My Work

I’ve developed my style with the understanding that animals respond to this work when you take time to build trust. Hour-long followup treatments and 90-minute initial visits help with that, as does the hands-on work. It helps calm the animal so we can take the next step – acupuncture! Clients are often surprised to see how well their animals respond to the needles. We dim the lights, sit, and get quiet. I often play relaxing music while the animals breathing changes, muscles let out little spasms of tension, and then hopefully they put their head down and relax. Sometimes this happens right away, and sometimes it takes time. Luckily, patience is one of my superpowers!

This work is great for all things musculoskeletal – arthritis, IVDD, FCEs, hip dysplasia, post (and pre!) surgery, spinal paralysis, and an all-too-common one – neck & back spasms. Running a little current through the needles with electro-acupuncture can really benefit these dogs & cats too. Anxiety and aggression cases are challenging, but this work has something to offer animals with emotional problems. I’ve had several aggressive cats receive one session only to return home where the household dynamic is refreshed with fights no more. Anxious dogs start to drop their anxiety levels, and we discuss proven training methods for addressing this in treatment. Lots of digestive issues can be resolved with herbs, supplements, diet, and treatment. I use the best, Evergreen herbs and Standard Process supplements.

Supporting animals who are receiving chemotherapy has proven very beneficial. Dermatological issues are tough, but traditional Chinese medicine has something to offer. I have a “Trauma Package” for serious cases that includes a 2-hour initial (or followup) treatment  and two 90-minute treatments for the most serious cases like spinal paralysis, “hit by car”, etc. Hopefully your animal will never require this kind of care, but if they do, this plan gets a jumpstart at treating their condition. All of this work is beneficial when, and only when, clients have taken their animals to receive a thorough work up by a Veterinarian. We’ve got to rule out conditions that would benefit from a procedure or some much needed medication. As a Chinese medicine practitioner, it’s helpful to have a working western diagnosis.

Your animal must be seeing a Veterinarian in order to get this kind of care. If your animal does not have a Vet and you need an evaluation, Dr. Frye, DVM of our “West End Animal Center” is available for a reasonable charge. Please let us know if you are needing this care, and the front desk can schedule an evaluation before their treatment. Feel free to call or email with questions or to schedule a session – 415.721.7494. Look forward to working with you!

Getting Treatments Together!

Because animals are so connected to their people, I offer acupuncture treatments to both animals and their people, together at the same time. When appropriate, this method of treating animals and healing stress within the family is powerful. As the dog or cat relaxes, so does their person, and then as their person continues to relax, so goes their animal. Sessions take place in the same room  with the person on the reclining sofa or face down on a BodyCushion after a brief intake. These 90-minute treatments can only be considered after an initial visit for the animal.

In-Home Acupressure Massage

Would your animal have extreme difficulty getting to my clinic? Consider having me come to your home. For over a decade, I have been entering the homes of compromised animals and their concerned guardians to offer one of the most gentle forms of therapy – Acupressure. During a 75-minute treatment, I patiently work through any resistance, earning trust with a present and grounded approach. And if you like, I will teach a little so you can earn a new title “in-home acupressure therapist” and the results can multiply. To learn more or schedule a session, email with the form below or call 510.912.8184

Want Some Too?

I’ve got a clinic for people too! I practice 2 days a week in Oakland at my lovely clinic by Summit Hospital, and while I often get the baited question, “who do you prefer working on, people or animals?”, I will never give up working with people, because I’ve got so much to offer them and besides, the people I work with help me grow so much! To learn more, visit the website for my people practice.