About
Alex is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist practicing in San Francisco.
Originally from the East Coast, Alex received her massage training (1200+hrs) at the acclaimed Swedish Institute: College of Health Sciences in 2011 and has been practicing as a Licensed Massage Therapist in both New York City and New Jersey until fulfilling her dream by moving to San Francisco in 2013. Alex has worked as a LMT in gyms, spas, in-home and corporate chair massage & sporting events as well as her private practice. By working with a variety of clients, from athletes to corporate employees, young to retirees; she is able to customize sessions to provide the relieve that YOU need.
She moved to San Francisco continuing her education and training at ACTCM in Potrero Hill to become a Licensed Acupuncturist. Alex's didactic and clinical 'hands on' training at ACTCM provided her with acupuncture experience ranging from treating chronic pain (which acupucture is well known for) and illness to stress reduction, mental and emotional wellness. She truly believes that when the body is in harmony, many symptoms of dis-ease will subside. Much of our pain, both mental and physical comes from imbalances and our body trying to reach homeostasis (balance). Holistic Medicine such as Acupuncture, Eastern Medicine and Massage can greatly help your body to achieve the balance it seeks to create.
She specializes in pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, repetitive use injuries, stress reduction, mental & emotional wellness.
Connection. I truly enjoy meeting and working with patients/clients from all walks of life. My career as a Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist allows me to help people feel better (physically & emotionally), which is incredibly rewarding. One of my former managers described me as a 'crumb finder' because I look for the small details that make up a full person. There are of course the big question and then there are the things that aren't often discussed. Through holistic medicine, we are able to put these small pieces into a big picture and create a full story. This becomes our working diagnosis and of course as we start working together, things change and evolve. Holistic medicine is VERY adaptable allowing for progress. This medicine allows me as the practitioner and you as the patient, to be curious. Why are things a certain way. How are they affecting you? How can we change that? What can we do to make sure it doesn't come back or happen as often?
Photos and videos
Reviews
Shannon C.
Alexis C.
Nicola P.
Methanie B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When working with new patients, health history and consent forms MUST be signed & completed before your first treatment. Your forms are our first insight into your treatment plan. Some questions may actually make you think. Please take the time to thoughtfully answer questions as YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR HEALING. Whether you are coming in for physical pain, musculoskeletal issues, stress relief, emotional distress, digestive concerns or general health; we will discuss how it's effecting you, limitations, possible causes, quality and how long you have had symptoms. For massage, this intake may be about 5-10 minutes depending on the issues we are looking to address. For Acupuncture, Aroma AcuPoint Therapy or combination treatments that include TCM, beginning consulatations are a minimum of 30 minutes and follow-up appointment are 10-15min.
Typically, massage sessions will use lotion or oil. CBD lotion/oils can be added at an additional cost for either targeted/spot treatments or a full body session. With the use of lubricant, for most massage is done with the client undressed (to their comfort level) and draped with a blanket for comfort/modesty and warmth. Massage treatments vary in length from 30-120 minutes and are customized to your needs including pressure. Some types of massage, such as sports massage, shitasu and tui na can be performed with loose or flexible clothing on.
For Acupuncture, we will talk about sensations that may be felt once needles are placed. Also, the difference between sensation and pain. You should not ever be in pain for an acupuncture treatment. If you do feel pain, please tell me and the needle will be moved or removed. Acupuncture points are located all over the body and we will discuss treatment, what you are and are not comfortable with along with recommendations. Remember you are ALWAYS in control of your treatment and we will not push you into anything you are not consenting to.
Once needles are placed, you will rest for 15-40 minutes depending on what we are treating.
It is advised to eat a small meal before coming in for treatment as to avoid feeling dizzy or light headed after. Every body differs in their reaction to massage and acupuncture, but typically you may feel less stress, a little 'out of it', and sometimes sore. If we are working on trigger points and areas of pain, soreness may last for a couple days. This is normal and a hot bath with epsom or sea salt and drinking lots of water will help to reduce soreness.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I had to priviledge of studying Massage Therapy at the acclaimed Swedish Institute in Manhattan in 2010. Requirements in New York State for Massage Therapy are the most strict in the nation. The program was 16 months long and over 1000 hrs of training and clinical work. Not only did we study massage techniques and when to use them, but we learned anatomy, physiology, myology, muscle and nerve testing, pathology, neurology, internal systems, contraindications, shiatsu & western massage modalities and ethics.
Luckily, coming from a great massage school set me up for huge sucess when I decided to continue my education to become a Licensed Acupuncturist. Over 3000 hrs and a Masters Degree, studying just some of the trainings from over 3000 years of practice in China.