Tom Celia Omd, L.Ac.

I went in yesterday for my first appt. My appointment was at 1.45 and I saw the Dr. Celia Tom at 2.30. Despite her being late, and her receptionist explaining she always runs late, I kept an open mind.
When I did see her I didn’t appreciate having her back to me when she asked me questions– I’m used to such a high standard of empathy and care with other acupuncturists– they tend to look at me. This is more a design/​structural issue but I saw the back of her head more than her face during the interview period.
She asked me to undress and I did but then I was left partly exposed in my underwear and bra (I wore a light gown) and with no cover– the receptionist came in to put a mantra on and there I was lying there feeling a little vulnerable. They got to talking about something and it just seemed so chaotic in there. Anyway, I asked for a cover…
They gave me a crinkly cover which made noise when I did my deep breathing. Not conducive to relaxation.
Onto insertion of needles: this was actually painful. I’ve had acupuncture in London and here in San Diego and in South east Asia and this is the first time it actually hurt to have the needles put in.
The mantra tape ended and started on something new and it was disruptive. The receptionist again came in and rewound the mantra… it was disorganized.
When the needles were finally taken out, I bled from two on the punctures on my wrist and then continued to burn.
My post acupuncture conversation took place in the waiting room (not in private)…
I wouldn’t recommend this place to someone looking for an organized, respectful and relaxing environment.
She gets two stars because I felt a bit clearer afterwards and I’m sure they are all well-​intentioned people trying their best. It’s just not up to my standards of care.

I have visited Dr Celia for over 10 yrs. She is very committed, thorough, and talented practitioner. She worked in a clinic in china at one point and I find her needling technique very effective. She treats the root cause, not just the symptoms ! Also her husband Dr Dabo who shares the office with her is excellent if you are looking for an MD. The front office is also very efficient and friendly.

Celia Tom is the best acupuncturist you could ask for. Her knowledge amazes me every time I go in for a visit. I’ve been seeing her off an on for 4 years now, whenever I have any kind of injury.
Not only has she given me better healing results for back pain, neck pain, other muscular issues, but she’s treated me wonderfully for stress related issues as well.
I’ve received better results from seeing her than going in for massage therapy or chiropractic therapy.
The whole experience at her office is extremely relaxing, comfortable, and tranquil.
If you’re looking for an expert acupuncturist, then look no further.
In addition to her medical work at her office, Celia also offers free Emei Qi Gong classes every Sunday morning in mission bay park by the 5. This is a healing based zen buddhist practice which is excellent for any ailment and can be performed by anyone.
Thanks for all your help Celia!

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over 4 years now. We have done everything you could possibly do: IUI, herbal medicine, western medicine, lots of baby making, ovulation kit, babymoon trips, you name we have tried it, except for IVF. We were close to giving up and decided to try this acupuncturist thing. We heard about Dr. Tom from a friend’s friend and last August seek her out for eastern acupuncturist fertility treatment.
I spent 4 months under Dr. Tom’s care and we are happy to announce that we are 6 months pregnant as of today!!! We can’t be happier. I really believe that she was the answer to my «stress» issues and really have helped me conceived this baby. We cannot express how much we are grateful for her excellent care and attention to my needs. Thanks Dr. Tom and Beatrice, her great receptionist!!!

Dr. Celia Tom has literally brought life back into my living. I was barely walking, standing and exhausted when I began treatments. I had pain in my shoulders, arms, knees, swollen ankles and skin rashes. I was overly hot with hot flashes. Now I’m using my arms, moving my shoulders, walking and standing better. I’m learning to not over spend my energy during this healing process as she works with me though many life style changes, and health giving practices. Without her help I would be very sad and discouraged. I constantly see and feel improvements and can resume more activity. I’m so happy to be her patient.

Dr. Tom was recommended to me by a friend at the gym. Because of her, I swear by acupuncture. I have walked in to her office with a throbbing migraine and walked out completely forgetting that I had a migraine in the first place. She’s located in a little office building off Grand Avenue but don’t let the location fool you. Dr. Tom is a miracle worker.

Dr. Celia is an amazing doctor. She has vastly improved my health and well-​being since I began acupuncture treatment with her in March.
I had pain from shin splints and stress fractures for over 2 years and was unable to run. Dr. Celia was able to heal the fractures with 1 – 2 treatments, and I was able to train for and then run a half marathon the following month.
Also, I had terrible motion sickness since I was an infant. Traveling by car, plane, or boat would cause nausea and vomiting. Dr. Celia was able to cure me of these symptoms, and I am now able to travel without any difficulty (and even read while traveling).
Dr. Celia is extremely knowledgeable and also very kind. I highly recommend her. Even my out of town family members have scheduled appointments for acupuncture treatment during their short trips to San Diego.
Thank you Dr. Celia!

My husband saw Celia Tom after suffering a brain injury from a heavy ramp falling on his head. He had seizures and terrible headaches. He was originally treated for swelling on the brain with heavy meds which left him unable to earn a living. After about 3 months of the meds tests revealed they were affecting his liver function & he stopped the meds. Eventually he was treated by Dr. Tom. He went 3x a week for acupuncture in the beginning and then tapered off. The results were fantastic. Dr. Tom gave my husband his life back. What more can I say.

I saw Dr. Celia Tom for acupuncture treatments for fibromyalgia pain on 2 occasions in January 2009. During the second treatment session she seemed to enjoy inflicting as much pain as possible on me during the needle insertion. I spoke up and told her I was in pain but she only proceeded in pushing in the needles further. I left the office in so much pain. The next day I felt like a punching bag. So much for helping me with my fibromyalgia pain!
I had been to an acupuncturist in another city prior to my moving to San Diego. My sessions with him were pain-​free and resulted in minimizing my fibromyalgia pain by 95%. I thought I would follow up with a caring, supportive, and a results oriented practitioner here. Unfortunately I found Dr. Celia Tom instead. Never again!!!