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Best Acupuncturists in Oakland

2023

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Website
Oakland, CA 94619

Why choose this provider?

Acupuncture by Devon focuses on individualized patient care to improve their patient's physical and mental health, fertility, minimize sports injuries, and help them experience a happy and pain-free lifestyle. Dr. Devon Vernetti, L.Ac. is a licensed and certified acupuncturist with a college degree in the healthcare field, and she has multiple awards and credentials. Her practice offers a broad range of services, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, lifestyle education, and posture correction. Acupuncture by Devon's website also has an educational blog, downloadable forms, and an extensive list of research to help her clients stay informed.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (84)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (10)

Website
Piedmont, CA 94610

Why choose this provider?

Leslie Oldershaw & Associates is an acupuncture practice in Piedmont. The clinic opened in 1995, and it has since been serving residents of the city and communities in the Bay Area. The clinic uses alternative medicine to help patients resolve their fertility problems, hormonal dysfunctions, unhealthy gut, chronic fatigue, allergies, and pain. Leslie Oldshaw & Associates offers free consultations, and it uses the latest technologies to diagnose patients.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (60)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
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Website
Berkeley, CA 94705

Why choose this provider?

East Bay is an acupuncture and natural medicine center in Berkeley that helps patients resolve most of their musculoskeletal, digestive, and dermatologic issues. The clinic also deals with fertility, pregnancy, and hormonal problems, and it provides cancer support and other medical conditions with herbal formulas. East Bay assists clients with their personal injury and workers' compensation cases and its clinic has a pharmacy.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (57)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail

Website
449 15th Street, Oakland, CA 94612

Why choose this provider?

City Pulse Acupuncture is located right in the heart of Oakland. The wellness clinic is headed by Rachel Hemphill, a licensed acupuncturist and a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. She also has a master's degree in traditional Chinese medicine and a doctorate in Acupuncture. Rachel is also the clinical director of Integrative Fertility, a network of fertility specialists that provides on-site acupuncture before and after IUI or IVF procedures. In addition, City Pulse Acupuncture specializes in herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, and facial rejuvenation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (42)
Google
5.0 / 5 (11)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail

Website
Albany, CA 94706

Why choose this provider?

Sarana Community Acupuncture is an acupuncture practice in Albany that serves California residents of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. The clinic charges low sliding-scale fees to make its services affordable to more people, and it does not conduct income verification on anyone. A client says, “Their sliding scale allows me to go every week, even as a starving student.” Sarana is a certified Bay Area green business, and it is a member of the People's Organization of Community Acupuncture.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.6
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (62)
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
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Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94611

Why choose this provider?

Oakland Community Acupuncture is a clinic in Oakland. The lead practitioner earned his master's degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and he has at least 15 years of experience in providing Chinese medical massage or tui na to his patients. A client who suffers from temporomandibular joint syndrome says, “During my first treatment, I had relief... I had about eight treatments and I am pain-free. I can open my mouth three fingers [wide]. I'm impressed.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (73)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (20)
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94602

Why choose this provider?

Oakland Acupuncture Project is an acupuncture clinic in Oakland that makes potent Chinese medicine accessible to the community it serves. All of the treatments are individualized, and the center offers affordable payment terms without asking for income proof. The clinic is open every day, and it has three locations within the state.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (93)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (49)
Google
4.9 / 5 (18)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94609

Why choose this provider?

Wealth Acupuncture is a practice in Oakland that is managed by a licensed acupuncturist and a board-certified Chinese herbalist. The clinic combines acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with the Arvigo techniques of Maya abdominal therapy to treat pain, anxiety, depression, or digestion problems. The clinic also helps patients resolve fertility issues, and it alleviates pains related to pregnancy. First-time acupuncture clients pay $150 for the 75-minute session, and the visit comes with an herbal consultation.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (52)
Google
5.0 / 5 (25)

Website
Oakland, CA 94609

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Heidi Kao & Associates is an integrative wellness center in Oakland. The facility offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition counseling services, and some of the dysfunctions it corrects involve the digestive, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems. The facility also helps clients achieve emotional soundness, and it addresses hypertension, insomnia, stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders. Dr. Kao is a licensed acupuncturist, and she holds a Master's of Science degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (53)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (6)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94609

Why choose this provider?

Jenny Crissman is an integrative healing and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Oakland, who is a licensed acupuncturist and herbologist. A patient says of Ms. Crissman, “I saw Jenny when I was experiencing severe hip pain, which was interfering with walking and sleeping... She did a very thorough assessment before starting. After the first treatment, I no longer had to get up in the middle of the night, and after the next few treatments, the pain [became] quite manageable.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (72)
Google
5.0 / 5 (37)
Facebook
0.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Alameda, CA 94501

Why choose this provider?

Alameda Acupuncture is an acupuncture clinic in Alameda that practices “Eastern medicine for Westerners”. The center serves the whole family, and it offers integrative health care using acupuncture, tui na or orthopedic massage and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Alameda Acupuncture's co-founder is certified by the United States' National Board of Acupuncture Orthopedics and China's Xin Hua Hospital, and he is a past president of America's third oldest acupuncture college.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3515 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2009, Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is an Oakland-based provider of individual treatments and Eastern medicine for the people of California. Its medicinal treatments are functional, designed to achieve better health and wellness for individuals and families. A variety of comprehensive medicine and analysis services are available. Some sessions can be billed directly to an insurance provider, while a super-bill can be supplied so clients can be reimbursed for the acupuncture portion of the treatment.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (14)

Website
Oakland, CA 94602

Why choose this provider?

Alma is an adult and Shonishin acupuncture clinic in Oakland. The practitioner is state-licensed in acupuncture, and she also holds a Diplomate in Chinese Medicine from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Alma Acupuncture also offers drug-free and non-surgical facial rejuvenation services, as well as BioResonant Assessment or electro-acupuncture that uses state-of-the-art technology to read meridians or the body's energy pathways. The clinic is open Mondays through Fridays, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (22)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
Oakland, CA 94618

Why choose this provider?

Octagon a community acupuncture and herbal medicine clinic in Oakland that offers a no-income verification, sliding-scale payment plan of $20 to $40 per treatment. The clinic's services include qigong, tai ji, and tui na massage. A patient, who is a mental health worker, says of Octagon, “[It] offers great preventive care [and it] has also helped with more urgent problems, from those that might be too minor to be diagnosed or treated with Western medicine, to more serious issues.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (23)
Google
5.0 / 5 (6)

Website
Oakland, CA 94609

Why choose this provider?

Acupuncture and Health Center is an acupuncture service provider in Oakland that offers a holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional wellness. The center treats stress-related disorders, neurological dysfunctions, acute and chronic pain, and complementary cancer care. A client says, “You helped me work through my anxiety, stress, knee injuries, menstrual problems, so many different parts of myself. You really treated my whole person, and I feel much better because of it.”

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (9)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Website
Oakland, CA 94605

Why choose this provider?

Oakland Hills is an acupuncture and integrative medicine center in Oakland that combines holistic and modern methods to manage pain, treat internal health issues, and prevent diseases. The lead practitioner earned his master's degree from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and he is certified by the National Certification for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. One of Oakland Hills' successful cases involves a patient with acid reflux, who came off his five-year dependence to Omeprazole because of the center's alternative healing modalities.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Google
4.8 / 5 (22)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (7)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2940 Summit Street, Oakland, CA 94609
  • Holistic
  • Body Work Expert
  • Acupuncture

Why choose this provider?

Marny Culpepper is a holistic wellness consultant and functional medicine practitioner focusing on the needs of women going through biological transitions, including fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. She offers private acupuncture services for clients experiencing PMS, adrenal fatigue, migraine, sciatica, and repetitive strain injuries. The provider also uses the said technique as part of perinatal, menopausal, and IVF/IUI support. Marny Culpepper serves clients from all over Oakland and works as the principal acupuncturist at the headquarters of Clif Bar & Company.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (16)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (10)
Google
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique. It involves the strategic placement of small, fine needles puncturing the skin on various areas of the body to relieve pain or treat other medical conditions. The needles are left in place for about 10 minutes to half an hour while the patient relaxes. The selection of the proper acupoints requires skill and knowledge.

    The practice of acupuncture originated in Asia many centuries ago. Chinese acupuncture may also involve electrical stimulation or heat application for heightened effect. Some Chinese acupuncturists also slowly spin or twirl the needles after insertion. On the other hand, Japanese acupuncture is less invasive, with shallow needle insertion and no needle manipulation. Korean acupuncture focuses on needle placement only in the feet and hands.  

    Though acupuncture was highly controversial in Western medicine for many years, most of the medical community now recognizes its effectiveness for pain management. Only anecdotal evidence exists for treatments beyond pain relief.
  • How does acupuncture work?

    Research hasn’t yet determined exactly how acupuncture works, but there are two main theories. One is that it operates on a neurological level by stimulating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, triggering natural pain relief effects. Others believe acupuncture balances a person’s energies — chi — creating physical, emotional, and mental harmony, which relieves pain and improves health. 

  • Does Medicare cover acupuncture?

    Medicare Part B covers acupuncture solely to treat low back pain. The condition must have no known cause and have lasted for at least 12 weeks. Only a doctor or properly licensed and trained medical provider may perform the acupuncture. Medicare initially approves up to 12 sessions over 90 days. With demonstrated improvement, up to eight more visits may be allowed.

  • Is acupuncture effective?

    Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for addiction, nausea, headaches, asthma, some stroke rehabilitation, and pain management for various conditions. The NIH studies support the use of acupuncture alone and combined with traditional treatment methods. Additional research by other scientific and medical organizations demonstrates that acupuncture is typically successful in the treatment of pain.

  • Does acupuncture hurt?

    Acupuncture should not be painful. The unfamiliar sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but that typically goes away after the first session. People with high sensitivity levels or low pain tolerance may experience heightened sensations. However, any discomfort should be minor and brief. Some common feelings at the acupuncture points are warmth, tingling, heaviness, or mild achiness.

  • How much does acupuncture cost?

    Acupuncture prices vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $300 per session. Initial sessions usually cost more than follow-up appointments. Initial sessions on the high end of the pricing scale usually include a consultation and medical exam along with the acupuncture session. Some acupuncturists offer membership price breaks or discounts for prepaid multiple sessions. Shop around before deciding on an acupuncturist.

  • Does insurance cover acupuncture?

    Some health care insurance carriers cover acupuncture for specific medical conditions. But it depends on the location, insurance provider, insurance plan, and reason for the treatments. Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Health Net, Banner Health, and Humana are examples of some private insurers that may cover acupuncture with various restrictions. Contact your provider to learn more.