She has the magic touch. Her gentle manner and extensive medical experience has made her one of the top holistic health providers in Lake Tahoe, who specializes in craniosacral therapy and acupuncture.

Meet Barbara Ricotta, RN, MA, L.Ac. of North Lake Tahoe.

Barbara discovered holistic wellness in the mid 1980s while working as a critical care nurse. Inspired by her many clients who were seeking a higher level of health and well-being, she subsequently embarked on a career in holistic health and wellness.

Barbara’s education includes a Master of Arts degree in Holistic Health Education, a Master of Acupuncture degree in Five Element Acupuncture with certification in Chinese Herbology, advanced practice in CranioSacral Therapy as well as a teaching certificate in Integrative Yoga.  To name a few!

Barbara’s 20+ years of study and practice of subtle energy medicine allows her to draw from a vast repertoire of vibrational healing modalities to provide her clients with a unique healing experience crafted specifically to their needs. Her lifelong passion and gift for helping others is also inspired by her time spent enjoying the outdoors.

“Every touch from you opened me so much that when you worked on my head, I had a sense that you my allowed me to see the golden light which resides within me. Simply awe inspiring treatment. I felt touched in such an incredible way!”  J.J.

Barbara offers Five Element Acupuncture and CranioSacral Therapy using Principles of Acupuncture which are described below.

Five Element Acupuncture

Classical Five Element Acupuncture is subtle energy medicine based on the five elements in nature (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and emphasizes bringing harmony to the cycles of nature within the individual in order to restore and maintain optimal health and wellness. Classical Five Element Acupuncture works at the root of one’s Being. Each treatment is unique and specific to the individual. An ancient health practice for wellness and disease prevention, one need not have a specific physical, emotional or mental issue in order to seek treatment. (Acupuncture sessions offered in California.)

CranioSacral Therapy with Principles of Acupuncture

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle method for detecting and correcting the adverse effects of stress on the nervous system. A single session can restore well-being, enhance immune system response, transform symptoms of various illnesses, pain and distress while also releasing tissue memory from previous injuries. Using gentle, yet mindful touch, restrictions release from the craniosacral system and connective tissue resulting in a sense of freedom, well-being, and improved movement. Combining these principles with the subtle energy network of acupuncture (points and energy channels) offers the possibility for even greater levels of health as the body, mind and spirit release deeper stress and return to a state of harmony. (CranioSacral Therapy sessions offered in California and Nevada.)

Barbara works in North Lake Tahoe out of the office of Gregory Smith, DC – located at 8611 North Lake Blvd. Suite 200 in Kings Beach, and a studio in South Lake Tahoe available by appointment.

To schedule a free consultation and to book a session, please call Barbara Ricotta at 775-750-7619. I highly recommend her too!

“Barbara is truly a gifted healer…she has a sixth sense for what is needed, especially when I do not know what I need. I put her in charge and when I leave I feel worlds better. I have never encountered anyone who helps me as much as she does. She is generous with her time, energy, and knowledge, bringing all to bear to reinvigorate my energy, calm my nerves, and sooth my Spirit. I can’t say enough about her…highest recommendation!” LT, another happy client