All of our service fees are on a sliding scale, as listed below. We also offer herbal formulas and other products for sale, and we charge a flat fee for missed appointments, records requests, and returned checks (also below).

• Returning Patient Acupuncture: $30-60 Sliding Scale

• New Patient Acupuncture: $40-70 Sliding Scale (first visit must be acupuncture)

  • New Patient Welcome Pack: purchase 2 additional treatments within one month of the first visit for $50

• Other Acupuncture Rates (below sliding scale rates ONLY apply to acupuncture)

  • Minor/child: $1 per year of age of the minor/child

  • Veteran: $15

  • Birthday: acupuncture treatment is FREE on your actual birthday only

    • People born on February 29th can receive free acupuncture on February 28th in years that do not have a 29th

• Additional Services: $40-70 Sliding Scale

  • Cupping

  • Herbal Consultations (for custom granule formulas)

• Herbs & Formulas

  • Herbal products (including tablets, custom formulas, moxibustion supplies, and topical treatments): our cost plus sales tax and a small fee

  • Shipping costs for custom formulas and special orders may apply

  • Raw herb soup ingredients (assembled in-house): $5

• Other Fees

  • Missed Appointments (Late Cancellations and No-Shows): $15

  • Superbills

    • For up to 3 months or 25 treatments: $15

    • For more than 3 months or over 25 treatments: $30

  • Returned Check: as assessed by the bank, $15 minimum

During your first visit, the acupuncturist on duty will briefly meet with you before your treatment to discuss your concerns. The acupuncturist may take your pulse, ask some questions, recommend a treatment plan and give you a brief clinic orientation.

The acupuncture treatment will take place in our community room. The treatment space is a quiet area – please talk sparingly and always in a whisper to avoid disturbing others. You can choose any available recliner or table, but please check with the acupuncturist before you select the last available table. Your treatment length is approximately 60 minutes from the time the needles are set. Your practitioner will keep track of time and come over to remove your needles and end the session after 60 minutes have elapsed.

If you need attention during your treatment, or feel ready to have your needles removed, please wave, nod, or make eye contact to get the acupuncturist’s attention. You may also request a small bell that rings in the front office.

During your follow-up visits, you will check in at the front desk and then head straight into our treatment space, settle into your recliner and prepare for your session. The acupuncturist will meet you there and check on your progress, ask relevant questions, insert your needles and leave you to rest.

It depends. If you are wondering if herbs could be helpful for your chief complaint, let your practitioner know. Sometimes the practitioner may suggest an herbal formula if they think it would be particularly helpful for what you are working on. A few herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy or with the use of blood thinners and other drugs. Please let your practitioner know if this applies to you.

Acupuncturists sometimes prescribe Chinese herbs as part of treatment. Herbal medicines are charged separately from acupuncture.

Chinese herbal medicine has been tested and proven effective by thousands of years of practice. Traditionally herbs are used to treat both the symptom of the illness and the underlying root of the disharmony, according to individualized diagnosis. Herbs are usually combined into formulas that enhance their effectiveness and minimize side effects.

You decide what you can sustainably afford to pay within the sliding scale in order to get the frequency of care you need. It’s normal for the amount you can afford sustainably to vary, as both health and financial situations fluctuate. There is never any pressure to pay a certain amount and no income or eligibility verification of any kind is ever required.

If the sliding scale represents a financial hardship, please speak to one of our acupuncturists about below sliding scale options. Below sliding scale rates, discounted rates, and specials / promotional rates are for ACUPUNCTURE ONLY and cannot be applied to other services.

Our online scheduler will show that you have booked a First Visit for 20 minutes, or a Return Visit for 10 minutes. This represents the amount of time that it takes to check you in (e.g. take payment, talk about your chief complaint) and apply the acupuncture treatment. Once the needles are in, you can stay about 60 minutes (less or longer depending on your needs).

Acupuncture works best if you receive it frequently and often enough to result in progressive improvement in your health. On your first visit, the acupuncturist will recommend a treatment frequency for your condition. All of our acupuncturists work together as a team, so we recommend that you book your treatments to best suit your schedule.

Below are some basic guidelines that apply to most conditions:

If your problem is new: for example, a recently pulled muscle– then you will experience the best benefit from multiple visits in a short period of time—two or three treatments in a week for one or two weeks. By this time, your problem should be much better, and you can check in with the practitioner on duty about adjusting your treatment plan.

If you have a long-term problem: it is usually best to start with frequent treatments (usually twice a week) for a period of time and then gradually decrease the frequency of treatments as your condition improves.

If you are seeking relief from uncontrollable events: then it is best to think of acupuncture as a tool for health maintenance. While acupuncture cannot change the fact that your life or job causes you stress, or that you sat next to someone with the flu on the bus, it can help you relieve stress and strengthen your body’s natural resistance. During those times, come in once or twice a week, or as often as you need to alleviate the symptoms.

We believe that acupuncture works best when you receive frequent and regular treatments.

We know that reading the Prop 65 label on any product can be alarming. It is a complex issue that is difficult to sum up in a short answer. It is important to note that the companies we recommend, or purchase from follow very strict GMP guidelines, and we have great trust in their quality control. All of our practitioners and our families personally use the products we carry. Please see resources below regarding Prop 65 and the quality control of the companies we recommend.

On Prop 65

Golden Flower Quality & Safety

Mayway/Plum Flower Quality Assurance / Control

Nope! You'll receive the same great acupuncture, cupping, etc, as anyone, regardless of the amount you pay. There is no difference in the style or length of treatment.

Yes. However, some herbs are contraindicated in certain conditions, so you MUST tell your practitioner if you are or become pregnant, are breastfeeding, and any medications you are taking so we can find the right formula for you.

No. Purchases at Sarana Community Acupuncture, including treatment fees, are non-refundable. If you choose to pre-pay for multiple treatments in advance, please make sure in advance that you can afford the number of treatments you wish to purchase. The dollar value of treatments purchased at Sarana Community Acupuncture never expires and can be used towards purchase of any treatment(s) or retail item(s), or payment of fees.

Retail items, including herb tablets and granules, cannot be returned or exchanged.

In private settings, the practitioner will typically spend 30-45 minutes on an intake, assessment and consultation. The client is then treated in a private room, usually on a massage table. Sometimes there may be needles inserted both on the front and the back of the body. The private acupuncturist may provide additional therapies, such as cupping, massage, and moxibustion, and may recommend lifestyle changes. Because of the extensive intake time, the time allowed for resting with needles is often limited to about 30 minutes.

Our community acupuncture clinic is set up similarly to acupuncture clinics in many Asian countries. Because we have a high-volume clinic, we get a lot of practice giving a wide variety of treatments every single day. We are very skilled in making a quick and efficient assessment and providing an effective personalized treatment. We specifically study acupuncture methods well-suited for delivering results in a community setting in order to offer skilled care at affordable rates to more people. However, we are usually not able to offer any one client extra consultation time or additional modalities, except for occasional herbal remedy prescription.

We encourage our clients to take a deep rest during their acupuncture sessions and to allow up to 1 hour of needle retention time. Many of our clients report significant benefits from being allowed to relax longer with their needles.

For those who prefer more privacy and more “talking time” along with their acupuncture, there are many excellent practitioners in the Bay Area offering private treatments.

Cupping is a healing modality used for thousands of years to promote circulation, ease pain, release muscle tension, clear heat and expel toxins. Cupping pulls carbon dioxide and other cell waste from the deeper muscle layer to the surface of the skin, allowing the body to more easily flush out toxins and improve circulation in the local area. Cupping is beneficial for back pain, shoulder tension, improving range of motion, respiratory condition (asthma/bronchitis/common cold), anxiety and stress release.

No. For safety reasons, herbs and formulas cannot be returned or exchanged, including topical products, tablets, and custom granules.

It is common for cupping to cause red or purple skin discoloration. (You may have seen athletes’ or celebrities’ photos in the media with round cupping marks.) These marks are a normal result of a cupping treatment, rarely cause discomfort, and will usually fade after a few days to a week.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson gets cupping!

Cupping is CONTRAINDICATED if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have a bleeding disorder or bruise easily (due to medication, etc)

• Have skin rash or ulcers (non-intact skin) in cupping area

• Receiving radiation or chemotherapy

• Have had a whiplash injury less than 2 weeks ago

Clean reusable plastic cups are placed on the back using a manual pump, which extracts the air out of the cups and creates suction. The strength of the suction can be adjusted depending on your comfort level. There is a pulling sensation when the cups a placed, which can also feel like a deep massage. Often, the cupping sensation feels relaxing within 1-2 minutes of cup placement, as muscles release tension. The practitioner may repeatedly remove and re-apply the cups in different areas. Occasionally, oil or lotion will be applied to the treatment area and the cups may be moved around while still applying the suction. The cups remain on your body for 5-10 minutes.

What is the fee for cupping?

Cupping is provided as a separate service and is offered on a slightly increased sliding scale as acupuncture, $40-70 per a session. Acupuncturists are not able to add on cupping during acupuncture. The cupping session will take about 15 minutes.

How do I prepare for cupping?

• Make sure you have eaten within 2 hours of your cupping and hydrate well.

• Bring or wear a button-down shirt that can be worn with opening in the back, a stretchy tank top, a modest sports bra or another garment that would allow for modesty and back and neck access.

• Bring a warm layer of clothing with you – it is important to keep the cupped area warm and protected after the treatment.

What aftercare should I do?

• Take it easy the rest of the day after your session, or at the very least rest for a few hours.

• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out any toxins from your system, avoid alcohol and other intoxicants.

• Avoid extremes of temperature and activity for at least 24 hours after your session.

How often should I get cupping?

Generally, it is best to wait for your cupping marks to clear up completely before you receive more cupping. Your practitioner can recommend a course of treatment based on your specific complaint.

What are those marks?

It is common for cupping to cause red or purple skin discoloration. You may have seen athletes’ or celebrities’ photos in the media with round cupping marks. These marks are a normal result of a cupping treatment, rarely cause discomfort, and will usually fade after a few days to a week.

Cupping is CONTRAINDICATED if you:

• Are pregnant

• Have a bleeding disorder or bruise easily (due to medication, etc)

• Have skin rash or ulcers (non-intact skin) in cupping area

• Receiving radiation or chemotherapy

• Have had a whiplash injury less than 2 weeks ago

At Sarana, we practice gentle needling technique. When a needle is inserted, you may feel nothing or you may feel a slight pinch or mild pressure. After the needles are in, it's normal to feel some sensation such as a mild itchiness or warmth for a few minutes - though most people feel nothing at all. Any sensation you have should subside within a few minutes. If a needle is not settling down after this or if it is preventing you from relaxing, always let your practitioner know so we can help you get comfortable. If a needle is very painful right away, let us know so we can remove or adjust it.

Modern science is still catching up with Traditional Chinese Medicine. That is to say, with all our modern tools, we have yet to figure out the exact mechanisms of acupuncture. We do know from over 2,000 years of practice and empirical evidence that it does, indeed, work. Like western medicine, it's not a magic cure-all and is most effective when combined with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. The primary theory in Chinese medicine is that there are pathways of energy, called meridians or channels, that travel throughout the body bringing energy (qi). Along these pathways are the acupuncture points that are stimulated with the needles to promote proper flow of qi and blood. If you would like to learn more about the theory behind acupuncture we recommend the following resources: BOOK LINKS For the basics click on the title - "Why Did You Put That Needle There?" For a deep dive click on the title - "Between Heaven and Earth"

This has a complex answer. Most acupuncturists have spent 4 or more years studying the theories and techniques of acupuncture, and it is difficult to sum up in a few sentences. Essentially we are using the pathways of energy in your body (also known as channels or meridians) to promote healthy circulation of energy (qi), blood, and body fluids in order to allow your systems to function normally and healthfully. If you would like to learn more about how we choose which points to use, we invite you to read the book: "Why Did You Put That Needle There?"

Yes. We work as a team. When you become a patient, we create a confidential health record for you. Your acupuncturists will create detailed notes at every treatment so that we can keep track of your condition and progress, which points we used for each treatment, which herbal formula you might have been prescribed, etc. so that whoever you see the following time will be completely prepared.

Yes. Acupuncture can be extremely helpful in alleviating discomfort from conditions occurring in pregnancy, such as morning sickness and back and hip pain. Acupuncture is also known to support general health during pregnancy. Please tell your acupuncturist if you are or suspect you might be pregnant.

Depending on your condition and how long you've experienced it, we may or may not put needles near the location of your pain. We frequently use a technique called "distal" or "distant" needling. Because acupuncture uses pathways of energy (also called channels or meridians) we can treat pain "distally." For instance, we may needle your shoulder or elbow to treat knee pain or your hand or foot to treat back pain. We often use the example of light switches - the light is on the ceiling but the switch is on the wall - to turn on the light, you don't screw in the light bulb directly, you flick the light switch. In this case your symptom is the light and the switch is the acupuncture point.

We cannot accept drop-ins and require appointments for everyone.

If you arrive without an appointment you will be offered the the next available time slot and asked to wait outside the clinic until 5 minutes before that time.

We may have same-day appointment availability.

TO PROTECT OTHERS, PLEASE CANCEL YOUR APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL and suspect you might be contagious.

To sustain our low-cost clinic, we depend on having a busy schedule and giving a high volume of acupuncture treatments. Please give us at minimum 12-hours’ notice for changes and cancellations. We prefer 24-hrs notice, if possible.

If you are able, please consider donating 50% or more of your normal fee if you missed an appointment due to a non-emergency.

The donation can be made at your next clinic visit or through our donation page. If you have prepaid sessions, you can also ask us to mark off one of your prepaid treatments on file to cover your missed appointment.

We appreciate the diversity of human beings and are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment. We do not discriminate based on race, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, religion, age, body shape or size, education, disability, substance use, history of incarceration, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or any other socio-economic or cultural factor. We strive to create a hate-free environment, so any discriminatory action or speech will not be tolerated in our clinic.

Our clinic is wheelchair accessible.

Using tables vs. recliners: We have 3 massage tables in the clinic, which are intended for use by those who are not able to receive acupuncture in recliners due to mobility issues. We do not reserve tables for acupuncture sessions, and request that clients use recliners if they can, unless none are available. We are happy to assist clients in getting more comfortable for their session.

If there are no tables available at the time of your appointment, deciding to wait for one to open up forfeits your appointment slot.

• Please wear shoes while walking around the clinic.

• We work hard to maintain a fragrance-free environment. To help those who are scent and chemical-sensitive, please do not wear any scented products in the clinic. See this link for more information.

• We are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

Not for acupuncture, no. We generally only needle the lower arms and legs, head, neck, and ears. Points in these areas can treat all sorts of health conditions, including back pain and digestive and respiratory disorders, even if we don't put any needles directly into the area(s) where your pain or condition may be.

Please wear loose clothing that can easily roll up to your knees and elbows.

Basic

We are happy to provide you with copies of your chart notes, a simple listing of the payments you’ve made, or both. There is no charge for this service and you can submit a request for the basic records up to two (2) times per year. Email us at sarana.acu@gmail.com, Attn: Records Request. We are also happy to provide you with a template so that you can prepare your own superbills.

Superbills

There is a $15 fee for superbills to submit to health insurance for reimbursement, as well as the following restrictions: Superbills can be requested up to four (4) times per year (i.e. once every three (3) months). There will be an additional $15 charge for requests that cover more than three (3) months or more than 25 treatments, based on how long these requests take to prepare.

It depends. Typically, acute or severe conditions will improve more quickly when you come frequently, while chronic conditions require fewer regular treatments but a longer duration. Some people come weekly or bi-weekly for ongoing health concerns or general wellness. Ask your practitioner for an individual treatment plan to guide you in your health goals.

Since it is inadvisable to place masks on children under the age of two, children must be older than two to come to Sarana. Additionally, they must able to remain masked for their entire visit. For children, the age that they can start receiving acupuncture depends on their comfort level with the needles AND their ability to sit comfortably and quietly for at least 10-15 minutes (children require a shorter treatment times than adults). Typically, children can start receiving acupuncture with needles around 8-10 years old as long as they are comfortable with the idea of needles.

Yes. Many people fall asleep during their treatments but not everyone. You don't need to fall asleep for acupuncture to work. If you find that you are always awake during your treatment, we invite you to use earbuds or head phones to listen to your favorite podcast or music (remember to keep the volume low so your neighbors don't hear it too!). Some people like to read during their treatments, and we can keep one arm free of needles in this case.

Just like Western medicine, acupuncture is not a cure all or magic bullet, and practitioners of either medicine can't predict exactly how an individual will respond to a treatment. If you are following the recommendations of your practitioners and still not feeling better, after a series of treatments, let us know and we will adjust your treatment plan.

https://www.petalumacommunityacupuncture.com

There is easy access to AC Transit bus lines 72, 18, 52 and G. If this is your first time coming, give yourself extra time to arrive and find our clinic. For directions via Google maps, click here.

For AC Transit information, click here.

DO NOT

• Do not park in the middle aisle (adjacent to the sign tower)

• Do not park in any spot that uses the word "tenant" or "reserved" on the sign

• OK to park in the "time limited" spots for longer than the sign says (no one is timing anyone, as far as we know)

DO

• OK to park in any other spot that says "customer parking" (as long as it is not reserved for another business)

• San Pablo Ave has free 90-min parking

• ALLOW EXTRA TIME for parking when coming to the clinic, so that you do not arrive late for your appointment!

Leave time for parking when coming to the clinic! Below are some tips for navigating our parking lot.

Be aware that the City of Albany is attentive to street parking on San Pablo Ave. So be sure to let us know to time your treatment appropriately so that you can get back to your parked car in under 90 minutes. Time limits are not enforced in the parking lot.

The parking has 2 bike racks in the center of lot, roughly across the way from the hair salon and physical therapy store fronts. Please securely lock up your bike! Our clinic does not have space for you to store your bike inside.

All persons are required to wear a mask worn over the mouth, chin, and nose, fitting closely on the sides of the face.

• Avoid adjusting or touching your mask. A good guideline is, if you need to adjust your mask frequently, then you need a different mask.

• We strongly prefer the use of a double-layer tightly woven cloth or N95/KN95 mask.

• Please DO NOT to wear one-way valve, single layer stretchy cloth (such as jersey cotton), scarf/bandana or gaiter style face coverings during your treatment.

• Be aware that your practitioner may ask you to wear a different mask if they determine your face covering is not sufficiently safe for our indoor setting.

• Surgical style, pleated, disposable masks are also available for $1.

Yes! Hand sanitizer is available throughout the clinic and hand soap is available in the restrooms. We use an unscented, alcohol-based, foaming hand sanitizer (Avant).

Everyone entering the clinic is encouraged use hand sanitizer upon arrival. Hand washing for at least 20 seconds is highly recommended before and after your session, and after using the restroom.

Practitioners wash or sanitize their hands frequently, including between treating patients.

Medical-grade air purifiers and a humidifier operate in the clinic during business hours. Weather-permitting, we keep some windows open to improve air flow.

Each restroom has an open window and an exhaust fan that automatically turns on with the light.

All recliners and massage tables have wipeable covers and are disinfected at the end of every day. Pillow cases are changed between patients. All commonly touched surfaces are disinfected frequently.

We use an unscented, hydrogen-peroxide based, EPA approved disinfectant (Rejuvenate).

Sunday: 12:30 - 6:30pm

Monday: 4:00 - 6:30pm

Tuesday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Wednesday: 9:30am - 4:00pm

Thursday: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Friday: 12:30pm - 5:30pm

Saturday: 9:30am - 4:00pm

Fridays (with Katie) and Sundays (with Sarah)

9:30 - 11:30 am by appointment only

Note that some Fridays and Sundays may be closed if the practitioner is out and we are unable to find a substitute practitioner.

Our posted hours represent the regular shifts that each of our practitioners works. Sometimes we have planned or last minute schedule changes based on the practitioner schedule, or due to facilities issues or repairs. Our online scheduler always has the most up-to-date hours. This is why we cannot guarantee walk-in availability.

We do our best to update our door sign, this website, google and yelp, but sometimes there may be errors. Again, the online scheduler is always the most accurate!

Lastly, if the shift does not have enough appointments, we may start late or close early to save expenses. We depend on having a busy and full schedule to provide affordable acupuncture.

Thank you for your understanding and support!