Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a comprehensive system of healthcare with a continuous clinical history of over 5,000 years.

Acupuncture is the Chinese medical practice of inserting micro-fine, pre-sterilized needles into specific points on the body to promote health and combat disease, thereby balancing Qi (pronounced chee), which means the metabolic and physiological functions of the body.

Each acupuncture point has a specific purpose and function with a predictable result. Acupuncture points are selected and combined based on a patient’s particular diagnosis. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and even blissful.  Usually, the very slight initial prick of insertion is followed by a warm or tingling sensation that radiates across the body.  The mind then comes to rest, and the qi (life energy) of the body is encouraged to flow freely.

Acupuncture can be used to treat acute and chronic problems as well as provide preventative medical treatment. Acupuncture has been clinically proven to:

• Regulate hormones
• Improve circulation
• Alleviate pain
• Strengthen immunity against disease
• Speed recovery time from injury and surgical procedures
• Promote relaxation and the body’s “rest and digest” functions (parasympathetic activity)
• Ease emotional issues

For a complete list of conditions acupuncture can treat, click here. To view research on acupuncture’s efficacy, click here

For some conditions, Chinese herbs are the most important and effective treatment modality and allow the benefits of the healing process to continue between patient visits.

There is a rich and carefully evidenced history of Chinese herbal prescriptions, dating back thousands of years. Made from organic substances such as plants, flowers and minerals, Chinese herbs are the precursors of Western pharmaceuticals. Unlike their synthetic counterparts however, Chinese herbal formulas rarely elicit side effects and have been proven safe during thousands of years of use.

Chinese herbs are highly specific in their actions, temperature, flavor and direction, and are carefully combined to form balanced prescriptions aimed at the diagnosed pattern. Depending on the nature of your complaint you may be prescribed water-based decoctions, concentrated granular extracts, concentrated tinctures, capsules, tablets or “teapills.”  All herbal formulas are designed either to strengthen and support the body, regulate the function of internal organs, or clear the body of excess conditions like a cold, fever, or pain. 

The products we stock are guaranteed certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and are free of heavy metals. Herbs can be very beneficial, but they should not be taken indiscriminately. Be sure to follow the labeled dosage and call your physician and us if you experience any adverse effects.

Some herbal formulas may not be appropriate to take if you are pregnant or catching a cold. If you feel you are catching a cold, call us to discuss your symptoms and find out if it is appropriate to continue taking your current formula.

Make sure to let us know if you are trying to conceive or become pregnant so that we can determine if your formula is appropriate during pregnancy.

Moxibustion is an adjunct Chinese medical therapy that involves the application of heat to certain acupuncture points. We often use indirect moxibustion, which involves holding a cigar-shaped stick of smoldering mugwort (a Chinese herb) over the points indicated until a feeling of warmth penetrates deeply into the underlying tissues. Moxibustion is especially helpful for poor digestion, sensations of cold (i.e. hypothyroidism), sexual dysfunction, arthritis, and as cold/flu prevention. Patients enjoy this sensation of warmth and find it very relaxing.

Cupping involves placing glass or plastic cups on the body, especially the back. The inside of the cup is first quickly heated to create a vacuum. It is then applied to the skin to form a suction of muscle and tissue. This stimulates strong blood flow to the area, which is helpful for relieving tension and muscle cramps. Patients report that cupping feels wonderful and is just like receiving a deep-tissue massage. 

Important Note: Cupping often produces superficial bruising that typically lasts from 2 to 5 days. These bruises are not painful, but you may find them unsightly.

Acupuncturists are considered Primary Healthcare Providers in California and thus have license to prescribe and interpret Western medical blood tests. At Marin Acupuncture Clinic we can send you for lab testing at LabCorp so that you don’t have to obtain a panel from your MD. We have advanced training in understanding the meaning of your test results, from a Western and Chinese medical perspective. We will recommend natural therapies, such as herbs, supplements, and foods to correct abnormal findings. We can work with your MD as well to ensure coordination of care.

We also can prescribe saliva testing through DiagnosTechs, which is particularly effective for diagnosing adrenal fatigue/cortisol issues, hormonal imbalances, food sensitivities, GI issues, and the cause of insomnia. We will then be able to tailor a treatment plan to your specific diagnoses to rectify the imbalances. We are passionate about using the best of both Chinese and Western Medicine to diagnose and properly treat your health issues!

Diet, nutrition and lifestyle are important elements that round out the Chinese medical treatment plan.  We will educate you as to which foods or supplements should be added or eliminated based on your particular diagnosis and wellness goals. The philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine is to achieve a balanced lifestyle.   With our modern day stress it can be a challenge to take good care of yourself, so that you can look and feel your best. During your visits, we will educate you on stress reduction techniques, exercise programs, meditation and relaxation. Nutritional counseling is included in an acupuncture visit or can be done separately.

Lindsey is a certified instructor of Qigong, a form of movement meditation similar to Tai Chi. It is an ancient Chinese discipline that teaches us to mirror the movements of nature, especially the fluidity of water, to help calm the mind, reduce tension and stress, alleviate pain, boost immunity, and cultivate more energy. Qigong involves gentle exercises, breathing techniques, and guided visualization, all with the purpose of self-healing.

Over the past decade Lindsey has taught Qigong in various retreats, schools, and recovery centers throughout the Bay Area. She currently teaches public and private classes by request. She designs her classes to be fun and engaging for all ages and all physical abilities. She’s particularly passionate about sharing Qigong with those in recovery from addiction and cancer treatment.   Please inquire about availability.

While originating in China, ear acupuncture was rigorously tested by French researchers in the 20th century. They found that the ear point correspondences formed a pattern resembling an inverted fetus in the womb. There are over 100 points in the ear, which may be used to treat all kinds of pain, digestive disturbances, addiction withdrawal, and more. We can also tape a small round seed or magnet to specific acu-points on the ear, which provides continual, gentle acupressure and can stay in place for 1-2 weeks. This helps maintain the treatment effect of the acupuncture between our visits.