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Acupuncture Kitchen
Category: Health and Medical Acupuncture Acupuncture [Edit]
2325 3rd StFlr 4R, Ste 70
(between 20th St & 22nd St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
Neighborhoods: Dogpatch, Potrero Hill
(415) 553-5999
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
Kristin H. said: "Srinika is an amazing healer and I highly recommend her! A few years ago I came in for acupuncture for chronic hip and neck pain. She helped tremendously. Then this fall, after 6 colds/flus I had enough of the sickness and I went to…" read more »
21 reviews for Acupuncture Kitchen
21 reviews in English
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Review from John H.
San Francisco, CA
3/28/2012
Acupuncture Kitchen is so much more than acupuncture.
Caylie See's fantastic clinic epitomizes what San Francisco is all about; Taking classic traditions and adding innovation, genuine human interaction, and, for lack of a better term, Hipness.
I was seeking help for the treatment of Hypertension (high blood pressure), wanting to get away from the usual western approach of throwing drugs at it.
I have had success in controlling my blood pressure through acupuncture and medicinal herbs, that would have been enough for me to recommend them highly, but I have also made other strides towards long term good health.
I get regular treatments from Tamara Roe, who is excellent, she really understands my overall health goals and adjusts my treatments to coincide with those goals. -
Review from Fertility F.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/12/2012
This is the best place to begin your fertility journey. They offer service that aid you before, during and after. Don't let acupuncture be something you begin the think of half way through your journey. Start the relationship early and find peace. They do a lot of work with Laurel Fertility Care and I believe that it is a great combination.
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Review from Lisa R.
Boulder, CO
2/22/2012
If you are looking for acupuncture in SF, this is the place to come! I would HIGHLY recommend seeing Amanda Bilecki for acupuncture treatments. She has received specialized training in women's fertility acupuncture, but treats a wide range of needs and really looks at the whole body when she puts together her treatment plans. Amanda is really easy to talk to and has made me feel completely at ease during my visits. In fact, my treatments with Amanda have become my favorite part of the week! With the help of acupuncture needles, cupping therapy, and herbs, I am a new person :-) Also, they don't have this on their website yet but they just opened up another location in the Presidio. I've been to their Dogpatch & Presidio locations and they are both the most relaxing & serene spaces you could think of for receiving acupuncture or massage services. Thank you Amanda & Acupuncture Kitchen :-)
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Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
9/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It's been a few months worth of regular TCM treatments with Tamara Roe at Acupuncture Kitchen. Already I am starting to feel better, healthier and with more energy. I have been chronically sick for quite awhile so this is a big improvement for me. I have been to many different practitioners since I started regular TCM treatments in in 2004 & I am very impressed with Tamara Roe's abilities to treat all my issues effectively.
Also, I become more aware of my body needs and things I need to work on. I have had problems with my neck and shoulders for many years but I don't think I even realized how many problems or how serious these problems can be until Tamara started working on my neck pain. Sometimes you don't realize you have pain until it's gone. If I could afford to go twice a week I would! Visits are approx. $95 for an hour, extra money for herbs. -
Review from mika m.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2011
I just got back from a winter spent in the sunshine of South East Asia. And now that my tan is gone my little sunshine crows feet and brow line stayed. Argh!
So I heard about Acupuncture Kitchen's Skin Rejuvenation treatment and decided to give it a go. Tada! I don't have a brow line!!! It was there. Yesterday. Now it is not. AND I don't have crow's feet.
TAMARA was AMAZING. She is so calming, relaxing and gentle. I had just been on the Muni and was rushing through the day. And in 5 minutes I am resting in this beautiful airy treatment room getting an acupuncture treatment followed by a super relaxing face massage.
Absolutely Amazing. -
Review from Sara W.
San Francisco, CA
11/6/2010
I have been seeing Nikki Fancher at Acupuncture Kitchen for 4 weeks now and I am officially HOOKED! I am so happy with the results.
I originally went to see her for low energy levels (often feeling sleepy midday), allergies, digestion and a few other things. I am happy to say that all of my goals of acupuncture were COMPLETE after only 4 weeks in what Nikki thought might take 8 weeks. It turned out that I was suffering from massive allergies (that were even worse than I had thought) that were making me feel tired, among other things.
Nikki is amazing! She is extremely friendly, calming, and knowledgeable. I feel comfortable telling her everything. She had me do some blood testing to make sure that everything was good with me. She takes a holistic approach, which is wonderful. So we talk about acupuncture, but we also talk about nutrition, my work, other things going on in my life, and everything else. She doesn't just stick me with needles & leave the room. She takes the time to explain & answer my questions & hear me out. She is a great listener too! I am recommending her to all of my friends, colleagues and clients. She is a star!
Now I have a few new goals in mind for the next 4 weeks: weight loss (pre-Mexico vacation!), upping my vitamin D levels and lowering a few other things that came up in my blood testing. I am excited for this next round, as I am confident that the results will be just as great as the first round. With the help of her custom blended herbs & other herbal supplements Nikki has given me, I am excited to knock these goals out. I am already feeling great!
In learning more about the clients Nikki works with, she said she can also help women & men with sleep, pain, and fertility issues. Apparently IVF is WAY more effective when coupled with acupuncture. And I have also heard that she can help give women in their 30's, the eggs of a 21 year old :) And she can also help women lactate. As for pain, she does "cupping", which helped take some tension out of my neck & back one day when I was in for my treatment.
They take credit cards and they also give "Super Bills" so you can submit them to your insurance. Believe it or not, many insurance companies will cover acupuncture; or at least a portion of the cost. Either way, it is WELL WORTH the investment. Once I do this next round of treatment, Nikki has suggested that I revisit her practice on a quarterly basis; which is perfect & totally reasonable.
For the record, acupuncture DOES NOT hurt! It actually feels kind of cool. And if you "aren't OK with or into needles" these little things are hairline needles. I didn't think I was a "needle person", but these do not bother me whatsoever.
Nikki amazing! Go with an open mind and see her & enjoy! It is a relaxing & totally wonderful experience. Acupuncture Kitchen's space is beautiful too, by the way. And the neighborhood is a fun one to visit with lots of culinary delights within a block to treat yourself after a blissful treatment with Nikki :) -
Review from Melanie L.
San Francisco, CA
3/1/2010
I had been to a few different western doctors to deal with a specific recurring health challenge. They gave me 3 different diagnoses but the same treatment...painkillers and hormones. So instead of recurring pain, I had lesser pain coupled with a generous side order of weight gain and zero sexual interest. Boo:( Not what I needed.
I had always been open minded about alternative medicine but had never tried it for myself until a friend referred me to Caylie See at Acupuncture Kitchen. First of all, the environment is beautiful and relaxing ...more like a spa or a yoga center than a doctor's office. The front desk staff is friendly and Caylie turned out to be a true gift. She changed my life. She thoroughly assessed my situation then put me on a program that involved not only gentle and relaxing acupuncture but also daily Chinese herbs and some minor diet tracking and modifications. My periodic pain has subsided and my energy levels are more consistent than they've been in years. I don't take painkillers anymore. -
Review from Nancy S.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2009
I met Caylie See in late December 2007 through her work with a fertility clinic in San Francisco. At the time, the only thing I knew about acupuncture was that it involved needles, to which I had an aversion. But my Western Fertility Doctor recommended that I supplement my protocol with this Eastern treatment. So I was willing to try it.
Caylie informed me that Eastern medicine does not provide a quick fix. She usually works with her fertility patients for 3-6 months in preparation for IVF. (This made even more sense when I learned that it takes about 120 days for an egg to mature). Since I started my IVF protocol at the same time I started acupuncture, our short-term goal was to help relieve some of the unpleasant side effects of the hormone therapy. Our long-term goal was to begin the process of correcting the imbalances that were affecting my health and fertility.
By February 2008, it was clear that my first course of treatment with IVF was not successful. Based on the results, my Western Fertility Doctor said he would try IVF one more time. If the second IVF treatment were unsuccessful he recommended using an egg donor. I was a bit stunned by this view and not ready to give up so easily.
I am so grateful that I was working with Caylie. In her gentle way, she encouraged me to focus on the positive changes I was making as a result of acupuncture, diet, stress control and the right kind of exercise. I am a person who likes to know the reason behind the recommendation. I did a lot of research on Eastern views of fertility. Caylie is so patient and willing to share both fact and theory. I really appreciate that she took the time to answer all of my questions in a meaningful way.
I decided to postpone my second IVF treatment until June 2008 to give Caylie and my changes time to work. Fortunately, that turned out to be enough time. My second IVF treatment was a success. My Western Fertility Doctor even said the words, "I can't believe it". I continued to see Caylie throughout my pregnancy. In March 2009, I delivered two healthy girls.
I hope everyone can find a practitioner and advocate like Caylie. I highly recommend her. -
Review from Olma M.
Burlingame, CA
4/23/2009
Wow. What a pleasantly wonderful first experience with acupuncture. I attended the "Acupuncture Happy Hour" since I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try something new without breaking the bank. For only $15, I had about 30+ minutes of pure bliss and relaxation.
Amy welcomed me at the front desk and informed me that I would receive a 10 minute massage during the acupuncture session, then offered me a glass of herbal elixir (I opted for "Chi Girl" *Elixr brand).
I walked through to the main open area where a small seating area was separated by a screen divider. As soon as I was ready, I would set my shoes aside and make myself comfortable on one of the yoga mats laying in the adjacent space.
I wanted to take full advantage of this experience, so I sat down and soaked in the calm and serene setting. On the far wall was a couch adorned with pillows and a coffee table of neatly stacked magazines and books - the perfect setting to unwind before your treatment.
As soon as I set my things down and had a few more sips of my yummy-licious elixir, I met Tamara, the acupuncturist. I informed her that this was my first time to experience acupuncture and she kindly explained a few basics including how many needles she would use today, where they would be placed and typical sensations associated with it. I lay on my back and just closed my eyes and let Tamara talk me through it. She placed one needle on each of my hands and feet, and one in the area between my eyes. The initial prick was a very slight sharp sensation and she prepared me for it by letting me know right before she did it. Maybe it was psychological, but I swear, it seemed like I didn't even feel the other needles going in. I really didn't know what to expect so I was really surprised that the needles were barely a sliver and flexible.
I didn't feel any sensation at first, but after what seemed to about 10-12 minutes, I felt a numbing sensation at each point and it seemed to radiate. Then, in about another 10 minutes, I felt something intense, but it was extremely subtle (I think you have to feel this to know what I'm talking about). At that point, Holly, the massage therapist came over to my side and asked me how everything was going, and informed me that she would be giving me about a 10 minute head and neck massage. I just smiled and closed my eyes again. Holly had an incredibly gentle and definitive touch throughout the short massage. It was extremely relieving and complemented the acupuncture perfectly.
After my session, I felt like I had been in "another place" for over an hour. I returned to the seating area and just lounged, reviewing their menu of services and sipping the rest of my elixir. I left feeling so refreshed... and happy... because I knew I would find my way back to Acupuncture Kitchen.
NOTE: They have a special for first time visits, through April 30 - $50 for a one hour massage. Check out their website for a calendar of events. They offer a wide array of services. -
Review from dan e.
Oakland, CA
6/28/2011
I've been lucky enough to get twice-weekly acupuncture treatments from Amanda Bilecki over the past month or so, and it has been HIGHLY worth it.
For years I've had sensitivities to a lot of different foods, and I'd get a bad rash, swelling or even bleeding from my skin, if I ate certain foods. Very little has helped me until now. If I had a flare-up, I would basically be helpless and not able to eat anything except small amounts of rice and plain vegetables, or I would be sorry.
Using the "allergy elimination technique" NAET, she successfully treated my sensitivity to foods. From what I understand, NAET is a acupuncture technique specifically designed for sensitivities and allergies like mine. At each visit, we would work on sensitivities to a particular group of substances. In the beginning it was more general, and toward the end we started working on specific known culprits such as chilies and dairy. But as Amanda predicted, even the more general treatments in the beginning started improving my tolerance of chilies, dairy and other foods I previously couldn't tolerate, because they eliminated low-grade sensitivities to other substances, giving my body a break so that it could become stronger, so to speak.
Now, not only are my previous skin problems much better, but I can eat almost whatever I want, and my body will hardly react at all. The difference is really obvious. And as a bonus, my general mood, energy, sleep, and immunity have all been EXCELLENT since I started getting treatments.
Unfortunately I can't continue the treatments because I'm leaving the country...but I honestly think that if I could get just a few more weeks of treatments, I might just be totally cured. If I were not leaving I would definitely continue.
As for Amanda, she is an extremely talented and knowledgeable practitioner, and she truly cares about her patients' health and well-being. I totally trust her when it comes to my own health, and I'd feel completely comfortable entrusting my friends and loved ones to her care. -
Review from Rhanda S.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2011
Amanda Bilecki, L.Ac of Acupuncture Kitchen is AMAZING. HANDS DOWN THE BEST.
I have been working with Amanda since September 2010 and I knew the minute we started working together, I was one very lucky patient.
I have worked with many acupuncturists over the years and no one has ever compared to Amanda. Seriously.
She is incredibly intuitive - gracious - connected - superbly knowledgeable - highly professional - and soo personable.
I have been dealing with a sinus problem for years and years, and time spent with Amanda literally solved any trace of these issues. YEARS of mild suffering and she worked her magic in a short amount of time....
I have learned so much from working with her about TCM and acupuncture. It makes feel really great to know I have such a wonderful acupuncturist working with me and advocating for my health and well being.
Thank you AMANDA! -
Review from Sydney G.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2010
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ASTHMA!!
I have battled severe asthma for most of my life. Despite being a young, healthy and active person-- my asthma was disabling. My western doctors and even allergy specialists had loaded me up on bronchodilator inhalers, inhaled corticosteroids and even oral steroids to keep the wheezing and inflammation under control. These prescription drugs caused side effects including weight gain, oral thrush, anxiety and severe mood swings-- and I was still waking up at night with asthma attacks on a regular basis.
At one point over the summer, my asthma was really out of control. I was using about 10-12 puffs of albuterol a day, plus a a strong dose of a steroid inhaler called Advair. It seemed that anything could trigger an asthma attack. I began coming in for regular acupuncture treatments with Amanda Bilecki (every 5 days) and with each treatment I felt significantly better.
After just over a month with Amanda's help, I was completely off of the steroids and my albuterol use was down to 3 puffs in total per week. At my worst, I would have puffed my inhaler nearly 70 times a week! I am no longer having asthma attacks and my wheezing has cleared up dramatically.
I have been to acupuncturists off and on for many years and have found acupuncture can be extremely helpful with mood swings and depression, allergies and asthma. I must say I am particularly impressed with the work of Amanda Bilecki. She is incredibly smart, compassionate, non-judgmental, and committed to excellent care. It seems that every time I return for another treatment, Amanda has looked into something on my behalf-- she emails me with dietary suggestions, or tells me about an article she read on respiratory treatments, etc. I am a nursing student and I have to say I am impressed with her knowledge of western drugs! Also, she is great about working with whatever western medication I am currently on (birth control, inhalers, etc) and my reduction in inhaler use occurred naturally with treatment.
I wish I could give Amanda Bilecki a 6 Star rating! I began receiving acupuncture treatments with Amanda during her intern year at the ACTCM acupuncture school and I will remain a devoted client for as long as I am in the Bay area! -
Review from tanya e.
Pleasanton, CA
3/22/2009
For the first time in years, the pain from sciatica has gone from unbearable to manageable, after only one treatment by caylie. I agree completely with all of the reviews.
Note,bring your insurance, otherwise, it is a bit pricey. -
Review from Marc P.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2011
Acupuncture Kitchen is FANTASTIC. And Caylie is a genius. I have recommended her to at least a dozen people in the last year or two.
And I'm no granola-crunching tree-hugger, so it takes a lot to convince me to use these alternative medicine approaches. But she delivered and that's all that matters.
If you're trying to get pregnant, try her services before an expensive IVF process. We tried to get pregnant for 6 months, and before taking that big expensive IVF step, we tried Caylie, with great success. Then, my wife continued her sessions with Caylie, to make sure the baby received all the nutrients, ... needed. Well not only was this kid born huge and healthy, and remains so (he just turned one), but her placenta was a medical marvel. The Dr said he'd never seen one nearly that large (seriously, about 3 x the normal size of one), confirming Caylie's treatments during the pregnancy delivered just what she said. That all the nutrients were being delivered from mom to the baby.
Feel free to email me if you want to know more. But I can't recommend her and AK enough. -
Review from sprout s.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2009
today was my 1st visit to acupuncture kitchen + certainly
not my last.
the space is beautiful, minimal, + clean.
i had a massage with tanya (who rocks) + to
agree w/lisa w (see below) i "literally floated out" of
this first meeting.
this is the type of place i look very forward to returning.
special perk: it's in my office building.
also, they are having a great special...$50 for
an hour massage till april 30th... -
Review from Joseph K.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2011
Tamara saved me. This chronic pain in my shoulder flared up, It was totally painful to work and just function. She took care of me. She new just what I needed. I loved the hot pack as I floated off into relaxation. I was amazed how painless the treatment was. THANK YOU
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Review from Julia W.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2009
well i first reviewed caylie when she had her old space... i'm lazy, so that blurb is below.
but as a little update - caylie's gift at prodding you with needles and plying you with herb concoctions only seems that much more effective in this space.
i mean seriously, this place is beautiful. chic and modern in that loft-space way, but also warm and sumptuous thanks to both caylie's good aesthetic and the amazing team of practitioners there.
as some added bonuses: it's no longer across town from me (yay!) and they've brought into the fold one of my absolute favorite massage therapists and estheticians - Tanya Lee Jones (see my review for Take Care).
just the thought of it makes me want to plan a acu-spa day over there (add in a bite a piccino and that's one perfect afternoon)....
my old spiel on caylie back at her old space in the marina:
While Caylie's specialty may be fertility (and she knows full well to keep the pregger voodoo away from me), she's an amazing all-around acupuncturist. And yes, I've been to a handful of acupuncturists over the years so I do actually have a basis for comparison.
Caylie's largely worked on me for orthopedic concerns - a rather formal way for me to say that I tend to be a bit of a daredevil, and suffer the injuries of some pretty stupid stunts.
She first started working on me on a regular basis after I was dropped on my neck. Yep. It's as painful as it sounds. And as I was insuranceless at the time, who knows what I really did to that delicate stretch of spine between C7 and T5 that made the most awful cracking sound as I hit the hard grass of Dolores Park.
It's a faint memory now, but at the time - and for a good time afterward - I could barely turn my head or tuck my chin, and the little range of motion that I did have stopped at pretty intense pain.
So three times a week or so I'd go to see Caylie. Combining her help and physical rehab through pilates I returned to pain-free, normal range-of-motion.
She's an incredibly accomplished, effective and intuitive acupuncturist.... I've referred many of my clients to her, and they've all had great success and rave reviews.
If only her office wasn't clear across town from me..... -
Review from tuncay c.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2009
Very charming people.
Great service, no hard selling, no attitude. Very reasonable prices.
Very spacious, stylish and clean space.
On 3rd and 20th, easy to find parking spot and just next to a T-Line muni station.
Happy hour massage and acupuncture put me to sleep. I am definitely going back for full acupuncture and massage sessions. -
Review from Sarah C.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011
Tamara is my savior! My shoulder was so tight that I couldn't lift my arm more than half way. She worked her magic and now I have my arm back! Acupuncture Kitchen has a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere so it was easy for me to feel comfortable. I had forgotten how good being relaxed, flexible, and pain-free could feel. Thanks Tamara and Acupuncture Kitchen!!
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Review from Kathleen D.
Bolinas, CA
3/2/2009
After several years of trying mightily to get pregnant, and all the fertility testing coming back fine while all the pregnancy tests were just that one sad little line (except that ecstatic time which ended in the gut wrenching
miscarriage 10 weeks later), I was a weeping mess of broken heart hope spirit faith and self-worth. Yeah, I know all that is not supposed to be bound up with your breeding abilities, but try infertility for long enough and be brought to your knees. Add to it that I'm a doula, literally awash in a sea of other women's fecundity, big bellies, and bouncing babies...
In this state, I crawled into Caylie's care. Having tried other fertility acupuncturists, unimpressed, I read The Infertility Cure, called up the author's clinic in Houston (it has incredible success rates), and they recommended Caylie, unequivocally.
They were right. This woman is the real thing. Gold. From the moment we first spoke on the phone, crying again (me, not her), she has been unfailingly present, compassionate, and authentic. Rare is the physician of any kind that can hold a kind place for your tender self in a busy practice. She can, and does. I've worked with and around health care professionals for a long time, and they don't come better than Caylie. She is masterful in her art, and steady in her humanity. Arriving at her practice a wreck, within a month I was well on my way to being myself again. I've charted my cycles for, like, 12 years: they have gone from so-so to great with Caylie's needles. I was in a vat of infertility-induced depression and stress: with her work and a mind/body program she suggested, I am as reborn. My spirit is easing, my heart is mending, my faith is rekindling. Panic gentled, migraines mitigated, sleep enhanced. My man no longer has to handle me like spun glass. And those ultrasounds are showing some fine looking egg follicles. If there's any chance of me getting pregnant, carrying it to term, and having a healthy wee bairn, Caylie is the needle lady to hitch my wagon to.
Oh, and she's got a fabulous sense of humor--plus she's ridiculously smart, interesting, and easy on the eyes. Count me lucky. -
Review from dink f.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2010
i've never been there but 2 stars b/c i left a message asking for services 6 days ago and they never returned my call.
