I wait at a bus stop in front of this store quite often but I've never really had time to stop in. The one time I did, I arrived quite eagerly. Better put, i was present and my disposition was one of eagerness. But my inquiries received little to no response. The woman who was at the front desk, who is likely the owner, barely looked at me while she was talking and offered one or two word answers with absolutely zero help. It was obvious she either didn't want my business or did not think I was a serious potential customer (maybe because I'm a "bus person"?) Frustrated, I saw some business cards and asked for one. Again - no help. No "selling" her store to me. Nothing. I asked if there was a website or an email contact and she was like "yeah it's online"..... I just stared at her thinking... "um.... so that's it?" I walked out and didn't really say goodbye and she didn't really say goodbye either. I was pissed, and felt really overlooked and unseen. She had no idea how often I see clinicians and how much money I spend - which is ALOT. And I was there simply because I moved too far away from my previous person. Don't go here. Your business is appreciated at a bunch more local stores. I also guarantee if the woman read this review she will recall when this occurred because she has to know how inconsiderate she was acting that day. read more

Dr Metzger is amazing! He listened to my concerns and to has worked for my previously to help my pain, and came up with a great plan. He didn't just say, ok we'll try this stuff first and see if it works, he did exactly what I said works without having to go through a whole process like other doctors have. Highly recommend for anyone with severe neck and back pain. read more

The new location is very quaint and clean. Miria is wonderful, she asks a lot of questions about diet, lifestyle, and check the pulse and tongue. She is very knowledgeable and caring. read more

The Lotus Center - Front gate entrance of The Lotus Center on South Van Ness Ave. New Location. - Acupuncture Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've seen Miria for more than ten years and she is a holistic healer. I trust her with health more than my doctor and her kind and compassionate stance has done my body and heart a lot of good. read more

Carol Francois only works here two days a week but she's so worth the specific timing needed to see her. She's warm, loving, attentive and extremely good at diagnosing and treating whatever it is that's ailing you. She's great with the cups and has really worked out some serious cricks in my neck and back. She even took a photo for me the first time because I was so amazed at the marks the cups left (they leave giant hicky marks but they don't really hurt unless they pull from an area of high toxicity - but she'll walk you thru all of it - don't be afraid, it's awesome). Her father was the first african american man on city council years ago and has a street named after him in the china basin area. Just a fun tid bit. read more

The Lotus Center is awesome. When Western medicine didn't know what to do with me, Myria Toveg at TLC helped me immeasurably. She is always warm, kind, and professional. She asks detailed questions about my health that I have never been asked in a traditional doctor's office, and she cares about the answers. She can tell if I'm low energy by taking my pulse! TLC takes insurance or has a sliding scale if you don't have insurance that covers acupuncture. Plus, the hot packs before the treatment are divine. I almost always fall asleep! read more

Holy crap this place is GROSS. You have a electronic magnetic lock on your door which requires the receptionist to remotely unlock. Your clients think this is weird, ask them... I did; it's also reminiscent of a happy-ending massage parlor. Furthermore, since there was only one receptionist, who happened to be on the phone, clients were forced to wait outside the door until the receptionist had a moment to unlock it. What percentage of buildings on Valencia Street between 16th and 24th would you think have electronic locks at their front door that require remote unlocking? Perhaps my lack of white hair and/or collar piqued the receptionist to treat me like a homeless person. She was abhorrent and seemed intentionally short when answering any of my questions (including why there was so much Thailand stuff on the walls, to which I did not receive a reason). You should have heard the way she gently cooed and helped clients (who arrived AFTER me) , and then immediately after, change her tone when speaking directly with me. Overall quality and professionalism was at an all time low; with me in particular. Depending on your age, or appearance, perhaps you may have better luck here than I did. I was never offered water, or anything other than an unfriendly attitude. I left without making any comments or a scene. read more

The service and convenience of this little gem are beyond my best expectations! I'm just so happy to be part of the healing process of the Lotus Center San Francisco so grateful for Jennifer, Miria and the best receptionist! read more

The Lotus Center - The migraine has returned and so grateful for Jennifer and Miria - Acupuncture Near Me - San Francisco, California

When I walked into Lotus I was a newbie to acupuncture with an enthusiastic referral to see Tamara Brown. She is amazing. She listens to everything that is ailing me, and then does her best to "fix" my energy. She is sweet, caring, and warm, and is very knowledgeable. I've had only great experiences here at Lotus with Tamara. Herbs are reasonably priced, I don't have much to compare them to, but they seem reasonable. The rooms are warm and cozy, with soft relaxing music which puts me to sleep every time (gotta love nap time). The waiting room offers a nice selection of warm teas to sip on as you catch up on all the current affairs via People Magazine. Oh, and they take insurance and have a sliding scale payment for those of us who don't have insurance to cover acupuncture. Definitely a 5 star experience. read more

Acupuncture with Jennifer Ashby is one of the consistent highlights of my week. I highly recommend her services. She is so knowledgeable and personable, and the treatments leave me feeling like I've just had a massage, done yoga and got therapy all in a 1 hour session. The treatment rooms are warm and cozy, and the dim lighting and soothing music make the sessions feel more like a spa treatment. Huge bonus: they take insurance. read more

Dr.Jennifer Ashby is my Hero. After only 2 visits I can say I feel the best I have in almost 5 months of severe back and neck pain as well as TBI (traumatic brain injury) problems I have suffered from being hit by a car while walking to work last year. Thank you beyond words for helping me! I am beyond grateful to be able to go to someone who truly knows what their doing, is compassionate and has helped me beyond measure in such a short period of time. I highly recommend her and just gave her card to a good friend today. read more

It's rare that I allow myself to completely relax without feeling guilty. Without feeling like I should be accomplishing some task on the never ending list of tasks that is my life. When I come to the Lotus Center to have acupuncture with Tamara, I am compelled to just chill out and let the energy flow through my body (or whatever happens that makes me so blissed out). I tend to lose track of time, and I allow myself a respite from stress and worry. Tamara's personality is really conducive to tranquility and peacefulness, it seems to radiate from her. She is also really interested in what's going on with you, and asks lot of questions about your general well-being at the start of each appointment. So far I am only 2 weeks into the acupuncture, but it seems to be working in terms of pain management which was my initial reason for coming to see Tamara. I will update this review as necessary should things change. Bottom line, I'm very happy to have found The Lotus Center and Tamara. I am also glad that my visits are only $10 a pop due to that awesomeness that is acupuncture insurance. I was also told that the practitioners at the Lotus Center work on a sliding scale, so it may be worth while to inquire about that if your insurance does not cover such services. read more

Jennifer Holley... what can I say about her? She is my soul-sister -- we were born about 1 hour apart approximately thirty something years ago, we went to the same TCM school, and we're future business partners. One of the sweetest, smartest, and hippest TCM folks in our City! Go get a treatment from her -- you'll love it! read more

I started seeing Jenny Crissman just over a month ago, at the recommendation of a friend. No really acute ailments, just taking advantage of sweet acupuncture health benefits on my insurance! Never had regular Chinese medicine before, except some needling and herbs from a few friends and an unpleasant experience in South America. Things I appreciate about Jenny: 1) She laughs a lot 2) She is very laid back 3) She listens well. I feel like I can come in and honestly say how things have been going and what my body feels like 4) She is a nutritionist - I love food (like many people in Yelp.) Incorporating food into my healing regimen makes a lot of sense for me. The Lotus Center is reasonably decently trafficked, so it's never silent, but they have pleasant treatment rooms with good heaters for warmth and an array of soothing music. Taking 30 minutes on a Friday to bliss out with a few needles in is a great way to wrap the week. I usually walk out giddy into the sunshine, read more

I am new to acupuncture but thought I'd try it out for a persistent back knot and some digestive issues. I've enjoyed my sessions and it feels good to be taking care of myself. But the biggest and welcomed surprise is how great my acupuncturist, Tamara Brown is. We start off each session with at least 15 minutes of talking of how things are, any new issues, how the herbs are working. It's such a vast difference from the MDs that I visit for colds, physicals, etc. who speed through the appointment and who seem really bothered when I ask questions. The other big pluses are that my insurance covers the sessions and it's within walking distance to my apt. So yeah, I'm really glad that I discovered acupuncture. read more

Jennifer Ashby is a brilliant practitioner. Love her demeanor and holistic approach to solving medical issues. She's very well-versed in her field, and does an excellent job of bridging both eastern and western practices. She has even inspired me to sign up for an introductory class in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ron, her assistant, is extremely kind and adds an element of relaxation to the waiting room (which has a very nice selection of tea I might add). I highly recommend this center for acupuncture! read more

Miria has changed my life. I have suffered from insomnia for the past six years. Miria has helped me sleep through the night. She is professional, compassionate, and easy to talk to. She is an amazing acupuncturist and a genuine healer. I would recommend her to anyone. read more

Dr. Jennifer Ashby is amazing. She is a gentle, warm, wonderful woman and is exceptional at acupuncture. In one visit she was able to cure a shooting hip pain I have had for years that no physical therapist could heal. The pain comes back after running, but it is not nearly as strong. I will continue to see her to prevent it from coming back. Can't recommend her enough. I also really enjoy the friendly receptionist :) read more

I love this place. Zelda at the front desk is the best, and all the practitioners are wonderful. I see Miria, and she has really helped me through some difficult health issues. She is so knowledgeable and personable. She understands my concerns, where as my traditional doctors just want to write a prescription, and call it a day. With Miria, I have hope that i will get through a difficult health situation read more

Miria is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. She explains what's going on (good for needle-newbies) and really pays attention to how your life is affecting your treatments (and v.v.). Best of all ... results! My energy level (why I went) increased dramatically after several sessions. Her office is in the Mission and has a great Mission-funk vibe. Each treatment room is warm and comfortable, with new-age-y music that is relaxing and doesn't make you want to run screaming from the room (ever had a treatment where the music became a distraction ... ? Not the case here). Her specialty is women's and fertility issues, but seeing Miria is one of the most nurturing things you can do for yourself, no matter what's going on in your world. read more

Jennifer is the most amazing person in addition to being the best acupuncturist I've ever seen. Very gentle and insightful. A great recommendation for both seasoned acu lovers and newbies who may be afraid to try it. If you're questioning whether to use her or not, I would say JUST DO IT! You won't regret it. read more

25 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a gentle spirit and pre-med student named Miria Toveg. Soon after that, she converted her Western med beginnings to pursue Chinese medicine. She inspired me to make my first visit to have acupuncture for treatment of a paralyzing back spasm which prevented me from being able to sit up for a couple days. The results were so immediately relieving and the office visit was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Instead of the rushed prescription writing and head scratching that was so typical of conventional medicine experiences I'd had in my life, I felt engaged with as a person, not a condition. I was also given practical advice as to how I could effectively deal with stress and avoid future back spasms, which to this day no longer plague me. That treatment was done by Miria's teacher while she was still in training. By the time Miria started the Lotus Center, I had many reasons to get her assistance in overcoming traumas from bike/car accidents, "workaholism" and brain injury. Most recently, I got profound and compassionate help in caring for my mom as her neurons were dying (ALS) and she was in my care. Miria was one of four acupuncturists who offered help far above and beyond the basic definition of "doctor." From both Miria and the sweetheart lady in the front office, Zelda, I got support and strength as I went through my first experience in confronting a terminal illness with a loved one. I was terrified and they helped me get through the hardest experience I've ever lived through so I could be a better caregiver. I am pleased to say that my experiences with Chinese medicine have been life changing. Though I lost my mom awhile back now, I began training in acupressure and Chinese medicine theory which is the most gratifying thing I have ever done. I feel I've finally found my way home. Thanks, Miria, for being the patient and gentle guide you are. read more

Sally is gifted! I have to agree with Sandy.. She listens to everything that is ailing and works quickly to unblock blocked energy..Yes, thank you Sally.. read more

Jen Holley is the best!! I go to see her 2x month from everything to sore throat, pms, aches and pains or even to increase my energy...she always seems to pinpoint(literally) my issues. She is very easy to talk to especially when you have to talk about your bowel movements...she also has access to many herbs. I highly recommend her! read more

It was nice, very educational and not as scary as it has been in the past for me. Tamara brown is the nice lady next door with the skills of a chinese zen master and eastern medicine doctor. Great experience. Not sure how long it takes to save me though. read more

Jennifer Ashby really helped my migraines. Love the staff, the prices and the treatments. They know what they are doing. Really good bedside manner that helps as much as the treatment. read more

For the last 15 years, I've gone to see acupuncturist Carol Francois every 3 weeks; this is better than insurance, a proactive way of remaining wonderfully healthy all the time. This is not to say that I've never had health issues, but whenever I do, Carol has been able to make them go away. I went to see her initially when I had a chronic infection that Western doctors had treated with antibiotics. They finally said that if it came back again, there was no option but surgery. Carol not only cured it in a few treatments, but it has never come back again. Carol is a healer; just being in her presence makes me feel better. She is also amazingly knowledgeable about Eastern medicine and its correlations with Western treatment and medications. If you come to her with a problem that is better treated in the Western fashion, she will tell you. However, it's remarkable how many things are better treated by the non-intrusive and relaxing methods of acupuncture, without relying on toxic prescriptions. The Lotus Center, where she patients several days a week, will take drop-in clients now. However, it's best to make an appointment with her, because she is not always available. Other practitioners at the Lotus Center are also great, but Carol is a treasure. read more

The office location at Valencia St. is closed. The Lotus Center has moved to South van Ness St. close to 15th St. in San Francisco.

Carol A Francois is a great acupuncturist. She really knows the points to help whatever your body needs to be balanced. She's only at The Lotus Center on Wednesdays and Fridays. But as another reviewer said, it's worth the wait to see her. read more

If I could give Jennifer Ashby a 10, I would! I was the most skeptical person ever about acupuncture (having a science degree helps) and went to Jennifer as a last resort. I've had tension headaches/allergies/digestive problems/hip & back injury for years. After seeing Jennifer, I am completely amazed! The first session immediately alleviated chronic pain and her advice on nutrition and health has made a huge impact. I would highly recommend seeing her - she is an amazing healer and a teacher and I've learned so much from her about my body and health. Go see Jennifer and you won't regret it! read more

miria toveg has been giving me valuable health assistance for nearly 20 years, i'm so thankful for the help! she treated problems that western medicine failed to treat, helped me understand how to adjust my diet to aid in the healing process. i feel like i am working with a true healer when i work with miria - again, i'm so thankful for her help and offer my highest recommendation. read more