Why did you become an acupuncturist?
I never went to the doctor growing up. I learned from an early age that with excellent health, we can thrive. I have devoted my life to helping people achieve a life with less pain, stress, or illness and to teaching them a lifestyle of balance. When I discovered acupuncture in college, it felt like instant magnetism. I was drawn to its unique and deep healing abilities.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
Instant and lasting results. Trained in Kiiko Matsumoto’s style of acupuncture, I utilize a feedback system of diagnosis that ensures that I precisely pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort, and that you leave my office feeling dramatically better. I consider myself a health detective—unraveling the story of who you are, offering you physical relief, and providing you tools for transforming how you feel in your life. You provide me your health map, and, like a pilot, I locate the precise coordinates to unlocking your physical and emotional recovery.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Interacting with my patients and watching miracles happen. People change right in front of my eyes. As they continue their treatments, I watch them feel happier and live healthier. A woman recently came into my office for back pain. She had been in a car accident and after going to her chiropractor for a month he suggested she try acupuncture to help alleviate her pain. Her body movements, personality, and physical findings showed me issues that existed before the accident, and together with her words, I was able to quickly locate her personal prescription for healing. She is now pain free and back to her everyday life. Miracles like this are the fuel that keeps me excited about this medicine.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
1) Acupuncture doesn’t work. 2) Acupuncture uses big needles and hurts. Acupuncture has been around for 5,000 years. It is a highly regarded medical practice that has been referred to by Western medical doctors, chiropractors, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals for over 30 years in America. Many newcomers walk into my office thinking that the size of an acupuncture needle is the same as that of a hypodermic needle, which is the needle used for vaccinations. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and often cannot be felt when inserted. A fun fact: It takes 15 acupuncture needles to fit in the hole of a hypodermic needle.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
Being an athlete, yogini, and swimmer, I have always been very involved with my physical and nutritional health. I exercise daily for at least an hour, I eat well, I work hard, I make sure to spend time with my friends and family, and I try to receive bodywork once a week. I am energized by my life’s work. It is such a privilege and joy to practice acupuncture every day. I truly feel blessed to have such wonderful patients who fill my day with connection, laughter, and discoveries. Thank you!

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pointoflifeacupuncture.com
paola@pointoflifeacupuncture.com
(415) 823-1796
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166 Geary Street, Suite 1102, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
When I was young in the 1950s, my grandmother was a health-food advocate and yoga teacher, and I was imbued with that sensibility. At age 19, I suffered with a severe illness, and at age 22, I almost died in a car accident. Along the way, I discovered herbs, Shiatsu and acupressure and began my healing process. In the 1970s, when I was in Cuba, I met the early teachers and providers of addiction acupuncture in the South Bronx. That began my journey towards Asian medicine, working with people with hepatitis, AIDS and other serious illnesses. So, I was guided along this path to Lincoln Hospital in 1975 to begin my study of acupuncture and Asian medicine.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
At Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine, we provide integrated Chinese medicine comprehensive treatment programs to people seeking support for such complex medical challenges as viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), HIV/AIDS, cancer and post-cancer support, metabolic issues such as diabetes, and reproductive health. Many people who are struggling with complicated and/or chronic health issues find themselves stepping through a minefield of questions—about their medical problems, how different physicians will treat them, how they’re going to support their quality of life in the midst of dealing with their illness. Our practitioners offer complex consultations and treatment plans that incorporate all the pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine—acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion, diet, exercise, acupressure/massage—within a framework of integrated medicine. Through our consultations and ongoing case management, we develop relationships with physicians, practitioners and clients across the country as well as in San Francisco.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love working with people who are striving to become healthier and working to heal themselves, often despite severe obstacles. My first work with people who were severely ill was with people with AIDS and cancer. They have taught me incredible lessons about life and who we are (and are not) on this planet.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it is just needles. At my clinic, we provide integrated Chinese medicine—acupuncture is just one modality and sometimes it isn’t even the best one for a person. However, I started my career in Asian medicine with Shiatsu and then acupuncture—and saw amazing things in the 1970s—so it really is my first love.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I am the organizer for the San Francisco Shih Tzu Meetup. That is a blast and great for my mental health. I also love to walk around the city and visit areas I have not seen before. And, I take a least one long meditative soak in the Japanese hot tub every day.

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Chicken Soup Chinese Medicine
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chickensoupchinesemedicine@docmisha.com
(415) 861-1101
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965 Mission Street, Suite 405, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Growing up in Europe, I was exposed to alternative medicines at an early age. From homeopathy to acupuncture, shiatsu to osteopathy, I had experienced it all by the time I was a young adult. Even though I came from a family of MDs, I was fascinated by the intricacy and efficiency of Traditional Chinese Medicine. That’s when I decided to follow my passion and become an acupuncturist and herbalist.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
I thrive to educate, inspire and empower people to make better lifestyle choices and to find their own unique path to wellbeing. I use acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and other modalities to ensure the best possible treatment customized for each individual.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Helping people. Healing people. Advising them on better lifestyle choices and seeing great results through acupuncture and nutrition is something I am very passionate about. For that one hour, when people are on my table, I try my hardest to give them a respite from their daily challenges.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
Here are the top misconceptions: 1) It hurts. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and pliable. How many acupuncture needles fit into the tip of a hypodermic needle? Between 20 and 40 depending on the gage. Most people actually find acupuncture very relaxing, and they fall asleep. 2) Acupuncture needles aren’t safe. Acupuncture is always performed in a clean and sterile environment. The needles are single-use, FDA-approved and get disposed of after each insertion to prevent blood-borne contamination. Always go to a trusted licensed acupuncturist when seeking treatments. 3) Acupuncture only helps with pain. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) and WHO (World Health Organization) have identified more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture was found to be effective. Acupuncture treats many ailments, anything from losing weight, addictions, insomnia and emotional issues to headaches, paralysis and digestive problems. Acupuncture used in conjunction with other modalities or herbal medicine can be extremely effective.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I try to maintain a healthy balance between my work, my family and the things I need to do for myself in order to be in optimal health. Whether it is exercising, going for a walk, sitting down to take a few deep breaths or getting acupuncture and / or massages from colleagues on a regular basis—I know, I’m lucky that way. Nutrition plays a big part in my wellbeing, so I pay close attention to the foods I put in my body. In a nutshell, it’s a daily juggling act—sometimes I win, sometimes life wins.

Learn more and get in touch
driftwoodacu.com
anita@driftwoodacu.com
(415) 570-1527
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2940 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118 (located inside Advanced Wellness)

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs helped me recover from a very painful gynecological condition. A friend of mine was in acupuncture school and suggested I come to the clinic for treatment. I got significantly better and no longer needed painkillers. Acupuncture truly changed my life. I was inspired to give something back. I had been working in payroll but decided to apply to acupuncture school and focus on women’s health. I chose to study in California where herbs as well as acupuncture are required for licensure.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My patients say that I am a good listener and have a gentle needling touch. Often people who are scared of needles come to see me. If so, I’ll start with a very small number of needles or focus on acupressure and herbs. With children, I always use shonishin (acupressure for children) and will only use needles when the child is ready. I am also working to expand people’s knowledge of how Chinese medicine can help them. I post “365 reasons to try acupuncture” on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and LinkedIn with daily links to informative articles and facts about acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I like guiding people on their journey to wellness with the help of acupuncture and herbs. Traditional Chinese Medicine makes people active participants in that journey. I enjoy meeting people who used to be skeptical about acupuncture until they try it. I enjoy the moment a fertility patient tells me she is pregnant and then later helping her with labor induction and birth. I enjoy how quickly children respond to treatment. I am always inspired by the positive attitudes of my patients living with HIV and those with cancer.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
People think acupuncture needles are going to hurt. I really do wish we had a different name for them. I tell people that the needles we use are as thin as cat whiskers. Sometimes they are curious to see the needles but sometimes they are not. I always assure patients that I have a reputation for my gentle needling technique.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
I do yoga a few times a week and walk a lot, often with my dog. My personal form of meditation is taking nature photographs. I try to eat local, organic foods whenever possible and get acupuncture and massage regularly. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from a mentor was to schedule time off. Our lives are very active and yang. It’s important to spend some time in stillness and embrace the yin.

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cicutoacupuncture.com
denise@cicutoacupuncture.com
(415) 404-6109
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703 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
1505 Webster Street, Alameda, CA 94501

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Why did you become an acupuncturist?
My interest in Asian culture goes back to my undergraduate days, when I studied Asian theatre and dance. After moving to the Bay Area, this evolved into an interest in Asian bodywork styles like Shiatsu and Thai. It wasn’t until I started volunteering for Misha Cohen, OMD, LAc, in San Francisco that I was inspired to become an acupuncturist.

What distinguishes you from other acupuncturists?
My approach to this medicine is very practical, offering patients simple and realistic ways to incorporate health into their lives. I take the time to educate patients about Chinese medicine without getting too caught up in the jargon.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Introducing people to this medicine and hearing how they’ve been able to incorporate it into their daily lives. So much of my work is about helping people connect the dots, giving them the opportunity for self-awareness and offering them the tools to create some simple, yet lasting changes in their lives.

What is the biggest misconception you hear about acupuncture?
That it’s a one-time thing. Like everything in life, acupuncture is a process. It’s amazing when someone has a dramatic change in their condition after one treatment, but acupuncture is a cumulative experience that becomes more profound over time. After all, when we are trying to build muscle, we go to the gym on a regular basis for weeks before we start seeing results. Acupuncture is very similar.

How do you stay healthy in your own life?
My 5 year old Boxer keeps me pretty active and I am lucky to live in a city that makes it very easy to enjoy nature, good food, and a healthy amount of social activities.

“Everything in moderation, including moderation.” -Oscar Wilde

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erickerracupuncture.com
eric@erickerracupuncture.com
(415) 637-2183
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1122A Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94109

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