How does manipulating a needle in my left ankle relieve the pain in my right shoulder? I don't understand how acupuncture works, and it's hard not to grin in stupefied amazement while it's happening. But I control myself because Urban Refuge is a calm and quiet joint, and Jennifer is a calm and quiet practitioner, so my stupefied grin would feel out of place. Still, when she steps out of the room, I open my eyes and survey the pincushion she's made of my body, and I sometimes grin. Just a little. Shh. Don't tell. I've gone twice so far for a chronic shoulder issue I've had since high school. Each time I fell sound asleep in the treatment room - which is such a treat in the middle of the work day. Each time I left completely pain free. It's not fixed yet (pain comes back after a day or two), but I'm not expecting a miracle. I know it will take some time. In fact, the treatments are so enjoyable, my shoulder can take all the time it wants to get better. read more

It's been a while since I've had acupuncture, I was really looking forward to this, and it was better than I expected. It was empty when I got there so I got some extra tender care. I'm sure the lounge is great, but I am a lying down private session girl- especially after having it today. Jacqueline ended with a lite massage and told me some ways to help balance out my health- Chinese medicine style. It felt like she really had a grasp on a holistic approach to health. I will return every week for the next month and then maybe tone it down, but the relaxation, the little nap in the middle of the day, is really nice. I'm so happy they are so close to me. read more

Urban Refuge is a great place to get an acupuncture treatment, have a massage, or just take time to chill at and drink some tea during a break from work. Jennifer and Jacqui, the owners, can alternately make laugh and make me totally at peace and relaxed. read more

You ever think to yourself "I'm really glad my face is in this hole"? If your answer is yes, that's because you have tendonitis in your shoulder and choose to get acupuncture at Urban Refuge. If your answer is yes, you have a slight fear of needles but try it anyway and are so far liking your experience. If your answer is yes, you were face down on the massage table, had needles in your shoulder and Jennifer was attaching them to the e-stim machine and you were too afraid to move and glad that your face was jammed into the hole. :) $70 initial consultation and treatment, $50 each following as a cash patient... not bad! The only con is that it is not open on the weekends. read more

Like a lot of folks, I have chronic back pain and other soft tissue issues that come up from time to time from sports injuries and the like. And like a lot of folks, I don't seem to get much help from the traditional treatment of resting, icing, and popping a few pain pills to take the edge off. So I do acupuncture instead and it works. I'm new to Jennifer's practice. She is very sweet, has a deft touch, and goes above and beyond in spending time with you to make sure you're getting the care that you need. The price seems right as well, and the space is nice too. Highly recommended. read more

I went here for my first acupuncture experience EVER. The space is incredibly calm and relaxing, Jennifer was attentive and thorough when it came to our discussion of my problem areas and health concerns. The whole vibe in the place made it easy for me to trust in the experience. I was there for 2hours in total, and left feeling refreshed and balanced. If I lived closer and had the funds, I'd go once a month! read more

Not that Jennifer needs another review, but I am just so impressed that I have to add to the choir. As others have noted, she is truly a healer. Jennifer is holistic in her approach and generous with her time. She even accommodated my schedule to meet me very early one morning when I needed a session. So kind! I have been to several other acupuncturist over the years and I find Jennifer to be very knowledgeable, and on top of that incredibly affordable. Her space is nice and conveniently located just a couple blocks from muni or BART. This is my first 5 star review on yelp! She is THAT good. read more

I can drive my car again! I'm a super healthy person who rarely even gets a cold. So when i did something to my next/upper back which made it impossible to turn my head I was not only super frustrated but unsure what to do since I do not go to the doctor that much. Instead of going to the doctor because 1) I am on a high deductible health plan, 2) I have done accupuncture before and like the eastern medical philosphy - I went on Yelp and saw Urban Refuge was highly reviewed and near my office. Long story short - within 2 sessions I was feeling 90% better and I did a third session as a precaution before Thanksgiving just in case I was still hurting. I don't know what would have happened had I gone to a doctor - probably gotten some pain meds and been told to see a chiropractor - in any event, I am absolutely sure I would not have felt better as quickly. I am planning to continue to see Jennifer monthly just as a general stress relief measure - she is really talented. read more

Jennifer was amazing, the best thus far! When I used to live in SF, I would see her once or twice a week. Sadly, I have moved to Seattle but would still tried to get into her schedule when I am in town. Jennifer's caring nature by ensuring that she provides as much attention needed to heal my shoulder, arms, foot and back pain was incredible. She charged $70 at the time for an hour therapy, which includes about 50 needles and an option for stone or a hand massage. The room was clean, music was nice and quiet---it was the complete opposite experience I had at other places! read more

Jennifer is amazing! I started seeing her a few months ago and I'm really glad I did... I was a little hesitant to try acupuncture again since the last acupuncturist I had seen had done more harm than good during my last two sessions. So I put off seeing someone until I was in extreme pain. Luckily yelpers steered me towards Jennifer. In a few short sessions I felt well enough to go back to they gym. She is kind, fun and will do her best to work with your schedule. Seriously, she is as awesome as all these reviews say she is! read more

I am floating after one of the best acupuncture sessions I have ever had and just have to write a review. Jennifer rules. She has an inquisitive approach, is very attentive and though gentle, her treatments are very effective. She guided me through a few different issues and led me to be the master of my own healing and make mindful choices in my life through the process. Beyond that, she is a master at sensing issues in the body and ends the session in a very calm and restorative manner. The space is very clean and she takes some forms of insurance. I highly recommend her! read more

I have been visiting Jennifer at Urban Refuge for almost 2 years now. I love the location, decor, ambiance and most of all the tender loving care of Jennifer! She is by far, the gentlest acupuncturist I know. She heals with such gentle care, sensitivity and genuine empathy that keeps me coming back. Jennifer takes a holistic view to healing, she does constant research and education and advises me on lifestyle and dietary changes. Going 'above and beyond' the treatment itself is the kind of commitment you need form your physician/healer. Jennifer has managed to dispel my aversion to needles through her gentle approach and made me a true convert. I never thought I would be so happy to be pricked and poked at. Cant wait till my next visit. There's nothing more therapeutic than an hour in Urban Refuge; the calm, soft melodies, gentle touch...it'll right any wrong you have having that day! read more

Jennifer is an amazing healer, friendly, caring, and very funny too. She knows the body and can sense when I'm in pain. The treatments and medicine we used helped my hip issue, go away for good. Her treatments helped me heal my own body. I adore the inviting decor, very clean, and the energy is warm and positive. I highly recommend Jen as a master of her craft. read more

Oh my goodness, where to begin?! Jennifer is just a lovely human being and a genuinely great healer. Due to some prolonged life stress, I was dealing with significant immune system and precancerous issues about six months ago and pretty freaked out about the direction of my health. Weekly (now 2x monthly) sessions plus some spot on advice around diet and herbs has shifted my energy and health in a huge way. I'm now feeling the best I have in several years and absolutely credit acupuncture with her as the main reason why. Jennifer is always present, kind, intuitive and funny and sessions with her feel like a million massages (I fall deeply asleep and wake up feeling blissful). Also, she's a total steal which I've actually tried to tell her because I feel bad paying so little for such great treatment. Go, and be healthy!! read more

I feel compelled to write an update for the simple reason that the service provided by Jennifer Cheung, proprietor of Urban Refuge, has remained consistent. And if you read my original review, you will know what high praise that is. If you need help with a very gifted, intuitive and highly knowledgable practitioner of acupuncture, you need look no further. Thank you Jennifer, for so much. read more

I compete in multiple track and field events, with enough injuries to litter an anatomy book with thumb tabs; I am the reason your medical premiums are outrageous. I am (was) also very skeptical of anything non-western medicine, but after the little effect oral prednisone and cortisone injections had for my chronic back pain (due to multiple fractures in my spine, since healed) were not worth the side effect, I sought acupuncture, honestly, as a last ditch effort. I am so glad I did. Acupuncture has had a profound effect on my back and other injuries , but that's not why this review gets 5 stars. Jennifer has been an amazing practitioner - does research, listens, learns, and is genuinely interested in "making it better". She adopts specific, unique approaches to treat my conditions, tries new things with great results due to this thorough approach, and at her core is a gentle, intuitive healer. She cares, and it spills into everything that she does. read more

Jennifer is amazing! I've suffered from allergies for so many years, it just seemed natural to be sneezing and blowing my nose all the time. Since starting treatments about six months ago, my allergy issues have become practically non-existent. Last week, I had a treatment for a cold - with the combination of acupuncture and herbs, my symptoms were pretty much cleared up in a day or two. I have become a true believer in acupuncture and I highly recommend Jennifer for her skills, professionalism and truly sweet nature. read more

I was in dire need of acupuncture. Finding a great acupuncturist I could trust and who was located in the Financial District was key. That's when I found Urban Refuge. Their office or should I say "lounge" is very inviting and calming. Jacqueline and Jennifer put me at ease with their laid back personalities. They are both certified acupuncturists who worked with other acupuncturists before starting Urban Refuge. Jacqueline and Jennifer both graduated from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Try the acupuncture lounge, which is acupuncture (at a discounted rate) in a chair, in a group setting. Rooms are available for traditional acupuncture ( while lying down) or for massage. They are affordable and knowledgeable. And I always leave feeling better! read more

Jennifer is an amazing acupuncturist! I visited her business in 2013/2014 for several ailments including stress-related symptoms, a thyroid problem, and forearm pain from using the keyboard. I was originally told I'd have to be on meds for at least a year but was cleared in 6 months! I'm almost certain visiting her helped me come off my thyroid meds faster than anticipated. The only reason I stopped seeing her was because I no longer work in the financial district, but I'm seriously considering making an appointment for a session or two. I HIGHLY recommend Urban Refuge. read more

My wife and I have seen Jennifer for six years and have sent nutlike friends to see her as well. She is a talented, warm and beautiful practitioner. I would recommend her to anyone. read more

there aren't enough stars here! urban refuge is a little slice of heaven in downtown san francisco. i loved lying on the table and watching the city sky and listening to the sounds far below as they mingled with the light piano music. jennifer was wonderful, and inspires confidence from the get-go. she took the time to ask a lot of questions about my needs and comfort levels and was very respectful. you can tell that she really cares about her patients. as i was leaving, she also wrote out a list of foods to favor and avoid as i work through my issues. no one has ever done that. who knew that pears were good for the lungs??? i love this place, and can't wait for my next appointment next week. yay for (the aptly named) urban refuge! read more

Unbelievable. Jennifer is a gifted, kind, patient practitioner. She's walked me through some personal health stuff and has helped me tap into some really powerful healing within. She truly cares. read more

Jennifer Cheung is wonderful. She is professional, detailed oriented and cares about her patients. I highly recommend her services.

Jennifer has been treating me for what started as chronic muscle tension and confusing symptoms. After a recent autoimmune diagnosis, we're now targeting the chronic illness and seeing improvement in lab results. Really exciting progression! Jennifer is intuitive, gentle, a great listener, and incredibly responsive. She's helped me develop and track supplement plans, and is so supportive as I'm working through learning about this new part of my life. I highly recommend her for anything chronic or acute. read more

After the 8-5 grind in the financial district, I step into Jennifer's Urban Refuge and WOOSH! I forgot why I was stressed. Oh, is that a blissful smile that inches across my face because I'm so glad to be here? Why yes it is! For over a year now, have seen Jennifer on a regular basis for various ailments that have all been helped or healed with her treatments. Professional, kind, and incredibly calming, Jennifer takes her time and pays attention to all of my concerns and questions. Do yourself a favor and pay her a visit- you won't be disappointed! read more

I've been going to Jennifer at Urban Refuge with my back nd neck problems for about 5 years and I always leave feeling much better. My most recent problem with my neck was treated by a chiropractor, massage therapist and physical therapist but I got no relief until I went to Jennifer. Not only is she a geat acupuncturist, she is careful, gentle and a genuinely nice person. I highly recommend her. Thank you, Jennifer! read more

Jennifer is amazing. She is so sweet and puts every needle in with such precision making sure she gets the right spot. And I barely feel it. I started seeing Jennifer after trying to get pregnant for 16 months. I saw her for two months and BAM...I'm pregnant. The herbs she gave me actually didn't taste that bad and I think also helped with the pregnancy. She was very accomodating with price as i wanted to see her once a week throughout the first trimester. Now that I am in the third trimester, I've been seeing her again for aches and pains and stress relief and once I hit 37 weeks will see her once a week to get my uterus strong and ready for labor. Every time I go see Jennifer, I come out feeling 100%. I can't say enough good things about her. read more

Jennifer and Jacqui have established a haven for wellness overlooking downtown in a classic early 20th century office building. Their effective, caring treatment soothes amidst the comforting white noise of traffic eight stories below. Jennifer is a friend of mine, but her wisdom, grace, and expertise should engender trust and hasten healing in anyone needing it. Combine a treatment with a meal at Medicine, nearby, and you'll be 2 for 2 in the Serenity Series. read more

Jennifer is absolutely incredible. I have been going to her for treatments for years and years - she was so wonderful and kind through a long and arduous process of trying to get pregnant and then amazing during pregnancy and afterwards... I would recommend her without hesitation - she's kind, compassionate, caring and a true healer. She's just so intuitive and talented. If you need acupuncture it simply doesn't get better than this. read more

Jennifer is an amazing acupuncturist, and Urban Refuge lives up to its name. I have never once left this place without feeling completely refreshed, rejuvenated, and pain-free. I could go on in more detail, but let me just say this instead: I recently found out that I could go to my health plan's in-network acupuncturist and receive full coverage for acupuncture treatments. But I chose to continue seeing Jennifer, even though I have to pay completely out-of-pocket, because I am convinced that the whole experience of Urban Refuge and Jennifer's unique healing abilities are worth paying more. It also doesn't hurt that the office is so conveniently located downtown! read more

Exceptional! Very prompt response to my request for a same day appointment. She made me feel comfortable and asked me questions about my pain. After some acupuncture and cupping, I felt immediate pain release. Highly recommend!! read more

I have to say that Jennifer's urban refuge is fantastic. Not only is her place truly a refuge from the hustle of life (and I regularly snooze off during treatments) but Jennifer is a true healer. Her gentle, thoughtful and professional treatment has helped me overcome plantar fasciitis (heel inflammation), lower back aches in a few treatments. She also researched and offered me helpful ideas on how to lower my high blood pressure which is something I need work on. I feel that my visits to urban refuge to be a real investment not only in my body but also my soul- and can only recommend it. read more

Jennifer is great. She is gentle and really willing to spend the time with you to talk about what she is doing and how she expects your body to improve. I went to her several times for an ankle injury as well as chronic neck problems. She was always so friendly and kind. read more

After years of trying different acupuncturists & paying a fortune, I've really found someone who can help. I have chronic IBD, oodles of stress in my life, and am a distance runner. Jennifer has helped cure all ailments from stomach pain, to anxiety, to plantar fascitis and knee pains. She's fantastic! If you're looking to try acupuncture, really go see her! read more

I'm a huge fan of Urban Refuge and specifically Jennifer Cheung. Jen is incredibly professional and talented at her craft, while also being a lovely person to be around. The convenience of Urban Refuge's location coupled with its very reasonbale pricing - and of course the great results that Jen produces - make me a loyal customer and true believer. read more

Jennifer is a gem and has found her true calling in acupuncture. I love how incredibly renewed and relaxed I feel after an appointment with her. She is a calming and gifted healer and just a lovely person. You cannot go wrong seeing Jennifer! read more