Testimonials

 

 "I was excited and nervous to start acupuncture. Excited at the possibility of pain relief, but nervous that it would be a painful process. After my first visit I became confident going into each session, knowing that I would soon be feeling better.   Katie was very professional, always starting our session with a check-in Q&A that gave me an opportunity to address changes or concerns. I felt confident in her knowledge and skill.  I quickly noticed my sharp lower back pain decrease and then go away completely.  I went once a week for acupuncture and message treatments for 5 weeks. I had been making OK progress on healing my back through traditional physical therapy, chiropractic, and daily exercise. However, the acupuncture treatments gave me a release from the pain that I was not able to find through the other methods.  Acupuncture changed my view on healing methods and I will continue to see it as a powerful medicine for injury recovery and pain management. The knowledge that this healing process is available allows me to adventure in life more freely than ever before." 

- Mitra Cline, graphic artist


 "Acupuncture is something that has always intrigued me; however, I was always hesitant to give it a try. After many, many months…maybe years… of trying massage, chiropractic, and traditional western medicine to alleviate my constant discomforts and lack of sensations in the left side of my body, I bid on a session with Katie at a silent auction. I am so glad to have won that prize. Katie made me feel very comfortable from the first visit and her thorough interview and attentiveness to my laundry list of issues was greatly appreciated. While the other caregivers I had seen did their job, I felt that Katie really tried to comprehend what I was saying and understand why these symptoms were occurring. I came to Katie during a particularly stressful time of my life and had several visits over a three month period where Katie performed massage, acupuncture, cupping and moxa treatments. During that time, I developed a case of shingles from the stresses in my life. Katie did  a moxa treatment on the rash and the pain and discomfort of that ailment immediately went away. The cupping and acupuncture combination relaxed knots in my muscles that deep tissue and self-massage with a ball were unable to kneed out. I found that during our sessions Katie and I would engage in conversation much more than I had done during previous massages. Talking about what was happening in life turned out to be very beneficial during that hectic time. Katie also suggested Epsom salt baths and other things such as yoga that I can do on my own between visits and they have really helped. I am relatively pain free now but when the ills of being a desk jockey surmount, a rejuvenating session with Katie is a phone call away."

- Michael,  Engineer, Athlete and Husband in Santa Barbara

 
   “I was in significant pain with my shoulder. Katie recognized that some of it originated in my neck and convinced me to use acupuncture to work on my neck and shoulders. She very professionally explained how she would place needles in the stiff portions of my neck to totally relax the muscles that would then relax the shoulders. She successfully “needled” the stiff sore muscles and achieved significant pain relief and muscle relaxation. She then followed the acupuncture with a massage that enabled me to overcome the pain and play on schedule. She was easy to schedule an appointment with and went out of her way to work around my schedule and make our appointments convenient. She also worked on my son and daughter and helped them to be free of pain in their backs and shoulders."

- A Santa Barbara Polo Player
(my first injury-free polo season in 17 years!)


"Katie Cleary, oh how I love you , let me count the ways:
1. When I met you, I was in chronic pain, using painkillers and smoking 
and getting no exercise.  Now, I am biking or hiking everyday, living pain-
free as long as I listen to you, and have been smoke-free since 
February of last year.
2.  I like to call you my reset button, because when life gets too complicated 
for my brain to process, I come see you and through visualization and 
contemplation, you help me put things into perspective and organize 
my priorities.
3.  If ever I am feeling sorry for myself and unmotivated to stay on the path, 
you gently (sometimes) remind me that it is all in MY head and I have the 
power of choice for myself.
4.  I have been a chef for 13 years now and have never had so few back, 
knee and wrist problems as I do now.  YOU + EPSOM SALT = happy body!
5.  I love to be your client and friend, because you are sincere, a true healer 
and a strong woman presence in this world. Thank you for everything, 
you amazing , beautiful, magical creature.  Love you,"

- Chef Crystal "Pink" Harris
Santa Barbara


"Just a note to thank you - profusely - for the body treatment you
gave me while I was in SB.  You should know that 
my shoulder/neck issue is nearly completely gone with one treatment!  
You gave me what I wanted - relief from that nuisance before our 
baby arrives.  I have told my friends and family that your treatment was 
THE BEST I have ever received.  The extra love you infused did not hurt, 
either.  I'll see you next time I'm in SB.  Much love,"

- Jasmine Friedman, 
Boston, MA


"My ideal massage therapist is someone who:

· Is competent in her field
· Is professional
· Understands the human anatomy
· Listens to my needs
· Will work on problem areas and ask questions to determine if she is
targeting the specific problem
·  Knows when to have conversation and when to let me relax quietly
· Is compassionate and sensitive
· Has strong hands when needed
· Is consistent with her care time after time
· Is a healthy person herself and is very knowledgeable about health and wellness
· Doesn’t push her own philosophy on patients, but shares if asked
· Exhibits a quality lifestyle and quality values
· Sends me off feeling so very much better than when I arrive

Katie is all of this AND MORE. 
I am grateful and privileged to have found her."  

- Sondra K. Jacoby
Retired Executive Director
Santa Barbara County Medical Society


"I have several really good reasons why I highly recommend Katie Cleary and a couple of anecdotes will illustrate these.  When I first saw Katie, I thought I might be sliding into a 'middle age metabolism' situation. I’m pretty sure my regular doctor would not have had much to tell me. Katie did a careful diagnosis, then a few rounds of acupuncture, a course of herbs, some massage, and some lifestyle conversations (including a recommendation for yoga). Within a couple months I felt about ten years younger. Katie brings a very broad knowledge and perspective into her practice. She can help cure what your regular doctor has no way to even diagnose.

The second anecdote is this. I’ve been fortunate to get away for a week to a very special vacation spot on Kona every year for several years. I always felt refreshed, recharged, and relaxed at the end of the week, and ready for another year on the job. Last year, the Kona trip did not work out (and this month the resort was greatly damaged by the tsunami; it might never reopen :-( ). I went for a massage with Katie and she asked me what I wanted. I said, “I need your ‘week in Kona’ treatment.” I told her about missing my vacation. An hour later, I honestly felt as good as I do after a whole week in Hawaii. Sometimes I still ask for and get my week in Kona in just one hour.
What a find!"


- Bruce, Digital Media
Santa Barbara


"After getting a massage, acupuncture and/or cupping from Katie you...

...will feel like you have been on a 2-week vacation to paradise.
...will feel like you felt when you were 16 and nothing could stress
you out.
...will be able to put up with whatever life throws at you.
...will be in sync with the universe.
...can tell your guardian angel you won't need her for a while.
...will feel like you have been walking on clouds.


Just get one and you will understand what we are talking about."

- Sybille & Christian
Santa Barbara


 "There are many talented therapists around.  There are a handful that combine multiple types of treatments such as acupuncture and massage.  However very few combine a true mind, body, and spiritual treatment with the care and follow-through of Katie Cleary.  What I first noticed when meeting Katie is her immediate ‘presence’.  The session begins the moment she greets you.  Katie asks questions and shares her perspective so openly that you immediately feel a sense of comfort and security – a feeling that often takes several appointments to achieve.

The combination of tenderness and strength that Katie bestows on her clients is unique and relaxes the body with the same ease and comfort.  I realized as I relaxed on the table that Katie had already learned so much about me and my ‘current’ state.  And that knowledge was about to be applied to the 'physical’ treatment.

Katie began the session with a moment of aromatherapy – subtle and effective.  The massage itself was complete and since Katie has a strong physiological understanding of the body, the focus was on the areas of my body that needed it most – again in that moment.   From there, Katie finished with precision acupuncture that rejuvenated and tied the entire
experience together. 

I have since had several additional sessions with Katie and each time, I've always fallen asleep.   That is the ultimate indication of true comfort and complete surrender.  People often comment on how alive and refreshed I seem for hours and even days after sessions with Katie.  I am in gratitude and appreciate for your work and the sharing of your gifts with
                your community."                  

Sincerely,  Jacques Habra
Santa Barbara


"Anyone who’s experienced low back pain understands the motivation of seeking pain relief via multiple methods. From chiropractors to psychic healers, I’ve tried it all.  In early March I suffered an acute exacerbation causing low back weakness and knifing pains that made my back buckle and forced me to turn to using a cane to stay upright.  My dear friend lovingly insisted I consider seeing Katie because her own pain and numbness (neck/shoulders/arms/hands) completely resolved following just a few treatments.  In addition, she had overcome a long term smoking habit!  I was impressed!  Although I had tried acupuncture in years past, I was surprised and intrigued by my friend’s amazing results, so I called the next day and scheduled (though I must admit I was skeptical).  I just knew I needed to listen to the small voice within telling me to make the call—I also knew I had nothing to lose by trying a few appointments.

At my first appointment I was astonished when Katie confidently assured me that I'd feel some sort of relief within 4-6 appointments.  I just couldn’t imagine it.  However…a much bigger part of me longed to trust in that confidence.  As she skillfully began her treatment, I was pleased and comforted by her calm, gentle, positive energy.  Her supportive words to breathe in deeply and visualize my body healing, felt reassuring and caring.  She encouraged me to try to identify any feelings connected with the pain (anger immediately surfaced, overwhelming frustration and then fear).  Clearly, Katie is in touch with her Higher Self, and this assisted me greatly in aligning my mind with my Higher Self so that movement could happen.  It was at that point, I consciously chose to accept that I could be free of pain.

Last Monday, 3/15, was my third (3rd) acupuncture appointment. Although I rarely feel anything when she inserts the needles, the simple act of getting on and off the treatment table always triggers knifing pains.  During this third appointment, however, I experienced many new and good “unusual sensations” with the placement of some of the needles--almost as if a positive energy or power was awakening or nurturing deadened or lifeless areas in my low back.  That night, miraculously, I slept peacefully through the entire night for a change.  On waking and rising in the morning, I immediately noticed that there was no pain.  I was able to walk across the room without my back/hip buckling!  I did not have to rely on my cane the entire rest of this week!

Something major shifted!  This is the Miracle I prayed for!  My heart is so full of gratitude I cannot stop smiling.  I feel borderline giddy with JOY.  My pain has lessoned 70-80% in three appointments!  Of course, everyone around me notices.  Coworkers are in disbelief--yet tremendously relieved for me.  I cannot wait to see Katie tomorrow.  She is a gift to Santa Barbara.  She has every right to feel confident about her abilities.  I believe she allows a Higher Power to work through her to help create miracles.  Of course, we do our part, too, in believing and accepting our own good but I highly recommend her to everyone I know.  I adore her!!"

Elizabeth (Buffy) Kapp, Chairperson
SB Legal Secretaries Association


"I just wanted to thank you Katie for such a fully professional and completely effective experience during my recent visit to your office.  I especially appreciated the specific and intentional attention you paid to my unique physical concerns.  You have a perfect blend of being inquisitive and listening and it seemed as though you were actually doing much of the listening with your “hands” as well as with your ears!  That is largely a testament to your knowledge, experience, intuition and skill.  Your skills both in massage and acupuncture were executed with such care and sensitivity that I felt as if I were about to drift away.  It has now been a couple of weeks since my last treatment with you and I feel completely aligned and without any discomfort whatsoever…again a tribute to your outstanding work!  I have already referred several of my friends and colleagues to you.
Thank you again!"

Paul T, Goleta


"Katie has an amazing healing touch.  She's a gifted acupuncturist and she really goes the extra mile to care for her patients.  My treatment with her is the highlight of my week, nothing I have ever done has left me feeling so relaxed.  Also, after just one session with Katie my wife was relieved of all the pain and stress her pregnancy was causing her.  Her treatment literally helped make her a brand new woman.  Thank you so much."

Abraham Hopkins,
Web Developer


"I'm so grateful to Katie, for being so loving and making time in her busy schedule for my most recent appointment.  She treats body, mind and spirit. And she's so loving.  I especially appreciate that she's a great listener, not only for what I'm saying but also for what's possible.  After my visits, I'm relaxed, refreshed and ready for anything.  Before my last visit, I could barely stand up in so much pain, not to mention lay down.  I had never tried acupuncture before, not for a particular reason, but now I know that it works! Together with the massaging and cupping, the pain went away.  When her work was finished, I was so happy to finally be
laying flat, relaxed and without pain."

Thanks,
Isaac Hernandez, Artist/Photographer


"I thoroughly enjoy my visits with Katie. It is always a great break from the day to day stress. A moment of pause in my hectic schedule to relax.  Katie is always very professional in her approach to treatment. She asked alot of questions and always kept detailed notes for future treatments. She listened attentively in order to treat whatever may have been bothering me.
 
I am a chef and I was experiencing some hand pain that was symptomatic of carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. This made it very difficult for me to work. I was skeptical of acupuncture at first but I thought I would give it a shot before trying to visit a hand surgeon. Within 3 visits my hand pain had completely subsided. Katie also provided me with an array of hand exercises for further strengthening. I have had no further issues with hand pain. 
 
I also received massage and "cupping" treatments for some back tightness. Both were also very effective treatments and great relief
from the strain of daily physical labor."
 
- Ron Varenchik, Chef


"I have been seeing Katie for several months and feel extremely satisfied with her massages. I always look forward to my visits because, without fail, I walk away feeling much better. I only get hands on massage, not acupuncture, so I can only address the massage aspect.

Katie is very professional in her approach, initially checking in to see what my physical concerns may be, and then addresses them very competently. She has strong hands, adapts different modalities to suit my needs, and comes to each session with positive and healing energy.
I would highly recommend Katie to any of my friends."          

- Tinka Anjali Sloss, M.F.T.


"I always look forward to my sessions with Katie.  They are therapeutic, both physically and emotionally.  They are my "break" from the outside world.  Katie is a very good listener.  If she needs clarification, she asks for it; she is also very comfortable with silence and she's very intuitive. 

I feel absolutely fantastic after a session with Katie; the combination of massage with acupuncture is truly complementary.  I was initially skeptical about the use of acupuncture for cravings but it certainly seems to work, so much so that I'd like to see her participate in a research study and see the results published in the appropriate medical journals."

- Baillie Brown, Philanthropist


"I love acupuncture! When I first started seeing Katie for acupuncture it was for a very specific reason, however after 10 sessions I received more than I could have ever expected. From the very first session, Katie created an environment of comfort, peace and healing. She is always conscious of the space that I am in and seems to magically balance my energy. She uses massage, acupuncture and aromatherapy techniques to create a complete body work session every time and each visit is specific to what the moment calls for. I have never experienced a treatment like it. 

I feel truly blessed to have been introduced to Katie for she has had an indescribable impact on my well-being."

- Alison Hensley, Farmer and Food Expert


"Having been blessed with the opportunity to experience massages around the world, ranging from Japan to Italy to Bali, it has been a delight to experience the professionalism and dedication that Katie provides
as a massage therapist. 

Her ability to utilize both technical and spiritual skills in determining how to restore the body back to a healthy balance is a true gift.   In specific, my extremely painful right forearm challenge that arose from a tennis incident has been rectified by her skill.  Lucky me!  It is immediately apparent that she has an extremely high level of integrity and transfers her passion for her work to all of her clients. I recommend Katie and her
massage work without reservation..."

-Kathryn Eisler LeMay, Ph.D.


"Katie Cleary is a natural body worker, both skilled and talented in massage and acupuncture.  As an acupuncturist she has devoted herself to community service and perfecting a needle technique that is "pain-free".  When I go into a treatment with Katie I know that I will feel better when I leave.  Katie uses tools both practical and pragmatic.  She is well-versed in supporting her patients in making crucial lifestyle changes to achieve even greater health. Katie is kind and devoted to transforming herself and everyone she meets to be the best they can be."

- Amy Baird L.Ac
Colleague, Patient, Friend


"Katie!!! Thank you SO much for my incredible treatment last week. Unbelievable. I've never experienced such INSTANT relief from accupuncture! Ha! You're amazing!  And I LOVE your space! Such a wonderful place for healing. Thank you MUCHO! Can't wait for tomorrow's session!"

- Tobin Poppenberg, Professional Photographer


"Thanks to you, dear Katie, my lifetime of chronic allergies are now on the wane, with your prescription of herbs and acupuncture the results have been better than any conventional treatment (and it's been less than a week!).  I didn't really expect it to work, and now I'm kicking myself for not doing this treatment sooner. Also the treatment for my back spasm (mishap over Turkey day) is working great!"

- Mark Rumer, CTO


"My session with Katie was awesome.  In the midst of pins in my ears, foot, and head (it sounds painful but it isn't!) I came up with the possibility of being Passionate, Connected, and Awake.  I have been happier than I can remember for the past 3 days since her treatment - go figure?"

- Raj Sundra, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur


"Katie, your treatment today was so complete, so tender, I feel taken care of and like all of my aches and pains have Melted away!
Thank you for the healing that you are!"

- Leanne Keller, LAc.


"Katie, your treatments were the best gift I could have given myself for the holidays!  The feeling of serenity and relaxation that I leave with every time is worth millions.  Who needs to meditate when you've got Katie! (just kidding).  I still can't get over my last acupuncture treatment with you - it was truly magical how during a really difficult time, one hour on your table and I left without a care in the world, my mind clear and my body at peace.  It was the most drastic impact I've ever experienced from bodywork - yet so gentle at the same time.  And as if that weren't enough, I got a true friend out of the deal.  You are one of the most loving, authentic, wise and genuinely generous people I've ever met, and your words, together with your touch, have impacted me profoundly.  I feel totally cared for, loved and empowered as your client and friend. 
THANK YOU KATIE!!!"

Jennifer Pendergast, Entrepreneur, Visionary



Are YOU a client who would like to write a testimonial
for my website?
Please email it to me at
sbacupuncturist@gmail.com

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