Welcome
Welcome to our clinic
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. We are available for both in person acupuncture consults and treatments, and we also provide telemedicine functional medicine consults. For questions please email or call us: 650-948-9642 info@whitepeony.com. We do not participate in any insurance networks.
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 three times per week for two to eight weeks or more. Frequency varies based on each client's needs.
Your Role
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.
First Acupuncture in office: 75-90 minutes
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, graston myofascial therapy, cupping, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, or moxa, and we will always explain the process to you.
Follow up acupuncture in office: 50-60 minutes
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.
Functional medicine initial consult in office: 60 minutes
This is an office visit in which we meet and discuss the health issues you want to address. We'll discuss our functional medicine testing approach, and get you started on a treatment plan. Your treatment plan includes take-home lab testing, and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations. Lab testing fees are additional and prices vary; Blood, Saliva, Urine, and Stool Tests are available
Functional medicine follow up consult in office: 30 minutes
This is one of the follow up visits in which we discuss your lab results and treatment plan. We will recommend supplements, botanicals, and lifestyle adjustments that can improve not only your symptoms but also the underlying cause. These consults are part of your treatment plan and can be scheduled for any questions that come up along the way.
Fees and Insurance
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
Functional medicine initial consult in office 60 minutes $330
Functional medicine follow up consult in office 30 minutes $175
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 at each visit. We submit claims to one insurance provider on your behalf at your request (Not for HMOs or ASH)
Services
Acupuncture
Gua Sha and Graston
Fire-Cupping
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of tiny, disposable, 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.
Fire-Cupping
Gua Sha and Graston
Fire-Cupping
Fire-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. Cupping is also used in early stages of colds and respiratory infections to assist in clearing the pathogen from the body.
Gua Sha and Graston
Gua Sha and Graston
Gua Sha and Graston
Gua Sha and Graston are techniques in which an oil is applied to the skin over an area where pain or limited function occurs. Then a flat edged gua sha or Graston 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 scar tissue and adhesions that limit movement or cause pain. Gua sha or Graston can also be used to release congestion and toxins from the lungs. acupuncture chinese medicine acupuncture benefits Los Altos Hills Palo Alto Mountain View
Moxa
Electro-Acupuncture
Gua Sha and Graston
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
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-Acupuncture
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:
- Reducing total treatment time by providing continued stimulus;
- Producing stronger stimulation without causing tissue damage associated with manual manipulation of the needle;
- Easier to control.
Herbs & Supplements
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-Acupuncture
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. acupuncture chinese medicine acupuncture benefits Mountain View Palo Alto Los Altos Hills
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
Functional Medicine Lab Testing
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
Mindfulness & Meditation Resources
Meditation
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: