I booked this acupuncture and sound bath event about a month in advance and was genuinely looking forward to it. I arranged childcare for my two children and made a 25-minute commute each way to attend. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing from the moment I arrived. After checking in, I found that nearly all the recliners were already taken. The only one left was pushed into a corner next to the shoe storage area, positioned against a wall so it couldn't recline. Throughout the time I was there, my feet were repeatedly bumped by other attendees accessing the storage area, which made it difficult to relax. At one point, Michelle moved my recliner without any notice, pushing it even closer to the shoe storage to make room for additional seating. It was mentioned that the event had been overbooked, which was very apparent--the space felt crowded and chaotic rather than calm and restorative, which is the expectation for this type of experience. When I ultimately requested a refund, I was told that I had "taken money from them" because they could have sold out the event. That response felt unprofessional and dismissive of the situation. Overall, I was extremely disappointed. I made arrangements in advance, including securing childcare and commuting to attend, only to encounter a disorganized, overcrowded, and uncomfortable environment. This experience fell far below reasonable expectations, and I would not recommend this business to others. read more

The group acupuncture and sound bath experience was amazing. Dr. Michelle explained the process and what was going to happen for a relaxing experience. So enjoyable that I totally zoned out (probably fell asleep) during the sound bath. The only thing I would suggest is more comfortable recliners. read more

My go-to place for all things healing. Dr. Michelle has been treating me for 6 years, supporting me with injury, pain, hormones, anxiety, and so much more in her community clinic space. I so appreciate having a dedicated space where I know I will consistently and always leave feeling more relaxed, present, and connected. The new office is incredible with recliner chairs, beautiful views, and overall calm atmosphere. I love having a membership to community clinic, as making an appointment at least twice a month becomes a part of my routine and lifestyle with ease. Thank you so much Dr. Michelle! read more

Michelle is the awesome and this new location is the best. I am so happy to see a small business owner do well down town SLO. Great acupuncture, cupping and massage. Plus a really nice sauna to get you ready for your treatments. read more

She is kind. She cares. Her Community prices are fair. She appears knowledgeable. Clerical assistance was good. Good knowledge of Oriental/ Eastern Medicine. Well done! read more

Beware. Incredibly predatory billing practices. Very immoral business owner. She's a great acupuncturist but doesn't have the slightest clue about running a business. And the predatory billing practices make this place very very avoidable. Spend your money elsewhere or be ready to be met with the worst customer service and a completely unsubstantiated level of arrogance. In a world with plenty of options for these services and in a small town you'd expect better services and better customer care. I would imagine this business is going to eaten alive at some point in the near future anyway. Better off going anywhere but here. Support better human beings. And better local businesses. Sad to see a acupuncture clinic use tactics that usually are the tactics that gyms use. Go for the acupuncture and unwind. To spend just as much filling chargebacks with your credit card company. Ends up in a net neutral in terms of stress. This lady COULD NOT BE BOTHERED TO MESSAGE MY PREGNANT WIFE BACK. Her name is Michelle. She is so in over her head as a business owner. It shows. And greatly impacts your experience here. Seeks pity and empathy and hides behind the concept of "being a poor and fledgling small business." Newsflash lady. All of the other health clinics around are also small businesses. With overhead. Employees. Insurance costs. Rent. Etc. and they treat their patrons with respect and give them the time of day. PS. The good acupuncturist and the lady that made this place worth while. No longer works here. I hope this lands firmly. You have definitely ruined your credibility and your reputation around here. Pregnant wife. Like. One opinion about you (and from what I've gathered in my short time talking about you MANY MANY others) in our local community is locked in stone. Shame on you. read more

Love this place and this community concept I'm a regular and can't recommend it enough. The membership is so well worth it. If you've found acupuncture works for you please do yourself a favor and check out zen den read more

Fantastic Cupping Experience! Highly recommend. Definitely felt the results. Thank again. I will be back! So close to Downtown. Smelt so good in side. The vibe. read more

At Zen Den, I always feel welcomed and accepted for who I am and what I am working through.

The sound bath and acupuncture combination was a deeply relaxing experience! Hope to make this a regular part of my self-care routine.

Such a great place. I just needed a same day treatment for my knee pain and the community acupuncture set up works so well for this. Simply the best!! read more

Johnathan is worth his weight in gold! His techniques with my head/neck have been the only thing that has relieved me of the persistent headaches since having had shingles two plus years ago. I asked him to work on my thyroid the other day which has been out of range in the last few months, and I have felt the best I have felt in quite some time. I will be having him work on it in my community appointment again today. I have felt almost euphoric since my visit last Thursday - my entire mood and demeanor have changed! read more

I tried many different studios here in Slo since I moved here I found att the staff very friendly and Michele was a Telly good listener and takes her time. They have a great items as well. I plan on going for my 2nd visit next month. read more

You walk into this dark but cozy room where a lovely receptionist greets you and directs you to your seat. My acupuncturist was amazing. I went in with a lot of pain. He went over my chart before seeing me and understood what I was going through. He gave me a lot of recommendations for stretching and exercises to strengthen the core. Also supplements. He helped me through my nervousness since this was my first time. It was a great and relaxing time. Stood up from the table after I was done, had zero pain throughout my back. It was like gods work. Thank you again! See you next time read more

Michelle has turned my life around. I came to ZD, at 35 years old, with chronic pain, severe digestive issues, and weekly migraines. These ailments were confusing to me as most of my life I would have been considered by most as a pretty healthy and fit individual. The chronic illness and pain were confounding and I didn't know where to go or what to do. A friend of mine mentioned she had been to ZD for her digestive issues, and I thought I'd give it a shot. I felt instant relief on my first visit and soon after I become a monthly member because do the improvements I felt. A little over 3 years later, I am proud to say, I've been to ZD consistently at least once per week and it has been a life changing experience for me. Not only has consistent acupuncture worked for me (thank you to the community model for helping me afford the care I needed at the frequency I needed it!) but I've learned so much about my health through a Chinese medicine lens - and I am so much better for it. I consider it a highlight, a sanctuary, and a place where I see my fellow community members find peace. If you're finding yourself a little lost in your wellness journey, I recommend you give this place a try. read more

I've been a patient of Michelle for many years. She helped through some serious surgeries, many minor injuries and more than a few illnesses. Her knowledge and professionalism are second to none. Her clinic, Zen Den, is set up to make Chinese medicine accessible to most people, offering both affordable community acupuncture with a sliding payment scale, and private sessions. Her website is easy to navigate, gives clear outlines of services offered and cost, and makes it easy to set up an appointmen. I recommend Michelle to anyone interested in Chinese medicine. She's the best! read more

Good place, talented practitioner. Worth your time. She cares about how well clients progress.

I'd never tried community acupuncture but my husband came home raving, and sent me for my birthday. The space is beautiful and serene, and I felt welcomed as soon as I walked through the door. Community acupuncture was a wonderful experience, easy to make an appointment and seriously wonderful vibe and people. Michelle is an excellent and experienced acupuncturist, bravo to her for bringing acupuncture to all in an approachable and affordable way! I can't wait to return! read more

I truly truly love zen den. I'm dedicated & go every week! Michelle has really made community acupuncture relaxing, personal, and comfortable. She's super knowledgeable and listens to identify what your body truly needs. You get an essential oil before each treatment, a hot lamp for your feet and a comfy chair with a pillow - An ideal situation! If you're nervous to try acupuncture for the first time, go to zen den. They are the very best in Slo. I can't say enough good things about this amazing place. read more

As a grad student seeking an affordable option, Zen Den exceeded my expectations! The community acupuncture room room was tranquil, relaxing and so calming. The front desk receptionist was so kind and welcoming and my acupuncturist was professional, comforting, and knowledgable. I will definitely be back! read more

I've been coming weekly to Zen Den since September of 2023. I seek treatment for a very painful condition called endometriosis. In conjunction with treatments I take herbs that are offered in store. Progressively my symptoms have gotten better since starting treatments. Last month is when I noticed the biggest change. After all the consistency, I had my first ever pain free period. Since starting my period at the age of 12 I've suffered from debilitating symptoms and eventually ended up in the ER in 2022 where they told me I needed a surgery for the cysts that they saw on my ovaries. After undergoing surgery the doctors told me I needed to start birth control to suppress my ovulation. This physically and mentally made me feel awful, even though it did suppress my painful periods. I made the decision to stop my birth control and take matters into my own hands. I've now had my second pain free period and I am in complete awe. Michelle and the other providers have done an amazing job at listening to my story and my symptoms in order to getting to the root cause. I couldn't be more proud to talk to my peers about being a client at Zen Den. I always recommend Zen Den to people when they tell me about any chronic or acute problems that may arise in their lives. Thank you so much Zen Den! read more

I really wish I had something better to write. I am relatively new to this whole acupuncture thing.... was a bit nervous going in. Firstly, I was not greeted kindly upon entering the front door. My first point of contact was with a woman in her late 40s with several tattoos. She seemed clearly annoyed at my questions and concerns. Second was the smell. I'm not sure if it's tea-tree oil or mint or what.... but good grief did she smell strongly of it. I commented on it and was basically shrugged off that I don't know what I'm talking about. Eh. Probably won't come back. read more

I received a much needed massage from Michelle at the Zen Den yesterday and it was amazing! She gives a wonderfully intuitive massage and her hands knew exactly where to find the spots I needed attention. The atmosphere at the Zen Den was so relaxing I didn't want to leave afterwards! I'm looking forward to trying the community acupuncture from her soon, I was really excited to learn about their services! read more

The day that I made my appointment to come in for community Accupuncture was the same day I started my moon cycle and ended up getting some cramps that were very uncomfortable. I called in just to check that it was okay to receive acupuncture same day and was reassured by a very warm toned woman that it would be very helpful with my cycle. I went in and was greeted by very friendly woman at the front desk who showed me around and answered all my questions, then she directed me to choose one of their lounge chairs. Michelle approached me and asked some questions and then proceeded to place the accu needles in different places while explaining why and how it related to the methods of Chinese medicine. I was blown away as my cramps completely dissolved as I sat for the next 20 or so minutes. This place and the people are incredible and I will definitely be back! read more

The community acupuncture offering is quite amazing. Ten gravity chairs side-by-side, soothing music and atmosphere, and a seasoned practitioner who listened attentively to my needs and quickly administered a "distal" treatment (below the knees & elbows and above the neck) followed by 30 minutes of acu-bliss. Friendly staff & the community aspect is not intimidating as you might think but actually really welcoming and cool. read more

I've been going to Zen Den twice per week for allergies. I've tried numerous things for combating seasonal allergies including: eye protection, face masks, neti-pots, OTC medication including Claritin D, Zyrtec and Xyzal, allergy shots, local raw honey, ice compresses, essential oils, quercetin, HEPA filtering the house, etc. And so far, acupuncture seems to be the only thing that works for me. My allergy problems aren't "gone", but are now manageable. I'm no longer wheezing at night and having bags of fluid pool in my eyelids. I'm still careful to limit my allergen exposure, but can now enjoy the outdoors including cycling and camping. Registering for community acupuncture appointments during quarantine has been a breeze using the Zen Den website. The office is bright and peaceful. Michelle is the right mixture of healer and levity. Community acupuncture is affordable and a pleasure. Thank you Zen Den & Michelle! read more