Dr. Riley Smith
Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” for your health – the perfect diet, exercise routine, supplements – yet still feel depleted, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you? What if the missing piece isn’t about adding more to your wellness routine, but about transforming your fundamental relationship with yourself? The […]
Have you ever wondered why, despite doing “all the right things,” your body still feels depleted? Why the supplements, clean diet, and exercise routine aren’t creating the vibrant health you’re seeking? The answer might lie not in what you’re adding to your wellness routine, but in what you’re continuing to do that undermines your body’s […]
“I know it’s selfish, but I just can’t come to your dinner party on Saturday. I’ve been exhausted lately and need to rest.” When my client Elena shared these words with me—the script she’d used to decline a social invitation while trying to recover from burnout—I noticed two things. First, she’d labeled her health need […]
Last year, my patient Alex came to me with what they called “hormone havoc”—persistent fatigue, stubborn weight gain, mood swings, and sleep disruptions that no amount of clean eating or exercise seemed to fix. They’d already eliminated inflammatory foods, started strength training, and were taking targeted supplements. “I’m doing everything right,” they sighed during our […]
I’ll never forget the day my doctor showed me my cortisol test results. The jagged line on the chart looked nothing like the smooth curve it was supposed to be. Instead of the natural rise in the morning and gradual decline throughout the day, my cortisol was erratic—spiking at odd hours and barely registering when […]
Feeling burned out? Your hormones might be crying out for better boundaries. This spring, learn how syncing your energy with the season and honoring your body’s limits can be the ultimate form of self-care. Last spring, I found myself overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the verge of burnout. As the world around me burst with new […]
Last Tuesday, I was on a Zoom call with a client—let’s call her Maya—when she had what I like to call a “hormonal epiphany.” “It’s so obvious now,” she said, eyes widening. “Every time I agree to take on extra projects at work, I get that same headache and wake up at 3 AM for […]
Have you ever noticed that your inner critic gets loudest at night? The thoughts that tell you what you didn’t accomplish or what you should have done differently can make it nearly impossible to fall asleep. Negative self-talk doesn’t just affect your mood—it disrupts your sleep cycles, increasing stress hormones and delaying deep rest. How […]
Many people associate inflammation with diet or environmental toxins, but research now shows that self-criticism can be just as inflammatory. When we engage in negative self-talk, we trigger a biochemical cascade that increases markers of inflammation in the body. Let’s explore how our inner dialogue influences physical health and how self-compassion can serve as an […]
Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful indicators of health, measuring the flexibility of your nervous system. Interestingly, self-acceptance and self-compassion have been shown to directly impact HRV, improving resilience and reducing stress-related inflammation. In this post, we’ll explore how your thoughts influence your heart’s rhythm and how to cultivate a more […]
Dr. Riley Smith, LAc · DACM · DiplOM
Seven quick questions. I'll match you with the care that actually fits what you're dealing with — no guessing required.
Start
Before we begin
Tell us where to send your results
Question 1
Where are you located?
Acupuncture is available in-person at our San Diego clinic only. All other services are fully virtual.
Question 2
What best describes what you're dealing with?
Pick the option that feels most like your primary concern right now.
Question 3
How long have you been dealing with this?
Question 4
What kind of support resonates most right now?
Go with your gut — there's no wrong answer here.
Question 5
How urgently do you need support?
Question 6
How do you feel about working with a provider virtually?
Coaching and lab services are 100% virtual. Acupuncture is in-person only.
Question 7
What level of investment feels realistic right now?
This helps match you to the right entry point — not a commitment.