Back pain & sciatica
Low back pain, stiffness and nerve pain down the leg. Read acupuncture for back pain.
Licensed acupuncturists · Telegraph Hill & North Waterfront
Acupuncture in San Francisco for Pain, Stress, Sleep & Women's Health
Calm your nervous system, ease chronic pain and feel more like yourself. At TruSpine, acupuncture is performed by licensed acupuncturists and coordinated with our chiropractors, so your care is built around your whole body.
5.0 from 272 Google reviews
California-licensed (L.Ac.)
Sterile, single-use needles
Where
150 Lombard St, Suite 2
First visit
60 min, treatment included
Follow-up visits
50 minutes
Hours
Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm
How it works
What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
Acupuncture places very thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, these points sit along channels called meridians, and treatment restores the smooth flow of energy, or qi, through the body.
Modern research describes the same effects in the language of the nervous system. Acupuncture points are rich in nerves, muscle and connective tissue. Stimulating them prompts the body to release its own pain-relieving and calming chemicals, such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. It also helps settle the stress response (the HPA axis) and relaxes tight muscles.
Because nothing is injected and no medication is involved, acupuncture works well alongside conventional medical care, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments.
Benefits of acupuncture
- Natural pain relief without medication
- Lower stress and a calmer nervous system
- Deeper, more restful sleep
- Support for hormonal and digestive health
- Safe alongside medications and other care
Conditions we treat
What can acupuncture help with?
These are the concerns San Franciscans most often bring to our acupuncturists.
Neck & shoulder pain
Desk-job tension, stiff traps and limited range of motion.
Headaches & migraines
Tension headaches and recurring migraines. See needling for migraines.
Stress & anxiety
A calmer nervous system, so you feel less wired and more like yourself.
Sleep problems
Trouble falling or staying asleep, often linked to stress and tension.
Fertility support
Supportive care alongside IVF, IUI or natural conception plans.
Pregnancy & postpartum
Back pain, nausea and fatigue during pregnancy, plus recovery after birth.
Menstrual pain, perimenopause & menopause
Cramps, PMS, hot flashes, sleep changes and mood swings.
Digestive issues
Bloating, IBS symptoms and stress-related digestion.
Neuropathy
Numbness, tingling and burning in the feet and hands, alongside our neuropathy program.
Sports injuries & joint pain
Hip, knee, elbow and ankle pain, plus faster recovery from training.
Allergies, immunity & tinnitus
Seasonal allergies, frequent colds and ringing in the ears.
Not sure if acupuncture is right for you? Book a first visit and we'll tell you honestly.
Meet your acupuncturists
Licensed acupuncturists who specialize in pain and whole-body health
Both of our acupuncturists are California-licensed and work side by side with our chiropractors, so your acupuncture is coordinated with the rest of your care.
Dr. Jennifer Drake, DACM, L.Ac.
Orthopedic acupuncture · Functional medicine
Dr. Drake holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is licensed by the California Acupuncture Board, nationally certified by the NCCAOM and trained in functional medicine, sports medicine and dry needling.
Focus: chronic pain, headaches, stress, sleep, hormonal and digestive health.
Gabi Curbelo, MSOM, L.Ac.
Sports acupuncture · Orthopedic & pelvic floor needling
Gabi holds a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and is a nationally certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine. A former competitive athlete, she specializes in sports acupuncture and orthopedic and pelvic floor dry needling.
Focus: sports injuries, joint and muscle pain, pelvic pain, recovery and performance.
Patient stories
Hear it from our patients
“Acupuncture therapy has been super helpful about releasing all that tension in my leg throughout the healing.”
— Allegra, TruSpine acupuncture patient
5.0 from 272 Google reviews · Read more reviews
What to expect
Your first acupuncture appointment
- 01
Health history
We talk through your symptoms, plus sleep, digestion, stress and nutrition, and may check your pulse and tongue.
- 02
Treatment, same day
Hair-thin, sterile, single-use needles rest for about 20–30 minutes while you relax. Many patients doze off.
- 03
Add-ons if helpful
Cupping, electro-acupuncture, soft-tissue work or dry needling, only if they fit your goals.
- 04
Your plan
We recommend next steps and how often to come in. Follow-up visits are 50 minutes.
Acupuncture vs. dry needling
Same fine needles, different goals. Our acupuncturists do both, and many patients get a mix. Read the full dry needling vs. acupuncture guide.
| Acupuncture | Dry needling | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Traditional Chinese medicine, whole body | Western, muscle-focused |
| Targets | Acupuncture points along meridians | Trigger points (muscle knots) |
| Best for | Pain, stress, sleep, hormones, digestion | Muscle pain, sports injuries |
| Feels like | Light tingling, deep calm | Quick twitch, deep ache |
Safety
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture by a licensed practitioner is very low risk. We use only sterile, single-use needles that are disposed of after each treatment. Side effects are uncommon and usually limited to a small bruise or brief soreness.
Tell us if you're pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder or a pacemaker, or feel nervous about needles. We'll adjust your treatment.
Insurance & payment
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Many PPO plans include acupuncture benefits. Call us before your first visit and we'll help you check your coverage, so there are no surprises.
Paying out of pocket? Ask about our payment plans, and see our new patient information.
Acupuncture FAQs
Where can I get acupuncture in San Francisco?
TruSpine offers acupuncture at our 150 Lombard Street, Suite 2 clinic in Telegraph Hill, a short walk from North Beach, Jackson Square and the Financial District. Treatment is provided by licensed acupuncturists Gabi Curbelo, MSOM, L.Ac. and Dr. Jennifer Drake, DACM, L.Ac. See our 150 Lombard Street location, book online or call (415) 421-1115.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel very little. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, much finer than a needle used for a shot. You may notice a brief pinch, then a dull ache, tingling or warmth around the point. Many patients relax so deeply that they fall asleep on the table.
What does acupuncture help with?
People most often see us for back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, headaches and migraines, stress, anxiety, sleep problems, digestive issues, menstrual pain, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, fertility and pregnancy support, neuropathy and sports injuries.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition, how long you've had it and your goals. Some people notice a change after their first visit, while long-standing problems usually need a series of treatments. After your first visit, your acupuncturist will recommend a plan and review your progress with you along the way.
How long is an acupuncture appointment?
Your first visit is 60 minutes and includes a full health history, an assessment and your first treatment. Follow-up appointments are 50 minutes.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, when performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles, which is always the case at TruSpine. Side effects are uncommon and usually minor, such as a small bruise or brief soreness at a needle site. Tell us if you're pregnant, take blood thinners or have a pacemaker so we can adjust your treatment.
What's the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Both use the same fine, sterile needles. Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and uses points throughout the body to treat pain, stress, sleep, digestion and hormonal health. Dry needling is a Western technique that targets tight muscle knots (trigger points). Our acupuncturists are trained in both and often combine them.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Many PPO plans include acupuncture benefits. Call us at (415) 421-1115 before your first visit and we'll help you check your coverage. We also offer payment plans.
Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes, and it's one of TruSpine's strengths. Many patients pair acupuncture with chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue work and corrective exercise, so the whole plan is coordinated between providers. Read more about the acupuncture and chiropractic combination.
Can acupuncture help with menopause, fertility or pregnancy?
Acupuncture is commonly used to support women's health, including menstrual pain, perimenopause and menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and poor sleep, fertility and pregnancy. It complements care from your OB-GYN or fertility specialist rather than replacing it.
What should I do before and after acupuncture?
Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your visit and wear loose clothing that rolls up past your elbows and knees. Afterward, drink water, take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid intense exercise or alcohol. Most people go straight back to work.
Do you use cupping, e-stim or herbs?
Yes. Depending on your needs, your treatment may include cupping, electro-acupuncture (gentle electrical stimulation through the needles), soft-tissue work, dry needling or Chinese herbal recommendations. We'll explain each option and only use what you're comfortable with.
Ready to feel better?
Book acupuncture in San Francisco with our licensed acupuncturists. Your first visit includes a full assessment and treatment.
TruSpine Acupuncture
150 Lombard St, Suite 2, San Francisco, CA 94111
Telegraph Hill · near North Beach, Jackson Square & the Financial District
150 Lombard St, Suite 2, San Francisco, CA 94111
Telegraph Hill · near North Beach, Jackson Square & the Financial District
Individual results vary. Acupuncture at TruSpine is performed by California-licensed acupuncturists. This page is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.