I highly recommend Heavenly Stems Acupuncture. Melissa, the owner, is a very knowledgeable and caring acupuncturist. First, she asked me thorough questions to get a deep understanding of what my ailments were and what I needed. During the treatment, she explained each step that she was taking and made sure I was ok with it. This put me at ease and made me feel safe. I appreciated how she asked me first if she could twist the needles a bit to pull the qi (energy) before doing it. She said there could be a pulling sensation. I agreed to it so there were no surprises. Even though I could feel the twists, she was very gentle. In community clinics that I had gone to before, the needles hurt sometimes, but this didn't hurt at all. It was quite relaxing and she gave me a choice of being in the quiet or listening to music. I came out of it quite relaxed, but I definitely felt it was working. Melissa cares deeply about her work. She's a very dedicated and skilled acupuncturist. She accepts some insurance and there is free parking in the back. I would recommend her to everyone I know. read more

I just got back from having my initial acupuncture treatment by Melissa and I can't say enough great things about the whole process from start to finish! From the initial back-and-forth communication to Melissa being so thorough with all of my questions to the actual day of, I have felt so taken care of the whole time! She is responsive, patient, and really goes out of her way to make sure you feel comfortable. During the actual treatment, she is gentle and meets you where you are, which is so important for newcomers or for folks like me that are coming back to acupuncture after a hiatus. I left the session feeling so renewed and balanced! She creates such a safe environment (and I love that she requires masks, which makes her practice accessible to so many who otherwise wouldn't feel safe receiving acupuncture!) and it is clear how much care she puts into her patients. I highly highly recommend getting acupuncture with Melissa! I am so grateful to have come across her practice and to have found a safe and trusted practitioner! read more

I've been seeing Heavenly Stems Acupuncture for migraine treatment, and it's made a real difference. The treatments are gentle, attentive, and highly effective, and every session leaves me feeling better. Melissa recently moved into her own space, and it's a great setup--calm, comfortable, and well-organized. She is not only an excellent acupuncturist but also an amazing herbalist, tailoring treatments and herbal recommendations with real care and expertise. I also really appreciate that Heavenly Stems is now a COVID-cautious, mask-required practice--it's a relief to be able to get acupuncture without worrying about getting sick. Melissa is warm, thoughtful, and easy to talk to, and she truly listens to what her patients need. If you're looking for skilled acupuncture in a safe and supportive environment, I highly recommend checking this place out. read more

Updating my review! I've been seeing Melissa for years now and am still so happy with her. She is personable and really pays attention to what is going on. She goes the extra mile - or several - for her clients and it is obvious. Some of the things she has helped me with that no one else has been able to effectively help: -tendinitis -TMJ pain -bursitis -tight IT band -recovery from a tonsillectomy -recovery from bunion surgery. I trust her implicitly and recommend her very highly! You will NOT be disappointed. read more

I think the world of alternative medicine. In general, it has really changed my way of thinking, as well as my health, in very, very positive ways. Heavenly Stems/Melissa Margolis is no exception. I was having female issues, and my visits with Melissa have helped tremendously. Melissa herself is very caring, very knowledgable, and an overall doll. I highly recommend Heavenly Stems Acupuncture by far. read more

Melissa Margolis is a true talent. When you go to visit Melissa, you'll get a doctor who listens - really listens - to what is going on with you, and prescribes both acupuncture and herbs. She has helped me with several ongoing ailments - the most annoying one being insomnia. I instantly feel 10 times better during Melissa's treatments! I've even come close to falling asleep several times with the needles in - and that usually does not happen for me. I'm so happy she's practicing in the East Bay! read more

I have had bowel problems for several decades that had finally turned into ulcerative colitis about seven years ago, meaning that I had bloody stools. What I read about how Western medicine treats that condition wasn't encouraging and I decided not to go that route if I could avoid it. However, I had tried various holistic treatments like diets, herbs, and homeopathy, as well as acupuncture with other practitioners, with no results. It kept getting worse. In addition, I had a gallbladder problem that started about three years earlier. I started seeing Melissa five months ago and really enjoyed meeting her as she is great at both listening and at explaining anything you want to know about acupuncture and the Chinese medicine perspective on health problems. She was very accommodating when I explained that my bowels couldn't tolerate Chinese herbs, and she said we would just use the needles (other acupuncturists had insisted that I try the herbs, which always gave me diarrhea). When she puts in the needles, I can really feel the energy moving. I hadn't experienced that before with other acupuncturists, so I was hopeful from the beginning. Results: My gallbladder symptoms cleared up after about three and a half months of weekly visits (a problem I'd had for three years!) Even more thrilling, now, at five months, my bowels are well on their way to a complete healing. I see very little blood now compared to what I'd been seeing (I've had one or another form of bowel problems for forty years!) I'm amazed and very grateful, as you can imagine, and I recommend Melissa very highly! read more

I HIGHLY recommend Melissa Margolis for acupuncture. She is extremely skilled in point placement, knowledgeable in chinese medicine and herbs and has helped me tremendously heal from digestive issues, allergies and cramps due to fibroids. In fact, after being diagnosed with fibroids, I had a treatment with Melissa that focussed primarily on points for this area. My follow up sonogram revealed the fibroids had been passed. As a massage therapist, I am well aware the healing power of pressure points and rely on alternative medicinal treatments on the path to healing. I have known Melissa since 1994, and have watched her career blossom in San Francisco and now Alameda. She is a huge asset to her community, full of information and advice to better health. Do not hesitate to book your appointments! read more

Melissa posses an excellent knowledge of the science of of Chinese Acupuncture and Medicinal Herbs. She has a strong back ground in academia to further her understanding of the body systems. I find that Melissa's knowledge, empathy, compassion and the sanitary conditions of her practice puts her at the top of my list! I have been seeing Melissa off and on when I am in the Bay area for over 10 years. Melissa's work on my body has helped me immensely from menstrual irregularities, allergies, stomach flu, respiratory, to the healing of spinal injury. I can not recommend her highly enough. If this is your first time visiting an acupuncturist, or if you have many years of experience as a patient I believe you would be very pleased with Melissa. read more

I can't recommend Melissa and Heavenly Stems enough. I live in Alameda and recently I severely hurt my lower back doing almost nothing at all. Could just barely drag myself off the floor and into bed with excruciating pain. Couldn't get out of bed for two days due to incredibly intense lower back spasms, despite immediately starting a regimen of anti-inflammatories and oxycodone. Super fortunate that my wife was willing to empty my bedpan, or I'd have had to go to the hospital; anyway ... A friend recommended acupuncture and I called around Alameda to see if anyone would come to my house. I was advised by one acupuncturist who whouldn't make a house call to call Melissa and she answered the phone. She was super friendly, and was willing to make a house call within 90 minutes. Her work and demeanor was amazing, and when she finished an hour later I was able to get out of bed. Seriously, she was that effective. I followed up with Melissa for a second treatment the next day at her office, because not only was I able to get out of bed, I was able to drive. Truly miraculous. I'm giving her five stars because I can't give her six ! Thanks, Melissa. read more

Melissa is the BEST in her field! I have received so much pain relief from her with regards to my back pain. Melissa listens to everything that is concerning you and causing you discomfort and or pain and she does everything in her power to give you the relief you need to get you through the pain WITHOUT pain medication. In my opinion there is no one better then Melissa Margolis! make an appointment and see for yourself the wonderful results! I am so happy to have found her! Thank you Melissa. See you soon. read more

Melissa was absolutely fantastic. My fiance threw his back out really badly. 2 weeks later when he still could hardly walk even after a lot of massage and a chiropractic treatment, a friend recommended Melissa at Heavenly Stems and we booked an appointment. When he came home he could walk, twist, and bend. He was SO much better, the spasms had stopped and he was left with just a little bit of soreness, we are going back soon and regularly until its completely gone. Then the next day, my mom came over to pick up my kids and developed a terrible migraine. Melissa was able to squeeze her in 10 minutes after I called for a quick treatment, When I picked her up, I could see walking in the door that she felt MUCH better. My mom said that her migraine was 80% gone and left to take the kids to the movies! read more

I've been working with Melissa for the past 9 months. I first showed up in her office in July 2018, rather beaten up from cancer treatment (surgery and radiation). Melissa is a wonderful partner in healing. I've found her always compassionate, respectful of what I've been through, and Melissa never makes assumptions about my feelings, and my health, which is something I really appreciate. With Melissa's help (acupuncture and herbs) I'm steadily getting stronger and am feeling more and more like myself. For all these reasons, I whole-heartedly recommend Melissa. read more

Have just received an amazing treatment from Melissa this afternoon, having had some recent pain in my knee and lower back, and in addition a few other non-related things like asthma. She has a really great way to treat multiple ailments, which I did not even know was possible with acupuncture. Melissa is a wonderful acupuncturist with incredible knowledge of the healing arts and Chinese medicine. After my treatments I always feel both energized and quite relaxed, the effects can last up to a week or more. I highly recommend treatments at Heavenly Stems! read more

I was about to give up on accupuntucure in Alameda. I had some pretty not so healing experiences with some of the practices on the island. Finally, by chance, I met Melissa at a networking event. She had a really positive perspective, was well versed in Chinese medicine as well as Western medicine, and, most importantly, she listened. I've been going to her for about three years now and she has been able to support me through many of different phases life has taken me with herbs and accupuntcure. She really does take the one on one time to meet your needs and involves you in your treatment. Thanks Melissa! read more

I have no words to describe how Melissa has changed my life! She is not only knowledgable about Acupuncture and women's health, but a great listener, empathetic and compassionate person. She patiently listens to my concerns and is always honest about what Acupuncture can and cannot help with. I originally started seeing her because of fertility issues I was experiencing last year, but she also addressed my migraine and low energy issues, including occasional injuries in my arm and leg. Whatever pain I have before the sessions, it goes away right after it! I've seen her for eight months now (I'm actually in my first trimester of pregnancy!) and I could not be happier. I look forward to the sessions every week as they help me get relaxed and end the day with good energy. read more

Melissa is amazing. I went in with sciatica and after several sessions, no more sciatica! She's the best!!

Melissa is wonderful in that she attentively listens to my complains and quickly helps me to put my current problem into a framework that allows me to understand what's going on on a deeper level. I might come in with a sinus problem and leave feeling much better after the acupuncture treatment and with the understanding that I have been depleting my kidney chi and therefore will have to rest more in order to avoid sinus problems in the future. I feel so much more equipped to deal with my physical challenges because she is always there to help me and send me on the right path to better health. I also do a lot of sports and have found that she is an expert in helping joint and spinal pain. She is amazing! With acupuncture, cupping and herbs she has been able to keep me active even through menopause. read more

Long overdue review. Went to see Melissa last year and she came thru for me when western medicine docs couldn't. I won't go into my medical issues here but in a nutshell I was so grateful to have found Melissa. Currently I no longer see her since I'm now getting practically free acupuncture at my school clinic but Melissa is worth every penny~ She is a very good listener and very comforting disposition. She truly cares about you. Her treatments are effective. My husband saw her for a pain issue on his arm and after one, yes one, treatment she was able to resolve it! Melissa graduated from ACTCM in SF which is a great acupuncture school, one of the pioneering acupuncture schools in the bay. Good stuff! Thanks again Melissa! Sorry I didn't write this earlier read more

i've been seeing melissa at heavenly stems for a couple months now and i just couldn't be happier. i'm the kind of person who looks very healthy so when i go to the doctor's office, i find them to be rather dismissive. i've had very good luck using acupuncture to deal with my non-emergency health problems. that being said, melissa is one of the best practitioners i've ever seen. with in the time i've been going to her, she's spotted some things that others have failed to recognize. she figured out why i've been running so ragged even though i've been taking really good care of myself. not only is this a relief mentally, it's a relief to my body. melissa listens to what i have to say and has really gotten to know me in addition to monitoring my pulses and other indicators that are used in acupuncture. she's prescribed herbs that have helped me immeasurably and has given me treatments that have made a huge difference. melissa has wasted no time in getting me on the fast track to feeling better. her assessments have been right on the mark and her prognoses have been effective. she's an excellent choice if you're serious about feeling better. read more

I've been seeing Melissa since late October 2016 and am feeling better than ever after just five months of regular treatment! I sought treatment for general wellness support and also several women's health issues and Melissa has helped me to feel really great regardless of time of month. I had previously had a less than stellar experience with acupuncture and Melissa has really changed my opinion of it as a treatment modality for wellness. read more

Melissa is amazing. She is so warm and kind and you can tell she truly loves what she does. I've been seeing her for over a year now and she has helped me through several issues: sciatica pain, stress relief, pregnancy support, (I had a breech baby and her treatment helped to turn my baby to transverse position!) and spinal cord nerve pain/damage. Melissa keeps excellent records on each visit and builds upon previous treatments. If you have any questions she is always happy to explain so that you feel very comfortable in her care. Her hours are super accommodating for those of us who work traditional 9-5, and her online booking system is so easy to use. She also works with you to get the most out of your insurance benefits. The location is easy to get to and has a small parking lot! I highly recommend Heavenly Stems. read more

Melissa has been wonderful to work with. She has BOTH brains AND the sensitivity to manage her patient's needs---no diva attitude! She truly cares and has such a positive spirit---despite my mood, at times, when pain is rearing its ugly head. A great communicator, translating health issues at hand and how to help ourselves, along with acupuncture (I'm anti pain meds). She's not afraid of tough questions and if she doesn't know, she'll say so and will research if she can; instead of getting defensive or patronizing like some health care practitioners, Western and Eastern practices. Icing on the cake...she's a whiz at navigating through all the cryptic health insurance hoops we are required to jump through in order to use the expensive insurance we pay dearly for??!! THANK YOU, Melissa! read more

Four years later, and I'm still turning to Melissa for the extraordinary quality of care and results that I've never found elsewhere. Now that Alameda is the happening place to be, I want you all to know that she's ready to help you feel as well as can be. read more

Melissa is a great acupuncturist and a healer with great integrity. She really listens, and absorbs what you have to tell her. She's got a very gentle touch with her needles, I hardly feel them going in at all. She would be great for someone who had never experienced Chinese medicine, as well as those who know all about it. I can't wait for my next appointment! read more

Melissa has changed my life! No more insomnia, more energy, better quality of life! I haven't felt this physically and emotionally good in years. She is knowledgeable, informative, and really takes the time to understand and treat your ailments. I feel so lucky to have found her, and for me, her treatments will be life long! read more

Melissa has a patient and kind heart. She listens to my complaints and uses her needles to ward them away. I see Melissa monthly but my last session was exquisite. My energy felt collapsed upon itself. She used her needles to stir up my chi and give me back my energy. I laid there unfolding layer by layer. Thank you, Melissa your my magician! read more

Melissa is an excellent acupuncturist. It doesn't hurt that she is also smart, intuitive, caring and an all around wonderful person. Seeing her regularly over the last 2 years has helped me heal and maintain my health! I highly recommend her! FYI - She is in network with some insurance policies (I have Cigna) and has an online booking system that allows you to see appointment availability and book without having to call. The booking system (Genbook) also has a convenient app which truly makes scheduling and tracking my appointments easy! Wish all my doctor appointments could be made and tracked this way. read more

If you are looking for a great acupuncturist/herbalist in Alameda, you must go see Melissa. No one could be more caring and diligent in their practice. She is very generous in her style of treatment, seeing only one client at a time, and adjusting the needles at intervals to maximize the healing effect. She might be too modest to tell you she did a complete pre-med course at Harvard and medical school at UCSF before deciding Traditional Chinese Medicine was her passion. I especially love how willing she is to share her passion for TCM, and share her knowledge about how it works. Confident, articulate, and an incredibly good value, too. read more

I have been seeing Melissa for the past 6 months and am hooked! Melissa is such a compassionate, empathetic, thoughtful, caring, knowledgeable, and genuine person and I look forward to seeing her for my sessions. I had never had acupuncture or used chinese herbs before and she made me feel comfortable and took the time to really explain things to me, which I have really appreciated. I also appreciate the individual care, interest, and attention I receive every session from her. She has really changed my life and health for the better and I am very grateful to her and would (and have) recommended her to everyone! read more

I was having sinus problems that were causing blocked ears (super uncomfortable!) and my doctors had told me I just needed to wait it out. I tried acupuncture for the first time to see if I could get some relief, and it exceeded my expectations. I felt relief in sinus pressure right away and was 100% better within a few days. My symptoms had been improving on their own, but acupuncture absolutely helped to speed the healing process up. Thank you so much, Melissa! read more

I have been to other chinese medicine practitioners in Alameda and was not satisfied with their bedside manner. I want my practitioner to see me as a person, not just another body. Melissa is so warm and engaging. She really cares about her clients. I feel like I can tell her anything and she truly listens. As a physical therapist, I value that she also provides adjunct things that I can do at home to help myself (which is not what I experienced at the other acupuncturists). While there is great value in her treatments, it's nice to feel empowered too. There are many options in Alameda, but Melissa is my choice and she is the one that I recommend to my patients. read more

2 years later I still go to see Melissa. My migraine improved a lot, now we're working more on my asthma. I used to see Melissa every month, now that all my conditions improved, I see her one in the while just to maintain my good condition. Very thankful to her magic skills. Thanks, Melissa read more

I went to see Melissa at Heavenly Stems for some recent pain I'd been experiencing. The acupuncture treatments really helped alleviate my pain, and Melissa was a pleasure to work with. She is extremely flexible with scheduling appointments, and even willing to work evenings to accommodate my busy schedule. She is very conscientious to my body's responses to the acupuncture and knowledgeable with her approach. I would highly recommend Melissa and Heavenly Stems for anyone looking for acupuncture treatments! read more

I have to say that Melissa Margolis has truly changed my life. I was suffering from PLMD (periodic limb movement disorder) at night, and was keeping my husband up until all hours of the night. My quality of sleep was also terrible. I emailed Melissa and asked whether she thought acupuncture could help me - she replied with a lengthy email encouraging me to come in as she did think it could help. I was so thrilled that she took the time to write me back! I immediately got the sense that she was knowledgeable and had a warm personality. The wellness center that she works out of is very cozy - she played soothing music and the atmosphere felt very comfortable. She took lengthy notes on my past and current health conditions, examined my tongue and took my pulse - the whole time explaining everything she was doing, and not hesitating to answer any questions I had. Eventually I got up on a massage table, and the whole process of the acupuncture was just amazing. She was so warm and caring, checking in with me constantly. That night I slept like a baby, and haven't woken my husband up since. This was my first acupuncture experience - I have been back to Melissa since then and that experience was just as rewarding. Highly recommended!!! read more

I came in feeling bad....I left feeling good...thats the bottom line. Melissa is great !!

Melissa is such a talented and intelligent acupuncturist. She has helped me with severe muscle spasms (when nothing else was working) as well as vertigo. She is thorough and effective. I highly recommend her! read more