Alphabiotic Center

This is the worst experience I have had with any alternative healing arts. He gives other qualified practitioners a bad name. I was not forewarned that the «Dr» was going to crack my neck. I have two herniated discs in my neck, so would never have allowed that. He also forgot to remove several acupuncture needles, that I discovered later that day. It is a very assembly line operation, with not much care for safety or hygiene. AVOID

I can’t believe I never did my review of this place.
«Dr. Steve» is an absolute quack if you ask me.
He guaranteed me «relief» and, after several visits (more than 4), no improvement. I would later learn that you can’t do anything for disc degeneration.
Fortunately, and unfortunately, a friend of mine was the one that paid so at least I wasn’t out any money.
I also got an upper body «massage» from a very masculine, butch looking woman-​it was horrible-​too deep-​and was very sore the next couple days. They also introduced me to «cupping». FOLKS LISTEN UP-​you can get the exact same results from «cupping» that you can if you put olive oil on your back and use a vacuum cleaner on it.

CAUTION FOLKS ! stay away from this quack. dr Steve is only concerned with getting you to come back and spend more of your hard earned money and not in finding the source of your pain or the cure. he doesn’t care about you being in pain for days months at a time and never finds the source of the problem to cure it. he only treats with ineffective adjustments acupuncture and herbs which basically does nothing for folks with chiropractic needs that require precise adjustments he doesn’t know how to perform or admits he cant help you with. he simply takes your money over and over and decides how many points you’ve burned after each visit. I’ve left this place 3 times on my knees in so much pain after he’s pulled my head so hard my entire spine burns as people scream out. yes that’s right on my knees and he’s standing there telling me to get up and get going so others don’t see what he does to folks during visits. I kindly asked him after the third time on my knees and 2 days of not being able to walk to give me my money back and he said to come down and pick it up so I drove all the way down there but he backed out on his word and didn’t give me the refund. this bozo only wants your money and tricks you into thinking he can help you with herbs and acupuncture. he’s dishonest and shouldn’t be in practice at all. huge warning to all the good faith people of san Diego,

«„STAY AWAY“» from Alphabiotic center and dr Steve Rainbolt.

Awesome experience. Alphabiotic alignments, acupuncture, chi machine, massage, and Steve’s magic touch. I greatly recommend it to anyone wishing to reconnect to a greater You!

The first thing I noticed about Dr Steve was how energetically peaceful he is on the phone. Then he told me he doesn’t make appointments, which I love since I often end up being late for things. He just lets people walk in from noon until 5pm.
I got there around 12:30pm and was there until about 3:30pm. Mostly this was due to my chi being so blocked so I had to use the chi machine for quite awhile (about an hour) to loosen all my chi so that the treatments would work better. I started off sitting in a chair with three different types of massage machines working out all the kinks and getting the blood flowing while I filled out paperwork. Sat there about 30 min. Then went to the chi machine. Then I was finally ready for the alphabiotic alignment where I was worried he was going to snap my neck off. It felt good after, though. Next was the acupuncture, which hurt. He said it was because of all the pent up energy being released. He asked if I wanted him to take them out when I said it was hurting but I said no. By the end it didn’t hurt. Next was 2 more massagers. At the end I felt like I was in a dream. I felt very relaxed and peaceful and the world looked more clear.
Pros:
— felt very relaxed and peaceful… especially at the end
— Dr. Steve is very nice and peaceful
— nothing was rushed
Cons:
— neck cracking is a bit scary
— was there way longer than I thought
— acupuncture hurt
As this was my first time with acupuncture I have nothing to compare it to. I do recommend him, though. As the other reviews say, go there with an open schedule and an open mind.

I bought a Package from
that included dr rainbolt. I had an amazing massage and acupuncture session. I love the fact that he hooked me up with some natural Chinese remedies that have been amazing in helping my body get into balance without medications! Love this dr and he has a great massage therapist Patrick who give the best therapeutic massage!

Incredible service here a few months ago. I actually realized how much abuse and neglect my feet get, as well as tips/​advice in becoming more aware of my posture throughout the day and how to correct.
The massage was great and I think my feet are desiring a repeat performance!

Overview:
This alternative medicine center focuses on massage, accupuncture, and adjustments. No appointments required, actually none are allowed. Service is done community style, as in the providers go from client to client and you work with various providers throughout your experience.
Step 1– While sitting in the ‘waiting area’ your feet are massaged by one of three machines. First time here? Ideal time to fill out the necessary paperwork. FYI– the receptionist is also one of your providers.
Step 2– Taken into either a well-​lit yellw room or a dim black room, you are told to lay down on the floor, on a towel with a full-​body heating underneath and your legs are placed in a «chi’ machine. Herbals are also swabed on your face to help you de-​stress and relax. Basically a machine the moves your legs at different speeds back and forth, eventually your whole body will begin swaying. The thought behind this is it helps oxygen flow throughout the body to relax it and help prevent illness. This part of the treatment is anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes.
FYI– the last few steps are interchangable in sequence
Step 3– You are told to lie on one of the massage tables where you ‘thumper’ is utalized on your back. What is the thumper you ask? It is a percussion massager, something my ex-​boyfriend had which he bought at Costco. This portion varies in time depending on the client and/​or how busy the center is.
Steph 4– The alignment. Dr. Steve Rainbolt has a brief discussion regarding your list of problems and why you want to be seen. He then immediately tests your strength by having you push each extremity agianst his hand. He does this again after he ‘tweaks’ you and magically you react differently when in all actuallity he uses less force the second time around. The alignment scared me at first, no warning or anything regarding what to expect *this was my first alignment ever so not sure if this is a normal practice*… I honestly thought he was going to snap my neck off. I got used to this after a while, and it did feel good in the end.
Step 5– Accupuncture. Needles placed on various points in your body. This is where cleanliness *see below* really got to me. Also, the first time in my life that an accupuncture needle has hurt while being taken out of my right foot. I’ve had numerous accupuncture treatments previously. Dr. Steve explained this as being some phenonmenon however even now, days later, when I bend that ankle a certain direction it causes me pain.
Step 6– Back Massage/​Warm towel to areas post alignment. Relaxing. Wished this lasted longer. Also seemed like not everyone recieved this portion of the treatment.
My opinion:
The providers (I worked with Dr. Rainbold, Jared, and Alice) all go between clients without washing their hands, eww. As a health-​care provider myself this is a big no-​no. It is a cool concept that it’s a walk-​in basis center however it does not seem like everyone gets the same amount of time on treatments. This worked to my benefit as I was there for approximately 3 hours and worked on, in one form or another, the entire time. This is not so great for those who were on a time limit or just got gyped. It was a unique experience and if you are into the hippie-​esqueness of alternative medicine you may like this. I prefer to have all attention on me and not have my relaxation disturbed by other clientele, as it was during this community style treatment. Especially when you hear the doctor state the same exact analyzations/​examples for your pain symtoms (a bunch of croc to be honest) to each client. Treatment slightly varies from client to client however it all seems to be very similar, too similar actually to be believable. You can also come in for only a few of the steps during your session. It is a bit pricey for recieving treatment in this fashion. Not this girls cup of tea but test it out for yourself… Just remeber to keep an open mind.

I have been going to Dr. Steven Rainbolt for over 6 months now and treatments have been life changing. I am a massage therapist and have been studying the healing arts since 2006. I’ve traveled to many countries to study different methods and philosophies and have taken treatment with many skilled healers for chronic pain in my hip and lower back. Nothing has come close to the pain relief I experience with Dr. Rainbolt’s treatments. I refer all of my clients who are having pain to him.
I can see how some of the reviewers can have negative feedback. Some people see «Instant Stress Relief» and think it must be a massage. Expectations are not met. Expectations may be a big part of their stress and problem …
Go there with an open mind and an open heart. Dr. Steve has the best of intentions for you as a patient and honestly cares.

Like the rest of reviewers with one star I went in for a massage. Not acupuncture or adjustment or alphabiotics. I wanted to RELAX. This was anything but…
First I had a appointment at 11 am. But when I got there the building was not open. Second Dr. so-​so was 15 minutes late. No way to run a business as seeing I run my own. I told him I had an appointment and he said alright. He took his two clients back and then started a foot and feet machine for me to sit in. After about 15 minutes I was put in a room with a chi machine to get my body ready?! For what am I required to run a marathon after. I was there for a good 30 – 45 minutes so long my ankles started to hurt from the damn machine. Which by the way I didn’t fell open my chi. I felt more agro than anything. So now I am moved on to a bed and left for another 15 minutes or so for my body to buzz. Dr. Rainbolt comes back and starts randomly putting needles in my ears, hands and feet. Which some of the other reviews mentioned. If you have ever had acupuncture the Dr. usually doesn’t put the needles in the exact same place as the last patient. It is tailored to what you are feeling and what hurts. So BIG RED FLAG. His area where needles are is not very clean needles are just laying there without being properly disposed of. GROSS. So the needles hurt too which I get acupuncture once a month and I am never in this much discomfort. After that he cracks my neck like twenty more times and then uses some big ass vibrater on my back. To top it off while he is doing that another woman walks in and takes over. Then I hear him down the hall giving the same bullshit story to someone else.
This place is full of it. I booked a MASSAGE not anything else. And didn’t get that. I am in more pain now than I was this morning! WTF.

A definite must. I went in thinking I was going to go for acupuncture for my knee and ended up with an entire stress relieving experience. As an EMT, I am very aware of the way the body works inside and out. With the Dr’s holistic approach to healthier living, all the knowledge I was given by him made perfect sense. Too much sense really. Nothing like what your doctor at Kaiser would say with a bottle of pills attached. I highly recommend this approach to a better you. Not to mention, the staff, sweet dogs included, make the experience THAT much better and welcoming.

Euphoric! I feel great, thanks Dr. Steve. The entire experience was comfortable and relaxing. My neck massage was the best ever and I really notice the increased mobility today. For the 2 nurse student reviews, they obviously have not done their Healing Touch or Hospice rotations yet. So much of healing is connected to our thoughts, think placebo effect. This Dr. is all about connecting all the pathways to healing. My 2 hour visit was gentle and invigorating, filled with information and very healing.

Dr. Rainbolt has done an amazing job on my body. I see one bad review here but this person went in for a massage and that is only a small part of the experience. I have had chronic neck pain for ten years and have been to countless chiropractic sessions with only modest and temporary relief.
I walked out after an hour and a half session a changed man. I went in on a Mind Body Partnerships certificate and all I paid was a $ 20 gratuity. What an amazing bargain this was!
I did 30 minutes in the chi machine with essential aromatherapy oils and herbs were dabbed on my forehead and neck. At first only my lower legs were moving. By the end my entire body was in relaxed motion. Then I went onto a table where a full body acupuncture treatment was administered. I had never had one before and Dr. Rainbolt explained exactly what he was doing and why. The needles were then removed.
Then the Doctor administered the Alphabiotic alignment. My neck released like it never had before in my life. He then provided a deep massage into my upper neck followed by a series of assisted stretches that opened up my flexibility like never before.
Then he moved me to another room where he did a whole series of assisted stretches to my legs and lower back.
Finally he placed herbal therapy patches and tiny acupuncture needles in little band aids in all the key areas he had worked on.
The herbal patches were time released and I kept them and the tiny needles on overnight. The next day I could not believe how good I felt.
My wife went in a few days later at my urging and she LOVED IT! We both went back today and it was even better. The place is packed with people who are obviously regulars. The facility is really nice and zen like. Immaculately cared for.
Dr. Rainbolt is an amazing practitioner and instantly became a part of our health regimen. The staff is very kind and helpful and there is not an ounce of sales pressure or come on.
They are definitely evangelists about the discipline of Alphabiotics. After receiving treatments with Dr. Rainbolt it is easy to see why.
If you are stressed and who isn’t these day go see this Doctor. You will be amazed at how great the experience is.

My mother and I went to the Alphabiotic Center of San Diego for our first Acupuncture experience, and it was amazing! All of the staff was so friendly and courteous, and it had a great ambiance; the relaxing music, water fountains, and aroma therapy were a very nice touch. I have to admit, getting our necks adjusted for the first time was a bit scary, but it honestly didn’t hurt, and it felt great after wards. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I would definitely recommend them to my friends and family!

I don’t know why there is so much bad words about this place.
I first went there to because I had been paying my health insurance co pay $ 10 for each time I went to the chiropractor, after 15 times in one month, I said forget it.
I was introduced to The Alphabiotic Center by a friend. First time I went there, Stephen straightened me out real quick. I walked out there feeling almost healed. I have never felt so great in my life. I will definitely go there once every 1 – 2 months.

Thinking about this place gives me the creeps. I went with one of my school buddies for a massage to help to ease the pain of clinicals for Critical Care Nursing. We thought we could have a pleasant and relaxing hour massage.
But we were mistaken. We were greeted by the most calm person I have ever talked to. She eerily talked of everyday things in very cosmic termslike, «Excuse me for having to take that call, the universe is just crazy today.» We had some tea and she asked us if we wanted to watch a video. I thought it was wierd, but I was game.
This video was all about how people use one side of their brain too much and become imbalanced. It discusses this «wonderful» thing called Alphabiotics yet never really tells you what it is. All of this pseudoscience bulls*it left my friend and I in tears from laughing. I mean we are both nursing students so this crap was off the charts on the hilarious scale. The receptionist had to come in a couple of times to check on us and remind us how she didn’t remember the video being so funny.
We finally get started on this thing called the chi machine. You lay on the floor and put your ankles in this machine that rocks you back and forth.
After that you lay on a massage table. At this point I thought… Sweet massage time. However, no go.
Instead my neck was cracked (a scary experience that I never want repeated) and I acupuncture was done on my hands and feet. I had aromatic oils placed on my temples and my back was also cracked. He put some acupuncture tabs on my ears for stress or something like that. I was supposed to keep them on for a week (I took them off later that day).
Overall it was an interesting experience. Would I go back… Hell to the naw!!!
I agree with alternative therapies/​medicine, however I do not agree with Alphabiotics. It tries to take the best in alternative medicine and claim it as their own magical science.

I absolutely loved my experiences here. I went the first time to get a Alphabiotic adjustment which made me feel lighter, open minded, and better right away. Basically all my stress in my head, the chatter, was calmed, which made my body feel more healthy and positive. I went again last night for hypnosis. I had been dealing a little bit with depression and body image issues. I left there feeling a million times better and with a great respect of Dr. Steve. I realize that there people out there who may not understand, or like the other reviewer thinking it is «cult like». In my perspective that is unfortunate because by opening my mind and learning what Dr. Steve has taught me, in only two sessions I feel like my health and well being is improved. I would recommend anyone to give it a try, be open minded and learn. Dr. Steve good person, with good intention, with a passion to heal and teach.

This place is scary! i went to try acupuncture for the first time and instead was forced to watch videos about «alphabiotics.» the narrator was very preachy and claiming it to be the most scientific system on the planet today.
Hello cult! i immediately left.