27AUG2014 After 16 sessions here is my assessment. 1. Acupuncture does no harm. 2. I think it might be useful for muscle or nerve pain/problems. 3. If you think it will help then try it. It is affordable. 4. In my opinion, useless for relieving chemotherapy symptoms. Chemo drugs are nasty as they are trying to [almost, but not quite] kill you. Friday (09MAY2014). Acupuncture session at 1500. Saturday. Crappy mouth is reduced and I have a lot less fatigue. Was it: a. Acupuncture? b. Poisons excreted from my body? c. Both? d. Neither? I don't know. 02MAY2014 Very pleasant people. Took a lot a notes prior to my acupuncture. I feel very comfortable with them. Will see how it goes. Chemotherapy is nasty. I get loaded up with: Oxaliplatin, 5-fluoroucil, zofran, decadron, leucovorin every 2 weeks. The side effects are very unpleasant. I am hoping that acupuncture can alleviate some of the symptoms. Chemo mouth (aka crappy mouth). Food tastes bland. Carbohydrates taste like cardboard. Fatigue. 1-3 naps a day. Low platelet and white blood cell counts. The poison kills everything. read more

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Booked a 90 minute massage via groupon for this location. Parking was a struggle with street only available parking. My massage was scheduled for 515. I arrived at 455 to fill out paper work. Nichole finally took me back around 515. I quickly undressed and laid down. She finally came back and stayed around 520. Literally 3 times I had to ask for lighter pressure. Nichole was super sweet but I shouldn't have to keep asking. The room was a little warm and the tribal music was causing anxiety a little. THE WORST PART was that my massage ended and when I checked my phone it was 637; therefore, my massage was 77 minutes when I paid for 90 minutes. I literally hate that. read more

Acupuncture has become my weekly mental health care. My migraines are under control and it is so relaxing. Moving to a new city, I was concerned about finding a new acupuncturist that used the community model. Thanks to Yelp I found Berkeley community acupuncture and it is less than 20 minutes from my house. Even better. My first session was in a private room and we covered a lot of ground regarding my health. The care was great and the attention to detail fantastic. The acupuncture nap was fabulous. I scheduled my next appointment right away and am looking forward to it. read more

I love, love, love Berkeley Community Acupuncture. I always I get a holistic treatment where my physical and mental issues are addressed and I always feel so much better after. I see Andrew Young and love him, but I'm sure everyone there is awesome! I highly recommend this place!!! read more

I went in because I am training for a half marathon and I have a very weak back -- reoccurring knots, lots of stiffness, the usual. FULL DISCLOSURE: I work with Scottie Dorn and he's awesome but I had no idea he also worked here. When I came into work all stiff and complaining he directed me to BCA. He also suggested I go to Nick because he's got a background in physical therapy and rehabilitation (and let's face it, as relaxing as a massage is, what I really needed was someone to be firm and really work out those tough knots). Nick is great -- GREAT! I plan to get another massage next month and the month after. I felt drunk -- off of RELIEF! HURT SO GOOD. He also took his time on the knots and asked me questions and listened when I said "right there!" or "the pain spreads upward!" or what have you. I mean I don't make a habit of shouting in massages, I think I am just excited to share the relief so that's why I am using so many exclamation points! Here's something: Their credit card machine doesn't allow for the add a tip, so bring cash if you want to tip. I felt AWFUL cause I didn't have cash on me and couldn't leave him anything. I'm sending Scottie in with a tip ASAP I just wish I had been more of an ADULT who carries CASH for situations like this. Oh well, live and learn. read more

I had psoriatic arthritis and inflammation related to stress at age 36 that severely limited my mobility. I had been very athletic previously, and had to give up sports for a year. Working on diet, sleep, meditation etc etc wasn't enough to cope and my body was showing the signs, especially in my knees, ankles, and feet. I wasn't able to get up from the floor without something to pull up on. I saw Kim weekly for a few months and it made a huge difference! I've got 90% of my mobility back and can take it the rest of the way with stretching and exercise. Kim really listened to what my symptoms were, tried different techniques, and adapted the care plan over time. She made me feel cared for and helped my body recover from a really difficult year. read more

Online scheduling? Check. Well-trained massage therapists? Check. No upselling crap? Check. As a massage therapist myself, I'm picky about who I let work on my and I've been thoroughly satisfied with every visit I've made to Berkeley. I've seen Bryan a few times and Nick once and would (and will) go back to either of them. No sales-y pressure BS, just a straightforward place for quality massage therapy. If you want waterfalls and windchimes this probably won't be your favorite but if you want a convenient place to see a well-trained massage therapist, then you can't go wrong. read more

Berkeley Acupuncture saved my life when I found out all of the amazing therapist I know worked there! This place is quite and peaceful the minute you walk inside, I love to read the anatomy book that is in the waiting area! I have been receiving bodywork from Bryan for the past 3 months, and it has made a huge difference in my gymnastics strength training. The perfect way to recover from a month of work outs is a high quality full body massage. I am a picky receiver, and when I tell Bryan what is bothering me he works it and integrates even more! Never worry again "is this going to be a good massage?" Berkeley Acupuncture has you covered. I recommend this place to anyone who wants real therapeutic bodywork. read more

Had my first appointment a few days ago in the middle of an allergy crisis. I mean CRISIS. Scott was able to get me in right away and was very gentle and friendly. He is young, but having grown up around Chinese medicine he is very knowledgeable and competent. Why do I get acupuncture when needles fill me with mortal terror say you? Because it works. After the intake portion (he asks a lot of questions... very detailed) I laid down on the table, dreading what I knew would come next. Scott was mercifully swift and accurate. His needling technique was extremely confident and I quickly relaxed, knowing I was in good hands. Since my appointment I have felt like the giant cloud hanging over my life is gone. I am still congested but the "help me!" feeling has passed. Everything is cruising along at a managable level... Berkeley Community Acupuncture hasn't been around all that long but I can see a long, prosperous future for them in my crystal ball. They offer an outstanding service at outstanding prices and their sliding scale makes acupuncture accessible to everyone. As an artist and musician I am always looking for a bargain and Berkeley Community Acupuncture is worth way more than you pay. My only concern in writing this review is that they are going to get so busy that I will have to start fighting for appointments. Go say hi to them during the First Fridays Artwalk on Tennyson. You'll be glad you did. read more

My experience with Berkeley Acupuncture has been wonderful. I've had two appointments with Tiffany, and I just bought a package of eight acupuncture appointments, which comes out to about $45/session - so awesome! I was a skeptic before I tried acupuncture, but I was so desperate for help and for someone to actually listen to what was wrong with me, I knew I needed to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did! Tiffany takes so much time to ask questions about the whole me, so to speak, rather than just the symptoms. My primary care physician, when she is actually available and actually listens to me, just wants to know the symptoms and doesn't seem to try to get to a root cause. I am dealing with a not-so-perfect storm of anxiety, sleeplessness, shoulder pain of unknown origin, and hot flashes - in other words, I'm a mess! When I think of pins and needles, I think of pain. Not when it comes to acupuncture. The best thing Tiffany said I could feel was a dull ache at the insertion site - and wow, has she struck gold with the pins! I had acupuncture, a scalp massage, and cupping at my second appointment yesterday. I felt so relaxed when I left, and I actually got some legitimate sleep last night! I have also been given herbs to primarily help with sleep and hot flashes - first, in tea form, which worked well. Tiffany wanted to try to get to the issues from a slightly different angle, so I'm taking something in pill form right now. The herbs are not expensive and don't have a list of scary side effects, either! I don't mind knowing that this is a process, that nothing gets "fixed" right away because Tiffany needs time to see how my body responds to everything. It might sound strange, but I can't even tell you how feeling this way brings my stress level down. It's so different from my PCP who just wants to throw pills at me and see how they work. The emotional and physical side effects of THAT approach cause me more harm than good. People have talked about the bare bones look of the center, and I don't get that at all. It's very clean, calming, and comfortable. I don't need a hotel spa environment! Plus, it's in an awesome neighborhood with lots of shops and restaurants. :) Anyway, I am very glad I set aside my acupuncture-skepticism and am looking forward to getting more help from Tiffany! read more

Got to Berkeley by a recommendation from a friend, not Yelp, cause I was in so much pain I wasn't thinking straight! Bryan is my kind of masseuse. Listened first, got out the aches and pains in one hour. Did I mention the first massage is $39 for an hour of h-e-a-v-e-n. Talked when I talked, was quiet when I needed quiet. Bonus! Showed me stuff to do on my own to increase mobility where it wasn't. Bonus! Scheduled online with their web assisted scheduling. Bonus! Regular visits get an annual deal. This place is far from my neighborhood but as anyone who has needed a masseuse knows - it's worth the trip. I'm a BCA'er from here on out! read more

This is a neighborhood jewel and if you live in the hood and you haven't been here, you are missing out. They have a sliding scale for your acupuncture needs. I see Scott for acupuncture and he is always gentle, kind, and attentive to my needs and issues. I have also been here for massage, which with the membership, makes it more affordable to get massages more frequently...not to mention a free birthday massage too! Nick is my choice for a massage therapist, as his style meets my needs. Love this place, the energy, and the customer service- all top notch!! Thanks BCA!!! read more

Update: Since August 2013 I've been working with Tiffany Scheidt, and she's MAGICAL. Seriously. She has magic hands. Not only is she a thoughtful, considerate, and well-versed acupuncturist who has been able to help me with issues chronic and acute alike (and punctures with almost ZERO pain), but she also is a tremendous massage therapist who has provided me with the most consistent and highly effective therapeutic massage experience of my life. Prior to that, Scott Dorn had been wonderful in supporting my acupuncture and in coordinating with my naturopath. He's very gentle, very knowledgeable, and willing to talk through my treatment in detail. I've had great results with my treatment and highly recommend BCA. read more

I scheduled an appointment for my husband as a birthday present here because I had been years ago and had a great experience. However, my gift was not what I'd hope it would be. My husband told me his room had a door to the outside so it was cold despite the table being warmed. He also said it smelled a little funky and there was water damage. I know it's not a spa, but the space makes a difference in one's experience. He also made the mistakes of telling his therapist his neck and shoulders were sore because that's all she concentrated on for 40 minutes instead of the whole body. He left feeling just as he had arrived which isn't what you usually want out of a massage. Take this review for what you will. I won't be rescheduling for myself or anyone else. read more

You won't find more caring and compassionate people than you do here! They will take great care of you. From acupuncture to massage you will be in great hands. Private practice rooms. They've helped me tremendously (sleep, headaches, IT band issues, hip...). read more

Nick was great. He was professional and very thorough with his work. The room and music was comfortable and I was happy to be able to use my Groupon without any issues. I enjoyed my 90 minute massage! I would have given him 5 stars if I wouldn't have been able to feel his fingernails through some of the massage. read more

I can't say enough good things about Berkeley Community Acupuncture. I visited Andrew yesterday for an acupuncture treatment and although it's been only one session, I feel great. I feel optimistic and energized. Andrew spent time to listen to my medical history and offered treatment suggestions, all without any sales pitch. The minute I walked out of my session I booked my subsequent appointment. Sometime in the next few weeks I plan on visiting BCA for a massage. I went here based on all the amazing reviews, and I'm so glad there are plenty of them. I just wanted to share my experience as well. read more

I recently had shoulder surgery and was looking for a clinic that offered massage that was in-network with my insurance. Enter Berkeley... they are friendly, professional, and work with insurance (if you're lucky enough to have a policy that includes acupuncture and massage...)! I've had two massages so far with Christy and both have been excellent; her overtly saccharine voice belies her competence: it is clear to me she has a deep passion for healing and her ability to "listen" with her hands is nothing short of remarkable... thusly I have here remarked. read more

I used to come here every so often but a few months ago I had a bad session with Kim and just can't go back. During the acupuncture session, she was very aggressive but the pain in my shoulder was unbearable so I put up with it. The original shoulder pain I went in for eventually went away but there is still a pain that feels more like a tear in tissue or a blood clot. I called simply to ask if this could be something that they could help me resolve and for some reason she wouldn't answer my question and kept saying that I never showed up for the appointment I was talking about and I haven't been seen there in 9 months...she also was aggressive in trying to poach me from the acupuncturist I had been seeing there and I felt that put me in an uncomfortable position. read more

I went to Berkeley Community Acupuncture off and on for over a year. I hadn't been for quite a while and scheduled an appointment. When I arrived, the gentleman at intake said what I thought was my name and said my appointment was at 11 (which it was). Long story short, he'd said something that wasn't my name and after showing him my email confirmation for a massage appointment, he said he had me down for an acupuncture appointment instead and suggested I reschedule. Fifteen minutes later, I got a call from my massage therapist asking where I was. I went back for my massage and about halfway through, while I was on the table covered by a sheet, another therapist walked into the room. Both therapists apologized after my treatment was complete, but that is just the height of inappropriate. In 10 years of receiving massage therapy, this is the only time anything like this has ever occurred. read more

I had 6 acupuncture treatments here, they were okay but no improvement to my neck/back pain. It was relaxing but didn't help. I would have continued with them if not for the acupuncturist that spoke to me as if I was 5 Y/O & wanting to contact my physician to change my medications! WOW I was a little upset at 1st but continued with a few more treatments. Then it got to the point that the 1ST 20 minutes of my treatment session was talking down to me, so on my last session I walked out! Now I'm having a lot of trouble getting $ back that is due me. I paid for all sessions, but their billing dept submitted claims to my insurance company, therefore my insurance company sent Berkely the refund check. My insurance company & myself have contacted them 3-4 times & they claim they understood I should be the one getting the insurance checks. 6 months later & they have not reimbursed me! Frustrated - I told them I did not want to waste my time with writing these reviews. But it needs to be heard. N.B. read more

Berkeley Community is awesome. The person who answered the phone was super helpful, and looked up my insrance coverage for me. Andy is great! He was thorough and compassionate. We developed a plan, and I feel confident returning for more services. read more

I walked in, I was in town working a few doors down and my jaw was driving me crazy. I think I am grinding my teeth at night or clenching them. I wasn't so much in pain, but seriously concerned that my mouth didn't feel right and my neck felt unnatural in every position. I wasn't exactly sure if a head/face massage was a thing, so I walked in to ask about my options. They explained that they could try to help with my jaw pain, they fit my in for 20 minutes later. I *think* Krista was my massage therapist, based off of the pictures on the website. After reading her bio and learning her passion is craniosacral therapy, it's kind of incredible luck she happened to be there, and seriously amazing she decided to stay (she was about to leave when I came in). I have never been more taken back by a massage, ever. She focused on my neck, jaw, face. Everything felt so light and almost like it wouldn't be firm enough until I felt the craziest knots being worked out. At times it felt like my nose and ears and throat were being realigned, though she was no where near those areas and that would be totally impossible. She asked if I would want to try intraoral massage, I had never heard of it, but I was really ready to try anything to fix my jaw. While it was happening, same light, gentle technique that I didn't think anything was happening until she was done and I opened and closed my mouth and even my teeth felt like they "fit" better. Didn't realize it until later that night when I looked in a mirror, but my teeth actually were lined up better, the top and bottom middle teeth perfectly lined up. (Not claiming she will fix your teeth. I wore braces in the past, blamed the shifting of my teeth due to not wearing my retainer, amazed and slightly terrified that its the tension in my jaw and neck that makes my teeth not line up perfectly anymore.) Unfortunately, my neck and jaw don't feel amazing as when I left after that massage and my teeth are slightly off center again. I'm apparently super stressed, tense, dehydrated and I need to stretch. I'm really amazed that massage can be that powerful and taken back that I'm not just "getting old", but I did this to myself basically. I live in California so I am super bummed this massage was a one time thing, hopefully I can find someone in my area who is as talented as Krista. tl;dr - Jaw felt uncomfortable, walked in, got a massage that made me reevaluate my life. It was that life changing. read more

Therapist was right on time . No time rush. Clean comfortable business. Free street parking. Good selection of hours to suit most peoples needs. read more

Fantastic place to get a massage. They really take the time to understand what you need and then deliver on it. Really fair prices and nice people. All in all you can't ask for a better local place. read more

Wow! All of the reviewers were right; best massage! No-frills, but I'd take a fabulous massage any day over candles and water features. My masseuse spent a hour and a half on my back, shoulders and neck, just like I wanted! Cured a two-day long headache. Will go back for sure! read more

I have seen Tiffany for acupuncture treatments for hormonal issues several times now and it has been a great experience. She has a very calming, caring presence and I feel as though she really listens to me. I feel like my issues are improving but I am truly impressed with the open communication that is often lacking in western medicine. I have recommended Tiffany and Berkeley Community Acupuncture to my friends and family. read more

The staff is friendly, the facility is clean and the massage was even better ! Micheal is professional and really gets to your problem spots, no fluff & I like that. The online scheduling is convenient and so simple, it's a breeze getting in even a day before. Highly recommend this spot:] read more

I have been going elsewhere for massage for a while and was very satisfied, except that I could never get an appointment on the weekends. This was what brought me to Berkeley Community Acupuncture, because it doesn't help my crazy muscle knots if I'm stressed about rushing to a massage appointment right after work. I was able to get an appointment on Saturday really easily. I've never been totally comfortable with the idea of a male massage therapist, but decided to try. I do not regret it! Nick really focused, I mean FOCUSED, on my insanely hard and crunchy knots. Lots of prolonged pressure that ultimately resulted in a decrease that was immediately noticeable...and still noticeable two days later. Amazingly, I found that I was far more relaxed after that kind of focused work on my problem areas than I would be after a more "spa-like" full body massage. That's not to say that the massage rooms aren't "spa-like". They have all the nice ambiance and what not; this just felt more like getting a problem thoughtfully addressed than going to "the spa". I was also impressed with the overall professionalism throughout the whole place. I'm considering trying acupuncture here as well. I will definitely go back! read more

I've been to more message places than I can count over the years. I was a power Groupon message user but have found a great place with Berkeley Community they whole experience is top notch. The vibe is peaceful and relaxing.The message therapists are great and really take excellent care of you. I ended up buying the 10 pack online and saved a bunch, it's the best of both worlds. read more

I need a massage every month in order to avoid getting tension headaches. Working a desk job along with studying to be a court reporter, my arms spend 10-12 hours per day, 6 days a week out in front of my body, hovering over a keyboard of sorts. That being said, I absolutely love this place. Initially, I found Berkeley Community Acupuncture through their stellar Yelp reviews. Their website is very easy to use, and the biographical blurbs about each therapist really help narrow down which therapist sounded right for me. When it comes to getting a massage, there's nothing worse than encountering a massage therapist whose techniques simply aren't compatible with my preferences, and the blurbs really helped rule that out. Scheduling a massage is really easy through their website, which is a huge asset. (I'm not a big phone person, and most of the time that I think to schedule appointments is not during business hours.) I have had around 10 or 12 massages performed by Nick. I haven't tried any of their other therapists because Nick listens to what is bothering me that particular occasion and focuses on it, so that by the time I leave, I feel immense relief in my trouble areas. Why mess with a good thing when I know I will get the results I am looking for? Berkeley Community Acupuncture also has an annual membership that's around $100, which gives discounts on all the massages and acupuncture you get in that year. If you are someone like me who knows that you will be getting at least 6 massages in a year, this membership will essentially pay for itself. Give this place a try! You [probably] won't be sorry. read more

My first time at BCA based on a recommendation from a friend. Scott worked on two upper body issues, explained everything and was the perfect practitioner for this acupuncture-first-timer. I LOVED it, can already feel some positive results and I look forward to another treatment in 2 weeks. read more

Scott at Berkeley Community Acupuncture is all that I could want in a doctor; personable and understanding, confident and calm. The atmosphere of this place is homey and comfortable, too. It's worth the drive for me to get my healthcare here. read more

I am not surprised to see 5 stars on ALL the reviews here. I just went to Nick yesterday and he did a fantastic job. I have been to many massage therapists and it is hard to find someone who does a great job but doesn't kill you in the process or treat you like you are going to break. Excellent pressure, effective results, and great "tableside" manner. I found this place through Living Social although I used to live in the neighborhood. Nick was also very understanding when there was a mix up with the time of my appointment. He didn't cut it short or treat me like crap when I did finally arrive. I would highly recommend Nick. I will be back. read more

I'm very pleased to have found a massage therapist a short walk from my house. My first deep-tissue massage with Nicholas was excellent. He paid attention to the areas that I indicated needed the most work and applied just the right amount of pressure. I really like this place and plan on becoming a regular. I would highly recommend Nicholas for anyone needing a good therapeutic yet relaxing message. Very reasonably priced. read more

I went to Berkeley Community Acupuncture for the first time yesterday. It was my first experience with acupuncture, so I was nervous! Andrew Young was my acupuncturist... and he was incredible! He has such a gentle, warm demeanor, and is also professionally humorous. He prepared me for the process, and explained everything to me so wonderfully to make sure I was comfortable. The treatment was incredible as well! I highly recommend Andrew Young, and Berkeley Community Acupuncture. I will continue going here for treatments. I am a believer! read more

Very friendly staff, affordable prices. Highly recommended. I have used Jamie for massage services for back pain and she is excellent. I received a deep tissue massage from her and it significantly improved my condition. I will definitely continue to use their massage therapy services and may even try acupuncture at some point. read more

I first discovered Berkeley Community Acupuncture through Groupon, but it has become my favorite place to visit when I need a massage. My favorite massage therapist is Nick Rostocil. He was able to help me heal from a severe shoulder injury and applied techniques that got deep into the muscle tissue and fascia. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the music they play is soothing. If your muscles are sore from too much yoga, I highly recommend you treat yourself to a massage here! read more

Christy and Jamie are both very professional and give great therapeutic massage. The space is very clean and has a relaxing vib. I would highly recommend Berkeley community Acupuncture. They have a very affordable program for those patrons that like to make sure they get a regularly scheduled massage. read more

Bryan Trapp is a great massage therapist, knowledgeable and professional. Consider the packages and special offers to make treatments very affordable. Owner Andy Young is a true community partner. He offers acupuncture clinics to support people with MS. I recommend utilizing this local business on Tennyson St. It just doesn't get any better than that. read more