Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a time-tested therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of sterile, single-use, hair-thin needles into specific points on the body. These acupuncture points lie along meridians — pathways through which chi (vital energy) flows. When chi is blocked or imbalanced, pain, illness, and dysfunction result. Acupuncture restores the free flow of chi, activating your body’s innate healing mechanisms.

From a modern biomedical perspective, acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that modulate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize acupuncture as an effective treatment for dozens of conditions.

At SF Custom Chiropractic, acupuncture is part of our integrative approach to whole-body health, available at our San Francisco locations alongside chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, and functional nutrition.

Meet Our Acupuncturist: Katherine Chen

Our acupuncture program is led by Katherine Chen, a practitioner whose unique background bridges Western and Eastern medicine. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University, an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (MS TCM). This diverse educational foundation gives her an analytical, evidence-based approach to acupuncture while honoring the depth and wisdom of traditional practice.

Katherine’s combination of rigorous scientific training and comprehensive TCM education allows her to communicate effectively with patients from all backgrounds — explaining acupuncture in terms that make sense whether you think in meridians or neuroscience.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is recognized by the WHO as effective for a wide range of conditions:

Pain Conditions

• Low back pain
• Neck pain and cervical spondylosis
• Sciatica
• Headaches and migraines
• TMJ disorder and facial pain
• Shoulder pain (frozen shoulder, impingement)
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Knee pain and osteoarthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Post-surgical pain

Neurological Conditions

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Bell’s palsy
• Post-stroke recovery

Digestive Conditions

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chronic constipation
• Bloating and indigestion

Respiratory Conditions

• Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis
• Asthma
• Chronic cough
• Recurrent upper respiratory infections

Mental and Emotional Health

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• PTSD and trauma-related symptoms

Women’s Health

• Menstrual pain and irregularity
• PMS symptoms
• Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)
• Fertility support
• Pregnancy-related discomfort

Other Conditions

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Smoking cessation support
• Weight management support
• Immune system support
• Seasonal allergies

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session

Your first acupuncture session begins with a comprehensive intake that includes health history, current symptoms, tongue diagnosis, and pulse assessment — traditional diagnostic methods that provide information about your overall constitution and areas of energetic imbalance.

Based on this assessment, Katherine will select specific acupuncture points tailored to your condition and constitution. The number of needles used varies — typically between 10 and 25 per session — and the needles are placed in various locations throughout the body, not necessarily at the site of your symptoms. This is because acupuncture treats systemic patterns, not just local symptoms.

The needles used are sterile, single-use, and extremely thin — significantly thinner than a hypodermic needle. Most patients feel a mild sensation upon insertion — often described as a dull ache, tingling, or warmth — known as “de qi,” which indicates that the chi has been activated. Many patients report deep relaxation and even fall asleep during the 20-30 minutes the needles are retained.

After your session, you may feel deeply relaxed, energized, or both. Some patients notice immediate symptom improvement, while others experience progressive improvement over the course of several treatments. Katherine will recommend a treatment plan based on your condition — acute issues often respond quickly, while chronic conditions typically require a series of sessions for optimal results.

Safety and Sterility

Patient safety is our highest priority. Every acupuncture needle used at SF Custom Chiropractic is:

• Sterile — individually packaged and pre-sterilized
• Single-use — disposed of immediately after treatment in a sharps container
• FDA-regulated — manufactured to strict medical device standards
• Hair-thin — 0.16-0.30mm in diameter, significantly thinner than injection needles

Serious adverse events from acupuncture are extremely rare when performed by a trained, licensed practitioner. The most common side effects are minor bruising at needle sites and temporary post-treatment fatigue.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic: An Integrative Approach

Acupuncture and chiropractic care complement each other powerfully. Chiropractic addresses structural alignment and joint mechanics, while acupuncture addresses energetic balance, pain modulation, and systemic function. Many patients find that combining both therapies accelerates their recovery and provides a more complete resolution of their symptoms than either therapy alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt? Most patients feel a mild sensation during needle insertion — a dull ache, tingle, or warmth. The needles are hair-thin and the sensation is very different from an injection. Many patients find the experience deeply relaxing.

How many sessions will I need? This depends on your condition. Acute issues may resolve in 3-6 sessions, while chronic conditions often benefit from 8-12 sessions or more. Katherine will provide a treatment plan after your initial assessment.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance? Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture. Contact our office to verify your specific benefits and coverage.

Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments? Absolutely. Acupuncture integrates seamlessly with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other services offered at SF Custom Chiropractic.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner who avoids specific contraindicated points during pregnancy. Acupuncture is commonly used to address pregnancy-related symptoms including nausea, back pain, and labor preparation.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us at (415) 521-3073 or book your appointment online today.