Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

How is Dr. Kajima's treatment different from other acupuncturists?

Dr. Kajima has extensive clinical and academic training in the US and abroad that exceeds the requirements for state and national licensing in acupuncture. Please see Biography for more details. In addition, Dr. Kajima has in-depth knowledge of  acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for neurological disorders. Unlike many acupuncturists she performs biomedical screening alongside Chinese medicine diagnostics so that if need be a patient will also see a specialist. She provides her patients with a treatment plan to help guide their healing process with supportive herbs, therapies and lifestyle changes and to help patients navigate their healthcare with other medical professionals. She is also available for a health consult via Telehealth video conference. Please see Telehealth for details.

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How can I make an acupuncture or acu-massage appointment? I tried online but failed.

To make an initial appointment, please text Dr. Lucia Kajima at (415)987-1594 or send an email with the following information: your name, reason for your visit, and your contact details. You will be contacted within 24 hours and assisted with setting up your patient portal to ensure the safety and confidentiality of your personal health information. Once you have your patient account, you will receive a link to fill out an online Health Questionnaire and to review and sign all necessary forms before your appointment.

 

You can book follow-up appointments online, request them via your patient portal or via text message to (415)987-1594 with your preferred date and time. Dr. Kajima will confirm your booking within 24 hours of your request.

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How can I make a massage appointment?

You can book appointments online or via text message to (415)987-1594 with your preferred date and time. Dr. Kajima will confirm your booking within the day of your request.

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Can I make a same day appointment?

Yes, you can make a same day appointment for a massage, a follow-up acupuncture, an acumassage or a Telehealth consult.

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Do you also provide office appointments?

Yes, you can come for an appointment to the office located at 3329 Sacramento Street (cross street is Presidio) in San Francisco. 

 

What are the business hours for office appointments?

Since our primary service is mobile health, office hours are limited to the following days and times:

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Fri 12pm-6:30pm

Sat 9:00am-5:00pm

In-home visits are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 4:30pm with some possibility to arrange visits outside these hours.

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How should I prepare for an acupuncture or acumassage appointment?

Please click here to read the Patient Visit Guide.

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What does acu-massage involve?

The acu-massage appointment is a combination of acupuncture and shi atsu or Swedish massage. No other techniques are used. You can read more about shi atsu or Swedish massage in Services.

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How long does an acupuncture or acumassage appointment take?

The initial appointment usually takes about 1.5 hours but for patients with neurological conditions it may take up to 2 hours as it includes a neurological screening exam as well as treatment. The length of the follow-up acupuncture appointment depends on the severity and complexity of the condition treated and the modalities used. Your treatment plan will specify the length of your appointment, so you can plan your schedule. For example, an acupuncture appointment for common cold, headache or a musculoskeletal condition will take about 45 to 60 minutes while rehabilitation treatment for paralysis will take up to 1.5 to 2 hours. The length of the follow-up acu-massage appointment is 1.5 hours regardless of the condition treated and for neurological cases 2 hours.

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How many acupuncture treatments do I need and how often?

The number of treatments and frequency varies based on the individual patient's health condition, problems and response to the treatment. On average, it is recommended to have 2 treatments per week for 8 to 16 treatments. Some patients with acute conditions such as common cold or muscular tightness may get better after 1 to 2 treatments. Other patients with chronic conditions such as paralysis after cardiovascular events, degenerative diseases, neurological conditions, insomnia or chronic pain may require 3 to 4 treatments a week for several months. And, sometimes, despite best care of the patient, the patient does not respond to treatment. A course of acupuncture treatments at higher frequency typically yields better results. For cases that demand acupuncture sessions at frequency more than 2x a week, Dr. Kajima may work out a schedule of short and inexpensive multiple treatments within a week at a reduced charge to help patients get the care they need within their financial resources.

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What does a Telehealth appointment involve?

Telehealth appointment consists of a videoconference consult where you can obtain guidance for your health concerns. The purpose of these appointments is to enable patients to receive the health care they need without travelling for an appointment. Telehealth appointments are delivered through a special software platform that protects your personal and medical information in line with HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and privacy laws. It is suitable for either follow-up appointments after an initial appointment at the office or Chinese medicine consults regarding herbal and dietary therapy, tips for healthy living, exercise suggestions and/or review of your medications and supplements. Please see Services for types of Telehealth consults offered.

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Is acupuncture practiced in medical facilities?

Acupuncture is becoming more widely accepted as a treatment method and now it is often provided in hospitals, doctor's offices (chiropractic, dental, medical, physical therapist, gynecological, veterinary), rehabilitative care. However, if practiced at medical facilities such as hospitals, acupuncture is still limited to how it can be practiced. It is used alone without other components of Chinese medicine which include physiotherapy, breathing exercises, dietary prescription, Chinese herbal medicine, electrostimulation and massage, or it can be used to treat only specific conditions such as pain, or it can be only performed on the certain body parts not the whole body. For this reason, if you are considering getting acupuncture at a medical facility, be aware of not being able to utilize acupuncture to its full potential.

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