Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a specialty?
I do not consider myself a specialist. Chinese medicine treats the person, not the disease. That said, I've worked on people with allergies, bereavement, burnout, cancer, common cold, diabetes, drug reactions, fitness goals, glaucoma, high blood pressure, insomnia, pain (acute, chronic and post-op), sexual dysfunction, skin problems, smoking cessation, stroke, tinnitus, and more.

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 $175 ($130/treatment, plus a housecall excursion fee determined by commute to/from the location).

Do I have to make an appointment?
You can book an appointment at the Berkeley or Oakland location on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays.

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. Since the pandemic, I also offer local herb pickup/dropoff, and herb mailings at cost via USPS.

Do you charge by modality?
No. My in-person session fee is all inclusive. Herbs are $30 per prescription (bag or bottle). Remote consultations are available.

Do you offer reduced fee sessions?
Yes! I have a limited number of pay-what-you-can, no one turned away for lack of funds (notaflof) sessions that is $0-100 which I offer to patients based on hegemonic systems of oppression including but not limited to: class, race, gender, and ability.
To personally honor the ongoing need for reparations in this country, all my Native American and many of my BIPOC patients are offered complimentary sessions. All other patients who get offered the notaflof session receive up to 3 months of weekly comp sessions, after which I ask them to start contributing something on the scale that feels sustainable and equitable, so that I can continue to offer sessions to others in need.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, please talk to me before your session if you need a payment plan.

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. (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 the paperwork defeated me.

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 the full session fee $130, even if you booked a pay-what-you-can appointment.

What kinds of payment do you accept?
I accept Venmo, cash, and check. As of January 2025 I can put a credit card, HSA or FSA card on file and charge that card automatically each time we meet! You will still need other payment options for herbs, remote consults, and housecall fees though.