Protea Acupuncture

Protea Acupuncture describes itself as a clinic offering both Eastern and Western therapies. Its services are grouped into Acupuncture and Herbal Healing, Bodywork, a free Discovery Call, and micro-needling. The clinic is in Pacifica and lists a phone line at 415-758-3444. Appointments can be booked online.

Acupuncture uses sterilized, fine needles placed at acupuncture points, with the aim of supporting the body's own healing. Herbal medicine is made up of custom Chinese herbal formulas prescribed after a consultation, and the cost of herbs and supplements is not included in the treatment price. Nutritional counseling combines nutrition knowledge with Chinese medicine training and is used to address digestive problems. The site lists heat therapy and therapeutic exercises among its treatments.

The bodywork menu includes cupping and gua sha, which are described as therapies that promote blood circulation within muscles, along with moxibustion using the herb Ai Ye over acupuncture points, tui na, shiatsu, and pre- and postnatal bodywork offered during pregnancy, around labor and after birth. Tui na combines tapping, rolling, traction, stretching and acupressure, and shiatsu uses finger pressure at traditional acupuncture points. A 30-minute focused cupping session is listed at $105.

Micro-needling uses ultra-fine sterilized needles to create small micro-injuries on the surface of the skin. The site offers it for facial rejuvenation, acne, acne scars and hair loss, and says results typically take a minimum of 4 to 6 sessions. The monthly micro-needling package is 75 minutes at $650. The site also says the treatment can improve skin tone and texture, reduce wrinkles and minimize acne scars, and that it can promote scalp hair regrowth and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Visits are fee-for-service, with payment expected at the time of service, and the clinic accepts cash, check and most major credit cards. Initial visits last 75 to 90 minutes and include a health history, a review of the condition and a physical examination; the new-patient fee is $375. Follow-up visits last 60 to 75 minutes at $205. Treatments are usually given once to three times a week at first, and the site notes that an average case takes around 6 treatments. The clinic is in-network with Cigna PPO, accepts other PPO plans with acupuncture coverage out-of-network, and verifies coverage before the first visit. Acupuncture is an approved therapy for FSA and HSA accounts, and itemized superbills are provided. Patients without insurance can buy pre-paid discount packages after their initial visit. The site lists conditions it treats including back and neck pain, joint pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, digestive conditions, menstrual conditions and headaches, among others.

The clinic is open Tuesday and Thursday 10 am to 6:30 pm, Wednesday 9 am to 1 pm, Friday 9 am to 3 pm, and two Saturdays a month 10 am to 2 pm. It is closed Sunday and Monday. The site describes its treatments as proven and its approach as holistic.

The clinic describes its approach as holistic, combining Eastern and Western therapies, and offers a free consultation to help patients choose a treatment path.

The treatment room is dimly lit and has a heat lamp and music playing.