We invite you to use our online schedule whether you are a new or established patient. Once you create your account, you will be prompted to complete our intake forms before your visit. For questions please email or call us: 650-948-9642 info@whitepeony.com. We are not in network with any insurance plans.
If you have had recent lab testing or imaging pertinent to your care, please bring those reports with you as well.
We typically see clients one to two times per week for 2 to12 weeks or more. Frequency varies based on each client's needs.
Choosing to take care of yourself is a big part of your over all well-being. A healthy lifestyle includes committing to eating well, moving your body/exercising, and incorporating daily practices to counteract stress. Other supportive services, such as chiropractic, massage, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and visits to your medical doctor are also part of your self-care routine. Acupuncture is a positive addition to each of these, often providing benefits your other supportive service providers will notice as well.
We will review your medical history, lab reports, diet and exercise habits, discuss your health concerns and goals, feel your wrist pulses, look at your tongue, and answer any questions you have before you receive acupuncture. Hair-thin, sterile, single-use disposable needles are inserted as you rest comfortably for thirty to forty five minutes. Most people feel incredibly relaxed during and after acupuncture.
Please have something to eat before our sessions. If you do high intensity exercise daily, it's best to do this before acupuncture. Please don't use alcohol or recreational drugs before our sessions.
We prescribe herbal medicine and nutritional supplements, and explain the benefit you can expect from adding it to your treatment plan. We may also recommend/provide gua sha, myofascial therapy, cupping, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, or moxa, and we will always explain the process to you.
We will briefly discuss your progress, then you will receive acupuncture and/or one of the modalities mentioned above. Your provider will make additional recommendations as needed, and compose your herbal formula.
Initial in office acupuncture 75-90 minutes $215
Follow up in office acupuncture 60 minutes $120
Re-evaluation in office acupuncture 60 minutes (if over a year since your last appointment) $175
Breech baby acupuncture & Moxa in office 75-90 minutes $215
Lab testing fees vary; Blood, Saliva, Urine, and Stool tests are available
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, HSA and FSA cards. We are out of network with all insurance plans, and accept payment time of visit. We will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance plan.
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of tiny, disposable, solid, sterile needles. Acupuncture points are selected in order to regulate the vital energies of the body. What do we mean by regulate? Many health problems manifest as excess or deficient, with symptoms of heat, cold, dryness, excess phlegm or fluids, stagnation, or pain.
Cupping involves applying a glass cup to the skin with suction over an area where there is muscle pain, decreased sensation, coldness, or limited movement. Cupping moves blockage in the tissues that have built up as a result of injury, illness, or poor circulation. The suction action restores adequate blood flow to the area, accelerating the healing process after an injury or illness.
Gua Sha is a technique in which an oil is applied to the skin over an area where pain or limited function occurs. Then a flat edged gua sha tool is rubbed over the area with pressure, releasing tight, painful, numb, contracted muscles and tendons. These treatments are great post injury to help break up painful mobility limiting scar tissue and adhesion.
Moxa is the leaf of the plant Artemesia Vulgaris, or "Mugwort". Moxa is used externally to warm the body, invigorate blood flow, and dispel dampness and cold. Two forms are used: the smokeless stick, and indirect moxa applied to the needle handle.
We use moxa often in our clinic, and it produces a lightly smoky smell that you may notice when you arrive. We use moxa to help injuries and wounds heal better, post surgery for faster recovery, for clients with excessive coldness, for "mother roasting" - a treatment for moms postpartum to help restore energy and augment healing. We also use moxa with acupuncture on the outside of the little toenail for pregnant women with breech position babies. In 60% of pregnant patients, moxa and acupuncture helps correct a breech position between 33 and 37 weeks. We provide these breech treatments to help a baby reposition before doctors attempt a manual version.
Electro-Acupuncture is the application of a pulsating electrical micro-current to acupuncture needles. It was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of acupuncture needles around 1934. Benefits include:
Herbal Medicine is the use of plant seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, flowers, mineral, and animal objects for medicinal purposes. Chinese herbal medicine usually consists of combining two or more herbs into formulas instead of using single herbs. While the scientific study of herbs began just over two centuries ago, CM formulas have been used to treat a wide range of health problems in Asia for thousands of years. Modern doctors of CM use herbal formulas which were created, recorded, and effectively used thousands of years ago and today.
In our office we use a combination of Chinese herbs, herbs from the U.S., and elsewhere, and Nutritional Supplements such as vitamins and minerals that are taken daily to improve your body's function. We suggest and sell many supplements here from reputable companies.
As primary health care providers in California, we order and evaluate lab tests. We work with the best labs locally and regionally to help our clients see data that clarifies diagnosis and treatment. We order blood, saliva, urine, and stool testing
Our patients often ask us what they can do to help with stress management on their own beyond acupuncture treatment. A regular meditation practice of even just 15 minutes each day can help individuals improve focus, calm anxiety, lift a low mood, unwind, and improve sleep. Here are a few of our favorite apps to help you get started and continue a practice: