Welcome to Balboa Park Holistic Wellness Center!
We’re located on Balboa Park at 2310 6th Ave. San Diego, 92101.
Led by licensed acupuncturist and breast cancer survivor Lisa Nicholson, we combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and patient advocacy to help patients feel better, heal more effectively, and navigate complex health challenges with confidence. Conditions we help with include:
My prostate cancer was stage 4 when it was found. I had surgery followed by radiation which left me with pain, incontinence, and difficulty maintaining an erection. I was also given hormone therapy which gave me hot flashes, mood swings, and horrible brain fog. I took some time out from work while I was recovering from the surgery and going through radiation, but the brain fog was making it so hard to focus I was concerned about being able to do my job. Lisa was very thorough in her evaluation, listened to all of my concerns, and her treatments helped relieve my pain, decreased the hot flashes, and best of all, helped me be able to concentrate again. I’ll definitely go back if I have other health concerns!
Lisa’s approach is gentle and knowledgeable. I relaxed just being in her presence and the results from the session lasted long after the session was over.
I want to thank you so much for your healing treatment as well as for recommending I see my chiropractor. I feel so much better after one visit!
***Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors.
Find out what we can do to help you.
($25 deposit is required to hold your slot, which will be refunded or applied to your intake appointment if you choose to work with us.)
Click now to request your free consultation.
Or, just call 619-772-4002 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
Why Patients Chose Lisa Nicholson, L.Ac.
Licensed Acupuncturist
25+ years helping patients
Former rehabilitation counselor
Breast cancer survivor
Author and patient advocate
Special expertise in cancer treatment support and survivorship
I have received wonderful service from Lisa. She listens to your health concerns and she knows the connecting points for your problem. The atmosphere is so positive in the office. I am so glad I found her office
I have suffered with lower back pain for over 10 years, the result of several ruptured discs. While attending police academy, I began to experience severe back pain that was so debilitating, I thought I would be dropped from academy. A friend recommended Lisa to me and after just two treatments I was pain free. I was able to finish academy and I have continued to see Lisa over the years whenever my back flares up. Wearing a 25 pound duty belt all day would be excruciating without acupuncture.
I have been experiencing a chronic Siatic nerve condition for more than 4 months that inhibits me to rest or sleep as you normally will do. Have attended several physical therapist and taken pain killers to aliviate the condition but no improvement. Yesterday I attended the first treatment I and i can honestly say that last night was the first night ever that i was able to sleep and rest better than any treatment or pills. The service was excellent and very professional. Therapist is very knowledgeable and experience. I highly recommend. Take it from someone that has living with pain 24 hrs, 7 days a week from more than 4 months!!!”
***Individual results vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied and your results will depend on many factors.
What Others Are Asking
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture uses tiny needles - about the thickness of a cat's whisker. While there can be some sensation during the needle insertion, it should not be painful and the sensations are quick.
Will I have to keep doing treatment with you forever?
Most patients experience a solution to their problem in 2-3 months. After that, many choose to come in for regular maintenance visits. My goal is to get you to where you no longer need treatment and will be so happy with your results you’ll send me all your friends and family. Of course, you’re ALWAYS welcome to keep coming for as long as you love it and it helps you feel good!
Are there any side effects?
The “worst” side effects are bruising and/or mild soreness where the needles were inserted, and these are extremely rare. There are many “positive” side effects including calmer mood, better sleep, improved digestion, increased relaxation, and a more positive attitude and outlook.
Is there any risk of infection?
In compliance with California and Federal regulations, our needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable. There is no risk of getting an infection from the needles. If you have an immune or other condition we should know about, we’ll make sure to cover that with you before treatment.
Can acupuncture help with hot flashes after breast cancer?
Yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. We can also recommend easy to implement diet and lifestyle changes which can help with this.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
First, we'll chat. We'll talk about your current concerns, your medical history, and review any labs or pathology reports you bring, and we'll create a plan for working together. Next, we'll do a physical examination. It may include looking at your tongue, taking your pulse, feeling muscles or joints, assessing range of motion or other measures of function. Finally, we'll do your first treatment. You'll lie on a table, usually with clothes on, and we'll insert needles into the points which are appropriate for you. You'll rest for about 30 minutes while the needles do their work, and then we'll remove the needles. Depending on your concern, we may use other modalities like massage or cupping before scheduling your next visit.
Can acupuncture help after surgery?
Yes! Acupuncture can help immediately with post-surgical pain, and patients who receive acupuncture often regain mobility faster than patients who don't. Our patients typically report sleeping more comfortably after an acupuncture visit. Better sleep means better healing which is great news.
Longer after the procedure, acupuncture can help to reduce pain and adhesions in your scars, and can support restoration of range of motion and strength as you return to normal activity.
Will your treatment mess with my medication?
I always review medications before making treatment recommendations to make sure that there are no unwanted interactions. Sometimes what I do actually makes your medication work better!
Is acupuncture safe during radiation treatment?
Absolutely! Of course, we don't put needles where the treatment is occurring. Points on the arms and legs can be used to relieve pain and clear the lingering sensation of heat caused by radiation.
How long does it take to see results?
People often feel a shift after the very first treatment, but lasting results require a series of visits. Acupuncture is a very powerful way to stimulate endorphin release, which is the most powerful relaxing substance the body makes. Most people experience significant relief within 2-3 months of consistent treatment.
Can acupuncture help neuropathy?
Studies have shown that acupuncture is at least as effective as the lowest dose of commonly used medications for relief of pain, numbness, and tingling from neuropathy.
The research shows mixed results for how beneficial acupuncture is for preventing neuropathy from occurring during chemotherapy. While we can't prevent it entirely, our patients routinely tell us that their doctors are impressed with how little difficulty they are having with neuropathy relative to their other patients.
Does my insurance cover it?
Every insurance plan is different. While we are not “in-network” with most insurance plans, we will provide you with the paperwork you need to submit bills for our services. Many plans have at least some acupuncture benefit, and you can also use flexible spending plans and HSA funds for your treatments.
Will I be able to go back to work after a treatment?
Treatments are painless, and do not interfere with your daily function. You will probably feel more relaxed following a treatment which may make your work day go more smoothly!
Can acupuncture help during chemotherapy?
Yes! Studies show that acupuncture is one of the most effective tools for managing side effects of chemotherapy including nausea/vomiting, chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and pain. It's safe and effective.
About Lisa Nicholson, L.Ac
Lisa Nicholson, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and the founder of Balboa Park Holistic Wellness Center in San Diego, California. For more than 25 years, she has helped patients manage chronic pain, neurological conditions, women’s health concerns, and the physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment and survivorship.
Lisa has developed a special focus in integrative oncology, providing evidence-informed acupuncture to support people before, during, and after cancer treatment. She regularly works with patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), cancer-related pain, hot flashes associated with endocrine therapy, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, and other treatment-related side effects. Her approach is collaborative, complementing conventional medical care and encouraging open communication with each patient’s oncology team.
What distinguishes Lisa’s practice is not only her clinical experience, but also her personal understanding of the cancer journey. As a breast cancer survivor, she has firsthand experience navigating diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and survivorship. While personal experience is never a substitute for professional training, it has deepened her appreciation for the emotional, physical, and practical challenges her patients face every day.
Before becoming an acupuncturist, Lisa spent eight years working as a rehabilitation counselor, helping people navigate complex medical systems and life-changing diagnoses. That background continues to shape her practice today. She believes one of the most important parts of her role is helping patients understand their options, ask informed questions, and feel more confident participating in their own healthcare decisions.
At Balboa Park Holistic Wellness Center, every treatment plan is individualized. Rather than relying on standardized protocols, Lisa considers each person’s diagnosis, medical history, medications, treatment timeline, lifestyle, and goals to create a personalized plan of care. Her philosophy is simple: listen carefully, explain clearly, and provide compassionate, evidence-informed acupuncture that supports the whole person—not just the diagnosis.
Whether someone is newly diagnosed with cancer, recovering from treatment, living with neuropathy, or seeking relief from chronic pain, Lisa’s goal is to help patients improve their quality of life through thoughtful, personalized care grounded in both clinical experience and genuine compassion.
Find out what we can do to help you.
($25 deposit is required to hold your slot, which will be refunded or applied to your intake appointment if you choose to work with us.)
Click now to request your free consultation.
Or, just call 619-772-4002 and we'll be happy to answer your questions.
