing short of amazing. Michael was able to treat me with a combination of acupuncture and herbs that allowed me to get my stomach problems under control. I have not been anywhere near a hospital since, except for the birth of my daughter, which leads me into my next story about Michael. My wife and I were attempting to start a family and had been unsuccessful after one year of trying. I sent my wife to Michael for weekly fertility treatments and fertility herbs. After about 5 or 6 weekly visits, my wife became pregnant with our daughter. This was even less time than he told us it would take. As you can see, my experiences with Michael Woodworth have been nothing short of incredible. I have a great deal of trust in Michael and encourage anyone out there with a lingering health problem to give him a try. I promise you will not be disappointed. read more

Michael has taken are of me since my catastrophic horse accident in June 2011 when I shattered L2 and broke L5. After fusion I was told I would always have pain and limitations. Not so!! What I love is Michael listens and treats each patient individually. I live a very active lifestyle and my regular maintenance appointments allow me to live a pain free active healthy life. read more

Michael is hands down the best acupuncturist you will ever find. The guy never stops learning. whether its Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kiiko Style, herbs, he knows it all. His skills in Active Release Technique are unparalleled. I am a patient with systemic lupus and luckily found Michael right when I moved to Oceanside. I was a patient of his for nearly a decade before I moved back to the East Coast. I still consult with him about my health and order herbs through him exclusively. read more

All the other reviews are absolutely correct .... Pain that I have lived with for 20 years is all but a memory. I go see him 2 or 3 times a year or whenever I have something new cause me pain and it is usually fixed with 1 or 2 visits. read more