San Diego

Drawn to many of the mystical practices that originated in ancient China for most of my life, I’ve been a California state licensed acupuncturist since 2002 and a student of the Jade Purity branch of Daoism since 2001.
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After many years of questioning the nature of reality, and using these practices to work through my own struggles, heal old wounds, and find a deeper connection to the Divine, I’ve personally seen just how powerful and transformative this path can be.
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It has been my blessing to hold space for the journey of my clients and students many times over and I’m constantly inspired by the strength and beauty of the human spirit.
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My studies of medicine, meditation, philosophy, mindfulness-based practices, and religion have always been focused on the practical application of these subjects in the lives of my clients and myself.

Brent Keime, LAc, MSTOM has been licensed as an acupuncturist in the state of California since 2006 and currently practices in San Diego. Brent is certified as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. O.M.) by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Brent earned a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, California. While still in school, Brent interned at the UCSD downtown free clinic serving San Diego’s homeless population, and he spent two years assisting Alex Tiberi, one of the country’s top pediatric acupuncturists. Brent also interned at Rady Children’s Hospital in their chronic pain clinic as well as with the hematology/oncology program.

Natalie Vail is an ordained Spiritualist minister, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, certified spiritual energy healer, psychic-medium, feng shui consultant and Birth Doula. She was born and raised in California and knew from the age of 4 that she wanted to be an alternative health care practitioner. By the time she was 8 year old, Natalie began studying energy healing and mediumship. She is certified by Harmony Grove Spiritualist Association’s Institute as a Spiritual Healer and Psychic-Medium and is ordained through Grace Spiritual Center in Encinitas, California.

Through a series of divinely orchestrated events, Natalie was led to study the ancient healing practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine and graduated from Pacific College in 2011 with a Master's of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the State of California as well as an NCCAOM Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and is currently finishing her Doctorate.

Before beginning her studies of Chinese Medicine, Natalie graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Music.

Natalie uses her healing and intuitive gifts in her everyday life and is committed to her own spiritual development. She views her role as a Healer to be an integral part of her life’s purpose and believes that every person possesses the innate ability to heal. Her vision is to be a facilitator who empowers and motivates people towards wellness in every aspect of their being.

Uptown Acupuncture is your Yelp 5-Star rated go-to clinic for pain and stress solutions. Conveniently located in Hillcrest on Washington and 9th, our friendly clinic has been getting people better since 2004.

I am always astounded by how resilient the human body is, and most of the time we do not appreciate it until there is a barrier that is preventing us from feeling optimal. For those of you that have had a sports related injury or any physical injury, there are times where you will surprise yourself with how quickly you can recover. I have personally used acupuncture to benefit physical endurance, alignment, and rehabilitation in exercise and my maintenance of overall health. Not only do acupuncture and herbs help to keep you looking and feeling good, regular treatments can also help to keep your immune system strong throughout the year!

I grew up drinking the herbal teas my mother used to make for my sister and me. She always told me that this was the way of taking care of the body, as these Chinese herbal remedies were passed down to her from my ancestors. I always doubted her until I decided to go to school to satiate my curiosity of my Chinese heritage and of alternative forms of medicine.

I have always been interested in medicine and finished my bachelors in microbiology and clinical laboratory science with hopes of going to medical school. After doing some research at Miami University about Aloe vera and its medicinal properties, and with some inspiration from my family, I made plans to pursue graduate studies at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. So far my journey to San Diego has opened my eyes to the benefits of both Eastern and Western medicines, which has also blessed me with the rewarding ability to help others. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful people that I have met along the way!

I am a huge supporter of preventative medicine and aging gracefully by living a healthy lifestyle. Some of my favorite hobbies include yoga, running, traveling, cooking with friends, and learning about different cultures around me. I want to support you in what you love to do, especially if you want to live a better quality of life. I will tailor my treatments to your specific needs, and we will use realistic approaches to achieve results. I want to be part of your health and "feel-good" team.

I believe when you treat your body well and with respect, it will reward you a thousand-fold!

I invite you to come in and make an appointment with me. I would love to meet you and help you discover how acupuncture can change your life.