ActiveMed Integrative Health Encinitas

Matt Alavi is the Clinical Director and Founder of ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, bringing extensive expertise in Traditional Chinese Medicine, sports medicine, and integrative therapies. Originally from Chicago, Matt pursued his passion for medicine and wellness by earning his degree from Pacific College of Health and Science, one of the premier acupuncture medical colleges in the United States. Further enriching his clinical knowledge, he trained extensively at Chengdu Traditional Medical Hospital in Chengdu, China. Matt specializes in orthopedics, dry needling, sports medicine, neurology, endocrinology, immune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and chronic pain management. He has successfully treated numerous collegiate athletes and coaches at the RIMAC center, University of California San Diego, utilizing his background in sports medicine, nutrition, and acupuncture for optimal athletic enhancement. Committed to educating the community and healthcare professionals, Matt regularly lectures on integrative health topics. His clinical practice and insights have been featured across local media platforms in San Diego. Before founding ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, Matt established and managed the highly regarded North County Integrative Acupuncture Center, along with other integrative medical centers throughout San Diego County. Matt firmly believes in preventive care and emphasizes addressing the root causes of illness to achieve lasting wellness. He provides a wide range of services including acupuncture, dry needling, herbal medicine, diet therapy, athletic performance enhancement, lifestyle and structural therapy, as well as hormone and neurotransmitter consultations. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Matt continually expands his medical knowledge through advanced training programs, seminars, and ongoing research in integrative medicine, all driven by his profound commitment to patient health and healing.

Danielle Arbuckle is the Chief Operating Officer at ActiveMed Integrative Health Center, bringing over eight years of proven leadership experience in strategic communications, operational management, and organizational growth. At ActiveMed, Danielle is responsible for overseeing the operations of three medical clinics and leading a dedicated team of 21 employees. Under her strategic guidance, the organization has significantly enhanced patient satisfaction and community engagement. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Danielle prioritizes coaching, mentorship, and team cohesion, creating an environment conducive to optimal performance and professional development. Her extensive background includes key leadership roles across various industries, consistently demonstrating her ability to drive operational excellence and achieve impactful outcomes. Danielle’s core competencies encompass strategic planning, relationship management, effective communication, and operational efficiency. Passionate about innovation and collaborative problem-solving, she is particularly committed to making significant contributions within social enterprises and nonprofit sectors. Through her work, Danielle continues to champion holistic healthcare solutions, dedicated to improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing traditional healthcare practices.

Dr. Elizabeth Salada, MD, MPH, FACP, is an esteemed physician with over 25 years of experience specializing in Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Wellness, and Life Coaching. She began her academic journey at the University of California, San Diego, and subsequently earned a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Salada then completed her Medical Degree at Wake Forest University, followed by residency training at Penn State University. Since beginning her internal medicine practice in 1996, Dr. Salada has dedicated her career to promoting wellness, preventive care, lifestyle medicine, and mind-body healing. Her extensive training includes expertise in the five pillars of lifestyle medicine: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, and hormonal regulation, complemented by social connectivity and spiritual awareness. As a Certified Life Coach and Medical Consultant, Dr. Salada is uniquely positioned to help patients create personalized, sustainable plans for health and well-being. She partners closely with individuals to facilitate meaningful lifestyle transformations and optimal health outcomes. Outside her professional responsibilities, Dr. Salada cherishes quality time with her young adult children, partner, family, and friends. Passionate about embodying the wellness practices she advocates, she is committed to guiding and supporting her patients in their journeys toward vibrant health and fulfilling lives.

Dr. Brandy Brown, L.Ac., DACM, is a California Licensed Acupuncturist dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized patient care through the integration of Eastern and Western medical practices. She earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, following her Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. Specializing in sports medicine, orthopedic conditions, neurological dysfunction, and facial rejuvenation, Dr. Brown also effectively treats chronic pain, migraines, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, neuropathy, and women's health issues. Her holistic approach incorporates acupuncture, manual therapies, herbal medicine, and personalized lifestyle, dietary, and exercise guidance. As a former migraine sufferer successfully treated through acupuncture, Dr. Brown deeply understands and appreciates the body’s natural healing abilities. She prioritizes creating a comfortable and supportive environment for her patients, fostering optimal healing and wellness. A passionate athlete and San Diego native, Dr. Brown actively embraces the local lifestyle through fitness, sports events, paddleboarding, dancing, and weightlifting. Her enthusiasm for personal development, wellness advocacy, and the promotion of self-care resonates throughout her practice, inspiring both her patients and community.

Dr. RB Robles, L.Ac., DAOM, is a highly skilled licensed acupuncturist certified by the California Acupuncture Board. She earned her Master's and Doctorate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from Emperor’s College of Traditional Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica, California. Additionally, Dr. Robles holds a Master's degree in Teaching, with Special Education Credentials in Moderate to Severe Disabilities from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. Complementing her medical expertise, Dr. Robles is a certified 300-hour yoga instructor, trained at the Chad Hamrin School of Yoga in Santa Monica and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Her integrated approach seamlessly blends Eastern and Western methodologies, fostering comprehensive and holistic patient care. Dr. Robles specializes in pain management, pediatric acupuncture, women's health, internal medicine, cosmetic acupuncture, mental and emotional wellness, oncology support, lifestyle and nutritional counseling, and weight management. Her collaborative, patient-centered care empowers individuals to reconnect body and mind, achieving balanced health and optimal quality of life. Dr. Robles emphasizes equipping her patients with practical tools and resources to understand and address the root causes of their conditions, fostering self-healing and overall well-being.

Dr. Tim Clayton, ND, L.Ac., MSAOM, is a dedicated naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist committed to helping his patients reclaim vibrant health, joy, and purpose in their lives. Originating from a blend of New Jersey and New Orleans, Dr. Clayton discovered his passion for natural medicine in 2015 while working in social media advertising in New York City. Inspired by the transformative potential of naturopathic medicine, he shifted careers and pursued his medical training at Bastyr University in Seattle. During his studies, Dr. Clayton expanded his scope to include acupuncture and Chinese medicine, integrating these powerful natural therapies into his practice. He emphasizes stimulating the body’s innate healing processes and tailors treatment to each individual’s unique needs. Dr. Clayton’s specialties include acupuncture, physical medicine, herbal remedies, lifestyle modification, visceral manipulation, biofeedback, and mindset medicine, always delivered with compassion and humor. Committed to the holistic well-being of his patients, Dr. Clayton believes deeply in the interconnectedness of health and purpose, supporting each person to achieve optimal wellness. Outside the clinic, he enjoys quality time with his dog, exploring nature, attending live music events, discovering new food venues, meditating, and playing video games.