1/2008 Update: I schedule appointments for the practitioner, Timothy Yan. After all the great work he's done for me, it's the least I can do. I'm constantly amazed at the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an alternative or complement to Western Medicine. 7/2007 Update: I've been sleeping badly and getting pains in my shoulder/shoulder blade area. One day it got bad enough that it felt like a pinched nerve because the pain was radiating down my arm and it was just hurt to move/turn my left side. My unhappy self went to Spring Life for an acupuncture treatment. The next day, I was a little sore but not in pain. And since then I haven't had any shoulder pain! ------------- When I think of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I think of my childhood. Going to Chinatown on the weekends to see my grandparents. One of those memories are of those times my parents took me to see a Chinese doctor. The smells of herbs as you walked in to the store. The doctor was inevitable in a backroom, the size of a closet. Enough space for a chair and a table, usually with an older gentleman that doesn't talk to get to know you, just asks you to sit down and they feel your pulses. Then he writes something in Chinese and you give it to the guys up front. My have things have changed since then! Walking in to Spring Life is like walking in to a day spa type environment. With a running water feature, calm green walls, gauzy curtains to let in the light. Music plays in the background. The practitioner? Timothy Yan is not what I pictured a Chinese doctor to be. I was asked the usual questions about my symptoms, lifestyle and *ahem* bodily functions. But I didn't feel judged like I have in the past with other practitioners. I also appreciate the fact that Timothy takes the time to ask questions and takes time to answer my questions. He addresses my concerns, analyzes where my barriers are to help me overcome them so that I can feel better. read more

Spring Life Acupuncture & Healing - Acupuncture Near Me - Hercules, California

Wow! Tim has helped my arthritis issues and recently my tendinitis in my arm. He asks wonderful questions each follow-up visit. His two receptionists are very kind as well! Highly highly recommend Tim!!! read more

A little over a year ago, I began getting horribly painful muscle spasms in my neck due to two compressed discs in my neck. After trying physical therapy, along with heavy duty muscle relaxers, I decided to try acupuncture with Dr. Yan. I am sooooo grateful that I found him! I was able to get off muscle relaxers and there was no need for physical therapy anymore because I learned that acupuncture with Dr. Yan was what worked. Thank God for that because a few months after I started acupuncture with Dr. Yan, my husband and I got pregnant with our first child (at 39) and muscle relaxers are a big no-no for pregnant women. That's not all though. Dr. Yan is a God send. He has helped me through a very difficult time in my life while being pregnant. He is always there to listen and give good advice and I can tell that he truly cares. He has been a huge help, not just for my physical health, but also emotional. It is evident from my progress with healing of my neck that he is an expert in acupuncture. This man is such a blessing. read more

Let me paint a picture for you. Walk into Spring Life barely being able to bend your back or turn your neck because your in so much pain and you don't know why. Then 30-45 mins later walk out of Spring Life feeling 100% ready to take on the world. This is exactly what Tim does... Do not underestimate the power of acupuncture because it really does have magical powers. You also need to have a practitioner that knows what they are doing and Tim is exactly that. He's been doing this for a long time and definitely knows his stuff. There is no one more scared of needles than I am and trust me when I say you can barely feel anything when Tim goes to work. He makes you feel super comfortable the whole time and answers any questions you might have. I can keep going on and on about my experience with acupuncture at Spring Life but to be honest the best thing to do is to give it a try and experience it yourself. read more

I've been sick for nearly a year due to a hyper immune response after the Covid booster. I've been to six different doctors between May 2022 and February 2023 and not one spent more than 15 min talking to me before ordering blood tests and then telling me I'm fine and dismissing me which has caused me a great deal of frustration and anxiety on top of not feeling well. I had never tried acupuncture before and I was a little nervous and skeptical walking in the door. Timothy Yan was wonderful from the start, he has such an incredible bedside manner and I felt very heard and very cared for. He asked me questions no other doctors have asked. He went over in great detail everything I shared about my health over the last ten months. After my first twenty minute visit I left feeling so incredibly relaxed and optimistic. I'll be going back once a week going forward and I am so thankful to have found this practice. read more

I have not reviewed Spring Life in so long. Tim is now in a new location and the treatment and service continues to be excellent. Not sure what we would do without spring life acupuncture. Tim is the best and highly recommended. read more

Timothy Yan (in my book) is the ROCK STAR acupuncturist of the Bay Area. Tim's hands are magical, his good chi is powerful and his aura is extremely healing... that's why I drive a total of 60 miles over the BB for TLC (Tim Lovin' Care) treatment. I would drive a 100 for him. Yessirree! Aaaaaaaaah, I'm feeling really good after my session! Just leave me on the table, lock the door and toss the key. I'm in another world. I abuse my body on the golf course and slopes. My life is somewhat stressful (who's isn't?) and I'm experiencing the aches and pains that comes with middle age. Tim somehow manages to get me back to square one so that I can maintain my youthful and active lifestyle. I call it M-A-I-N-T-E-N-A-N-C-E so that I can enjoy quality of life. So, if you're looking for the Fountain of Youth, look no further. Tim is right in Hercules, CA. read more

I can highly recommend Tim and SpringLife Acupuncture & Massage. Having visited Tim for a chronically sore left shoulder I was amazed at the results. After two visits the pain was subsiding and after a couple more almost completely gone. I have a physical job and need to keep the shoulder in good maintenance and Tim and his magical treatments do the trick! Do yourself a favor and see Tim if you have any similar issues. Rich read more

Tim is AMAZING! Words cannot express how much I appreciated his services. I went to him when I was pregnant for my allergies, not only did he help my allergies I was so calm and at peace every time I left. He is extremely gentle, but can totally get down into your muscles. I've seen him for numerous ailments and have had 100% results! He's punctual and his office is so clean. read more

Im still coming to this place for maintenance of my pain relief .. I am absolutely happy and relieve that I found this place. I recommend it to all patients that have chronic pain. read more

I don't recommend Timothy. He doesn't seem to have a deep understanding of acupuncture spots nor Chinese medicine. I made an appointment before taking my father to Timothy for a session since he had sciatica paint. We had to wait about 20 minutes for Timothy to get ready. First, Timothy only listened to me about my father's symptoms very briefly and did not ask any questions or why and how long he had the issue. Secondly, I didn't see him washing his hands when he came in the room before he put needles on my father. He put about 12 needles on different spots, but only used alcohol to clean two spots. And he didn't use alcohol to clean those spots after he took the needles off, all he used was some dry cotton. Thirdly, Timothy doesn't seem have very deep understanding of acupuncture spots and is not very familiar with Chinese medicine. He seemed very lost and didn't know what some of the spots I was talking about. Last, Timothy had his little son to help him out which is very cute, but I don't find it very professional since his business is related to people's health, which should be taken very seriously. read more

I had a pain in my mid back that would not go away. I tried massage therapy, stretching, etc. Nothing helped. I kid you not in one session the pain was gone forever. Dr. Yan is a miracle worker. Thank you Dr. Yan. read more

I live in SD every time i visit SF i go see Tim.I had pain in my left hand for two years a few question and he does his thing.I have been pain free in my hand now for awhile and it used to hurt daily.Not only does he treat you but he also will inquire what your diet is and what you should be eating to help your immune system work better.Ive done acupuncture before but never did i see this much of a difference till going to this office. read more

Tim is magic! Not to mention that he is one of the nicest and most genuine people you'll ever meet. I'm currently uninsured and was certain I had at least torn a tendon in my shoulder and thought surgery may be inevitable. I could not lift my arm above my head and had many sleepless nights because of the pain. I went for ONE treatment, (yes, ONE) and the next day I would never have known that my shoulder had ever hurt in the first place. It's been a week and I am still completely pain free. I also have migraines and have tried conventional treatments, but I plan on continuing to see Tim instead because I'm positive he will be able to help me. One last note for those that may be a bit scared of the idea of acupuncture...I was really afraid and honestly didn't feel a thing but incredible relief. Go to Tim! It will change your life. read more

Tim Yan is a master acupuncturist. I highly recommend his services.

I highly recommend Dr. Timothy Yan as an acupuncturist and tui na Chinese massage therapy. His acupuncture and superb tui na helps my upper back and shoulder pains from stress and working at the computer all day long. He has also helped my ankle pain that often flares up from an old injury. read more

Over priced. Will return back to my community acupuncture as he did nothing special or different for the inflated price.

I have seen several acupuncturists over the years and Tim is certainly one of the best (if not the best!) I have been to. I had severe shoulder pain from over use. Tim has been able to diminish the pain to zero with a combo of acupuncture and massage. I just go in for the occasional tune up now. His rates are reasonable, his office is clean, and he is a good person. read more

Just started using this place. They were recommended by Kaiser for my neck and shoulder pain. Facility is nice and staff is very nice and knowledgeable. read more

I highly recommend Timothy Yan to anyone who wants a caring, professional, knowledgeable and compassionate acupuncturist. I have been going to Spring Life Acupuncture for the last 4 years. First Tim helped me with some lung issues and then he was essential to my recovery from cancer not only providing excellent acupuncture treatments for both prior and post surgery care but as a compassionate and caring health care professional. I am convinced that Tim was part of the team that was responsible for, as my allopathic doctors called it, miraculous recovery. I have worked with other acupuncturists who were esteemed in their knowledge and Tim is certainly someone who can hold his own with anyone. He really "listens" to each client and provides a nurturing atmosphere. He truly understands the definition of "healer" as he encompasses all of the elements necessary to benefit his patients. The other thing about Tim is that he and his staff never make you feel pressured about payment and he works with some insurance companies which makes it beneficial. There is not enough room on Yelp to say all of the wonderful things about Timothy Yan! read more

A coworker of mine actually recommended me to Timothy after she had a few sessions with him. The office was very peaceful and relaxing, and I fell asleep a couple times :\ Five sessions later the sciata in my right leg was gone, no more pain!! read more