About ActiveMed
Our collaborative team consists of experienced, reputable, and multidimensional practitioners who put your health first. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of compassionate and effective healthcare. We believe in an integrative approach to medicine and treat the "whole person," including mind, body, and spirit. Your health is our priority.
Integrative Medicine
We believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. We offer acupuncture, massage therapy, functional medicine, physical therapy, and axon therapy.
All Services
We pair a combination of treatment regimens specific to each patient and their needs. We do not believe in treating problems that do not exist but aiding in the advancement of overall health as a top priority.
Experience Healing and Balance at ActiveMed Integrative Health Center
Welcome to ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, your trusted destination for holistic healing and wellness through expert acupuncture services in Poway, CA. We believe true health is achieved by treating the root cause of imbalances rather than just managing symptoms. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, personalized care that supports your body’s natural ability to heal. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, or fatigue, our team of experienced acupuncturists is here to help. We combine time-tested techniques with modern integrative approaches to create a tailored treatment plan that meets your unique needs. At ActiveMed, you’ll find a warm, supportive environment where your wellness journey is always the top priority. Experience the difference holistic care can make.
Why Choose Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body to restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or looking to reduce stress, acupuncture can provide powerful and lasting relief.
At ActiveMed, we understand that every body is unique. That’s why our acupuncture treatments are tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Our licensed acupuncturists take the time to listen, assess, and create personalized treatment plans that support your journey to wellness.
Your Local Experts in Poway
Located conveniently in the heart of Poway, ActiveMed Integrative Health Center is proud to serve residents of North County San Diego with compassionate, expert care. We offer a peaceful and welcoming environment where you can relax, recharge, and experience the many benefits of acupuncture.
Whether you’re a busy professional, an active athlete, or someone simply looking for natural ways to feel better, our center is here to support you. Poway is known for its strong community values, and we’re honored to be part of that by offering services that improve the lives of our neighbors.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
Experienced Multi-Disciplinary Team
Led by Matt Alavi, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, our health and wellness clinics in Encinitas, Poway, and San Diego have multidisciplinary teams that represent years of clinical expertise and experience in alternative medicine. We have doctors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and more.
Therapies
Many of our therapies have been proven effective and have been used for thousands of years. Treatments such as Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine are just a few of those proven methodologies.
Comfortable Environment
Our comfortable facility and relaxing environment will also aid in building your health right from the cellular level. Come receive world-class care all under one roof, and make lifelong friendships at ActiveMed Integrative Health Center
Comprehensive Treatment
We offer comprehensive treatment plans that are made specific to your needs; these plans utilize an optimal combination of our therapies. We carefully factor in the nature of your pain, disorder, or disease, as well as your age and overall condition.
Schedule Your Visit Today!
Patients Love Our Staff
The team at ActiveMed brings an old but much needed mentality back into healthcare, which is the patient comes first. We are not just here to treat patients, we also take the time to get to know our patients. We believe healthcare does not stop with the physical but it is also an emotional connection between provider and patient.


Five stars.. not enough for what has been done for me. I know I have a road ahead but I know Dr. Matt, Dr. Karen, and Shawn have got me. Immense gratitude to ActiveMed. Oh PS..Make sure to check for Moses. Icing on the cake.


They all told me to to incorporate acupuncture into my recovery. I was a total skeptic, but when a spine surgeon tells you to try acupuncture, you try it…
When I first walked into the office and met Brett Rabin I could barely move. I’ve never felt so desperate for help in my entire life. Just touching my knees was not easy.
I’m not 100% out of the woods yet, but I cannot say enough good things about Brett and how he has helped me.
Thank You Brett…. You have been a huge part of me starting to feeling normal again and being able play with my kids again. I’m Grateful. 👊🏼

The office was pristine clean, the treatment I
Received for my fractured wrist helped and
Loved the topical herbs too. From the front
Desk to the technician it was a positive
Experience. I fell asleep for a few minutes
And had a lovely dream of a smiling 🌵 cactus.
I'm very hyper so anyone that puts me to
Sleep 💤 😴 is very excellent. Highly recommend
Patients Love Our Staff
The team at ActiveMed brings an old but much needed mentality back into healthcare, which is the patient comes first. We are not just here to treat patients, we also take the time to get to know our patients. We believe healthcare does not stop with the physical but it is also an emotional connection between provider and patient.
Testimonials
Acupuncture in Poway FAQs
- We use acupuncture by placing very thin needles at specific points to influence nerves, muscles, and connective tissue responses. The goal is often to support pain modulation and overall regulation, depending on our treatment plan.
- We usually feel little to no pain. We may notice mild pressure, tingling, warmth, or a dull ache at some points, and we stop or adjust if we feel sharp pain.
- We most commonly see acupuncture used for pain-related concerns (especially back and neck pain) and other symptoms where people want non-drug support. Evidence strength varies by condition.
- We have guideline-level support for acupuncture as a non-drug option for chronic low back pain, with evidence judged stronger for chronic than for acute low back pain.
- We usually expect the first visit to be longer because it includes intake and planning, while follow-ups are typically shorter and more treatment-focused. Session length varies by clinic and case complexity.
- We typically plan a short trial series, then reassess based on measurable change (pain, sleep, stress, function). Some people notice shifts quickly; others need multiple visits for stable improvement.
- We do best when we arrive hydrated, avoid alcohol beforehand, and eat a light meal if we tend to get lightheaded. We also bring our symptom timeline and medication/supplement list.
- We wear comfortable clothing that allows access to arms and lower legs. Some clinics provide draping or gowns; the key is easy access while maintaining comfort and privacy.
- We may have mild soreness, minor bleeding, or bruising at needle sites. These effects are usually short-lived, and we monitor for anything unusual or escalating.
- We consider acupuncture low risk when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Serious adverse events are rare but can occur with improper technique or nonsterile equipment.
- We get clearance first if we have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, have a pacemaker (for electroacupuncture), or are pregnant—because point selection and techniques may need modification.
We can sometimes receive acupuncture during pregnancy, but we need a practitioner experienced with pregnancy-safe protocols and we disclose pregnancy status because some points and techniques are avoided.
- We see coverage vary by plan and diagnosis. We verify benefits and any referral requirements before starting so we understand copays, visit limits, and documentation rules. (Coverage is plan-specific.)
- We can generally treat acupuncture as an eligible medical expense for tax purposes, and many FSA administrators list acupuncture as eligible with proper receipts.
- you can work with ActiveMed Integrative Health Center in Poway, which positions care as individualized and root-cause focused within an integrative clinic model.