Who is Dr Amy Chang?
I practice Chinese medicine everywhere. I've treated people at Burningman, in home hospice and at hospital births, on the sidewalk in Hayward, on a cafe patio in Topanga Canyon, and at various airports while waiting for delayed flights. That's why I call my practice the Anywhere Clinic. During this strange time of global pandemic, I am also offering housecalls, remote consultations, and site-specific pop-up events. So my practice is anywhere more than ever.
Maybe it began when acupuncture and herbal soaks helped me avert surgery for a dislocated elbow at age 11. Or maybe it all started way before then, when my grandmother decided to teach us Chinese first, empowering us with the fluency to read classical texts like the one I chose for my doctoral capstone project decades later. (That project turned into a reference book, A Field Guide to the Huángdì Nèijīng Sùwèn, which was published by Singing Dragon Press in 2021. If you want a copy of my book you may purchase one here.)
I try to live in alignment with the seasons and be present in the contemporary now. You are more likely to find me out in nature and not on social media. As a native Californian, I believe in living as if life could go on forever, and also as if it could end at any moment with the next big earthquake. Seize the day, and cultivate wellness, both.
I gave birth on June 14, 2022. My nights and days postpartum have been acutely involved with the bodily functions of a tiny being created out of my body by a rubric that came from somewhere beyond the limits of my imagination. I have waited years to become a parent, and am planning to carry my baby with me as I carry on with my career. My patients are being very patient, sharing their appointments with the needs of my child, like people used to do.
I look forward to meeting my future with the openness that is my Chinese family namesake.
Shanyin Amy Chang, DAOM, LAc, CKTP
November 2022
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a specialty?
No. Chinese medicine usually treats the person, not the disease. That said, I've worked on people with allergies, autoimmune disorders, cancer, common cold, diabetes, digestive problems, drug reactions, glaucoma, gynecological problems, high blood pressure, infections, insomnia, mental health issues, pain (acute, chronic and post-op), pregnancy & childbirth, sexual dysfunction, skin problems, smoking cessation, stroke, and tinnitus. I especially enjoy working with teachers, therapists, artists, caregivers, and the recently bereaved.
Do you make housecalls?
Yes, I do. Please text or email me your address and a brief explanation for why you want a housecall. I have experience with home hospice, homebirth/hospital labor support, corporate wellness, short/long-term disability, and elder care. I offer housecalls at a starting rate of $150 ($120/treatment, plus the housecall excursion fee: $30 per 15-minute commute to/from the location).
Do I have to make an appointment?
Yes, please. Same day appointments ($170) are often available if you text message me at (510)684-0694.
What modalities do you use?
Most frequently, a combination of acupuncture, kinesio-taping, far infrared heat lamp, and lifestyle suggestions. I also use contact needles, electro-acupuncture, fire cupping, herbs, lancet needling, moxibustion, and reflexology. If you have questions about these modalities, please email me.
What herbs do you use?
I prescribe Chinese herbs in patent and custom formulas. I use herbs, minerals, and animal products that are NOT endangered species. Vegan, organic, pesticide- and gluten-free options are available upon request. COVID-19 UPDATE: I offer local herb pickup/dropoff, and herb mailings at cost via USPS.
Do you charge by modality?
No. My $120 in-person session fee is all inclusive. Herbs are $20 per bag or bottle. COVID-19 UPDATE: Remote consultations are available at $30 per 15-minutes.
Do you offer discounts, trades, or payment plans?
Yes! I take the 'no one turned away for lack of funds' (notaflof) part of my private practice seriously. Every day I am in practice I reserve pay-what-you-can appointments for people who need discount, trade, or complimentary sessions. If you cannot pay the full fee, please ask me about these special slots when we are scheduling your appointment. UPDATE: I am currently full up on discount/trade patients, but please ask me about payment plans if you need one.
Do you take insurance?
As of February 1, 2021, I no longer accept insurance of any kind. I do support patients who wish to claim reimbursements from their insurance by providing receipts, but I am an out-of-network provider. For some reason Anthem Bluecross and Aetna still have me listed online as an in-network provider. I think they do not update their online directories. (They have not responded to repeated requests to be removed from their listings.)
Do you take worker's compensation cases, Medi-Cal or Medicare?
No. Sorry, I tried and couldn't figure out the paperwork.
What happens if I can't make it to my appointment?
Your appointment is reserved just for you. For cancellations (or if you are bringing/sending me someone else to see), please call, text, or email me 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. No shows and late cancellations will be charged $100, even if you booked a pay-what-you-can or complimentary appointment.
What kinds of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and Venmo.
