Medical Disclaimer
Last updated: September 29, 2026
The information on this website and in our podcast, companion guides, social media, emails and chat assistant is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always talk with your doctor or another qualified health care provider about your health before starting any new supplement, diet or exercise plan, and before changing or stopping any medication.
Guests on our podcast share their own views and experiences. Their statements do not necessarily reflect our views, and appearing on the show is not an endorsement of any product or service they mention.
Statements about dietary supplements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
No patient or client relationship
Reading this website, listening to our podcast, using the chat assistant, downloading our guides, joining a free or promotional challenge or event, or contacting us does not make you a patient or client of Dr. Riley Smith, LAc, DACM. Any information we share in those settings is general and is not tailored to your personal health.
A patient or client relationship begins only when you book one of the following and complete its intake, consent or program agreement:
- In-person visits at our clinic
- Virtual patient visits by video call
- One-on-one coaching
- Group coaching programs
Coaching is not medical care
Our one-on-one and group coaching programs provide education, lifestyle guidance and support. Coaching is not medical care, and it is not a substitute for care from your doctor or other licensed health care providers. This is true even though Dr. Riley is a licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture and other clinical care are provided only through in-person clinic visits or virtual patient visits.
Coaching is also not therapy or mental health counseling. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or another mental health concern, please work with a licensed mental health professional alongside any coaching. Coaching is a partnership. Dr. Riley provides education, structure and support, and you are responsible for your own choices, actions and follow-through. Your results depend largely on the work you put in.
Please keep working with your own health care providers, and talk with them before making changes to your medications, supplements or medical care.
Functional lab testing
The functional lab tests offered through our practice, such as hormone, stool and organic acids panels, are performed by independent laboratories. They are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease, and they do not replace standard lab work ordered by your doctor. Their purpose is to provide data and evidence about biological processes in your body.
Dr. Riley’s review of your results is educational. He will explain what your results appear to show and how they may relate to your recovery plan. Final decisions about your medical care, including how to act on your results, are yours to make with your medical provider. Please share your results with your doctor, especially if anything looks concerning.
The accuracy of test results is the responsibility of the laboratory that runs the test. Lab companies and the tests they offer change from time to time. When a test is no longer available, we may substitute a test that serves a comparable purpose. Some tests may not be available in every state, and most are not covered by insurance.
Results vary
Every person’s body, history and circumstances are different, so results vary. We do not guarantee any specific health result from our coaching programs, clinic care, lab testing or any information on this website.
Testimonials and client stories on this website and in our content reflect the experiences of individual clients. They are not typical results and are not a promise that you will get the same results.
Any guarantee we offer, such as the First-Session Guarantee on our one-on-one programs, is a refund policy based on program fit. It is not a promise of any health result.
Emergencies
Our website, chat assistant, email and text messages are not monitored for emergencies, and our services are not emergency care. Messages may take up to 2 business days to receive a reply.
If you are having a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent health concerns, contact your doctor. If you are in emotional crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
About Dr. Riley's license
Dr. Riley Smith, LAc, DACM, is a licensed acupuncturist in California and holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine degree. He is not a medical doctor (MD). Clinical care is provided within the scope of his California acupuncture license.
The frameworks and phrases we use, such as the 5R Method® for Burnout Recovery and Burnout is Biological™, describe our educational approach. They are not medical claims and are not a promise of any specific result.
If you have questions about this policy or your information, contact us at:
Smith Wellness Group
Dr. Riley Smith, LAc, DACM
2404 Broadway, 2nd Floor
San Diego, CA 92102
hello@doctorrileysmith.com
© 2026 Dr. Riley Smith, LACDCM · All Rights Reserved
The information on this website is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.