Gentle, affordable, and most importantly, effective acupuncture. Every treatment I've received from Charles has made a big impact in my health. I came in for long COVID fatigue and was much improved after one session and completely back to myself after 2 sessions. I came in for a bad cold and it was gone the next morning. I've worked with a lot of acupuncturists and it's not often I've seen results like this. read more

Charles is a gentle, calm, and knowledgeable practitioner. I started coming after a massive surgery. I've been 4 times, and it has dramatically sped up my my healing. read more

Posting on behalf of my mom: After my treatment I felt like a new person. Charles is one of the best acupuncturists I've had. The place is very clean, has positive energy, and he's very sweet and professional. I recommend him highly. read more

Charles is absolutely amazing. It's very rare to find someone so simultaneously attentive and skilled. He has honed these skills through his many years of experience and is still quite humble about it! His treatments are effective, he makes me feel safe, seen and he should get paid way more than he is (like $100 more per treatment), but he is running his clinic community style, so it's as affordable as acupuncture can get . Can't say enough good words. P.S. I'm an acupuncturist so I'm the worst critic. read more

Had just one appt so far for shin splints and already feeling huge relief! Heading back for more. Strongly recommend

Charles has the softest touch, is really attentive and skilled and knowledgeable, and it's relaxing and quiet to rest and lie back with the acupuncture needles placed. Because of the community acupuncture, there are plenty of seats and never any rush to finish up, so Charles places the needles (often with a nice, quiet conversation while doing so), and then as you rest or meditate through the session, he waits for you to wake and come to on your own. It's a nice, quiet session, and very restful and energetic. read more

I just started seeing Charles, and am really impressed with his attention and care. He's gentle and thoughtful, and he checks in during the process to ensure you're comfortable and responding well to the treatment. I feel safe and welcome and I look forward to continuing to visit The Yellow Emperor. read more

I'm incredibly grateful for Charles and the fact that he offeres the sliding scale at his high level of expertise and care is such a gift to our community. After trying all of the community acupuncture spots in the East Bay, I found Charles to be the most gentle, communicative, skilled, and kind. I have a stubburn inury and Charles's treatment is the only thing that takes the pain away from the moment I walk out the door. After failed PT and doctors- sessions with Charles is the singular treatment keeping me on my feet. Highly reccomend him! read more

Have I mentioned lately how much I love the Bay Area in all its business-with-sliding-scales-we-just-want-you-to-be-well glory? The Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic opened very recently. My friend brought me as a birthday present. The intake was quick. Just a little paperwork and a short intake interview to talk about what sorts of things acupuncture could help with. The idea of this clinic is that they want you to be well, and they don't want money to stand in the way of your wellness. This clinic is also in the communal setting, so you don't have a private room where you get nude and then someone comes and sticks needles in you. Instead, there is a space with a half-dozen recliners (so you can be with your friends, even though they may fall asleep on you) and you roll up your pant-legs and have a little rest while you get your acupuncture. This way, one acupuncturist can attend to many people at once and it makes the most of the space they have. This, in turn, allows the costs to be so low. There is a small initial intake fee ($10) and the acupuncturist may recommend herbs, some of which they have in stock there. Ted happened to be the acupuncturist when we went in. He was easy-going and seemed really happy to be doing what he was doing. Another thing I liked is that the windows were facing West, and we were there in the early evening, so we got a lot of sunlight and didn't have to worry about artificial lights. You may not care. I happened to like it. If I found anything left wanting, I think I would have liked a little more explanation about what exactly was going on (e.g. the needle between my eyes is supposed to help with what?); however, I didn't ask. I'm sure I would have gotten open and honest answers if I asked, so, next time! In all, I felt great afterward and I totally recommend this place. read more

I've loved this place. I'm moving back to France and I really gonna miss Charles. He is a kind, gentle, knowledgable acupuncturist. I barely feel the needle each time, if I fall asleep he wait for me to wake up by myself.. I went to see Charles because of some sleeping issues, and I've seen great result after 4-5 sessions, I've continue going every two weeks or so, just because it such a relaxing moment. Thanks again Charles read more

The Yellow Emperor Community Acupuncture Clinic (aka Charles and Associates) is a real healing place, a true asset to the community! FYI: "The Yellow Emperor" was an ancient emperor, in China who is credited with codifying and pioneering what is now called Traditional Chinese Medicine, aka Acupuncture and Herbs, about 4500 years ago. Charles accepts a sliding scale ($20-$40, depending on ability to pay) because they want to keep the us healthy, not just get treatment when we are sick. This embodies the principal of "doctor as gardener" rather than "doctor as mechanic". This is a very compassionate place with very compassionate people! Acupuncture is a versatile healing modality, and very good treatment can be had from treatment of meridian points accessible while wearing street clothes. This means on the leg from the knee down, on the arms from shoulder down, and the neck up. A typical treatment involves walking in take off your shoes and socks, roll up your sleeves (if you have sleeves), roll up your pant legs (if you're wearing pants), and viola, you're ready for a treatment! No need for private rooms and $70+ treatments (unless you prefer that...) Nervous about needles? Take a friend and relax! The needles are much thinner than syringe needles, and they are only put into the surface of your skin, as they are only there to stimulate meridian points, not insert stuff into your body. Like the other reviewer said, the intake is quick with minimal paperwork. The space is simple, clean and inviting, with 5 recliners and a massage table. They play very good relaxing music, sometimes ragas, sometimes 'singing bowles' and the soothing vibrations feel like they stimulate the needles and thus the meridians. The space feels nice. It's a good healing space! I've been to about 8 different acupuncture practitioners in my lifetime, and I actually think Charles is the best so far! He's got a really nice 'bedside manner', is a good listener, and has been incredibly patient when I ask questions or for advice. I go in to get treatment for lung congestion, low energy, depression, stress, and grief. My girlfriend continues to get to get her chronically inflamed shoulder treated. I am very grateful to have found this place. They have greatly facilitated my healing! read more

I've been going to Yellow Emperor almost weekly for a couple of months now: most of the time, Charles is administering treatment when I happen to go, but today I was also treated by Erin. Both are phenomenal: super-responsive and attentive, calm and friendly. One time I brought a friend who was anxious about needles: she ended up having a really great first experience with acupuncture, largely due to Charles making her feel so comfortable. Appointments at present don't seem to be crucial: I usually just drop by when I have time, and they've always been able to take care of me within a couple of minutes. The environment is really serene and cozy: in addition to to comfy treatment chairs, heaters and blankets make it all the more comfortable if it's chilly out. There are usually only 1 or 2 other people being treated at the same time, so it's quite quiet, but the group environment as a whole still feels very private. Their sliding scale policy is a godsend: they're well-worth an exponentially higher amount (but until I can pull myself out of a few more debts, I'm grateful to be able to pay for treatment on the lower end of the scale). read more

I had my first acupuncture experience here yesterday and it was wonderful. The setting was really nice and relaxing, and Charles was extremely kind and warm in understanding it was my first time, answering all my questions when I had them. If a needle felt weird, I let him know and he took it out and tried a new spot. He explained what he was doing when he was doing it. After all the needles were in, I fell in and out of a lucid dreaming state which rocked! The treatment helped my neck and headache feel better right away. I highly recommend this clinic for acupuncture. It's also affordable, at $30 for your first time (if you're low income) and $20 for future sessions. Enjoy!!!! read more

Charles, the owner and therapist at Yellow Emperor, is fantastic. Over the past 10 years various people recommended acupuncture to me for help with restless legs symptoms and general body tension. I had two separate attempts at acupuncture before-- once at a non-English speaking shop on Clement St which felt to me like some kind of terrifying ritual out of a sadistic torture movie, and another set of 6 sessions in Boston which was less traumatic but had neutral effect. My third foray into acupuncture was fortuitously through Charles and Yellow Emperor. He's very calm, kind, careful, gentle w/ the needles, attentive, and reassuring, and, as I told him, I haven't received so much positive reinforcement (in this case, about my stoic ability to deal with the needles) since kindergarten! Most importantly, unlike other times the impact has been immediate... phenomenal and visceral energy flow and a deep relaxation (leading to sleep) unlike anything I've experienced before. I'm a convert! He's also showed me some stretches to help with leg tension and is generally a very helpful and soothing therapeutic presence. During the four times I've been there are between 1 and 2 other people in the space (there are a total of 4 super comfy reclining armchairs and 1 bed). It's very easy to sign up for appointments online, though seems he accepts walk-ins as well. I may have to wait 5-10 minutes for the treatment to begin, but with the warm feel and relaxing soundtrack it's a good lead-in to the treatment. He's very generous in letting people stay for extended treatments, and appears to keep meticulous notes about where the needles went and the effect so we can refer to that for future sessions. Sliding scale is $20 to $40. Highly recommended! read more

Charles is an excellent acupuncturist. He greets me warmly, and there is always a comfortable seat waiting. I hardly ever need to wait, and he keeps detailed notes of what we were working on last. I have seen Charles for back pain, shoulder pain, eyesight fatigue, anxiety, and depression. I have always felt improvement following treatment and every time walk out of his office with a smile. The sliding scale community rate based on personal income levels are very reasonable. He has a chart to break it down so you aren't left guessing. 100% recommend you give Charles and Yellow Emperor a try. read more

Charles is amazing!! He got me into an appointment the same night as well as took extra care to make sure everything was right for me, including staying after he was supposed to be closed so that I could sit for a little bit longer in my treatment. He exceeded my expectations and helped me feel very welcome in his office. I've been doing acupuncture for the past six years and I want to recommend him to anyone who is new or a veteran to acupuncture. The chairs are set up community style so you are resting with others while peaceful music is played. The recliners are very comfortable and he has a massage table as well. Charles offers a sliding scale which really helps to make acupuncture afford for everyone, thank you!!! read more

My first experience with acupuncture was lovely. I felt relaxed and safe. Thank you Charles!

I've been to various acupuncturists over the past 20 years and find Charles to be excellent. His treatments have helped me with sleep issues and recently I had been feeling like I was fighting off a cold for 2 weeks and went to see him. After two treatments - BOOM! I was better. So happy. He is gentle and kind. The atmosphere is warm, quiet soothing and I am so appreciative that there is an affordable option out there for people seeking acupuncture. read more

The owner is a kind and genuine person. I wish him all the best. Meanwhile, as someone who has received acupuncture from at least 10 licensed practitioners, I was disappointed by the session. Keep in mind, I do not like extremely gentle and subtle energy work, I like to feel a big impact. If you want a gentle acupuncture session then come here. But if you need a big impact, this is not the place for you. read more

My friend suggested Yellow Emperor to me not once, but twice. First via sticky note and then with a business card. Now I go once or twice a week. Both practitioners are knowledgeable, friendly, and low key. The treatments have been a big help for a chronic illness and the community atmosphere is very pleasant. read more

Great local acupuncture clinic! I've been coming here for a while when I get sick or need a boost. Megan is very knowledgable and helpful and always sends me off with recommendations/remedies to help my health. In true community clinic fashion, you can pretty much take a nap on the chairs and let the needles do their work. And it's so admirable that they can still provide sliding scale cost to the public. Go team Yellow Emperor! read more

i love acupuncture. it helps me with sleep and allergies. this place is great for drop in and i like the sliding scale because i am job hunting right now. read more

Great neighborhood resource. Charles was very accommodating and attentive. First time there was easy. It's quiet, clean and modest. He as also very skilled with the needles and the treatment helped (the nap didn't hurt, either!). Will be making regular visits! read more

Charles has been a great help in the process of my knee healing after a debilitating injury. Each session reduces inflammation, sometimes dramatically. This makes it possible for me to feel more clearly what still needs to heal. The acupuncture also contributes to greater range of motion. This supports me in using the neuroplasticity and movement based form I am trained in. I am grateful for this very helpful and powerful combination. read more

I am a fan of Community Acupuncture and The Yellow Emperor is a solid choice if you are in the neighborhood. Generally there is no need for an appointment which makes it easier although you should check the scheduled hours. The sliding scale of $20 and up or less if you go multiple times is more than fair. I also like the fact that going there supports Charles, to support people like me and you. From the healing standpoint, I went there primarily for digestive disturbances. I found the sessions supportive but in my case, not necessarily transformative. That said, I would go back and will continue, especially when I am in the area as my Oakland is only my part time home. read more

I can't say enough positive things about Yellow Emperor and acupuncturist Charles Adamec -- devoted to making acupuncture accessible to all. Since soon after the doors opened several years ago, I've been taking advantage of having a community acupuncture clinic within walking distance. The sliding-scale fees allow me to afford weekly acupuncture treatments. The cozy space is comfortable, with attention given to calming music to facilitate a relaxing experience. The center is also very near BART and bus lines. Highly recommended! read more

After a great but physically strenuous trip to Bolivia, I was sure that a night of sleeping in my own bed and a day of relaxing at home would make my nagging back pain go away. As it turned out, picking up a quarter-sheet of tissue paper to wrap a tiny present caused the most incredible back pain I'd ever felt! I spent a few minutes rolling around on the floor like an unfortunate turtle, and then several days limping around cautiously. After a few appointments with Charles at Yellow Emperor, I was back to my normal life. Ahhh! read more