Break free from
what holds you back.
Specialized acupuncture targeting the neurological and energetic roots of anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Not just symptom management — deep, lasting release from the inside out.
About this treatment
When the weight you carry
won’t lift on its own.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, grief — these are not simply psychological experiences. They live in the body. They alter the nervous system, disrupt hormonal balance, fragment sleep, and maintain a state of physiological alarm that no amount of willpower resolves.
Deep Emotional Release acupuncture works at exactly this level. By targeting specific neurological and energetic pathways, this treatment interrupts the body’s stress response, resets the nervous system, and facilitates the release of stored emotional patterns that maintain psychological distress.
This is not relaxation acupuncture. It is precision-targeted treatment for people ready to address the root of what they are carrying — not just its surface symptoms.
This treatment is for you if you are experiencing
Anxiety & nervous system dysregulation
Persistent anxiety, panic, hypervigilance, or a nervous system that cannot settle — even when life circumstances improve.
Unresolved trauma & grief
Trauma patterns, grief that doesn't move, post-traumatic stress, or emotional experiences that remain stuck despite therapy or time.
Depression & emotional flatness
Low motivation, disconnection, persistent low mood, or the sense that joy and energy are inaccessible.
Burnout & chronic stress
Adrenal depletion, exhaustion that doesn't resolve with rest, overwhelm, and the inability to fully recover between demands.
Insomnia & sleep dysregulation
Sleep disrupted by racing thoughts, anxiety, or an activated nervous system that won't quiet down at night.
The treatment approach
Three layers of healing
Dr. Lee’s emotional release treatment works simultaneously on the neurological, energetic, and somatic dimensions of emotional distress.
01
Nervous system reset
Targeted acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system and down-regulates the body’s chronic stress response — producing a measurable shift in physiological state that many patients feel within the first session.
02
Emotional blockage release
Classical Chinese medicine identifies specific energetic patterns associated with unresolved emotion. Precise needle placement at these points facilitates the release of stored emotional charge — often producing a profound sense of relief or movement during the session.
03
Somatic integration
The body holds what the mind cannot process alone. This treatment addresses the somatic dimension of emotional experience — releasing the physical tension, contraction, and dysregulation that maintain psychological distress between sessions.
Hear from Dr. Lee
Why acupuncture reaches what talk therapy alone cannot
Emotional distress is a whole-body experience — not just a mental one. In this explanation, Dr. Lee describes how precision acupuncture interrupts the neurological loops that maintain anxiety, trauma, and depression at the physiological level.
Drawing from her training in mental and emotional health acupuncture and her work presenting at UCLA and UC Berkeley, Dr. Lee explains why this approach consistently produces results that other interventions have not achieved alone.
Patient success stories
Lives changed from the inside out.
These patients came carrying burdens they had carried for years. Here is what happened.
Neuropathy & Anxiety → Relief
My feet have gotten tremendously better.
Patient · San Diego
Migraines & Lupus → Improved Mobility
I have a lot more mobility now. I don’t wobble as much.
Patient · San Diego
Pain → Resolved
I do not feel any pain when I walk. It’s like magic.
Patient · San Diego
Chronic Pain → Relief
It has been such a big difference. The pain is almost gone.
Patient · San Diego
What our patients say
Patient Success Stories
We put our heart and soul into everything we do. See what some of our patients have to say about how AcuSuccess has shaped their lives.
Condition: Sore and stiff right arm after a fall + ongoing fibromyalgia symptoms
Outcome: Arm became completely pain free after 3 weeks and fibromyalgia achiness diminished
"I came in with a very sore and stiff right arm & hard. I had injured it by falling. I also have ongoing problems with fibromyalgia. After 3 weeks my arm is completely pain free. My achiness from the fibromyalgia has diminished."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Anxiety, arthritis symptoms, headaches, and body pain.
Outcome: Improved overall health with reduced symptoms and ongoing relief through acupuncture treatments.
“Acupuncture has helped me improve my anxiety, arthritis symptoms, headaches and body pain. I look forward to my appointments. Dr. Lee is not only knowledgeable, but compassionate and great at what she does. Dr. Lee thank you for making your patients number one. Dr. Lee has done research on my symptoms, as well as tried special needles so she knows what it feels like. Thank you for improving my overall health.”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Severe leg pain and cramps not relieved by medications or other treatments.
Outcome: Pain and cramps remarkably decreased and overall condition greatly improved through treatment.
“When I first came here I had really bad leg pains and cramps but throughout the sessions my pain has remarkably decreased. Before my sessions nothing seemed to be helping my pain (medications, doctors, etc.). Dr. Lee was really good at explaining the procedures and communicating with me. I am extremely grateful for everything she’s helped me with. I feel so much better thanks to her treatments. Thank you!”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Extreme stomach pain.
Outcome: Stomach pain improved by 90% after just 1 treatment and patient felt relaxed and cared for.
“I saw Dr. Lee for extreme stomach pain. She was very thorough in her questioning and made me feel heard. She used a combination of TCM & Japanese style acupuncture that significantly decreased my stomach pain. The pain was 90% better after just 1 treatment! Her calm & warm presence as well as the acupuncture made me relaxed. I truly enjoyed the treatment!”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Fever, severe cough, and balance problems.
Outcome: Fever resolved, cough improved by 90%, and balance improved by 80% through acupuncture treatment.
“Acupuncture has helped me enormously. When I first came for treatment, I had a fever, severe cough, and problems with my balance. Today, my cough is 90% improved, my balance about 80% and the fever is gone. Dr. Lee was professional, knowledgeable and considerate. I would highly recommend acupuncture to anyone who is experiencing adverse effects from Western Medicine.”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Seafood poisoning causing red swollen itchy facial rashes, throat discomfort, and chest irritation.
Outcome: Throat cleared and rashes became less red after treatment, with immediate relief and improved comfort.
"I came to Dr. Lee due to seafood poison. The red, swelling itchy rashes appeared on my face. Also my chest and throat felt discomfort and irritable. After her needling, my throat became clear, and rashes became less red. Virginia needle way is light and comfort. I feel myself lucky receive her treatment today!"
San Diego, CA
Condition: Chronic migraines, allergies, and sinus problems.
Outcome: Migraines became less frequent, allergy and sinus symptoms improved, and medication use decreased.
"I have been getting migraines for many years. Since I have been coming, my migraines seem to be less frequent. I feel this acupuncture has been helping. I also have allergies, and get sinus problems. It has been helping. I’ve been taking less medication."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Chronic disease requiring ongoing care and treatment adjustments.
Outcome: Improved condition with personalized treatment, increased comfort, and supportive ongoing care.
"Dr. Lee is very knowledgeable and always answers all my questions and concerns. She has helped me with my chronic disease over the course of my time spent with her. She has always made sure I was comfortable with the treatment plan and made adjustments when necessary. My level of care and comfort was always her top priority that I truly appreciate and admire."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Anxiety, stress, and feeling emotionally imbalanced from managing school and family responsibilities.
Outcome: Felt relaxed, calm, emotionally balanced, and experienced immediate relief after treatment.
"I went in for treatment because I was having some anxiety and was feeling very imbalanced trying to juggle school and family. Dr. Lee asked inquisitive questions and I felt like she was really attentive & listened to what I was saying. The treatment itself was painless and she had very good hands & I instantly felt the Qi stimulated & move. I was very relaxed & felt waves of calmness. I will definitely be coming again and highly recommend her skills."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Multiple ongoing health problems requiring supportive care.
Outcome: Experienced effective treatment, compassionate care, and consistent support for overall wellness.
"Dr. Lee is kind and courteous and great at doing my ear points with the needles or seeds. 😀 She is always thorough and concerned with my many health problems, and a very caring person."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Low back pain and low energy levels.
Outcome: Received relief and support through a difficult time with improved energy and back condition.
"Dr. Lee is a very kind, smart, and knowledgeable person. She has worded on my low back problem, has helped through a tough time. She has also helped with my low energy problem."
San Diego, CA
Condition: General health concerns requiring ongoing treatment and care.
Outcome: Consistently felt great and experienced positive results after treatments with attentive and compassionate care.
"Dr. Lee is always so attentive and is very kind and sympathetic. Her needling is very good and I always feel great after her treatment."
San Diego, CA
Condition: Receiving acupuncture treatment with concern about comfort during needling.
Outcome: Experienced painless, comfortable treatments with a calm and reassuring care experience.
“Dr. Lee has a pleasantly calm demeanor and is friendly. She is very good at inserting the needles without pain.”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Health concerns requiring knowledgeable guidance and personalized treatment.
Outcome: Felt comfortable, supported, and confident in the treatment approach through compassionate and attentive care.
“Dr. Lee’s attention to detail and genuine care & concern made me immediately comfortable. Any questions or concerns that I had, she answered and approached with knowledge and a sense of what the source and treatment of my problem would be. Her patience and attitude of service & compassion will make her a healing asset for many now and in the future. I thank her for every moment I’ve had around her.”
San Diego, CA
Condition: Recurring hip pain and flare-ups.
Outcome: Hip pain improved significantly after 2 acupuncture treatments and patient felt ready to resume normal activities.
“Dr. Lee does amazing work for my hip pain. I have hip pain from time to time, and sometimes it just flare out. She did 2 acupuncture treatments and I am good to go. Thank you.”
San Diego, CA
"Anxiety medication cut in half — sleeping again"
I was deeply skeptical. My anxiety had been severe for three years and I had tried everything. The combination of acupuncture and herbal evaluation completely changed the picture. I sleep through the night now.
K.R. · Carmel Valley · Anxiety → Controlled
"Trauma I had carried for years started to release"
After two sessions I noticed something I hadn’t felt in a long time — lightness. It’s difficult to explain but the weight I’d been carrying started to shift. This is unlike anything else I’ve tried.
M.P. · Del Mar · Trauma Release
"Burnout recovery — energy returning after months"
I had nothing left. Completely depleted. Six weeks of treatment and my energy started coming back in a way that rest alone was not producing. My nervous system finally feels like it belongs to me again.
C.H. · Encinitas · Burnout → Recovery
Your questions answered
Frequently asked
Can acupuncture really help with emotional and psychological conditions?
Yes — and there is a growing body of clinical evidence supporting it. Acupuncture has measurable effects on the autonomic nervous system, cortisol levels, neurotransmitter function, and the regulation of the HPA axis. These are the same physiological systems involved in anxiety, depression, and trauma response.
Does this replace therapy or medication?
No — and it is not intended to. Deep Emotional Release acupuncture works most powerfully in conjunction with other care, including therapy and medication where relevant. Many patients find that acupuncture enhances the effectiveness of therapy by reducing the physiological intensity of emotional experiences.
What does the session feel like?
Most patients experience deep relaxation within the first 15 minutes. Some report emotional releases during the session — tears, a sense of release, or profound stillness. These are all normal and expected responses. Dr. Lee creates a safe, private environment for whatever arises.
How many sessions does it take to notice a difference?
Many patients notice a meaningful shift after 2–4 sessions. Significant and lasting changes for complex or long-standing conditions typically develop over 8–12 sessions. Dr. Lee will give you a realistic expectation based on your specific situation.
Is this treatment appropriate for PTSD or severe trauma?
Yes — with appropriate care and in coordination with your existing mental health support. Dr. Lee has specific training in trauma-informed acupuncture and creates a grounded, safe environment for patients working through significant emotional history.
Also available
Other treatment services
Free Consultation
Not sure where to start? Begin with a free 30-minute in-person consultation with Dr. Lee.
Comprehensive Acupuncture Care
Whole-body precision treatment for pain, illness, and complex conditions.
Neurological & Stroke Rehab
Advanced neurological acupuncture for stroke recovery, Bell’s palsy, Parkinson’s, and more.
You deserve to feel free.
Ready to begin your emotional healing?
Book a Deep Emotional Release session — or schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with Dr. Lee before committing to any treatment.