“My first consultation and treatment went very well at this acupuncture clinic with Kirsten. She was extremely thorough in crossing all of her T’s and dotting all of her I’s when learning my health history... I felt like she really got a scope of what my body has been through in my 30 something years on earth.
The needles themselves were very gentle. No pain at all and quite relaxing. With some relaxation music I drifted off into a nice half sleep like state until she came in to wake me sometime later to take out the needles.
Highly recommend this practice. I will be back.”

“I was treated by Kirsten for several months. She helped with ongoing pain due to fibromyalgia and helped lower my blood pressure without medication.”

“For years, I have suffered from migraines and chronic sinus infections, until I sought out Kirsten Malmendier. After seeing countless doctors who prescribed quick fixes (antibiotics, pain relievers, etc.) which frankly were no longer working and harming my body, I was desperate to find relief. During my initial intake session, Kirsten was so kind and caring. Before my first session with acupuncture, I was skeptical and nervous. However, Kirsten made me feel so calm and cared for, and when it was over I knew Better Balance Acupuncture + Wellness was the right place for me!

Now after nearly 10 sessions, my headaches (which were occurring on a weekly basis) are nearly nonexistent and I have not had a single reoccurring sinus infection! On top of all of that, I have more energy, clarity, sleep better at night, and feel less anxious - for example, Kirsten, who knows my stress levels run high as a Graduate Student, treated points on my body to help with stress during finals week. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so calm during tests in my life!

As for feeling skeptical and nervous, I am now a firm believer in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and I greatly look forward to my routine visits with Kirsten. And best of all, the needles do not hurt, but may create a dull sensation around the treated area which just lets me know that it’s working :)! I have even tried Chinese Fire Cupping (e.i. Micheal Phelps at the Olympics), which felt oddly great on my muscles and left me feeling wonderful.

Lastly, Kirsten also recommends things from nutrition and Chinese Herbal Supplements (I completed a 5-day food log for her), to books and TED talks, and much more to help aid in my individual overall health journey. Let me tell you - this girl KNOWS HER STUFF! Overall, if I could give more stars, I would!”

“I had been battling a shoulder injury, Graves’ disease, and chronic fatigue for well over a year and wasn’t able to do all the physical activities I loved because of it. I never saw the light at the end of the tunnel until I began treatment with Kirsten. She is the kindest soul I have ever met and has heaps and heaps of knowledge! Who knew you could learn so much about someone just by looking at their tongue! I love coming in to her beautiful office for acupuncture and cupping. The atmosphere is so inviting that it is easy to become entrenched in the calm. I am so thankful for Kirsten and her help on my journey back to health!”

“As a graduate student, I am dealing with a lot of stress and difficulty calming my mind. I sought treatment for sleeping issues. I used to have trouble staying asleep throughout the night. I would also wake-up with night sweats and was also experiencing irregular menstruation.
I am now able to sleep through the night, do not wake up with night-sweats, and more holistically understand how imbalances manifest in my body. In general, I feel more calm, peaceful and informed of how my body works from a holistic perspective.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. I thought I might feel more relaxed and that my symptoms would hopefully decline. I realize now, that I have learned a lot more than I knew; particularly about how the body should be treated holistically.
Kirsten has a strong knowledge of holistic approaches to healing and is thorough in providing information and health care education to patients. I enjoy my sessions with Kirsten as she has warm and caring approach that shines through in her work. I trust and value her feedback and appreciate the wisdom she has provided to me. ”

“I highly recommend everyone try acupuncture, and specifically Better Balance Acupuncture. When I first decided to try acupuncture to treat my acid reflux, I was skeptical that it would have much of an impact on my symptoms. I’ve suffered from heartburn for 20+ years and have tried all types of treatment options, including surgery. During my initial consultation with Kirsten, she laid out a treatment plan that included tapering off of medication. Within a few months I was off of medication completely, and have been heartburn-free for over a year. She has also been able to help with sleep issues, a lack of energy, and sports-related injuries that I’ve suffered.
Kirsten has created an environment that promotes healing. I look forward to my monthly treatments when I get to catch up with everyone and am eternally grateful to Kirsten for my renewed health. And it doesn’t hurt that I get to nap during the treatment!”

“This place is amazing! Kirsten has the healing touch! A few months ago I had such severe stomach pain (8/10) that I ended up in the ER. After a 4-hr stint in the ER, some bloodwork, and a huge ER bill, I was left with “you probably have a stomach ulcer, go to your primary care doctor and ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist!” No help with the pain, no final answers, another bill after my visit with my primary, and a 4 month wait to see a gastroenterologist. I had tried acupuncture in the past for back/neck pain and had some success with it, but wasn’t crazy about the location of the previous clinic I’d been to. When I found Better Balance and realized Kirsten already has a dedicated following in Sacramento, I jumped on the chance to schedule at this new location in hopes that she could provide me with some relief. Well, I wasn’t disappointed! Kirsten is warm, inviting, and really cares about what’s going on with you...the full picture. Her office is beautiful and inviting. My treatment was phenomenal...it was like being in a spa! A warm bed, blankets, music, salt lamps, essential oils diffusing...so much less sterile and clinical than some of the other acupuncture offices I’ve tried. After only 2 needles being put in, my stomach pain went from an 8 to about a 3-4. The needles themselves were painless. I hadn’t eaten or slept in 4 days because of the pain, but I had so much immediate relief from the treatment that I dozed off for the rest of it, and was able to go home and eat a real meal that evening. Kirsten has made a regular patient out of me. I will continue to go for general stress reduction and that little break all moms need from time to time!”

“Finally writing this long overdue and well deserved review. I’ve been seeing Kirsten here for over a year now and she’s changed my life. I’ve suffered from migraines for over ten years and more recently, high anxiety. I’ve seen several acupuncturists before discovering Better Balance but no one has helped get my life and health back on track like she has. Kirsten is so in tune to how I’m feeling and what my body and mind need each session. I can’t recommend this place enough. I’ve referred my mom, my fiancé, and several friends to this spot and they all love it as much as I do!”

“During my treatment, Kirsten had me rotate my ankle to figure out the strongest pain point, then inserted a needle (which I barely even felt!) then asked me to rotate my ankle again. I could hardly believe it, but my ankle pain on rotation had gone from a 7 to about a 3! From one needle! I’ve had acupuncture regularly for chronic pain issues, but never for acute pain like this- even I was blown away.”

“Was Amazing❤️... just what I needed. Kirsten there listened and addressed exactly what I needed. She was so kind and thoughtful. Was very interesting and refreshing experience. Felt nothing but peace, and centered. My mind was awake and aware, and my thoughts were so hopeful and positive. Pins did not hurt at all either. Highly recommend as acupuncture is used to help so very much both with healing the body and soul. Wish I would have done it sooner😊.”

“I sought out acupuncture for low back pain radiating through my buttocks, arthritis on my right index finger, and stiff shoulder muscles. My low back pain reached the point where I could not sit anymore which made my work life extremely difficult and painful. I was also struggling to use the mouse due to the arthritis in my finger.
After a few treatments, the pain has dissipated tremendously and I have also noticed improved digestion and sleep. Kirsten is knowledgeable and a pleasure to be around and I would absolutely recommend her services to anyone interested in acupuncture.”

“When I made the decision to get acupuncture I was at a point in my life where I didn’t know what else to do for my stress and anxiety. Kirsten made me feel at ease and so comfortable, I didn’t feel any pressure or weighty expectations, just an openness to a new treatment. I had no idea that acupuncture could serve as a tool to combat ailments that didn’t necessarily get the limelight very often- such as depression. After filling out an evaluation that would determine which treatment would be best for me, I had my first acupuncture treatment. The needles didn’t hurt, just a faint dull ache followed by warmth. Not knowing what to expect (in reality, I didn’t think anything would happen- I was very skeptical), I suddenly felt a shift in my body after about 10 minutes. Being sure not to open my eyes, I felt as if I was weightless, spinning on a turntable above my body . After the treatment, I felt tired and a little foggy, but not so anxious. However, the next 2 days straight I was completely clear in my mind. I went on the same walk with my dog that I always go on, and for the first time I wasn’t plagued by anxiety or negative thoughts. I literally felt at peace and just very light. I’m very thankful for Kirsten’s amazing ability to treat emotional and physical ailments through acupuncture, and her calming and compassionate nature only adds to her knowledge and abilities. I definitely recommend her to my friends, family and anyone who is seeking to just feel better.”

“I have diabetes with neuropathy (numbess) in my left foot. After only one treatment I could feel a difference. Although I did not make 100% feeling in my foot (which was unlikely in the first place) I have about 80% feeling again, thanks to Kirsten. If you are in need of acupuncture, I highly recommend Kirsten Malmendier. She is highly competent, professional and extremely good.”

“For about ten years I suffered from chronic sciatic pain that continuously caused burning in my foot and numbness from my knee to my foot. I sought out acupuncture because I was hoping to find something that could help. Honestly, I was skeptical about acupuncture but was at a point where I was willing to try anything to help get my pain under control. The results have been incredible. The pain is completely gone and I no longer have burning or pain in my leg.
I also noticed that in addition to getting rid of my chronic leg pain, my stomach problems went away. Overall, it has taken a lot of tension away.
I am definitely a believer through my own personal experience that there is truth in acupuncture. It has healed me and I can now function normally again. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from chronic conditions.”

“Kirsten is the best acupuncturist I’ve ever seen! I’ve seen other acupuncturists over the past 10 years that I have been seeking acupuncture to treat my debilitating IBS, and they were very good, experienced acupuncturists, but Kirsten raises the bar. Her assessment is especially thorough, her approach is comprehensive, her personality is inviting, and despite being a newer acupuncturist, her knowledge is extensive. Plus, she has an enthusiasm for her craft that is contagious. I had immediate improvement with my very first treatment, and now 6 months after seeing her regularly and making a significant adjustment to my diet, which she convinced me to do, my digestive system was functioning normally, a feat I believed to be impossible. If you’re looking for a skillful, talented acupuncturist, you’ll find one in Kirsten!”

“I came to Kirsten for relief from issues caused by a torn left meniscus. I had no prior experience with Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine prior to seeking treatment. I was looking for alternatives to surgical procedures and drugs but didn’t necessarily have expectations about the outcome.
I’m very glad I found Kirsten because while under her care, I’ve experienced a complete reduction of knee pain as well as reduced inflammation and stiffness and improved mobility.
Prior to receiving these treatments I loved sweets. Oddly enough, I’ve experienced a complete lack of desire for sugar and sweets after one or two treatments. As a result, I’m not as irritable, anxious or depressed.
While Kirsten is knowledgeable and professional, at least as important, she has a passion for acupuncture and the healing arts. It’s not just a job for Kirsten; she cares for her patients and is interested in their well-being.”

“After suffering from debilitating headaches and migraines since I was 16, I finally sought treatment at age 19 when no other methods were alleviating me from the pain. The results have been amazing! If I receive acupuncture quick enough, the migraine pain goes away with one treatment. If not, the recovery process from the migraine is always sped up after receiving acupuncture.
Treatment in itself is a relaxing, soothing experience. I have also noticed that my body is less tense than it was before acupuncture. It really has taught me how to relax (through deep breathing) even as a naturally anxious person.
Something that I love about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is that it is a natural and holistic treatment method, which reduces pain without the dangers of prescription drugs.
Kirsten is extremely sweet and listens to your concerns without asserting her own agenda. She is also very innovative with treatments, and tries something new each session to see what works the best. Kirsten is very accommodating to your schedule, as well.”

“My fiancé actually convinced me to go see Kirsten due to my stress level and anxiety. I walked into this appointment feeling anxious and a little bit skeptical. Kirsten made me feel warm and welcomed by greeting me as I first walked in and offered water and tea. Such a cute little space she runs her practice in. An hour and a half later I felt SO relieved and refreshed. Kirsten knew exactly what she was doing and made sure to get to the bottom of all of my medical history, parts injuries, and even personal life. I am so glad that I went and I will continue to go back!”

“Amazing experience! I thought I knew what acupuncture did...

My experience is probably similar for some. I had a wrist injury that I let go for way too long. Once it kept me from doing what I wanted, I decided to take steps to correct it. Rest didn’t work. The physical therapy did nothing. and the brace only helped when I wore it.
I met Kirsten and decided to try a different approach. I’m glad I did. After 4 amazing sessions, I had ZERO pain!
Now I go for maintenance! Probably forever. I feel amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Kirsten has the most incredible and contagious energy. She just has so much passion for her job and even more compassion for her patients. After my acupuncture treatments with Kirsten I not only began to have my energy return, but I also was filled with hope and excitement, which was something that I hadn’t felt in years. My medical appointments before this had felt like a dead end, but Kirsten changed that. She takes such a beautiful holistic approach and is able to offer me advice in forms of nutrition and supplements in addition to the acupuncture treatments. She cares...she really cares about my life and what I hope to feel like each day. I am so grateful to be feeling better and looking forward to the progress and the appointments ahead.

Ive had people look at a multitude of my blood test results and tell me even though I felt very sick, that I was fine. Kirsten was able to look at my tongue, feel my pulses, really listen to me, and ask the right questions to fully understand what was going on to help me and I am beyond grateful.”

“Kirsten helped me with knee pain that Navy doctors couldn’t solve. I was able to enjoy my work days without taking anymore pain pills!! I was skeptical at first but acupuncture really fixed the problem!! She is amazing!!!”

“A rather calm and welcoming environment created by Kirsten, a very bright and gentle acupuncturist who I only met with a few times but has already made a difference in my condition. Highly recommended.”

“Kirsten is amazing at what she does! I came in for allergy acupuncture treatments. I have done everything to try to find relief, raw honey, allergy meds, nettie pots, avoiding the outdoors, etc. Her allergy treatments were more effective than anything I had tried previously. I was able to go on walks with my kids, spend hours at the park, all WITHOUT sneezing and a stuffy head the whole time. Kirsten is very thorough with her initial appointment and her office is very peaceful. I will be back next spring for more treatments. It’s amazing to be able to enjoy spring outside with my kids again!!”

“I had been struggling with elbow tendonitis from a sports injury for almost a year. I had tried other healing arts but was still in pain daily and unable to work out or even brush my hair. I met with Kirsten and she said she could help with that! And boy did she! I had been suffering with this for so long and had been so discouraged until acupuncture! Kirsten got me back to the gym and doing all the things I couldn’t do before. She is an amazing practitioner. Absolutely loves what she does and helping people get well with acupuncture is her passion. I would highly recommend Kirsten to everyone.”

“Honestly, I was very nervous for my first acupuncture treatment but Kirsten made me feel very comfortable and walked me through the whole process. She’s great at what she does. I would highly recommend her.”

“After struggling with a skin condition called plaque psoriasis for years, my primary doctor wanted to put me on some of the newer medications, but I didn’t like the list of side-effects that went along with them, so he suggested I try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an alternative. He recommended a facility where I met Kirsten Malmendier, L.Ac. After several treatments by Kirsten, my psoriasis began cooling down and started going into remission. As a side benefit, my sleep began to improve as well, and I couldn’t be happier. In addition to acupuncture treatments, she also provided me guidance with foods that would help in my remission, as well as foods to avoid in order to help prevent further flare-ups. Kirsten is extremely knowledgeable, and she has a very kind, wonderfully calming and comforting demeanor. I highly recommend Kirsten Malmendier to anyone seeking an acupuncture practitioner.”

“I originally looked to acupuncture to help with my lower back injury recovery, specifically for sciatica pain. After going to a few sessions to treat this, I was also told that acupuncture combined with other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine could be used to help me with my libido; something that I was struggling with at the time.
The results have far surpassed my expectations. The sharp lower back pains are not an issue for me any more now that I have been going through regular acupuncture and cupping sessions for about a year now. I sometimes experience some muscle tension in my mid- and upper-back (mostly due to sitting for long periods of time at work and driving through traffic), but with acupuncture and cupping, that tension is relieved.
The most surprising result I’ve experienced is that through acupuncture, I’ve been able to reach not only a physical relief, but also mental and emotional balance. It has been a significant factor in dealing with the depression I was going through with the passing of my father a few years ago.
I would recommend Kirsten without any hesitation. Kirsten is very knowledgeable on Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Her personality is very warm and her approach to this type of therapy helps create a very safe environment.”

“I highly recommend Kirsten!! If you’re in pain and suffering go see her. I’m absolutely amazed at how well acupuncture has worked for me. I’ve suffered for three years from debilitating neck, back and migraine issues. I’ve probably spent close to $6000 plus dollars in the three years on physical therapy, chiropractors, Float Tanks etc trying to help with pain that only helped temporarily. When I first saw Kirsten my pain was a 7 or 8 and today I’m almost pain free. What’s so amazing is I started felling relieve within just one or two sessions. I can’t thank Kirsten enough for helping me.

A customer for life!!”

“I was in an auto accident 4 months prior to seeking acupuncture and was still experiencing some residual pain after other types of treatments. Within days of the first acupuncture treatment, I noticed a significant change but days and weeks later my initial complaints were no longer an issue. Kirsten was very professional and took time to get a clear understanding of my chief complaints. She used several methods to help find me relief. Kirsten also discussed with me nutritional options and solutions that helped in reducing inflammation in my body. I am very grateful for the treatment I’ve received.”

“I’d always heard about the benefits of TCM and acupuncture, but never really understood just how effective it could be until my first treatment. Acupuncture provided almost immediate relief from some chronic issues that western medicine just hadn’t been able to completely resolve for me.

The main issues I was hoping to treat were chronic digestive issues brought about by multiple infections during travel to developing countries. The results have been great. Whilst things aren’t completely resolved, I’m feeling better than I have in a couple of years and continue to feel improvement after every acupuncture session. Acupuncture combined with herbal treatment and dietary adjustment has provided some pretty incredible results, which I’m hoping are only going to continue to improve. The overall philosophy of bringing your body back into balance to heal itself, rather than just treating symptoms really seems to be working for me.

I’ve also definitely noticed an improvement in my stress levels, and Kirsten was also able to help treat my migraines too.

Kirsten has been friendly and caring, and is always happy to answer any questions about the treatment. And her treatment works!”

“Dealing with pain from a accident four years ago. I thought acupuncture was just needles & quiet time. I was drastically mistaken. The “wellness” part was key. Roughly six sessions later the pain I was experiencing is basically gone. My initial visit I went in complaining of pain, to leaving out with a better understanding my body from a wellness perspective. This isn’t a company that appears to care for you to keep you coming back. This is a company that appreciates your services but does their best to get you to a point to where you don’t have to come back. It’s like graduating from a class; Kirsten gave me homework, things such as foods & certain diets to indulge in & eliminate which effectively can & will speed up the healing. Our bodies function better when we give it the proper fuel & nutrients it needs. In my case I needed better foods to help the acupuncture & cupping do what it’s designed to do so I could be healthier. I came in with no idea what to expect & session after session I realized how I could do so much better. This place is so vibrant, so peaceful & you will experience that with the first turn of the door knob. If you ever been on vacation & it made you feel like you never wanted to leave...this place is it. To the freshness of the place, to a great music selection if you like during your session. The emails & reminders are great. They have done a tremendous job during the pandemic with flexible hours, sanitation between each rooms use & instructions on how we all can help. They were already doing a great job before but again their desire is to keep all parties including themselves safe. I’ve learned so much during my time here. If you’re looking for drive-by care this isn’t the place for you. If you’re looking for understanding, with knowledge on how you can help yourself with care from an excellent staff, this is a place for you. ”

“I sought out acupuncture for my shoulder injury, which wasn’t completely resolved by chiropractic. I play softball and was experiencing sharp shooting pains in my shoulder during and after games and practices. When I first had acupuncture, my pain level was 6/10 and after my very first treatment it was down to a pain level of 2/10. I look forward to continuing care with Kirsten. ”

“I went to see Kirsten because I was having digestion issues. After seeing a couple of different doctors, I was told that medication was my only option. Not wanting to be on medication for a long period of time, I decided I would try acupuncture. Kirsten spent a lot of time with me initially learning about my personal and medical history which enabled her to determine the best treatment options for my symptoms.

I have been seeing Kirsten for about 6 weeks now, and I am pain and symptom free. Kirsten’s knowledge of Chinese Medicine along with her calming demeanor makes her a great resource in her field. I highly recommend Better Balance Acupuncture + Wellness. I feel very lucky to have found Kirsten. She is amazing!”

“Sharp Pain in my Back so bad it hurt to breath. Kirsten took the time to do a comprehensive review of my physical state and developed the treatment that was just AWESOME. I am a man that does not go to the doctor and has a distrust of most things medical, so when I say this was amazing I mean that this was truly amazing. I don’t know how it works all I know is that it works, just like aspirin knows how to go where the pain is Kirsten knows how to go and make the pain go away.”

“I am thankful that I was introduced to Kirsten. She is a true professional. I had not tried acupuncture before and she made me feel very comfortable. She explained everything during the consultation and answered all the questions that I had. I credit the treatments that I have received from Kirsten (acupuncture, cupping and herbal medicine) to greatly reducing my menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats. She takes an interest in my well-being and I trust her. Without hesitation, I highly recommend Kirsten.”

“Not being a fan of needles... but a fan of Kirsten’s, I decided to try acupuncture for a severe pain in my neck and shoulder. I was more than amazed! The pain in my neck and shoulder disappeared! There was absolutely no sensation of a needle whatsoever. Not a pin prick, not a pinch. Was awesome! Not only is Kirsten a caring and kind person, she knows what she is doing. I am recommending Kirsten to friends, family and acquaintances. If you are having pain or other ailments that traditional medicine has not been able to treat, do your research on traditional Chinese medicine which has been around for centuries. Give Kirsten the opportunity to help you...help yourself.”

“Acupuncture was recommended to me by the VA for chronic tingling and muscle twitching. I was being provided chiropractic care where Kirsten practices and decided to try it. Not only have I had moments where there was no tingling, I’ve actually found ways to mitigate the condition, as a result of Kirsten’s care. She has always made me feel welcome and shows genuine compassion towards my condition. I am amazed at how much I’ve improved and would recommend her to anyone.”

“Kirsten is an excellent acupuncturist and has a professional, friendly demeanor! She treated all of us in our family; myself for lower back pain, my daughter for eczema and stress, and my husband for knee pain. She took the time to explain the process and we all had positive healing from her treatments. The only negative is she has moved away from us, but in that, her current and new clients will benefit!”