I had a terrible pinched nerve near my scapula as a result of sleeping oddly on a camping trip. I've never had or heard of anything like this (and neither had Akasia) but she solved it in a single session! I think most people are carrying far more tension and pain around than they need to. I've done my shoulders, low back, forearms, jaw, and more. I never released until releasing the small muscles in the top of my neck that you should be able to look straight up in one smooth motion, with no impedance. I'm a regular at AcuGroup now Five stars from someone who thought needles etc were too "woo" for me. Once your muscles start jumping and releasing I think you'll update! I've recommended all my friends and family to Akasia, and just now remembered that I also need to leave a review! read more

(I am copying this review from one I left on Jeannie's personal Yelp to make sure it's visible for AcuGroup, too) Jeannie is a miracle worker! I won't bury the lede - her holistic approach (not just acupuncture) allowed me to get pregnant after a single month of weekly treatment after a few months of trying on our own, at age 39 (!). From our first appointment, I felt that I was in good, capable hands. She has a really well thought out intake process that's much more detailed than what you'd get with other acupuncturists and even functional medicine providers, and she actually acts on the information in the intake form. I have some background in science, nutrition and healthcare and was very impressed with her wealth of knowledge - not just in terms of classical Chinese medicine, but also the most recent integrative Western medicine research to address any concerns and quality of life issues thoughtfully, safely, and effectively. Her intake was very calming and consisted of a back and forth about treatment goals, where in addition to easy to follow advice, she'd recommend additional resources like podcasts or reading if I expressed interest, and she event offered me a device to use for free because she had one at the office. This was followed by a soothing acupuncture session in a darkened, calm room and wave sounds. She has those red lights for your feet or body to make you feel extra cozy during the time the needles are working (which, by the way, are extremely thin and not to be feared - it's a small prick and that's it). Subsequent appointments were also very enjoyable - I felt like I was going to a combination of a spa and true medical guru. Jeannie answered my questions thoroughly and if I had any new concerns come up would readily suggest lifestyle, dietary, or supplement interventions to help, which were effective a number of times, in addition to placing needles at points meant to support whatever was happening. She also has a number of helpful handouts on all sorts of topics. When I first arrived to see her, my nerves were frayed and I was sleeping poorly, and within a few appointments the acupuncture shifted me to a space of more calm and better sleep (it's not my first time with acupuncture, so I knew it'd be helpful for this)... and then I got pregnant! On a personal level, I think Jeannie's warmth and passion for helping, as well as her considerable knowledge base, was a big part of the treatment success. She is truly a gem and has a great sense of humor when you need it, and is very subtle and nurturing - the perfect clinician. She even followed up with me after I sadly had to move far away to make sure that I was getting good care from others. Truly, this was one of the best medical experiences I've had to date (and that's not even counting the incredibly quick pregnancy!); we are so lucky that she still makes the trek to SF for seeing patients. As an aside, the SF AcuGroup office is very easy to get to via public transport, and is always clean and calm. I enjoy seeing all the holistic and Chinese Medicine books on their shelves and the overall pleasant atmosphere. read more

I was suffering from really painful bicep tendinitis from boxing and weight lifting. I did some research and discovered that dry needling has solid scientific research behind it for treating this condition. Michael Volk was my practitioner at SF acupuncture. The science turned out to be right, and Michael did a great job treating my bicep tendinitis (on both arms). If recall correctly, it took about 4-5 sessions, and my tendinitis went into COMPLETE remission, and has not returned to date. It is still pretty amazing to me. My quality of life has greatly improved. I highly recommend Michael Volk for dry needling. He is knowledgeable and has a great bedside manner. If you suffer from tendinitis, dry needling really is a legitimate, no-BS, cure. read more

I started working with Jeannie Bianchi after several suggestions by my primary doctor. I was having a hard time managing perimenopause/menopause, specifically hot flashes and sleep. It has been a wonderful journey, very educational of self discovery, learning more of my body and mind. It was my first time trying ago-puncture. It's a long journey and it's worth it! I really enjoy working with Jeannie and I am grateful I have been surrounding myself with incredible women, she is one of them! read more

I looked forward to my weekly acupuncture visits with Jeannie and highly recommend her! She is thorough, caring, professional, and has a wealth of knowledge. I loved how she leverages both eastern and western practices to treat the body holistically. She helped me with managing stress and prepared my body for my first pregnancy through acupuncture, tinctures, vitamins, and great book recommendations. She is a gem! read more

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST OF THE BEST! I have been a client of San Francisco Acupuncture Group for many years now. I first found them when they hired me on as an administrative assistant years ago. I absolutely adore the entire team. I worked with Franco and Jeannie with back problems, nausea (pregnancy), neck isssues and more back problems after kids. They are super down to earth and really take pride in patient care and results. I have continued to refer anyone who needs help, my husband who injured his shoulder in the past after a sports injury, Has seen Franco and Jonah a few times and raves about his experience and completely changed his posture due to Franco and Jonah's suggestions. During pregnancy I experienced severe nausea and back pain. Jeannie helped me tremendously through all those fun preganacy surprises. If you are looking for help with aches and pains, overall stress and well being look no further! They make everyone feel super welcome and comfortable while sticking you with needles. Haha Super convenient location with Bart being steps away and target across the street. While I know it can be pricey, just know the price correlates with the experience, technique and amazing treatment you are getting every session. I promise your body will thank you! read more

"Magic is just science that we don't understand yet". By that definition, Jonah and Franco are magicians. I have tried every bit of science to cope with an insane amount of chronic pain that have been torturing my body for years (neck, shoulder, back, hips, leg). I have tried chiropractors, acupuncturists, osteopaths, deep tissue massage therapists, orthopedic shoes... Best case scenario I have some relief for a few days (or weeks if I'm lucky). Usually it has been a pure and simple waist of time and money, and oftentimes it caused me more pain than before. Then I discovered trigger point therapy, also named dry needling. It is extremely rare to find people using this technique. And that is how I met Jonah. Practician of this method for twenty years, Jonah changed my life. Over the course of the past year, he has brought my body back from hell. Never heard of dry needling? Picture this: the pain you feel is like an itch you cannot scratch, too deep, inaccessible, too tensed, too tender. Acupuncture is the cute version of dry needling, only on the surface. Trigger point is deeper, acupuncture meets biomechanics meets deep tissue: it's like resetting the nerve and surrounding muscle group back to its original state. Which let's be honest, can bring a lot of discomfort during the session. But Jonah is a magician, a musician. He is the Miles Davis of needling. He is using your body as a musical instrument, improvising and composing a symphony tailored to your body and your needs, and playing off its reactions and triggers to relief your pain. You might feel sore afterwards for a few days or you might feel like you were given a brand new body, it depends on the session. It depends on what kind of song your body needs Jonah to play. But sure enough, week after week, I saw my body morph, my posture got better, I could move around in ways my body couldn't allow for years because it was too stiff & too painful. And most of all, with the pain silenced, I was able to have a restful sleep once again. If you are loosing hope to find pain relief, give trigger point therapy a go. It is not the faint of heart, but it might change your life. read more

I am very pleased with my experience here. I was new to acupuncture and Michael Volk was wonderful. He began alleviating my extreme sciatica pain on the first visit. Subsequent visits offered even more relief and I regained the ability to stand and walk without the excruciating pain I had been experiencing for months. This office is very quiet, peaceful and relaxing. I am very grateful to Michael for everything he did for me. I will definitely be returning when I need additional treatment and I highly recommend both Michael Volk and the San Francisco Acupuncture Group. read more

I can't even begin to explain how Jonah and Franco have impacted my life. I have been working with them for over 5 years. When I first walked into the office I was in the worst pain of my life. My traps, neck, and mid back were absolutely throbbing, so much so that I would often be crying when I came in. I started to get migraines, couldn't sleep, and couldn't function. I even had to take time off of work. But every time I walked into that office, they each took the time and did everything they could to make sure I left that office without pain. They genuinely care about every single one of the patients. They listen, respond empathetically, and do everything in their power to make you better. They are two of the most brilliant people I have ever met. When learning many famous athletes like LeBron James came into their office (see photo!) it didn't surprise me a bit, because they are the best at acupuncture and dry needling in the world. They also do life changing electric stem through the needles. I have tried acupuncture in China, Japan, Singapore, New York, Colorado - all over the world, and no one is as good as Franco and Jonah. I have recommended them to my partner, friends and coworkers; every single person could not believe how much better they felt about their appointments - they didn't even know it was possible. I believe we all deserve to live a life without pain, and I can honestly say Franco and Jonah gave me my life back. My body is completely different and has healed tremendously. The combination of being the most skilled, experienced acupuncturists that also fully understand how the body and brain affect pain, as well as being the kindest and most compassionate people I know, makes them so powerful. I have seen over 40 doctors and can say no one is better. Thank you Franco and Jonah - you will now forever be family. If you are dealing with pain, stress, anxiety, or digestive issues, SF acupuncture group gets my highest recommendation. read more

Franco was one of the most skilled medical professionals I have ever worked with. For months, I had been struggling with an Achilles injury that no amount of physical therapy, Graston, or other treatments could fix. Desperate to return to running again, I arrived at Franco's acupuncture table (somewhat skeptical) at the recommendation of a friend. Within three sessions, Franco had me running again. I would call it magic, but as an M.D. myself, I can recognize a skilled practitioner. Franco possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies of the human neuromuscular system and it is this knowledge and skill that healed me; what's more: he is incredibly professional and kind, as is his staff member Joi. Both of them went out of their way to call and check in on me after a bike accident en route to an appointment. Unfortunately, I have moved away and am no longer able to make it into SF for his healing powers. Since our treatments, I have tried other acupuncturists closer to my home, and no one compares. I just wish he would open an office closer to me in Marin! read more

This review is way, way overdue. I had injured my wrist/hand in a fall. Over subsequent months, it got worse, not better. I tried everything conventional medicine had to offer and nothing relieved the pain I was experiencing. A single visit here with Jonah was all it took. Given, it was one of the more uncomfortable acupuncture sessions I've ever had - but it worked!! It was honestly miraculous. It's been over a year and I haven't experienced a recurrence. read more

Several years ago I had an accident in the gym that has given me consistent flair ups in my shoulders. That injury, combined with daily life behind a laptop, travel (when that was a thing), and a desire to maintain good physical fitness has meant that I usually have some sort of shoulder pain whether I acknowledge it or not. This ever-present pain was something I thought I had to accept but that changed when I started to get acupuncture with Franco. Quickly, I began to feel relief and I'm so grateful to him and his partner Jonah for their expertise, thoughtfulness, and authenticity. Their service goes way beyond the dry needling that I get there. Franco studies my body, takes notes on progress, and provides recommendations for my life outside of their clinic to feel better - stretches, alignment techniques, mental/emotional tools, etc. This is just as important as their acupuncture itself, not only does it provide me instant relief they also deeply care to try and treat my pain before it arrives. Franco is one of the best medical practitioners that I have ever worked with, easily. read more

I've known Jonah and Franco for years and have watched their practice grow and flourish. Each practitioner has been around the block a time or two, gaining knowledge for different modalities that result in pain free patients. I highly recommend SFAG, you will not be disappointed. read more

I had my first appointment yesterday for pain in my both my legs. He worked on my right leg first since that was having the most pain. I took an Uber to my appointment from my office which was 4 blocks away because the pain in my legs would keep me from walking. After the appointment, I walked back to my office. My posture was so much better and the pain in my right leg was gone! I cant wait to go back next week! THANK YOU!!!! read more

A review way overdue. Almost one week before my first marathon, I got injured running super fast on a treadmill. On Saturday, I could barely walk and thought I had an injury on my metatarsal. Thankfully, it was not a fracture in the bone. I wanted to run so badly that I started looking non-stop for glimpses of hope on the web. I found an article about the benefits of dry needling to treat running injuries. When I searched for dry needling + San Francisco, SF Acupuncture Group was first on the list. One of the reviews on Yelp caught my attention: Jonah is the "Cadillac" of dry needling. :) I scheduled an appointment first thing with him on Tuesday, where he applied the first needles, and a follow-up consultation on Thursday. I did a light jogging the next day and ran on the treadmill again on Saturday. I felt zero pain; I couldn't believe it. Sunday was the big day... The email I sent to Johan once I finished my first marathon: Hi Jonah, I finished the marathon, and I was able to complete it under 4 hours (a huge milestone for me since it was my first one). Around mile 22, I was listening to that song called "Last night a DJ saved my life," and I thought: Last night (week), Jonah saved my life! Haha As you said, not sure if it's the right way to put it, but for me, you really are the TESLA of dry needling! What you did to me in 4 days is magic; I don't have better words to describe it! THANK YOU AGAIN and AGAIN!! read more

I had suffered from foot pain for 2.5 years. At its worst, it was difficult to walk. I'd received an x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, and EMG. I'd seen several orthopedic doctors, a podiatrist, a neurologist, and a rheumatologist. No one was able to explain or help my pain. Then I met Franco, where he introduced me to dry needling and ideas from pain science. It is not an exaggeration to say this was life changing. At this point, I am nearly pain free. Pain science is a growing field and there is a lot of research backing it up. It is very unfortunate that so many medical professionals are not aware of it or don't practice its ideas. If you are suffering from chronic pain, I highly recommend trying out the 'San Francisco Acupuncture Group'! read more

The best anywhere! Jonah saved me from horrible pain. After several visits my pain was gone forever. I had two back surgeries and he saved my life with his incredible acupuncture technique! It's a bit of a trek but worth it. read more

This review is long overdue, and even though I went to them pre-pandemic, I still recommend them every few months to family or friends who have chronic pain. I've been here two times -- once for debilitating headaches and nausea during pregnancy and then once for what was initially diagnosed as sciatica by my primary care physician (western medicine). I remember in both cases, western medicine would say: well these things happen during pregnancy, etc., take as much medication as is safe, and persevere through it. It might go away after your pregnancy is over. I'm the kind of person who can't tolerate much pain and especially not for long periods of time. Desperate, I came to SF Acupuncture Group, having never done acupuncture in my whole life, but having heard many good things from other people about acupuncture in their own medical journeys. I love their intake process here. They sit there with you for an hour and a half and talk with you about what your daily activities are, what you eat, what your sleep habits are, etc. It's actually very therapeutic talking to them about your life... haha. During their intake process, what also got me thinking was how much I don't consider what actually has worked to help my pain before, but they reinforce that when you do something healthy and supportive for yourself, it's ok and even necessary. They give you a lot of mental support and approval to do certain things in your life. I remember them saying things like: Hot baths make your headaches better? You're going to take a hot bath everyday after work. Or also: You need to slow down and if you're working 120% in your job you need to slow it down to 80%. You are working. You're working to make a baby inside of your body. They also give you herbal medicine or other suggestions -- like herbal tea, to eat or avoid specific foods, adjust your sleep or daily habits, etc. For my "sciatica", Franco is seriously a miracle worker. He spent his intake testing my body for pain areas, asking what hurt or didn't. At the end of it, I remember him pulling out this book on the human body showing every muscle and bone and going: Right here, the fact that your numbness begins below the knee is a sign it's piriformis syndrome. Never heard of this ever. It turns out it was a pinched nerve in the gluteal muscle -- aka butt -- which caused me to be unable to walk or even sit, stand, or lie down for long periods of time. It was truly debilitating! From there, he gave me some **amazing** exercises and at-home physical therapy techniques that were so interesting. You truly can't get to this muscle without his knowledge on the human body, which is why when I tried to stretch my back, leg, waist, etc., nothing ever stopped the pinching or pain, until he showed me these techniques. He quoted me 5 sessions but we resolved it in 3!! And I left after the first session feeling already much better. I couldn't believe I went on for months with such pain (ruining a trip to Taiwan and HK), when I could've gone here and resolved it in weeks!! They don't take insurance, so the cost could be a lot for some ($200+ for initial intake, and $150-$200 for subsequent visits -- which they will try to give you a schedule so you can budget out what you'll need to spend for the treatment -- example, 5 sessions for 5 weeks), but it's well worth it for the results and for being able to return to your life pre-pain. Health is wealth after all!! read more

I've been going to Jeannie at SF Acupuncture for the last few months and she is amazing. The acupuncture sessions (along with the herbs and supplements she prescribed) have helped me tremendously with fatigue and other issues. Jeannie is so intuitive and takes the time to really understand each client. She is also very kind and caring; I feel so at ease with her. The entire experience has been a game-changer. I strongly recommend Jeannie and SF Acupuncture. read more

Jonah has helped me for so many years with everything from sports injuries, stress, to a spiritual awakening -- from the physical to the spiritual. He's truly a gifted healer and friend. I will always hold Jonah, Franco, and everyone at SF Acupuncture Group close to my heart for their incredible knowledge, skill, and kindness. read more

I have major pain issues due to Lyme. Jonah made a huge difference in my level of pain. I appreciate that before he begins, he explains his approach. Jonah is thoughtful, precise, and gentle. I was pleased and surprised by how much better I felt after every session with Jonah. read more

Jeannie at SF Acupuncture has been a miracle worker! I recommend consulting her for any physical or emotional health conditions, and especially more so for women's health issues. As an acupuncture newbie, I was skeptical about meeting Jeannie initially. My initial consultation with Jeannie was comprehensive, and Jeannie very thoroughly reviewed many aspects of health that I did not initially expect to be related to my issues. I felt improvements immediately while being postpartum after just one session with Jeannie. Jeannie approaches her practice with a holistic and healing mindset, incorporating herbs and supplements, and offering suggestions around mindfulness, diet, exercise, etc. She is knowledgeable on postpartum issues and customizes a treatment plan to help heal a woman's body. Her suggestions and changes are digestible and recommended in a way for achieving steady progress. While doing acupuncture, Jeannie answers all questions and customizes the acupuncture points depending on what your issue is at the moment and more globally. I was also impressed to discover that Jeannie has deep knowledge about many aspects of fertility, preparing the body for pregnancy, and also during pregnancy itself! Above all, Jeannie is a kind and caring person, with an ability to connect with people and hone in on whatever issues you might be facing. I feel like a new person, and I could not be happier recommending Jeannie and SF Acupuncture! Give it a try! read more

Anyone who is looking for a holistic approach to healing and/or has issues with female health should try to get a consult with Jeannie. We've been working together for the last 1.5yrs and her approach transformed my life. Thanks to Jeannie I was able to get the right care and was diagnosed with auto-immune thyroid condition that was missed by so many of my doctors in the past. Jeannie helped me with PCOS as well and now I am a fully functioning human that does not require to take hormones and painkillers every day of my life, but able to regulate my body with food, lifestyle changes and herbs. Jeannie was also so helpful in my fertility journey; thanks to her recommendation I was able to make the right choice of clinic, Dr., pre and post care. Very happy that I was able to find SFAG and Jeannie :D read more

I've been working with Jonah for over a year now, and he's helped me with pain management in both my neck and lower back. After just one treatment, I feel immediate relief, and multiple treatments helps me feel as good as new. Before being recommended acupuncture, I had seen multiple chiropractors, physical therapists, doctors etc. Jonah is the only professional I still see, because I feel consistently better after every session! Lastly, Jonah is a super cool guy and always really fun to talk to! read more

I've been seeing Jeannie Bianchi for seven years, and even during Covid she has helped me immensely through videocalls and periodic checks in. She's literally been my angel during perimenopause's hormonal imbalance that brought my stress level and my whole wellbeing to a critical state. Her perimenopause program has helped me immensely not only to feel better but also understand the whole process, which can be confusing and a bit demoralizing for some women. She has confidently and gently worked with me to find the right herbal formula to help with this debilitating issue, and has been consistently there for me with her advice on nutrition and lifestyle. I call her herbal formulas and supplements magic potions, since I can see the beneficial changes on my health and wellbeing almost immediately. Her acupuncture treatments are healing and rejuvenating at once, and I emerge a new person after each session. Recently, she has also treated me for neck issues not only to relieve pain and discomfort, but also to promote healthy tissue in the affected areas. Whoever receives Jeannie Bianchi's care is a lucky patient, and I am grateful for being one of them. read more

I saw Franco Garritano for frozen shoulder, after several painful months (and after a steroid injection, which had not dramatically altered my pain,) SF Accupuncture uses "dry needling" different from o5er accupuncture I have received: it is super-effective for frozen shoulder. After only one treatment, my pain decreased to manageable levels and my mobility (ability to rotate arm) increased. Highly recommend this practice. As a side note: Franco recommended some change to my PT regimen, which also have helped recovery. read more

"Please puncture the murderous thoughts out of me today." I went in to see Jeannie today after a lousy week and was feeling angsty and knotted up. She worked on the original reason for my acupuncture on the front and flipped me over and punctured the anxiety and tension right out. I walked in feeling crappy and walked out relaxed, a little, sleepy and with an empty mind. She gave me additional herbs to soothe me during this stresscapade. Pretty good day so far! In addition to today, she's always been so attentive to my specific health problems, including researching and coordinating with my doctors. She really makes you feel like you're her only patient. The herbs have also been so effective, I've been able to bypass some western regiments. By the way, the acupuncturist I tried before Jeannie asked me how my mom felt when she had her period (????) I was so lucky to find Jeannie after that experience! read more

Best back stabber around. Those needles do a world of good! Acupuncture and therapy helping my golf game tremendously! No more pain in my wrists or back. I went to a standard medical doctor and he had me diagnosed and shot up with cortisone in minutes. It's nice to have the issues actually fixed vs having the pain just taken away. He's in the same office with my chiropractor Brian Kerner. These guys are awesome! No pain, free movement, and feeling of strength again. Thanks Jonah! read more

Where's the 6th star? Jonah totally deserves it! Seriously... I came in here (thanks to my wife for the prod to go see them) after 6 months of physical therapy and approximately a year's worth of chronic back pain from a herniated L4/L5. Yes... Pain. I had only one previous experience and it was not pleasant. Just not what I had expected nothing major. With Jonah, it was good from the start. The office was fantastic, quiet and relaxing. The staff, very understanding. Jonah himself, listens and umm; actually listens... top of the charts! After a strict initial plan (3-4 weeks of consistent treatment, followed by bi-weekly visits) within about 3-4 months I was actually back to the gym with light jogging and resistance training. Fast forward another 6-8 months, I'm back to regular jogging daily and fairly intense weight workouts. Now, I'm good to go... I still go back once every 4-6 weeks. It's the bee's knee's! Now I would like to add a retort to Lina R.'s 1-star rating... while I understand the pain she was in (my treatment plan began with many a visit ending with some short-term discomfort), let's face facts. This is not traditional acupuncture (therapeutic vs. whatever the rest are) and as such should be approached with that in mind. I'm sorry that she didn't get what was needed. Nuff said. read more

Unfortunately, my experience here wasn't very enlightening. For the amount of money I paid and the reviews on Yelp, I expected a "decent experience" in terms of how the procedure was conducted. To be fair, I've been to a few other medical facilities that specialize in acupuncture, and quite honestly, I felt this one didn't live up to my other experiences. The whole procedure is a bit too rush. Johan is cold and doesnt seem very friendly. He asked me 2~3 questions, inserted the needles on my back and left the room. After 30-40 mins ( i don't really remember exactly how long) He came back to the room, pull out the needles from my body, and left the room. So...yea..basically that's it. I did not even have chance to have a good talk with him after all and he had already gone.... Also, this was the first time that the initial procedure seemed quite ineffective compared to what else I've tried. I am not sure why this place had so many 5 stars reviews but I am pretty sure that this is not a place for me. The secretary at the front desk did seem nice and helpful though. read more

Jonah gets a big ol' five-star review. I'm new to acupuncture -- after one treatment and a prescription for supplements, my tummy troubles were in remission for a solid week. But even better than getting relief from physical symptoms is the fact that Jonah takes an intellectual, eloquent, human, and attentive approach to whatever issues I'm facing on the days I've received treatment -- I've seen lots of doctors for many problems over the years (chronic sinus infections, migraines, broken bones, allergic reactions to tons of medicines -- perhaps I am, shall we say, "delicate"), and Jonah's bedside manner wins above everyone else's (except maybe the ER nurse who gave me four shots of morphine that one time -- but, she was probably just irritated with me rather than numbing my pain out of empathy). read more

I grew up with a very conservative view of medicine. If I had a health problem, I went to a doctor, he or she gave me a pill, an ointment, a remedy, and within a certain period of time the symptom I was dealing with receded. Eastern medicine was a far out principle to me. But, when after five years western medicine was unable to help me combat a difficult inflammatory bowel disease a searched for an alternative, and I found Franco. My life will never be the same. Because I was new to natural medicine, the first step was making me believe. If a patient doesn't commit mentally to the approach, treatments have no hope. Franco began with a consultation that introduced me to eastern approaches, gave me a background, while educating him on my medical history and timeline. He didn't stop at determining the physiological aspects of my condition, he dug deeper to understand the dimensions of my emotional foundation. In developing this picture of my past he was able to present me with a logical plan of attack, and only then was I fully committed. As an acupuncturist, Franco is great. He is delicate but accurate. He is warm in his handling with your body, but aggressive in his theoretical approach. With me, his needling was used primarily in an attempt to reduce overall inflammation in my body, and the changes were immediate. I saw Franco once every two weeks, and if ever I had flare-ups of my condition, trips to Franco could quickly alleviate acute symptoms. More impressive however is his adaptability. His breadth of knowledge is so great that he was effective in dealing with whatever problems I had each visit, from joint aches to muscle pain, headaches or general stress relief. Franco is not just an acupuncturist. He is a healer. He approaches each patient's health in a truly holistic way, educating each individual and implementing dietary, herbal and physiological strategies. You deserve to understand your body better. You deserve to feel better than you do now. Franco will get you to that place. read more

I first went to see Jonah because I had injured my back while moving furniture and after several days, still wasn't healing on my own. At the time, I was supposed to be going on a very active vacation to Costa Rica with my girlfriend, and no amount of rest or muscle relaxers were helping me get better. With 8 days to go before my trip, I called Jonah sounding desperate, and he called me back right away. Although his schedule was booked at the time, he made an extra effort to bring me in the very next day. When I arrived at his office, I was in so much pain walking up the half-flight of steps, that I almost turned around after the first couple. Long story short, I walked out of Jonah's office standing 90% straighter, and with MUCH less pain. I was in shock at the difference and how quickly he was able to relieve such intense pain. His office is comfortable and his technique is strong but not overbearing. I received a well-balanced combination of stretching, needles, and massage. I was blown away at how much better I felt, and so quickly. I returned two more times within the next week before my trip, and as a result I spent my vacation hiking, surfing, riding bikes and relaxing. I was thankful that he also took the time to show me exercises I could do on my own while I was away, which also helped very much. I'm confident that I would not have been able to travel at all had I not found Jonah when I did. I've been back to Jonah since my trip for shoulder pain and he has been equally as helpful. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

I. Love. Amanda! Need I say more? Truly, not only is she incredibly talented in her work, but her bedside manner is unmatched. Honestly, I'm someone who is sometimes too quick to think that something is "hokey" but Amanda has turned me into a huge believer in acupuncture and the impact it can have on my body. She looks at the whole person and the whole situation, and tries to paint a clear picture as to why something is going wrong, and map out a treatment plan that works. Oh - and aside from her acupuncture abilities, the woman can massage! No one else has been able to relieve pain in my neck like Amanda. Run, don't walk if you are looking for an acupuncturist who is going to truly care about your whole body/mind health. read more

I am petrified of needles, yet I love my acupuncture treatments. How is this possible, you ask? Franco Garritano makes it possible. Over the past 6-7 years that I've been engaging in the wonders of acupuncture (for acute issues as well as general health), I've been stabbed, nearly jumped off of the bed and cried tears of pain and agony. Since I've been working with Franco, the only feeling I encounter is pure bliss! Try him. You'll love it! read more

I had my first visit with Jonah last night... Overall, my impression is that Jonah is an incredibly gifted healer. He not only is very warm and genuine, but he has a technical knowledge of his craft that makes you feel as if you were in a doctor's office. During my visit I had some accupuncture and then discussed my levels of stress. He did some work on a few 'trouble areas' in my joints with the needles, then discussed my stress, how it may affect my sleep and general productivity, and then the types of changes I could look at making to enhance my health. I left feeling the tingling lift that acupuncture gives me and full of ideas on how to revitalize my life. I can't reccomend this guy enough, thanks Jonah! read more

I really can't recommend Jonah enough. He's an incredible mix of East meets West. I went in with back pains, and within 2 sessions I was feeling significant progress and relief. I've been to 2 acupuncturists before. The first was pretty miserable, someone rather new. The second was okay, and was helpful. Jonah, however showed me what acupuncture can and should do for someone. Quite honestly I'm not a big fan of having to lie there with needles sticking out of me, but the fantastic results really can't be ignored. Just so you know, I am a chronic sufferer (12 years) of back pain, with disintegrating lower disks. I've been through my share of physical therapy, chiropractors, osteopaths, and massage therapists. I'm finding that nothing quite gets to the point as Jonah's handiwork. So between Jonah's pain relief and core strengthening that I am learning from Centered Body Pilates I'm slowing making myself into a new man. read more

After suffering from a recurring knee injury that continued for about 3 years, i was getting pretty frustrated at being told 'you need to rest by my doctor. I'm a runner, and not particularly good at rest. So I decided to try my luck at acupuncture - thinking it was very likely a long shot, but worth a try. After two treatments with Franco, I was completely free of knee pain. He used a combination of acupuncture, massage to help the swelling drain and cold laser treatment. I was cured and back to running with the frequency I had before the injury began. My only regret - I didn't take this approach sooner. Since then, Franco has helped me with a hip issue (also running related), shoulder pain (old injury related) and even a round of blood poisoning from a spider bite. I'm pretty sure he's magic. read more

Simply amazing! I went to see Jonah for mild jet lag symptoms after a long cross-country plane ride. Like many of the other reviewers, I was struck by Jonah's warm, friendly, and caring demeanor. He was very easy to talk to! And the treatment room - with the soothing music, warm wall hangings, and stunning view of the City - was very relaxing. And the treatment? Unbelievable! I have been to a number of acupuncturists, but Jonah is truly gifted. He is an amazing healer. I felt a rebalancing effect like none other. After I was done, I was so relaxed that it felt like my body was liquid and I "poured" out to the waiting room! His staff is also superb. Allison was patient, kind, and managed to fit me into Jonah's busy schedule at the last minute. Thank you Allison! My only regret is I don't live in SFO. I'd say to all those lucky to live in the City, if you need health care for any reason, you'd do yourself a huge favor by out seeking Jonah. Why go any place else? read more

Could not ask for a better team; this is the first time that a treatment has helped me in reducing my symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome (which I've struggled with for 7 years). Jonah & Franco are the most intelligent, compassionate, and effective healers of pain. I am so glad I found this place. read more