I am writing this letter to give my highest recommendation to Dr. Jay Ryu L.Ac. It was then that several events in my life occurred at once and had immediate negative effects on my health...I was diagnosed with diabetes. Furthermore, my new job which took an hour and a half, each way, to drive to, had something in the air to which I was chronically allergic.... It was then that i decided to seek Dr. Ryu's help.

Oriental medicine has proven itself for thousand of years, and I wasn't about to ignore its benefits. He assured me that both the allergies and the diabetes could at least be improved significantly, however, it took a long time for both conditions to develop (my diet and work schedule for the last four years had been mainly responsible; the events of last year had simply been the last straw) and would take time to heal. The side effects would be increased energy, feeling ten years younger and freedom form a debilitating lifestyle that would push my body further towards exhaustion and poor health. This was more attractive to me. I've never envisioned myself volunteering to be a pincushion. However, the benefits far outweighed the imagined discomfort, and the imagined discomfort far exceeded the minimal discomfort that I actually experienced. The Western medical doctor, in the mean time, had given me some samples of one of the drugs for diabetes and for allergies. The allergy medicine was almost completely useless at twice the recommended dosage, so I dropped it. The diabetes prescription was fine for the short term.

But the effects of Dr. Ryu's allergy treatment were evident within one week; I immediately felt better. My allergies had disappeared within three weeks of his treatments. Then Dr. Ryu began to treat my diabetes with herbal medication. The treatment for allergies had given me so much added energy that I was able to stop taking my diabetes drug. Over the next five months, I continued with the treatment which has given me energy, endurance, perfect health, and I can even enjoy a normal (albeit healthier) diet without worrying about the long term effects of a single chocolate bar. And now the treatment has caused my glucose levels to fall to near the bottom of the scale 85 mg/dl on an empty stomach, which is excellent.

Dr. Ryu is a talented healer, he cares about his work, he enjoys making people healthy again, and he doesn't sugar coat his words. He is very direct about confronting the actual source of illness. Personally, I like this honest and straightforward approach. It tells me that Dr. Ryu is truly interested in improving the health and quality of life for his patients and for me it was one of the most worthwhile investments I've ever made. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my experience.

Nancy T.
Burbank, CA
5 star rating, 1/22/2009

I began bringing my 10-year-old son Bryan to Dr. Ryu back in October of ’08, because he had been suffering from asthma for eight years, and having to take five medications every day for six years. I was tired of not seeing any long term positive results, and feeling frustrated and hopeless. After a long, long search, I got a recommendation from a friend who is a nurse and had tried acupuncture treatments with his two kids, especially because of concerns about side effects from the medicines. I was determined to give my son a second chance of enjoying a normal life without frequent trips to the emergency room and practically living at the pediatrician’s office. Until Dr. Ryu began treating him, Bryan couldn’t go outside in the cold at all, because it would trigger an immediate and severe asthma attack.

After just 3 weeks of acupuncture and herbal medication with Dr. Ryu, I saw Bryan's improvement. It was incredible! Now, after 3 months of treatment, my son is free of asthma and free of medicines. Dr. Ryu was able to do in 3 months what 8 years of Western medicine could not. In addition to curing Bryan’s asthma, Dr. Ryu also repaired some brain damage resulting from the lack of air and blood circulation to his brain. Dr. Ryu is an amazing doctor and a great human being. This treatment has truly changed our lives -- specially my son's. This year was my son's first winter not visiting doctors every two weeks and emergency rooms as well. He went to the snow for the very first time. It was totally worth it to go to Dr. Ryu. He is the BEST!!!

Victoria Marie Viscarra
Canyon Country, CA

Ten years ago, I had herniated the disk between L4 & L5 on the left side. After contemplating surgery, I sought physical therapy, which helped, but created more physical problems. When I came to Jay for treatment, I had a myriad of physical problems. I couldn't bend, kneel, sit cross-legged or runt to save my life.

I was under chiropractic care for years with no relief. Then, my current chiropractor told me she couldn't help me anymore and recommended I make an appointment with an acupuncturist, which led me to Jay. Under Jay's care I learned I had attachments, which is where the muscle attached to the ligament. I had internal problems, as well. My digestion was not functioning properly, nor my liver or kidneys. I had ringing in my right ear, which left me unable to hear. I was constantly tired and sleeping during the day. I was not able to stand up straight and I had to bend my knee to lessen the pain. I was using my electrical stim every night. My sinuses were constantly "on" and I was miserable.

The digestive process is the key to the other internal organs working correctly. But, my recovery process was slow and I was frustrated. I conveyed my frustration to a friend and he indicated that a person's emotional well-being plays a part in recovery. So, I started the process of letting go of the past. And guess what? I started to see a change in how my body was responding to the treatments. It was slow, but it was happening. There were setbacks, of course, because of the attachments.

My recovery process has been slow, with my treatment lasting over a year and a half. I have setbacks, but they are minor compared to the setbacks of a year ago. Acupuncture saved me. Jay saved me. I thought I was relegated to living in pain for the rest of my life. Without you, I would still be living in constant pain.

Thank you, Jay.

Armenoohi Alverdian
Glendale, CA

We really want to appreciate to you after all you've done for may health and my husband. When we walked your office the first time, my husband Pat was in very unhealthy condition. He had two accident. The hospital couldn't do anything for him, but you cured him. You gave him life and return back his health and he got released from the depression.

Then, for me, my knee was in very bad condition, but i am okay now with your treatment. We want to tell you we really appreciate and thank you.

Ali R.
Dear Dr. Ryu, When I came to see you at your office around four years ago. I had an injury in my neck, shoulder, arms and I had depression. Kaiser did all they could to the point they told me that my last option would be acupuncture and if it didn’t work I would need surgery on my neck. I remember when I walked to your office for the first time I was really scared but some thing deep inside me would push me into your office for each of my appointments, and I had this deep feeling inside of me that just put my health and faith in your hands and I would be much better.

You have been my “Guardian Angel”, I felt so much better and have continued with my life. It’s really hard to find a great and honest doctor that really cares about his patients. I always talk about you to people that I know and new people that I meet. I talk to them very highly things about you, and tell them over and over how much you have helped me, my fathers and sisters. Most of all Dr. Ryu thank you so much for the medication treatment that helped me to get pregnant in less than 2 months. It’s was my best birthday gift that I could ever ask for. My boyfriend and myself are full of joy and happiness for our 1st new baby. My little princess just turned 8 months. Thank you for being such a great doctor and a wonderful friend.
Truly, Ali R

Jose L.
Rosemead, CA
5 Star rating

If you’re concern has ever been that you may have to have any kind of surgery for a problem you have, first go to Dr. Ryu and he will take care of your problem without surgery. I’m just fed up with western medicine and convinced that it is a conspiracy. I myself suffered from kidney stones and it wasn’t until 12 years later of kidney stones and never solving the problem that I finally went to Dr. Ryu. He did a few treatments and I haven’t had any more problems.

I also flew my sister up here from new Mexico because she was told she had to have a brain surgery for something called tri-geminal neuralgia. Her pain was excruciating. She went to Dr. Ryu and her pain went away. He is amazing. I will always refer my friends and family to him. Not only is he competent, he is kind and caring. He really explains the whole process to you and really helps you to understand how to heal your sickness, not just to cover up the symptoms. Go to Dr. Ryu no matter what the physical ailment. You won’t regret it. I noticed that one of the previous reviews said that the needles hurt like hell that is not true. I’m sure it depends on the treatment as well but in my experience the treatment has never been uncomfortable. Peace, Jose L.

Jeannie

In this day and age "traditional" Western medicine has become nothing more then an assembly line of "get them in and out," doing as little as possible in order to make money. Or suggestions of invasive treatment that are un- necessary to make the high end buck. I had already become completely fed up with the heath care system in the U.S. when in late 2007 my left shoulder began causing quite a bit of pain. I tried physical therapy through my chiropractic office for two months before we both agreed I should have an MRI. The MRI showed I had a torn rotator cuff and tendons. My primary referred me to an ortho who immediately suggested surgery as that was his "specialty." I was not impressed that he had no alternate suggestions. I had to actually ask if I could try physical therapy. While waiting for the referral to arrive by "pony express," I went to see Dr. Ryu. I had only tried acupuncture once before many years back.. One thing about Dr. Ryu's office that I liked immediately is that it is small and not crowded. There is no waiting an extra hour for your scheduled appointment. He is on time with every visit. The atmosphere is quiet, calm and personable. I was pleasantly surprised when he took extensive time to explain the body and how it works and how his treatment would help my shoulder. After only a few weeks treatments the range of motion in my arm and shoulder improved quite a bit and the pain had decreased considerably. It will take time to heal but hey! He saved me from surgery!!!

During one of our many conversations I happen to mention the digestive problems I have--which seemed to tie in with the first visit I had when he had me stick out my tongue and immediately told me my liver wasn't functioning properly. I was a bit skeptical at how he could tell me about my liver by looking at my tongue but later after my primary doctor told me I have liver problems I was amazed that Dr. Ryu already knew that. So he has started treating me for the digestive problems via acupuncture and his own herbs. He even explained about the difference in his herbs verses those over the counter or in health food stores. He actually makes his own right there in the office using top quality herbs. I have been using the ones for digestion and between that and the acupuncture I do feel an improvement. Again, he takes time and explains in very simple layman's terms the concept of acupuncture and how it works on the body. I actually feel I have learned many useful things. He doesn't give you any bull either. He is honest and cares and it shows in his persona as well as his work.

I went in last week and happened to mention I was going to go back to the chiropractor because my right hip was making a crunching, popping noise when I tried to exercise and do right leg lifts. He informed me that it was the muscle and that he could treat it so rather than go to the chiropractor I have let Dr. Ryu start working on my hip as well. If I hadn't been so impressed by the improvements he has made on my shoulder and digestive tract I wouldn't have bothered! It is amazing to me how much of the body can be treated holistically, without medication, without chemicals, without invasive cutting-- I was referred to Dr. Ryu by someone who does security at my job. He had problems with his hip and was had to use a cane while walking. He got treated by Dr. Ryu and next thing you know the cane was gone along with the blanket covering his lap when he sat behind his desk. I referred a co-worker who was wearing a brace on her right wrist and lower arm due to repetitive data entry---it was only a couple of weeks treatment and the brace was off and she's doing fine. Her husband (and they are in their 30's) had a long standing problem with one of his knees---after seeing Dr. Ryu for treatment his knee is, as he says, "the best it's been in years!"

I continue to recommend him to co-workers and friends every chance I get because in a world of poor health care I believe in sharing information when you finally find a good doctor. There are so many disorders that he can help with including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, fertility and several other things. Give him a call first and inquire if you want to know if he can treat any problem you have.

Sudi W. Olliver
Los Angeles, CA

I began weekly acupuncture treatments with Dr. Jay Ryu, L.Ac., spring 2004. The psychiatrist I see for depression and bipolar disorder recommended I resume acupuncture treatments to improve physical health. I felt very stressed and depressed. My left shoulder ached nearly every afternoon. I needed near 12 hours of sleep nightly. I got up several times per night to urinate, disturbing deep restorative sleep. Thigh areas were constantly sore and hurt when doing normal daily stretching exercises; walking three miles a day is part of my exercise routine; it had become painful.I felt stiff and sore walking, and especially after sitting for short times. My body was recovering extremely poorly after normal exercise. At 51 years old, I refused to attribute health problems and aches to normal aging.

Slowly -- through Dr Ryu's weekly acupuncture treatments -- the aching shoulder diminished; soreness in thighs diminished greatly. My body recovers well after normal exercise again. I am better able to handle work stress; no longer feeling overwhelmed or overloaded. More calm, especially after an acupuncture treatment. As of November 2004, I am much improved -- physically, mentally and emotionally. Pharmaceutical drugs for depression and bipolar disorder have been cut 50% and 75%. Left shoulder rarely aches, then only briefly and mildly when I am very tired. Thighs no longer stay stiff and sore. My body recovers from exercise much quicker. I don't get up during the night to urinate. Quality of sleep is much improved. Digestion is much better. At 52 years old, I have a greatly improved sense of well being. My experience with Dr. Ryu is positive, productive and encouraging.

Rita Solomon

For several years I have been the prey of a malfunctioning digestive system. I was plagued with frequent constipation, back pains, fatigue, irrepressible burping and a failing memory. I have seen a medical doctor and have been under her care for a number of years.

For several months, my husband and step-son have been seeing an acupuncturist here in Burbank named Dr. Jay Ryu (Dr. Yu). I noticed my husband's blue swollen legs, from lack of circulation, changing in size and color. They look healthier and he generally seemed to feel better. The leather like reddish wrinkles under his eyes have all but disappeared and his eyes are by and large brighter. My step-son, 30 years old, has had a life-long weight struggle and a serious bout with asthma/bronchial problems. He is finally breathing much better and has inconspicuously dropped quite a bit of weight. My situation was growing worse and i felt as though my intestines were going to rupture. I did not feel good or look well. My husband convinced me to give Dr. Yu a try since nothing else seemed to have any affect other than an inadequate flush of a harsh laxative.

I have since been seeing Dr. Yu for a little over one month. Since then the back pains that kept me from doing all the things I love and need to do like exercising at Curves, sitting, standing, walking and doing daily chores have disappeared. I have more energy and the pressure I felt from my intestines has vanished completely. I am hopeful and looking forward to the day I will have my digestive system working properly on its own again. Today I am not only getting more things done but I feel much lighter, happier and more alive.

Renie R.

Sick of experiencing side effects from prescription medications? Tired of x-rays and MRIs finding no evidence of something that is causing that aching chronic pain in your elbows or pinkie toes? Want to get pregnant naturally even though you have fertility problems but don't want to take hormones? Suffering on behalf of your mother who is battling cancer but is taking the chemotherapy badly? Depressed and feeling like a band-aid made of artificial emotion was placed over your soul when you take depression medication? Embarrassed about having problems getting sexually aroused, male or female, but would rather get to the root of the problem then take a $10 pill that you have to schedule sex around? Have something you'd really like to know more about that you just don't feel comfortable explaining to a doctor because you don't think it's important enough like bad breath, body odor, a strange white thing that comes out of your throat sometimes, genital curiosities, or occasional stabbing pains in your nipples and belly button? Interested in eating organically, including the medicines you are putting into your body? Want to stop smoking but can't stand nicotine gum and can't avoid the ache of addiction no matter what? Trying to lose weight but just can't seem to lose weight as fast as your workout buddies at Curves? Experiencing acid reflux and just taking the pain day by day as it comes and goes because nothing seems to really "cure" it and prescriptions make it worse in the long run? SICK OF DOCTORS?

Well then YOU need to go visit Dr. Ryu. Dr. Ryu is a licensed acupuncturist professor who studied with the most prestigious Korean acupuncture and Chinese medicine school. I've been to other acupuncturists who don't have that same authenticity, immense knowledge, and credibility. He LOVES PEOPLE and his goal in life is to treat people as a whole, not just treat the main part of them that is hurting.

You really need to call your insurance before you walk in. It's PRICEY. You'll want to know exactly what your coverage is right away and NO insurance will cover herbal medication. A month and a half's worth of medicine can be about $500. It's not untypical- Go to Chinatown and check out the prices on their most powerful ginsengs and rare herbs. You're looking at thousands of dollars!!! He won't half-ass it if you decide to let him treat you. He'll only help you if you can pay for the entire treatment being a holistic practitioner and someone who doesn't want to do a bad job. He will treat your physical pain with needles and treat your whole body with nasty, nasty liquid herbal medicine that he stews from an assortment of herbs that benefit your needs specifically. This may include VERY STRANGE things but the best thing to do is not question it, hold your nose, and swallow.

I've had two stomach surgeries, the first one of which was done incorrectly. Neither of them cured me of my constant acid reflux. Those four years were a nightmare that I slipped in and out of. After the second surgery, TONS and TONS of prescriptions, scar tissue left over, and feeling like my problem was only 50% taken care of, I wanted to try anything. Long story short, Dr. Ryu is the only person that has CURED me. Not UCLA, not Cedars-Sinai, not Nexium, Protonix, Zelnorm, or Prevacid. Dr. Ryu. This includes major depression. I had taken depression medication for about five years. The weaning process, I must admit, was very difficult. It was like withdrawal and Dr. Ryu helped me through it by gradually adding herbal depression medication to my daily routine while I gradually stopped taking depression meds.

If you want real health and results, go see Dr. Ryu.

Mark Suki

Dr. Ryu is good and knows what he is doing. I was hesitant about trying acupuncture and hate needles. But it was 2 weeks and i still had pain in my ankle and swelling, so i thought i would give it a try.

First visit I came in on crutches for a sprained ankle. In about 30 mins , I was walking without my crutches with little pain and little discomfort. 2nd visit I was there for about 30mins, the next day I noticed a big difference. My swelling came down and i had little pain. My final visit, i virtually had no more pain and swelling. I highly recommend Dr. Ryu!

Jeannie A.
Tujunga, CA
4 star rating, Updated - 1/9/2009

I saw Dr. Ryu because I had a torn rotator cuff and he helped me enough that I don't need surgery. I also have an enlarged liver. He did some acupuncture and I got some of his herbs and the swelling went down. I am now being treated for Restless Leg Syndrome so we'll see how it goes. So far I've been really happy with him. He seems to know what he's talking about and genuinely cares about helping people get well. He also takes the time to explain the process. I would recommend him and I have.

H.H.
Sun Valley, CA

Perhaps a little expensive but for my first experience with an acupuncturist I was very pleased. The doctor spent a lot of time with me for the first visit. He did an entire evaluation and spent about 30 -40 min asking me questions about my health. After that the acupuncture session left me with no lower back pain for a month or more. I liked that he was a professor of acupuncture and chinese medicine. He does stress that herbal medicine will do more of a person then acupuncture. I don’t want to say he was pushy but I think he believes it has more benefits. I would go back but I need to find someone who accepts my insurance instead and unfortunately he's not listed on my plan. In general I'd recommend to anyone.