Alternative Health Care Concepts, Inc

I have been interested in alternative medicine for quite awhile now. I saw an offer on Groupon for Cupping sessions I decided to go ahead and give it a try! I went to see Dr. Marino at AHCC to find out what cupping had to offer to my health. Dr. Marino greeted me as I entered and the lobby was exactly the vibe I had hoped to encounter; it was calm, warm and inviting. Once we started, the cups felt super tight (as they are supposed to) and once I relaxed on the heated bed I felt so relaxed; I could have fallen asleep! I can't wait to to see what happens with my following sessions and with my health. I'm actually going to see Dr. Marino in a couple days to get an overall health assessment because I feel confident that she has the knowledge and experience to bring my health to a whole other level.\r \r *Update: I saw Dr. Christina for my health assessment and I received more feedback than expected! She spent an hour and a half with me and we discussed my emotional, physical and mental health. Everything she pointed out to me made sense; I am so glad I treated myself to this session. more

If you want to lose weight and detox...Dr. Christina Marino is the one to help! I started coming here about four months ago and the difference in my body is remarkable. Dr. Marino is a complete straight shooter...she uses her knowledge and experience to cut to the chase and tell you exactly how to change your habits and change your life. And it's easy! Her nutrition advice, acupuncture sessions (doesn't hurt at all!) and cupping are all remarkable and all areas of my life have started to improve since I started coming here. A definite recommend! more

Dr. Christina Marino is definitely one of a kind in the sense of knowing the 5 major issues I have been going through. I came across Alternative Health Care Concepts through yelp, another thank you to yelpers! I have been struggling with trying to discover why my energy levels has plummeted in the last week and been having aches on my chest. I couldn't understand why these aches were occurring because I eat healthy and do martial arts training 2 times a week. I went on yelp, to check out alternative acupuncture medical practices because I am against practices where you are required to pay thousands of dollars for a 2-3 minute chat about what I think is wrong with me, when the doctor should know that from the start. I was told by a few of my friends that holistic practices help you have a broad understanding about how your body truly works so I decided to give it a try. I live in Valley Village so I went on yelp to get reviews and was very happy by the overwhelming positive response she received and then I went on her website and felt it was time to make an appointment. I'm already a person who feeds off energy and spirituality and I felt that positive presence just off her website. \r \r I called right away and made an appointment for acupuncture. As soon as I got there Christine welcomed me with a hug and smile and showed me the room I would be treated in. I filled out some paperwork about what I feel my health issues are. Once I was done, she came back into the room and this is where I became enlightened and assured that she is truly a healer. She took my paper work, did not even read it and turned the paper over; so it's blank facing up. She said in Chinese medicine we have to start by looking at the tongue. I showed her my tongue and relaxed it and she immediately said, you have sleep problems. My eyes opened wide and I said yes, I usually sleep late yet wake up without being tired but can sleep for up to 17hours straight. Than she said your energy levels have recently dropped and 3 other health issues that I will not comment here. I was trippin' out, literally. She literally mentioned the 5 major issues that have been troubling me and said because of my time limit we reschedule the initial consultation. As she left the room, I changed into a gown, still trippin out in my head how she knew what she knew about me just by looking at my tongue. She came back into the room and told me to lay on the heated bed, the atmosphere was pleasant and soothing with zen type music and dim lights. She proceeded to show me the needles that would be placed on me and explain how it grabs off energy, the stronger the sensation the stronger the energy. After she was done placing the needles she put a heated eye package over my eyes, before she closed the door she said you are about to go into a trance. I laid there relaxed and within minutes I went to sleep. \r \r It was a wonderful experience and I have made a new appointment with her. I am hoping to try all of her treatments as I felt secure and assured that she can help me advance to high physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. If you need positive results and healing, go see her now. \r \r Per the negative reviews on yelp, I can honestly say they are completely wrong as I felt a positive vibe from just entering. The office has a spiritual vibe to it. more

I have been frequenting Alternative Health Care Concepts, Inc. for the last few months and Dr. Christine Marino has done wonders to help me with my lower back pain, not to mention that she has totally turned my diet around. It's been a few years now that I've been dealing with daily back pain, which has progressively gotten worse, and after two months of weekly accupuncture sessions with Dr. Marino, I'm finally getting back to feeling like myself again! I'm down 10lbs. and have energy again. I'm so happy to see the scale going the right direction after years of hitting a plateau. I'm SO excited to see all the wonderful changes that the next months will bring. Thank you, Dr. Marino...there aren't enough words to really express my gratitude for all your attention and care in helping me feel my best! more

5/3/2013\r It was my first time getting Cupping and Acupuncture, Dr Marion was Great, She was very patient and explained the procedure as she was going along, which was very helpful, especially since i did not know what to expect. We got along great. I was very pleased with the results the next day, cupping helped a lot, it eased the tension i had in my back. after talking with Dr Marion for awhile, i explained to her that i needed to quit smoking, so she explained how acupuncture could help. so I tried it, she also gave me some extra at No Charge, which i thought was very sweet of her. Am proud to say that i have quit smoking. Acupuncture was a big help, i have gone back to see Dr Marion for cupping. I recommend it... Thank you Christiana more

After getting a groupon I went in for a cupping session. Even with only one session my back is much better. I look forward to more cupping and acupuncture. The office is cozy and comfortable. My visit was relaxed, it was a personal experiance. more

So happy! Cant wait to book again... Highly Recommend more

I had extremely painful neck/back pain from a major car collision. I was referred by a friend to see Dr. Marino. I was able to bounce back without the use of pain prescriptions after receiving her signature acupuncture and healing treatments. \r \r Soooooo……\r I am beyond ecstatic to share my experience at Alternative Health Care Concepts with all of you on Yelp. To paint a picture of the day of my acupuncture, I was greeted with the warmest smile from the receptionist. I was accompanied to an adorable room with clean, comfortable, and calming décor. Dr. Marino went beyond a medical questionnaire to really assess my comprehensive well-being. The cupping treatment was first on my list of things to try and I was thrilled to try it. I was immediately at ease under the genuine demeanor of Dr. Marino. All-In-all cupping was a pleasant experience. \r \r As far as acupuncture goes, Dr. Marino has the midas touch! No pain- wow! I was at first intimidated by the idea of needles in my skin, but to my surprise I was fast asleep within the first ten minutes. I can attribute that to the heated beds- so comfy!- and beautiful music plus painless needles. \r \r I am excited and delighted to say that I will be back for more! \r Thank you Dr. Marino! You have a customer for life!\r more

I have been interested in 'cupping' for some time, now, but it felt too 'extravagant', and more than my budget could handle (I work freelance). This Groupon (re: pricing) made it possible for me to not only try the process, but go to one of the absolute *FINEST*. Dr. Christina is AMAZING. So knowledgeable, considerate, kind and so very flexible when I had to reschedule -- TWICE -- due to car issues, out of my control. I would -- and HAVE -- recommend this business to any and all that are even slightly considering 'cupping'. After just ONE SESSION, my senses were heightened (I'm a smoker...but she's gonna help me quit!), and my energy levels were through the roof! Two thumbs! WAY UP!! more

I had some digestive issues and decided to visit Dr. Marino based on the review from a friend who had a received treatment from her. I am so happy I did! She's knowledgeable, affable, and really tries to help you get to the root of your issue. Through acupuncture and nutrition modification we were able to get my system back on track and I feel 100% again. I'm definitely a fan and will return when necessary. more

Some things happen for a reason and I am so happy I found this place at the right time! more

I have been seeing Christina for acupuncture for 4 months. She is incredible. I went to many doctors/specialists over the last 8 months for my ailments. I learned more from her in the first visit than all of my doctors. I really had no idea that the first session was going to be like going to a doctor. I thought I would go in lay down and get needles put in me. Christina really took her time to go over everything that has been going on in all aspects of my life. Her moto is ""results"" and she wants to get them. In my case she has. For all of the symptoms that I have gone in with all of them have gotten 90% better or have completely gone away. She is definitely worth the cost. I would rather pay her then have a doctor see me for two minutes, not really listen to me, judge me, and tell me nothing is wrong. Christina listens then acts accordingly hitting all the areas that you are having problems with. The office is nice, cozy, has great energy, and I have never had to wait. I also love the heated beds. I will be going back for sure. I only wish I had more money so I could go every week! more

I was invited to a golfing vacation in the mountains of New Mexico but I was in tremendous pain from a tennis elbow due to over zealous racquetball playing.. I went to my GP who gave me Anti-inflammatory medicine but I was still in so much pain I could not use my left arm. This had happened to me before and it taken me 6 months to heal. I met Christina at a trade fair where she asked me to ""stick out my tongue"" and then proceeded to diagnose my health condition. I was intrigued by this method of diagnosis as I had never encountered it. before. Christina was very professional and exuded such high self-confidence that it was hard to doubt her. During my last episode with tennis elbow, which took 6 months to heal, I tried acupuncture, but it didn't help. I was desperate and Christina had greatly impressed me during my trade show meeting with her so I took the leap of faith and went to see her. I went into her office and immediately felt comfortable and welcome by the ambiance created by her staff and furnishings. I was led to a room with a bed where I lied down and Christina diagnosed my tongue. I was exhausted and in tremendous pain. Christina performed acupuncture on my arm for one hour while I slept. The next day I was amazed that the pain in my arm had diminished to 10% of what it had been and my energy level had risen to normal.. I couldn't believe it, I had no idea that acupuncture performed by someone as capable and knowledgeable as Christina could be so effective. As the days went by I had less and less pain and by the time of my golfing vacation I was ready to go. Thank you Christina! CHRISTINA FAR EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS! more

I strained my lower lumbar 30 years ago. To be honest, the last 10 years I hadn't kept up my physical work outs in order to keep my body strong and lessen the burden on my back. When the inflammation builds it gets so bad I literally have to crawl on all fours to move. Chiropractic treatments don't help when I have this much inflammation. Medication only helps mildly and doesn't cure the problem long term. I have always heard great things about acupuncture, and at this point thought, I have to give it a try. OMG! Christina, you are TRULY AMAZING! Of course I didn't run marathons after the first treatment. It took a few treatments and my dedication to get physically strong again. I was so relieved to finally rid the tears of pain from my face and in such a short period of time. The key is to trust everything Christina tells you to do in order to get well again. more

One of my best friends had been seeing Christina for some time for acupuncture and healing. As a newbie, it's always a bit nerve wracking to meet a new (alternative) health practitioner and introduce them to your deepest issues, fears and needs, both physical and mental. However, from the moment I met Christina, it was like talking to a girlfriend I'd known forever. She is friendly, patient, funny, honest and spends as much time on each patient as necessary to make them feel welcome, safe and comfortable. There were times when I didn't even have to say a word, I'd walk in and she just knew what to do! As for the actual practice, Christina is a pro acupuncturist and healer, which means it isn't just about physical issues you're dealing with that can be helped with needles (though she does excellent work there!). She also works on your SOUL to help you gain focus and confidence, open up and ""heal"" anything that's standing between you and what you want in life. Love, career, money, happiness... you name it. I've done several healings with her to date, as well as acupuncture regularily, and I can't tell you how much my life has changed for the better. I've never felt so connected to life and those around me. For those of you who are new to eastern practices and concepts and are on the fence, remember, it's only called ""alternative"" medicine because it didn't originate in the US. These practices have been in place in Asia and other eastern countries for thousands of years and they are, in my mind, more effective, NATURAL methods of dealing with problems. Why take a pill when herbs, needles and a little hands-on healing does the trick (even more so)! And as for Christina, in case you hadn't already figured it out... you're in great hands. XOXO ~ Kristen more

Christina is literally the best healer I have ever been too, I suffer from a lot of things, including chronic back pain, shortness of breath, and Ulcerative Colitis---which is VERY hard to make an impact on. And WOW, after 4 weeks, my colitis is in complete remission, I feel way less fatigue and my back pain has subsided. Shes a miracle worker.... that christina, you have to go in and see her.... she really takes her time getting to know you, and even... things about you, that you dont know ;) I now go every week.... and I can honestly say its something I do, for MYSELF. Something that helps me feel better emotionally and physically. Christina def. has a speical gift to help heal you and align you with your purpose here, on earth... healing and purpose in life is far bigger then we can imagine..... Go in. trust me here, 15 years and NOONE, NO ONE ever made me feel this energetic and good. more

I've had undiagnosable health issues for more than 4 years and tried everything western medicine and its arrogant doctors could offer -- often with bad side effects and no results. Then I tried Ayervedic medicine and colonics and though they offered relief, they did not help the root of the problem, whatever that was. As you can imagine I felt I had tried everything and felt pretty hopeless. Not a good state to be in. I hadn't tried acupuncture for fear of cost and mostly because my skeptic mind would probably prevent any ""energy"" benefits from taking hold. But when Groupon had a deal in April I figured ""why not?"" It?s a bizarre and wonderful experience. I won?t lie ? having the needles inserted sometimes pinches or feels strange, but that?s only for a millisecond. Christina chooses a pattern/combo for the needles, choosing different energy points in your body. Then you wear an eye pillow, turn down the lights, listen to soothing music, and essentially go into a trance-like meditative state for an hour. It?s soothing, relaxing, sometimes feels like you?re slowly sinking into a vat of pudding, and you suddenly realize you?ve been in that state for an hour. All the while your brain has a chance to essentially be put on ?pause? and let the rest of your body regulate itself. After about a month I noticed actual improvement in my physical self. (Of course along with a ton of Chinese herbs which are necessary to take along with the acupuncture.) I?ve been doing it for more than 4 months now and though I?m not 100% cured (I?m patient, this stuff doesn?t fix things overnight) I haven?t felt this healthy and had normal body function in more than 4 years and that?s amazing to me. Pros: close to Hollywood, early hours, comfortable, parking more

I went to Christina after purchasing a Groupon in April and haven't looked back! She has truly been a godsend to me. I came to her to treat my fibroid tumors when my OB/GYN uttered the horrible word ""hysterectomy"" to me. Not subscribing to this diagnosis, I have followed Dr. Marino's regimen and I'm ecstatic to say my tumors are decreasing! My treatment includes acupuncture, an herbal regimen and spiritual component that has left me energized, calm and refreshed. Her warmth and sweetness make you feel confident that your results will be positive and you leave the clinic with a deep, sincere smile on your face... Thank you, Christina... Pros: Takes a complete approach to healing more

I can't keep a secret... All I could say for a few hours after I left was, ""Wow, that was amazing!"" It's not something that be easily described -- it's best to be experienced. Don't waste your time with other accupuncturists - Christina is outstanding. Make no mistake - she is not just an accupuncturist but a healer on many levels. I'm a raving fan and I've already made a follow up appointments. Pros: Profound healing, life-changing more

Christina is simply the best! She knows her craft and practices with grace, ease and good humor. Pros: Down to Earth, Insightful, Generous, Committted more