Acupuncture
Acupuncture is offered at the clinic and is most often used alongside chiropractic care rather than instead of it, particularly where muscle tension and pain persist after the structural component has been addressed. Whether it is appropriate follows from the assessment.
Understanding the problem
How acupuncture fits alongside chiropractic care
Chiropractic care addresses joint restriction and its effects on the nervous system. Acupuncture works on a different level, and in practice the two are often complementary: the adjustment restores movement, and acupuncture helps with the muscular tension and pain that can persist around it.
It is not offered as a standalone answer to every presentation. Whether it is used, and how often, follows from the examination — the same as every other modality here.
What a first visit involves
How we work through it
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation — to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not a default for every patient.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything begins.
At the clinic
Treatment rooms and equipment
What may be used
Combined according to the assessment
Not every patient needs every item. What is used follows from what the examination shows.
- Assessment of where muscular involvement is contributing
- Acupuncture for associated muscle tension and pain
- Cupping
- Meridian and therapeutic massage
- Combined with chiropractic adjustment where indicated
- Heat therapy
Fees and insurance
Who usually pays for this
How treatment is funded changes what paperwork you need. Pick the closest to your situation:
Auto accident
The at-fault driver's liability cover, MedPay on your own policy, or on a lien where you are represented.
What you need →Work injury
California workers' compensation — approved treatment is paid by the employer's insurer.
How it works →Private insurance
What PPO plans typically cover, and deductibles.
How to check →Self-pay
Self-pay rates, including initial examination with digital X-ray.
See rates →Why here
A few objective points
1988 — 38 years
Same practitioner, same Oakland Chinatown block since 1988.
Cantonese · Mandarin · Taiwanese · English
From history-taking to explaining the plan, in the language you are most comfortable in.
Digital X-ray, same visit
Where imaging is clinically indicated it is taken here, not at a separate centre.
5 min from Lake Merritt BART
Madison professional building, downtown Oakland. Building and street parking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
Most people describe a dull ache or heaviness rather than sharp pain. The needles are very fine. If something is uncomfortable, say so and it is adjusted.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the presentation and how long it has been there. We give an estimate after the assessment and revise it as we go.
Can I have acupuncture and chiropractic on the same visit?
Often yes, and it is a common combination here. Whether it makes sense for you follows from the assessment.
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