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Griffin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

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Griffin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine

Holistic health care in Oakland, California

01/23/2026

In the Chinese calendar, Laba Festival falls on the eighth day of the last lunar month and marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year period. This year, Laba falls on January 26, 2026. Eight Treasure Congee is traditionally eaten for the Laba Festival and symbolizes good fortune (in China, eight is a lucky number).

I am a huge fan of The Vegan Chinese Cookbook by .che . I love her Eight Treasure Congee recipe, and while I make it throughout the winter, I’ll be sure to cook up a batch for Laba Festival (I’ll take all the good fortune I can get). Link to recipe in bio.

01/02/2026

🐈THE FELINE ORACLES’ 2026 PREDICTIONS ✨

Our messages for 2026 have arrived! Today, the Oracle Jupiter selects The Spring, advising us to “tap into nourishment, creativity, and reflection; trust your inner vision….let your strengths guide and inform your actions.”

Novitiate Oracle Valentine joins him this January 1 by selecting The Gordian Yard: “What seems like a paradox may be easily unraveled….There are times when the long way will be more satisfying and bring the desired result. Or perhaps the exercise itself is the point of your efforts.”

In combination, these symbols suggest staying grounded in our values and centered through joyful creativity in 2026, without attachment to the immediate outcomes of our efforts.

Happy New Year, friends. The oracles have spoken.

12/18/2025

Did you know that in Chinese medicine, we say that wearing a scarf around your neck (like my snow bunnies Jupiter and Valentine here) helps protect your body’s outer defensive layer (Wei Qi), keeping it strong and resilient against seasonal bugs?

In Chinese medicine, wearing a scarf is viewed as a preventative measure because the neck, especially the back of the neck, is considered a vulnerable gateway where cold and wind pathogens enter the body, leading to colds, flu, stiffness, and headaches. By covering the neck with a scarf, you protect these acupuncture points (the “wind gates”), shield your Wei Qi (protective energy), and maintain internal balance, preventing illness even in cold or windy conditions.

Stay warm and hang in there, friends…the winter solstice is in two days, and with it, the longer days ahead.

10/26/2025

🎃I’d like to thank Elvira, the Great Pumpkin, Peaches Christ, and Fifi’s Custom Wigs. ‘‘Tis the season! 🧙

I still have a couple of appointment spots open on 10/29 and 10/31 at the House of Needles, aka Griffin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. Booking link in bio—come on in!…if you dare. 🧛‍♀️🦇

10/16/2025

If you are old enough to remember wearing a puka shell necklace and taking your calls on a landline…your back probably hurts.

In the past few weeks, some of my fellow Gen X and Millennial patients have reported back pain triggered by such treacherous activities as “getting out of a chair,” “opening a window,” and “sleeping.”

Meanwhile, a recent study about acupuncture for chronic low back pain, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), has been making headlines this month.

The study of 800 men and women with chronic low back pain found that those who received acupuncture had reduced pain and greater improvement in physical function than those who received Western medical care (typically prescription medications or physical therapy) only.

Interestingly, researchers also reported that acupuncture treatment was associated with fewer anxiety symptoms as compared to Western medical care alone at the six and 12-month assessments. Because acupuncture always treats the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—this finding is not a surprise to Chinese medicine practitioners.

Come on in for a treatment if back pain has been holding you back (link in bio). And please try not to hurt yourself at the 4 Non Blondes reunion show.

09/16/2025

🐕‍🦺Acupuncture can treat THAT?🐕

Acupuncture - the insertion of tiny sterile needles at strategic points on the body - is well-known for its ability to treat musculoskeletal pain in both companion animals and humans alike. In fact, modern research tells us that acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. It also increases circulation, relieves muscle spasms, and prompts the release of the body’s natural pain relievers like endorphins and dopamine.

But when many of my clients first seek out acupuncture to support their dogs, most are unaware of the many other problems this Chinese medicine can relieve. Because acupuncture modulates inflammation in the body and has such a profound effect on the nervous system, it can offer powerful support to internal veterinary conditions as well.

Link in bio for my latest “Ask Dr. Dog” article in , describing how acupuncture can help with a wide variety of canine health issues including:

⭐️Neurological Conditions
⭐️Dermatological Issues
⭐️Digestive Problems
⭐️Kidney Support
⭐️and numerous other health concerns

Has your companion animal benefitted from acupuncture? I’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments below!

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

Address

541 Athol Avenue
Oakland, CA
94606

Opening Hours

Tuesday	8:30am - 12:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 6:30pm

Telephone

+15108339966

Website

http://griffinacu.com/

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