Griffin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

07/16/2025

😻Animal Acupuncture 101 - Free Live Webinar🐶

A few of my favorite furry patients popped by to remind you that I’m doing a webinar on Wednesday, July 17 about acupuncture for animals, and you’re invited!

Time: 7:00 PM Pacific
Date: Wednesday, July 16
Where: Zoom registration link in bio

Learn about what veterinary conditions acupuncture can help address, what a treatment for a dog or cat looks like, and how even wiggly patients can be convinced to chill out and enjoy a treatment! My colleague, Dr. Ashley McCaughan, DVM, will be joining me to share insights from Western veterinary medicine on the benefits of acupuncture in holistic, integrative care for your beloved animals.

Bring your questions! One webinar attendee will win a free acupuncture treatment for their animal with me at Marina Village Veterinary in Alameda (must be in attendance to win).

06/04/2025

Happy Global Running Day!

Heeeeey runners! Did you know that you helped inspire me to become an acupuncturist? I used to be a coach for the SF Marathon Training program, at which time I recall thinking to myself, “These people are always broken!”

Here are a few ways acupuncture helps runners get to the start line in one piece:

🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️Acupuncture reduces pain - Acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers–including endorphins and endogenous opiates. Pain relief is an important outcome in itself, but it also allows for the body to begin shifting into a state of healing.

🏃‍➡️ Acupuncture decreases inflammation - By increasing circulation to targeted tissues, cellular debris is removed and cellular function is enhanced. When injury or scarring is involved–which can happen with an obvious injury like an ankle sprain, or with a chronic issue such as reduced flexibility and circulation to the fascia (think plantar fasciitis), acupuncture needles invigorate blood flow where it has been compromised by trauma or repetitive strain.

🏃🏾‍♂️‍➡️ Acupuncture corrects muscle imbalances - When targeting trigger points directly, acupuncture needles help knotted muscles to release and improve circulation to the muscle belly. Importantly, acupuncture can also stimulate inhibited muscles to activate–which is vital not only for sports performance, but for making sure that other muscles aren’t overloaded.

Got any fun races coming up? Share in the comments!

05/26/2025

👩🏻‍🦰SHOUT OUT TO MY GINGERS 🧑🏽‍🦰

Happy World Redhead Day! When you think “ginger,” I know you probably think spicy….warm….powerful….and yes, all of this is true of us gingers (ahem).

And maybe it’s coincidental but…it’s also all true of the fabulous herb of the same name! Let’s give it up for ginger–the knobby root of the ginger plant (Zingiber officinale) is used frequently in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Ginger, or “Sheng Jiang,” has a number of different clinical indications in Chinese medicine. For instance:

🫚Ginger can treat mild and/or early stages of colds and flus. It is also used for cold prevention

🫚Ginger can treat nausea, vomiting, and related abdominal pain. (There’s a reason moms give their kids ginger ale when they are having tummy troubles!)

🫚Ginger can treat coughs with lots of sputum, both acute and chronic cases

🫚Ginger can help counteract seafood poisoning, which is one of the reasons it is traditionally served with seafood in some cuisines (like Japanese sushi)

In Chinese medicine, herbs are typically combined in formulation to maximize each other’s benefits and to reduce side effects. Fresh ginger root is frequently paired with other herbs, including licorice (Gan Cao), cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), red date (Da Zao), and ginseng (Ren Shen), depending on your health concerns.

Link in bio for my blog about ginger and hints for including this powerful healing herb in your diet (pro tip: it makes smoothies easier to digest).

Interested in a more customized approach? Herbal consultations are included with your treatment at my Oakland acupuncture clinic. Gingers and non-gingers always welcome!

05/16/2025

🐱STRESS RELIEF FOR COOL CATS 😎

“Si Shen Cong” is a very relaxing set of four acupuncture points on top of the head. Because these points have the functions of dispelling wind and calming the spirit, in Chinese medicine-speak, they can treat anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and even seizure disorders.

My very cool orange tabby patient Toulouse (pictured here) has been getting regular acupuncture after having a small seizure several weeks ago. His parents report that a lovely side effect of his treatment has been that this somewhat anxious boy has been calmer and more relaxed in general.

Luckily for you, “si shen cong” works great for humans, too! If you (or your animals!) could use a little nervous system reset, it might be time for an acu-break! I treat humans on Wednesdays and Fridays at my Lake Merritt clinic, and your four-legged family at in Alameda on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Booking links in bio.

Still have questions? Send me a message!

04/29/2025

🐶Happy Tails, Bentley! 💕

This sweet pup with a giant head has left a big puddle of slobber on my heart! Bentley gets regular acupuncture due to a history of CCL tears–a common canine knee injury. Because his mom is a traveling nurse, this lucky dog has seen acupuncturists all over the country, and I was very fortunate to be his provider during his family’s recent stint in Northern California. If you’ve heard me brag about my patient who ate an entire bag of frozen vegetables during one of his treatments–that was Bentley!

Bentley’s parents are diligent about preventative care for him, knowing that consistent acupuncture treatment now can help prevent reinjury and painful arthritis later in life. They also work with canine nutritionist .zulueta to dial in healthy meals for him that prevent skin allergy flare ups in the many different environments Bentley encounters. A healthy diet is a critical foundation for overall wellness in a holistic, Chinese medicine approach that aims to address the root causes of health issues, not just the symptoms.

Best of luck in your next adventure, Bentley! Questions about how Chinese medicine can benefit your own animal companion? Leave them in the comments! -Dr. Lisa

04/22/2025

🌎 HAPPY EARTH DAY 🌏

This weekend, I got to spend a couple of beautiful days camping with my sweetie at Henry Coe State Park–what a gorgeous place on Earth! New friends included golden eagles, red winged blackbirds, frogs, and some very cute (and industrious) moles. What’s your favorite spot to reconnect with nature?? 🏕️

In the traditional Chinese calendar, this past weekend was also the beginning of the “solar term” called “Grain Rain.” The year is divided into 24 solar terms of approximately two weeks each. Grain Rain is considered the last solar term of the spring season, and it is known to be a time of rising temperatures and abundant rainfall. Obviously, that latter description does not come from California! 🌦️

Chinese medicine recognizes that we are not separate from our ecosystems, and that seasonal cycles impact our bodies, minds, and spirits. It is more important than ever that we fiercely protect the natural places that remind us of our true natures. Love your mother! 🌍

04/01/2025

🐕No foolin’—Nella loves her acupuncture treatments!

Petite Boxer Nella was briefly unable to walk due to a flare up of back pain a few weeks ago. After getting an exam at the emergency vet, Nella was cleared to go home with some pain meds and anti-inflammatories for short-term use–and given the green light to proceed with acupuncture for longer term recovery and maintenance care. ✅

Always very demure, Nella is calm and gentle but a bit nervous with new people. And while she snuggles up next to me during her acupuncture treatments, I know that being at the vet’s office is still a little stressful for her.

In addition to using acupuncture points to help her back pain, I also included a point on Nella’s wrist called Heart 7, or Shen Men (“Spirit Gate”), during her recent treatment.

The Shen is a term used to describe the spirit in Chinese medicine. When a human or non-human animal has “good Shen,” they are bright, alert, and interacting calmly and appropriately with their environment.

For those who are dealing with anxiety, we will typically consider including a component of calming the Shen in an acupuncture treatment. Calming the Shen is one of the most important functions of Heart 7.

There are other points on the body that can also calm the Shen. When working with my dog or cat patients, I’ll consider the position they are most comfortable in and whether they have sensitivities around certain parts of their body being handled. For instance, if a dog hates having her paws touched, but could use a little spirit calming, we can treat points on the face, head, or back to a similar end.

Questions about whether acupuncture might help with your animal’s anxiety–or your own? Send me a message, or email me at hello@griffinacu.com. I offer free 15-minute consultations about my acupuncture services, whether you are seeking support for yourself or your furry friend. ♥️🐾

-Dr. Lisa

03/08/2025

🌸 Honoring Miriam Lee this International Women’s Day 🌸

(YES, we get an ENTIRE DAY!)

In honor of it, let’s take a minute to celebrate the remarkable legacy of acupuncture legend Dr. Miriam Lee. In 1974, Chinese immigrant Miriam Lee was arrested for openly practicing acupuncture (which was not recognized as a legitimate form of medicine in the U.S. at that time) at her Palo Alto office. Her practice of Chinese medicine was also an act of civil disobedience. Lee’s devoted patients rallied behind her, protesting her arrest and standing by her side.

Miriam Lee’s unwavering dedication and the outpouring of support from her community played a pivotal role in California’s eventual legalization of acupuncture in 1976. California was only the eighth state to license acupuncturists at that time. It was a historic moment when Governor Jerry Brown signed this legislation, thanks in large part to Miriam’s tireless advocacy and the profound impact she had on holistic healthcare.

Today–heck, how about all the time??—let’s honor Miriam Lee’s courage, determination, and groundbreaking contributions to the field of acupuncture.

🌿✨

02/19/2025

It's the time of year when just about everyone has a sniffle. I had fun talking with Well+Good about some Chinese kitchen medicine to help fend off wintertime colds and flus--including what you should be sipping when you first notice a tickle in your throat, to kick out a bug before it has a chance to get you under the weather.

Staying hydrated when you're sick, so if you're trying to figure what to drink when you have a cold, look no further. Our experts recommend these six drinks.

02/12/2025

🌟Acupuncture History is Black History🌟

In the 1970s, when the very first acupuncturists were being formally licensed in the United States, Dr. Mutulu Shakur (Tupac’s stepfather), a doctor of acupuncture and political activist who worked closely with the Black Panthers, used acupuncture to help thousands of drug users get clean at the Lincoln Detox People’s Program in the South Bronx.

Personally, I knew very little about this history of acupuncture’s radical roots in the United States, and the role of Black and brown political revolutionaries and community activists and allies, until I saw the documentary . I highly recommend seeing it if you have the chance. There is also a fantastic 4-part podcast you can stream right now from their website, DopeIsDeath.com.

The acupuncture protocol developed at Lincoln Detox is known as the NADA (for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, and it remains a mainstay of modern acupuncture care, one that I use on a weekly basis. The NADA ear acupuncture protocol is appropriate not only for detoxing from substance use (including ci******es, alcohol, and both prescription and recreational drugs); it also relieves stress and anxiety and can be used in helping to release trauma.

More info about the role of Dr. Shakur and the Black Panthers in acupuncture’s establishment in the U.S., and the ongoing use of the NADA ear acupuncture protocol, in my blog to help celebrate Black History Month – link in the bio.

01/30/2025

🐍This week marks the beginning of 2025’s Year of the Snake, a symbol of transformation, wisdom, and renewal. In Chinese medicine, the snake reminds us of the importance of balance, adaptability, and nurturing health through each season.

I have the pleasure of treating dog and cat patients at Marina Village Veterinary, where I use acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to bring these holistic principles to our pracctice’s integrative approach to veterinary medicine. Whether your animal companion is dealing with pain, mobility challenges, dermatitis, or other health concerns, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help restore their vitality and harmony.

✨SPECIAL LUNAR NEW YEAR OFFER

🐕Curious about acupuncture for your animal? In celebration of the Year of the Snake, we’re offering $25 off your dog or cat’s first acupuncture session with me. Book your appointment by February 28 to take advantage of this special promotion.

🐈‍⬛Let’s work together to ensure your furry companion slithers—or bounds—into the new year with vibrant health and happiness! Link in bio to schedule your appointment.

01/30/2025

YEAR OF THE SNAKE 🐍

Today is the Lunar New Year, and the beginning of the Year of the Snake!

In Chinese medicine, the snake symbolizes transformation, wisdom, and intuition. It’s the perfect time to shed old habits and embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

The energetics of this year of the snake encourage creativity and accomplishment—you now have the strength to accomplish your goals, but be careful not to move too fast. Pace yourself so that you don’t burn out.

Snake year is a good time to focus on compassion, including self-compassion. Cultivating warmth in relationships is the key to avoiding the potential “fight” energy that is also present.

A new year acupuncture session can boost your energy and immune system, support stress relief and emotional balance, and address any aches, pains, or tension you might be carrying into the New Year. Let’s kick the year off right–I’d love to see you at my Oakland office! Booking link in bio.

Thank you to for sharing his predictions for the Year of the Snake, which I’m sharing with you here. ✨