Acupuncture is more than just needles.
Acupuncture is becoming such a popular style of alternative medicine in the U.S. that it can be overwhelming to choose a practitioner. Especially in a progressive urban area like San Francisco, everyone has an opinion or a favorite acupuncturist. But how can you be sure that it will be the right style for you?
There are five main schools of acupuncture, and San Francisco is a great place to find highly successful, deeply experienced practitioners out of each lineage.
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Caylie See, L.Ac. |
A pragmatic system of medicine that draws on the principles of nature as they relate to the body’s own systems, TCM uses points on the body to access and stimulate meridians, or pathways, that are part of the organ systems. TCM practitioners also rely heavily on the use of Chinese herbal formulas to booster treatments. “Acupuncture is not designed to treat specific diseases and symptoms, but rather it’s a holistic medicine meant to bring the entire body back into balance for optimal health.” |
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Rebecca Rapaport Ness, L.Ac. |
A Classical Acupuncturist pays attention to your pulses, your tongue, your general energetic constitution, and how you are feeling that particular day. Classical Acupuncturists—more than those of other branches—are known for their subtle variations in needling technique and their highly customized herbal formulas. They tailor each treatment to each specific patient at that exact point in time, recognizing that everyone is in flux and that no one treatment will work all the time. “If you’ve never experienced acupuncture and you are fed up with the cold, impersonal nature of the U.S. health care system, consider a visit to a Classical Acupuncturist for a uniquely nurturing and calming session devoted to your health.” |
 Cass Hicks, L.Ac. www.casshicks.com |
Originally introduced to the Western world by an Englishman, J.R. Worlsey, in the mid-20th century, the Five Elements style is based on the ancient concept of the five elements of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. These correspond to the five seasons known as winter, spring, summer, fall and Indian summer. Five Elements Acupuncture has been described as a "highly esoteric but nevertheless elegant and simply amazing" Chinese art. It emphasizes a deep connection to nature and a holistic treatment of the body. “Beyond treating the body holistically, Five Elements Acupuncture is designed to treat the mind and spirit and to bring all three into balance.” |
 Andrew Castellanos, L.Ac. www.stillpointsf.com |
The needles used in this style of acupuncture are thinner, and fewer are used at a time. It’s common for a Japanese Meridian acupuncturist to use five or less needles in each session. The needles themselves are inserted less deeply, and the overall effect is much more subtle. These acupuncturists pay particular attention to palpating the pulses and are acutely aware of the level and quality of ki (qi) in the body. A Japanese acupuncturist may focus on balancing qi along the meridians with a combination of touch, needling and moxibustion. “When we ease the mind of negative emotion and stress, pain seems to go away.” Read more about Japanese Meridian Therapy
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Dr H.B. Kim
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Korean Acupuncture The Korean style of acupuncture is closely linked to the Five Elements theory and considers each patient’s particular constitution when deciding on a course of treatment. However, this style is differentiated by its specific focus on stimulating pressure points in the hands. Korean Hand Therapy (as it’s sometimes called) is a relatively new style of this ancient modality. “Korean acupuncture is known for its comprehensive and sophisticated academic outlook and its established clinical results. Where these two worlds meet, acupuncture is a successful modality for preventing, treating and curing illness and disease.” |
Comments
Have you been to any of these people? Do you recommend them?
Hi Sonja
I've received multiple treatments from all of these San Francisco practitioners except for Dr HB Kim. Dr Kim was recommended very highly to me by another acupuncturist as a prominent Korean acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine academic in San Francisco.
I would very highly recommend the other practitioners based on personal experience. Depending on what you are seeking treatment for and which style speaks to you, they are all very qualified, wonderful doctors with high success rates and great bedside manners.... which is why I chose to write about them in this article!
Thanks for asking,
Joslyn
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