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The Awareness Center
Categories: Beauty and Spas Day Spas Health and Medical Acupuncture Day Spas, Acupuncture
2180 Garnet AveSte 1I
(between Olney St & Noyes St)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 583-6159
Announcement
$15 off single session (regularly $70) now thru 6/1/12
Open Sat & Mon Memorial Day weekend!
$25 massage w/ purchase series 3 colonics
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 9 pm
Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 5 pm
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for The Awareness Center
26 reviews in English
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Review from amy r.
San Diego, CA
3/22/2012
The first time I met Lisa for our initial session, we connected immediately. She asked me about my health conditions, eating habits, and gave very helpful and thorough advice. During the session itself, we got talking about more personal things going on with my life and family and she showed genuine concern. After all, mind and body are connected.
I felt extremely at ease with her immediately and experienced no discomfort whatsoever. By the end of the session, I could tell that this is something she regards as a "calling" which she's very passionate about and takes seriously. She followed up with me immediately with a phone call and emails with personalized diet recommendations, which I appreciated very much. She goes above and beyond.
It's obvious that, not only is she compassionate towards her clients' individual struggles, but she's interested genuinely in their health and well-being. Since then, I am a regular client of hers and I look forward to our sessions and feeling amazing Mind/Body/and Spirit afterwards. She is a very enlightened and uplifting person with tons of education and knowledge, and just an extremely gifted person in generally. I appreciate Lisa very much and am so grateful for her. -
Review from Chanté L.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2012
Lisa Rocks!
I've had colonics done in NY (some good, some bad). Lisa is knowledgeable, real, professional, helpful - she knows her stuff.
#highlyrecommended -
Review from Rebecca A.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2012
I had a bad experience with the Awareness Center. I purchased a package for colon hydrotherapy with Lisa. I bought four sessions which do not come cheap. First session, dissapointed with results. I decided to stay with it in hopes for better results as Lisa explained would happen. Lisa was nice but what I found to be terrible was that she took numerous phone calls while I was getting treated. She also made phone calls and checked her voicemail all while I was in the middle of a session. At one point, during a session, Lisa left the room to take a phone call. Leaving me hooked up to the machine. NOT A PLEASANT FEELING!!!!! I thought this was SOOO very unprofessional. I paid for four sessions, out of the four, three of them were not even the full hour but more like 40-45 minutes. Lisa seemed to be very busy and a bit distracted. I will not return to the Awareness Center because I thought it was SO RUDE and VERY UNPROFESSIONAL for Lisa to be taking and receiving phone calls during a clients session. Lisa needs to find other times to make her appointments not while a client is in a session on the table and she is pounding your stomach. Also the fact that she left the room for a few minutes to take a phone call while in session I felt was SOOOO unprofessional. I will not return nor recommend the Awareness Center!
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Review from Richard T.
San Diego, CA
7/5/2011
I had never in my life imagined I'd get colon hydro therapy.
I've had digestive problems my whole life and have always thought that as far treatment options go, a colonic would be both embarrassing and painful. Even if it miight be something I truly needed.
After reading reviews on the web and here on yelp, and months of batting the idea around I decided to call Lisa.
Lisa was extremly kind and very proffesional, not only did she ease my nerves but she explaned everything that she was doing every step of the way. I couldn't believe how easy she made the entire process.
I also cxouldnt believe how much beter I felt afer everythikng was done. I went from never dreaming of getting a colonic to wondering why I waited so long. I highly reccomend lisa.
Ill admit that I regretted through nerves alone, that I even worked up the nerve to call. And I was nervous and embarrassed the whole drive to the office. That was untill I met Lisa. -
Review from Judson M.
San Diego, CA
6/7/2011
Lisa does a great job and kept me entertained each and every session. She even hooked me up with some colon deodorant free of charge. I believe it was mint.
She gave me some great advice on eating habits. I'm big on juicing now. When I start to slip off the healthy diet, I will be making a return visit.
Thanks Lisa! -
Review from Jessi D.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2011
After reading reviews on yelp and research I had decided to go through it. Lisa is so informative. She knows a lot and makes you feel as comfortable as possible. Being a normal insecure woman that I am, I heard that by doing this you can possibly lose a couple pounds.
I bought the 3 for $250 package (not sure about the price range, but it's around there) My overall experience was good, but I didn't see the pounds come off as easy as others had said .
This was a bit pricey and I'm not planning to do it again anytime soon, but if you're looking into doing it I would suggest you do it with Lisa! -
Review from Sophia W.
7/27/2010
WARNING: Fellow Yelpers, this is probably the grossest/TMI review I have ever or will ever do. Read at your own discretion.
.................................................. .................................................. ................................
About once a year I impulsively go on a crazy detox binge to try to cleanse my body of toxins. From Bentonite clay and fiber cocktails, to the Master Cleanse and detox teas, I've tried them all.
Last year Jamie P. and I decided to take the plunge (no pun intended!) and try CoLoN HyDrOtHeRaPy!! Hey, Janet Jackson (Ms. Jackson if you're nasty) does it.
I purchased a package of 3 from Lisa. During all 3 sessions nothing came out of me except for water and gas bubbles. Jamie P. had the same experience. What happened to the petrified poo ppl talk about?! Lisa said we really needed to schedule in more sessions to dislodge the poo, which I declined to do since these sessions don't come cheap. I also didn't feel any healthier after these sessions.
Lisa was wonderful and made the whole experience as not awkward as possible, but I really don't think colon hydrotherapy was for me. -
Review from Samar S.
San Diego, CA
9/28/2011
I just started colon hydrotherapy with Lisa and I have to say she is AMAZING!! She is very knowledgable about health, detoxing, nutrition and the body.
I love every minute of listening to what she has to say. She has given me priceless information that took her years and years to compile. I highly recommend her. -
Review from Jessica B.
San Diego, CA
6/10/2008
Alright, for my first ever review... I tell you about my colon hydrotherapy experience.
The waiting room is very peaceful with a tiny, calming waterfall in the corner. And yup, the clipboard on the counter is waiting for you while Lisa finishes up with her other client.
Take off your shoes before you enter her room and leave them by the chair next to the door. She leaves you to use the restroom that is, THANK GOD, connected to the treatment room to change and do your business.
Its, sorta like going to the gyno where you are nudie from the waist down with a gown wrapped around your special bits. But I wont let you be shocked like I was when you see what is going to be inserted! It's not as small as everyone describes it. The Disposable tip is about as wide as a quarter but she lubes it up so much that when it goes in, well, its better than I feared it would be.
My first session lasted about an hour or so and you get to watch the nasty built up stuff head on out. Satisfying. Once the tube is taken out, you shuffle over the bathroom, set your feet on this step thing and I recommend giving your self some time there. Let it all out. I don't know if this is typical but I lost about 8 pounds after my first session!
Lisa is amazing! She is much more than just a colon hydro therapist. She is super educated, opinionated and is willing to talk so many things out with you, no matter what it may be.
I absolutely recommend Colon Hydrotherapy with Lisa Da Silva. I feel better than I have in a long time and with her help, I'll maintain that. -
Review from Mi Linda T.
San Diego, CA
5/12/2008
For those of you who continue to eat meat and indulge in the occasional (or not so occasional!) high in fat foods & are looking to detox without starving yourself. Colon Cleansing (Colon Hydrotherapy) is a good way to flush out the junk from your system. .
When you first walk into the office, it's a waiting area with water fountains,chimes-- oh so zen.
On the counter is a clip board with you name on it with paper to fill out. It's very discreet.
I've been seeing Lisa for five years and have never had a bad experience with her. She's professional, clean, gentle, and the most important thing, you don't feel awkward. She massages your feet, legs and belly.. after your session it's SO worth it!
Be prepared to eat lots of veg, drink lots of water few days before you cleanse. NO BREAD! NO Meat!
My very first session was about an hour long and I had gone another four times after my first.
8 pounds lighter, I was regular & feeling more healthy.
I highly recommend you give Colon Hydrotherapy treatment a try. The colon is part of your digestive tract & it easily gets blocked by waste, especially in those who have or have had a poor diet or gastrointestinal problems like constipation. -
Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2009
I, too, went to see Lisa for colon hydrotherapy. Yeah. That's right. You read it here first. Umm, have you seen some of the places I've reviewed? Okay...
The other two reviews are very indicative of the experience. It's quiet, peaceful and discreet. It's clean, not uncomfortable or 'scary". Lisa walks you through everything, and you can tell her ANYTHING.
The procedure itsself wasn't exactly a day at the park, but I can say it wasn't painful in any way. And afterward, I felt a lot lighter.
I haven't lost the 8 pounds the other two have lost, darn it!, but in all honesty I can completely see the health benefits of this.
I work in Continuing Medical Education. I've been in long-term acute care. I kinda know my stuff. I'll be going back, and honestly, if you're eating some of the stuff I've been reviewing, I'd tell you to go see Lisa too! -
Review from Marcie A.
San Diego, CA
12/4/2008
Lisa is awesome. I like to try new things and am always looking for ways to better my health (drinking for four years straight in college has done some damage to my health...at least I blame the vodka). I was a little nervous when I first came in, and it was apparent because Lisa had to reassure me I would be AOK. And I was. She is like the gynecologist women wish they could have...explains things but yet makes you feel comfortable when they are down there in that general region.
I was on the table for almost an hour and the entire time she helped by either talking to me or massaging different points (reflexology).
Surprisingly, it wasn't traumatic at all and I went back two times for a week long cleanse. I left there feeling better every time and I would highly recommend her, especially if its your first time. You will be watching stuff come out of you and go into a lit tube where you can see it even better and its nice to know the person is completely desensitized to seeing it ALL.
Yeah..makes you think twice about what you eat. -
Review from Mimi S.
San Diego, CA
5/9/2009
I went to see Lisa the first time last Saturday for my first ever Colon Hydrotherapy, I was very nervous, may I add but Lisa made me feel very comfortable. She was gentle and very informative about hydrotherapy, health, and what was good to intake to help your colon.
The reason I wanted to get a colon hydrotherapy was because I was constipated, blotted and felt sick like I needed a body detox. I was having headaches almost everyday, my body was achy and I was always tired. After my first session I saw a big difference. I felt a lot better I wasn't having headaches everyday, I have good bowel movements, not blotted anymore and I feel like I have a lot of energy.
I had my last session yesterday with Lisa and again it was a good session. She was gentle and made me feel real comfortable. During the sessions she will massage your stomach, back, legs and feet which helps you release. I recommended my family and friends to definitely go to her for a colon hydrotherapy. -
Review from nicole k.
San Diego, CA
7/1/2011
Lisa is a wealth of information in her field. She is very passionate about what she does and wants to see you get better. Lisa is very professional and informative, giving nutrition tips as well as telling me about products that she thinks are worthwhile. I did a series of 10 sessions within 6 weeks and saw some really great results.
After researching and reading about colonics, I came in hoping this would be the thing that would really help take away some of the issues I was having. My skin was breaking out, I felt bloated, gassy, fatigued, and depressed. I had trouble sleeping and was irregular.
I stuck to the nutrition guidelines that she recommended( for the most part), as well as added a cleanse, and probiotics to my daily routine. I even bought a few books that she recommended. I had issues I was serious about changing. I saw some great results- people commented that my skin was glowing, my sleep improved dramatically, the bloated feeling that always made me want to hide my stomach disappeared. My energy and mood improved as well.
Lisa made me more aware of the fact that I need to chew my food. I am so glad I have a better idea of what foods to eat, what foods combine well together and what don't.
This isn't something you do to for quick weight loss or do it once and expect to see some major changes.
Working with Lisa helped me get back on track with a healthier, happier lifestyle. -
Review from serina c.
San Diego, CA
12/17/2010
I have been going to lisa for over 4 years. She keeps me nice and skinny! Super friendly and makes you as comfortable as you possibly can be under those curcumstances.
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Review from Gemma H.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2011
Lisa is an incredible colon therapist but she is so much more. She truly cares about your health and shares her knowledge in many different areas. She helped educate me on better choices and resources to learn more about how I could improve my overall health. I became very ill due to typical American diet of processed foods and preservatives. With the help of Lisa I was able to find the resources to cure myself when 6 physicians could not help me. With the right understanding of colonics, a good diet and a great therapist, your life can change dramatically. Oh, and if you are really bad with diet like I was, expect several sessions to get big results. It took years to create the mess, it will take some time to break through it. Been going for years now and can;t live without it. Thanks Lisa!
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Review from Ryan H.
San Diego, CA
6/23/2010
WOW Lisa!!! What a wealth of knowledge and professionalism. As you could imagine, colonics can be a little embarrassing but Lisa made it so easy and comfortable. The whole time in there she was educating me about better lifestyle choices and different types of cleanses. She also is trained in acupressure! Let's just say that adds a whole new dimension to clearing you out!! Her costs are very affordable as well. I would recommend for everyone to get one of these done by Lisa at least a couple times a year!
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Review from M R.
San Diego, CA
3/14/2009
My first post... I've been saving this "ice breaking" occasion for something that was really worth reviewing - and I found that at the Awareness Center with Lisa Da Silva.
Lisa told me that I took the crown on the length of time spent on researching colon hydrotherapy. Normally, people will investigate the procedure for about 2 years until they finally they take action - it took me 3.
A bit of background info: as a child, I suffered from inner ear infections, strep throat and tonsilitis persistently. Western medicine dictated that with every infection I should take antibiotics. By 15, I started suffering from intestinal issues. A doctor told me it was just an inflamed section of my small intestine and, go figure, prescribed me with antibiotics - again. As an adult , I began to pay the price for all of those years of antibiotic treatment. I had all of the symptoms of IBS C, and during a really bad flare up (which happened frequently), my abdomen would swell to the point where I looked pregnant, and the pain associated was all-consuming. I'm sure many of you reading this part are nodding your head and saying, "Mmmhmm" because you've experienced the same kind of swelling and pain too. I would refer to my bad phases as 'sitting over my belly' because the was the experience was both figuratively and literally.
I went through the same rounds that I'm sure most you have: doctors, doctors, OTC remedies, and more doctors. Some doctors told me to eat more fiber, one told me he "thought" it was Krohn's Disease, another tested me for Celiac Disease, I was a vegetarian for years, and then vegan - all in hopes of finding some relief.
When I first started researching colon hydrotherapy, there wasn't much out there, just a lot of text about what the actual procedure was. Then I found the reviews on Yelp. Now that we are in the thick of social media, and forming blogging communities, there is so much more information out there. Information from real people that have had the same experiences and are searching for the same answers.
Thank you to all that have posted your experiences - if it weren't for you, I never would have walked in to Lisa's office, and I wouldn't be on the road to recovery.
The actual procedure for colon hydrotherapy is exactly as you've read it on the hundreds of sites that explain the step by step. With Lisa, you get much more than that. She has a wonderful bedside manner, is open and upfront, and cares just as much as you do about getting on track with detoxification and overall health. She was the first person that didn't pacify me by saying, "No, your abdomen doesn't look swollen at all." She looked at me and said, "You look like you are in pain, your belly is totally swollen, and we've got a lot of work to do." Her honesty gave me the momentum I needed to stick with the hydrotherapy and incorporate the 2 week Gaia Supreme Cleanse into the program as well. Not to mention cutting out gluten, dairy and incorporating Macro Greens in to my daily diet.
It's tough, changing your habits always is. It takes one day to establish a habit and 2 weeks to change it. After suffering with my abdominal pain and swelling for nearly 14 years and trying every remedy under the sun, I was ready. Colon hydrotherapy isn't a quick fix. You can't have 1 procedure done and expect a full recovery overnight, and it's not just about the procedure. A change in your diet and eating patterns is a must!
Lisa makes the journey to better health that much easier. When I come in for a session, she remembers that I had a huge project that I had to work on and asks about the outcome. We talk about everything during our sessions from diets based on blood type to stories about family. The sessions go by quick, she makes me laugh and takes the fear out of the procedure. And afterward, I reap the benefits of the detox program and the hydrotherapy. My swelling has decreased tremendously, and I finally have a feeling of an empty belly - I was so impacted that I hadn't had a hunger pain in years. My vitality is back and I have started regaining mental stamina.
I couldn't recommend Lisa enough. If your experience has been like mine, then you are at the point where you are ready to do what it takes to 'get back to good.' I hope that my post was helpful, and gives you the same courage that I needed to finally stop thinking about regaining control over your condition and start doing something about it. -
Review from sevanne q.
San Diego, CA
8/9/2009
Lisa Da Silva: This was a (scary) dive I took after looking at the reviews here and was not disappointed in the least. This is a personal review, but something everyone should do. I recently had 3 sessions with Lisa that were wonderful! I've had digestive problems and she's helped me on the road to recovery! The information and advice were very beneficial. She has a very relaxed and comfortable manner. I highly reccommend her.
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Review from sandra r.
Whittier, CA
2/18/2010
I have been going to Lisa for about a month now. My sister and I started going to her because we were having stomach issues. I have was having bad stomach aches for the past few years, especially when I ate. Not only that, but I felt bloated and gassy all the time. I tried every diet (to fix my stomach and to lose weight). I figured my stomach would get better if I ate better... not the case. I did research, and came to the conclusion I had candida. After doing more research we found colonic hydration.
To be honest, I wasn't sure that this would do anything, but I figured it couldn't hurt. After doing tons of research, we found Lisa. We made the appointment. Now, we searched far and wide and Lisa looked to be the best. I live in Los Angeles. Let me tell you, she is TOTALLY worth the drive (I have done it 6 times)!! After my first three sessions (which is what she recommends... at least 3) she recommended that I do more, but that I should find someone closer to me because she was too far of a drive!!! That right there shows that she is all about trying to make you feel better, and not about the money!!:)
I was scared at first, but as the others say it is definitely not bad. It is a little uncomfortable at first, but worth it. Lisa is full of knowledge, compassion, and her goal is to make you feel better... not just better, but amazing. She also recommended the book The Body Ecology Diet by Donna Gates. My sister and I both bought it, read it, and are implementing it in our lives. The combination of all the information Lisa has given us and the book has changed our lives. I feel a million times better. I do not have stomach aches anymore, I have lost 15 pounds already, and I have so much more energy. Everyone at my work and all my friends have noticed the changes in me. They are all asking what I am doing. When I tell them about everything, they want to make an appointment with Lisa and get the book. I promise you, if you are ready to get better this is it! She is always willing to listen and help you solve your problems. I highly recommend Lisa to everyone. You will not be disappointed!! -
Review from Grace G.
San Diego, CA
6/11/2011
Steve is a WONDERFUL masseuse and really took his time to work on my neck and shoulders since I had a really bad headache at the time of my appointment. He has really great technique for relieving tension and offered good advice regarding diet and exercise. I will definitely come back again!
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Review from Betsy M.
San Diego, CA
3/26/2010
Better late than never, I always say. This review has been a long time coming, but I am finally able to sit down and write how much I LOVE and APPRECIATE what Lisa da Silva has done for me with colon hydrotherapy. She has also helped me become more "regular" by sharing her extensive knowledge with me about enzymes and probiotics. It's a MIRACLE! I simply have to say ditto to all the other reviews, Lisa makes you feel SO comfortable in an otherwise very UNCOMFORTABLE situation. I see Lisa at least 3 times a year and I actually look forward to my appointments just so we can catch up with each other. The other benefits I've experienced are a flat stomach (not since age 17), feeling cleaner and lighter, more energy. There's nothing negative with this procedure, only benefits. I highly recommend colon hydrotherapy with Lisa da Silva at the Awareness Center.
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Review from Jas G.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2010
I only give reviews if I thought the service was great or if it was terribly bad. This review will explain my wonderful experience I had with Lisa da Silva. I have had chronic digestive issues for years and went to Lisa to help me put an end to this madness. She is very warm, inviting and easy to speak to about your digestive issues.
She is full of some much knowledge and information that I left out of there a transformed person. I also walked out of there losing 5 pounds and I feel amazing and am finally thinking clearer. I wouldn't do a cleanse just for weight lose, which you can do, but to also free your colon of all the toxic waste that has built up over the years.
I am giving Lisa my seal of approval. Please try her before going anywhere else. She is affordable, professional and she will fix your digestive problems!!! -
Review from Neille S.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2010
I saw Lisa months ago and should have posted a review then, but better late than never... In a world where people are often uncomfortable Lisa makes your experience calming and caring. You leave feeling amazing and wondering why people won't give this amazing technique its due credit!! When my guts aren't happy or just need a cleaning up Lisa at the Awareness center is where you'll find me.
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Review from kristin d.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2010
Lisa is wonderful at the Awareness Center. She is extremely professional, but also personable so you feel comfortable during your colon therapy. She almost makes you forget that you are in a possibly awkward situation, you feel more like you are chatting with a friend who you look to for health advice. I was so pleased that I decided to go to her for my first series of colonic treatment, I have been introduced to a new way to cleanse my system and feel amazing afterward. Please visit Lisa, if you have any fears at all about this procedure she will ease them immediately.
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Review from michelle l.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2010
Lisa is great! Makes you feel so comfortable. I recommend going to her!
