“I can’t sleep. I’m cranky all the time. I’m so hot, I can’t stand it. Nobody told me it would be this miserable!”
Eventually, every woman will go through “the change”. Whether a result of natural aging, surgery, or medications, menopause means a drastic reduction in the amount of estrogen a woman has in her body and leads to symptoms which can be minimal or miserable. Nearly 80% of women experience hot flashes. 1 in 4 experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. 20-40% of women experience palpitations. Sleep disturbances and irritability are common.
We offer an all-natural, simple process which relieves hot flashes, improves sleep, stabilizes mood, and more, all without hormones.
Our unique all natural process helps relieve all menopause symptoms including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Sleep disturbances
- Vaginal dryness
- Cramps
- Pelvic pain
- Sore joints
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- Palpitations
- Frequent urination
- Painful intercourse
- Migraines
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.
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.
We Help You Reduce Menopause Symptoms. Here’s How:
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We help restore your body’s temperature regulation system
Rate of hormone changes, illness, cancer treatment, medications, and even what you eat can make the difference between gracefully cruising through “the change” and being miserable. Our gentle treatments restore balance, turning on your body’s natural ability to regulate your temperature, replenish moisture, improve sleep quality, and calm irritability so you feel like yourself again.
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We have special techniques to relieve pain
We know that hormone decline can cause joint pain, migraines, stiffness, and even reduce bone density leading to increased risk of breaking a bone. You want to feel better fast, and our process is specially designed to relieve pain while stimulating your body’s natural healing system.
We use an all natural approach to relieving menopause symptoms
Your doctor may have told you that you have to live with hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain; or “this is as good as it gets”. That doesn’t mean there’s no solution, it just means your doctor has run out of ideas or there are no “conventional” treatments available. Our process does NOT use hormones, and does NOT stimulate hormone production, making it safe for everyone INCLUDING women using hormone-blocking medications.
We keep it simple
We know there’s a lot of information on line and a lot of confusion. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by everything out there. We’ve cut through the noise and developed a simple system which works.
Lisa is very knowledgeable and patient with all the aches and pains I bring to her. She’s helped me for a long time and I appreciate it. She has a great bedside manner and I always feel like I have her undivided attention. I highly recommend her.
***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.
Here’s How We Will Help Relieve Hot Flashes and Other Symptoms:

Free Consultation
At your free initial consultation you’ll meet with your clinician to discuss your case, your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and most importantly YOUR GOALS. We want to be certain that we can meet your needs and that there is a HIGH probability of success for you – BEFORE we move forward to the next step

Intake and First Treatment
Once your free consultation is complete, and we agree to move forward, your next step is the Intake appointment. At this appointment, your clinician will do a detailed assessment of your symptom pattern, medical history, and other factors to determine the root cause of your issue and devise a personalized treatment plan.
Your first acupuncture session will be performed at this visit, and a you will be given a treatment plan with exact, easy-to-follow instructions. Your treatment plan will include dietary and lifestyle adjustments as well as key supplements and herbal medicines to support your body through “the change” and beyond.
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Active Treatment and Symptom Resolution
You’ll return for once-weekly visits to ensure close support as you begin to feel the positive shifts of the therapy. We want to make sure your treatment plan is yielding the expected results.
You’ll receive acupuncture at each visit to relieve your symptoms and support your body’s natural healing system.

Transitional Care as Things Stabilize
Once we see stable improvements, we will begin to reduce the frequency of visits. This usually occurs after about 8-12 visits. Initially you’ll come every other week, then once a month for a couple of visits, then you will no longer need regular treatments.
We’ll be here in case you ever want to come in for a tune-up or to address other health concerns.
Of course, MANY of our patients do wish to continue with “ongoing maintenance” and we are happy to work that out with you, should that be your wish.
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Taking Care Of Your Friends and Loved Ones
We pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our new patients are referred to us by other patients or people in the community who have witnessed their friends and loved ones receive life-changing benefits from our work.
So, we very much look forward to helping YOUR friends, family, and loved ones on THEIR journey to a more joyful, energetic, purposeful life.
***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.
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.
How do I know it’s safe?
Acupuncture has been practiced safely for centuries, and in the hands of an experienced practitioner it’s virtually risk-free.
Is natural medicine REALLY powerful enough to help my hot flashes?
Yes! Natural medicine actually helps your body make more of its own medicine, which is more powerful and potent than any man-made drugs.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Can your treatment help my pain, too?
Yes! Again, acupuncture is extremely effective at changing the way the brain and the rest of the nervous system communicate, including how and when pain signals are sent. Acupuncture is great at breaking the cycle of pain, and we’ve helped hundreds of people reduce the intensity, duration, and frequency of pain.

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.