Welcome To
Alchemy Acupuncture
San Francisco and Emeryville Acupuncture Clinic
Most Insurances Accepted
About Dr. Sarah Maiden, DACM, LAc
After graduating with a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, I volunteered for two months, running a rural health clinic in tribal Nepal, seeing over 600 patients. This experience gave me advanced training in treating orthopedic issues, a better grasp of both Eastern and Western differential diagnosis, and a healthy respect for the efficacy of frequent acupuncture treatments. I enjoy treating both the urgency of third world disease as well as the difficulty of first world issues. I have a depth of experience treating everything from ear infections to assessing concussions to ordinary back pain. The scope of acupuncture is wide and effective for many conditions.
I feel strongly that the energy medicine of acupuncture can move qi, invigorate the body, and shift perspective in ways that we do not fully comprehend. In addition, the Chinese apothecary is a time tested tool for many health conditions.
Deals
I offer discounted package deals for 5 & 10 treatments. I find that acupuncture is most effective after at least 5 weekly treatments.
Alchemy Acupuncture Services
Acupuncture
I have a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture Facials
Cupping and Herbal Medicine
Conditions
Menopause
Mental and Emotional Well-being
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Mood issues
- Stress
Skin and Cosmetic Issues
- Acne
- Cosmetic purposes (e.g., wrinkles)
- Facial rejuvenation
Reviews
So, if you want a healer, you found her. I had back pain for 8 years. This is the best I have felt in 8 years. Sarah looks at the big picture. She has worked with my knee and shoulder problems also. I am almost there. She had an orthopedic focus. I am active and older and she figured me out. Even my gut feels better. I am soooo happy. Please keep the Monday morning appointments for me!!
Debbie M.4/26/2021
After months of painful sciatica and lots of Physical Therapy I was experiencing worsening symptoms. After one session with Sarah my pain was greatly reduced! A few sessions later it is continuing to improve. Sarah is also helping me develop a more healthy lifestyle including coaching on posture, stretching, etc.
Dan R.12/18/2022
I've seen Sarah twice now, once for hip pain (labral damage) and once for foot pain. In both instances she has been enormously helpful in treating those issues and in giving me tools outside of our time together--supplements, topicals--to help me on my own. This year I was diagnosed with a Morton's neuroma, a painful bundle of tissue and nerves in between my big and second toe. I had spent two weeks in a boot and two weeks on crutches before I finally got MRI results; as soon as I knew it wasn't a fracture (and my doctor wanted to wait two more weeks to see how it was doing), I booked an appointment with Sarah. By that time, my foot was in more pain than it had been initially and I couldn't put my full weight on it at all when walking around. In just two sessions over this week (and with some at-home maintenance), she has DRASTICALLY reduced the amount of pain in my foot and I was finally able to walk almost completely normally today. I highly recommend Sarah's services! As someone who has had quite a few joint issues over the past few years, it's a relief to know I have someone to help in tandem with my medical visits / physical therapy.
Susannah H.4/06/2024
Conditions I Treat
Pain
Acupuncture is renowned for its effectiveness in managing various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, it triggers the release of endorphins and activates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Acupuncture helps alleviate pain by:
- Enhancing circulation to promote tissue healing.
- Reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Modulating pain perception in the brain.
Fertility
Acupuncture is commonly used to support fertility and reproductive health by:
- Regulating menstrual cycles and hormone levels.
- Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs.
- Reducing stress, which can impact fertility.
- Enhancing the overall health of the reproductive system.
Injury
Acupuncture aids in injury recovery by promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation, and accelerating the body’s natural healing processes. It can be applied to sports injuries, strains, sprains, and even post-surgical recovery. The benefits include:
- Reducing swelling and bruising.
- Relaxing muscles and reducing tension.
- Stimulating the body’s regenerative capacity.
Insomnia
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to addressing insomnia by regulating the body’s internal balance. It can help improve sleep quality and duration by:
- Calming the nervous system.
- Reducing stress and anxiety.
- Balancing hormonal fluctuations that affect sleep.
Mood
Acupuncture has a positive impact on mood by influencing neurotransmitters and hormonal balance. It can be used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mood swings by:
- Promoting the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
- Reducing cortisol levels (stress hormone).
- Balancing the body’s energy flow to promote emotional well-being.
GI Distress
Acupuncture can help address gastrointestinal issues by regulating digestive function and promoting overall gut health. It is often used to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and nausea by:
- Regulating digestive motility.
- Reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Easing stress-related digestive disturbances.
Stress
Acupuncture is well-known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It achieves this by:
- Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest response).
- Modulating stress hormones.
- Releasing tension in muscles and promoting a sense of calm.
Sciatica
Acupuncture can be an effective complementary treatment for sciatica, a condition characterized by radiating leg pain. It helps by:
- Reducing inflammation and pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Relaxing muscles that may contribute to nerve compression.
- Enhancing blood flow to the affected area for healing.
Insurance
Accepting most insurances including CIGNA, United, Anthem, etc.
Locations
Alchemy Acupuncture has two locations, so no matter which side of the Bay you are on, acupuncture is convenient! We are available at the Healing Arts Building in San Francisco all day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday afternoon, plus Friday mornings and in Emeryville Wednesday and Thursday.
San Francisco
Healing Arts Building
1801 Bush St, Suite 107
San Francisco, CA 94109
Mon – 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
Tue – 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
Thu – 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Fri – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Emeryville
1331 61st St STE G
Emeryville, CA 94608
Wed – 9:00 am–7:00 pm
Thu – Community 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Thu – 2:00 pm–7:00 pm