The Root and The Branch

04/14/2025

New to Acupuncture?

We're excited to offer first-time patients a special 4-visit series with Dr. Ilana Leib. Save $68 on your return visits—take advantage of this limited-time offer! Contact us for more information and to reserve your spot.

04/01/2025

Don't miss your chance! Stock up on these powerful supplements at 20% off!

HistaEaze: Breathe easy with this blend of quercetin, nettle leaf, and vitamin C, designed to support a balanced histamine response and promote healthy inflammation—perfect for seasonal shifts.

Immunitone Plus: Packed with immune-supporting herbs and medicinal mushrooms to help activate your body’s natural defenses, this powerful formula keeps you strong when the cold months try to bring you down.

Silvercillin Spray: Supercharged silver supports immunity and maintains a healthy microbial balance without harming good gut flora. It’s fast-acting and perfect for the first sign of a tickle or throat discomfort. Keep it in your carry-on while traveling!

03/13/2025

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate Dr. Miriam Lee (1926–2009)—a true pioneer who helped legalize acupuncture in California and transform Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the U.S. Originally trained as a nurse-midwife in China, Dr. Lee secretly practiced acupuncture on patients in California at a time when it was still illegal. In 1974, she was arrested, but during her trial, her patients gathered in protest, sharing their personal stories of how acupuncture had healed them. Her courage led to the legalization and licensure of acupuncture, paving the way
for thousands of practitioners today.

Her influence lives on in every acupuncture treatment given in California and beyond. As a woman-owned and women-run clinic, we are proud to be an extension of her legacy. Join us in honoring the women who continue to shape the future of medicine and healing. 🌿💚

“Acupuncture is not just about treating illness—it is about balancing the whole person and restoring harmony.” – Dr. Miriam Lee

03/06/2025

We are so happy to announce that we are now offering Holistic Microneedling Treatments at the root and the branch!

🌟What is Microneedling?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-invasive procedure that uses tiny, sterilized needles to create micro-channels in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate your body’s collagen production, helping to improve the texture, tone, and appearance of your skin.

Whether you're concerned about fine lines, acne scars, enlarged pores, or simply want to enhance your skin’s overall health, microneedling can help. The treatment promotes firmer, smoother, and more rejuvenated skin, giving you a fresh, glowing complexion.

🌟Why Choose Our Microneedling Treatment?
At our clinic, we go above and beyond to ensure the best possible results for our patients. Not only do we offer professional microneedling services, but we pair each treatment with TOMA skincare products to support your recovery and enhance the results. TOMA’s high-quality formulations are specially designed to hydrate, repair, and protect your skin, ensuring a smooth and effective healing process post-treatment.

🌟 Book Your Appointment Today!
We’re thrilled to offer this amazing treatment to our patients and can’t wait to help you unlock your skin’s full potential.

Ready to glow?

02/28/2025

Though we're deep into winter, the first signs of spring are starting to bloom—bringing a mix of lingering winter bugs and early seasonal allergies. Stop by the clinic or schedule an immune-boosting acupuncture treatment, and stock up on these powerful supplements at 20% off!

🍂 HistaEaze: Breathe easy with this blend of quercetin, nettle leaf, and vitamin C, designed to support a balanced histamine response and promote healthy inflammation—perfect for seasonal shifts.

🍂 Immunitone Plus: Packed with immune-supporting herbs and medicinal mushrooms to help activate your body’s natural defenses, this powerful formula keeps you strong when the cold months try to bring you down.

🍂 Silvercillin Spray: Supercharged silver supports immunity and maintains a healthy microbial balance without harming good gut flora. It’s fast-acting and perfect for the first sign of a tickle or throat discomfort. Keep it in your carry-on while traveling!

In partnership,
the root & the branch

02/06/2025

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Ilana to the root & the branch! ❤️

Ilana is a licensed acupuncturist in California and a graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, where she earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Aside from acupuncture, Ilana enjoys utilizing other traditional Chinese modalities such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, fire cupping, gua sha, and tui na massage. She has additional training in Japanese acupuncture, a gentler style of treatment using finer needles. With a background in Yoga Therapy and reiki, Ilana weaves in complimentary modalities such as breath work and somatic awareness within her sessions, creating a holistic and personalized approach to care.

Ilana is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative space for healing. She believes in the innate wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit and sees acupuncture as a way to activate and support this natural intelligence. Her areas of focus include mental and emotional wellness, pain management, women’s health, senior care, and digestive health. Ilana is especially passionate about working with individuals who are sensitive and strives to create an environment of safety and trust to facilitate deeper healing.

Originally from Philadelphia, Ilana is new to the Bay Area and enjoys exploring the city with her partner and pup, dancing, attending live music and improv comedy shows, hiking, and cooking nourishing meals in her free time.

Dr. Ilana is actively taking new clients! You can book online or give us a call!

01/29/2025

As we celebrate today’s Lunar New Year, we usher in the Year of the Wood Snake. This new cycle invites us to reflect on the qualities of the Snake—wisdom, adaptability, and transformation. The "Wood" aspect reminds us of growth, stability, and the potential for renewal, just as trees stretch their roots deeply and bend, but don’t break.

While the year ahead may present challenges, it also offers us a unique opportunity to embrace change with flexibility and resilience. Much like the Snake shedding its skin, this is a time for shedding old habits or limiting beliefs and allowing ourselves the space to grow.

Let this new year inspire you to approach challenges with a balanced mindset—one that welcomes transformation and supports your continued personal growth. Whether in your professional life, your relationships, or your well-being, may you find the strength to adapt, the wisdom to evolve, and the courage to move forward with renewed energy.

Wishing you a prosperous, peaceful, and transformative Year of the Wood Snake!

12/10/2024

As the weather cools down, the holiday buzz is heating up!

🎁 Looking for the perfect wellness gift? This holiday season, treat yourself or a loved one to a root and the branch gift card! Support your wellbeing, and a small, local business, through the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

⚠️ Still have FSA/HSA funds to spend? We’re here to help!

🗓️ Pricing Update: Starting January 1st, return visits will increase from $135 to $137. The cost for billing to your insurance deductible will rise from $143 to $145.

(Quick tip: you can still purchase 6, 12, or 24 visit packages at their current prices!)

😴 Lastly, our office will be closed Monday December 23rd through Monday January 6th! Dr. Danielle and Dr. Mary will be available for appointments on December 30th and 31st, so make sure to schedule those appointments now.

Wishing you a peaceful and restorative holiday,

the root and the branch

10/28/2024

Gory and delicious!

Happy Halloween from all of us at the root and the branch! This October, we’ve conjured up some haunting surprises just for you. Be sure to grab some sweet treats in the office during your next visit—no tricks, we promise!

We’re also excited to share our Bloody Borscht Recipe, perfect for cozying up on a cool fall night. The star ingredient, beets, is packed with health benefits! Beets support healthy blood pressure and reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). They also fight inflammation, aid digestion with their fiber content, and boost the immune system. Plus, they may even help protect against cognitive decline.

Beets in TCM: Beets are wonderful for building and moving Blood, and promoting healthy circulation. They help cleanse the liver and have a calming effect on the mind and spirit.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the season with you! Treat yourself to a relaxing acupuncture session.

Wishing you a frightfully fun October!
Dr. Mary & the root and the branch 🎃

Bloody Borscht Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium beets, peeled and grated

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, grated

1 medium potato, diced

2 cups shredded green cabbage

6 cups vegetable, chicken or beef broth (or bone broth for an added boost)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons oil (ghee, coconut oil, avocado oil)

Fresh dill (optional)

Sour Cream (optional)

Instructions

Cook Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté chopped onion until soft. Add grated carrots and beets, cook for 10 minutes until beets are soft.

Combine Ingredients: Add tomato paste, vinegar, diced potato, and cabbage. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until veggies are tender.

Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill if desired.

10/28/2024

Happy Halloween from all of us at the root and the branch! This October, we’ve conjured up some haunting surprises just for you. Be sure to grab some sweet treats in the office during your next visit—no tricks, we promise!

We’re also excited to share our Bloody Borscht Recipe, perfect for cozying up on a cool fall night. The star ingredient, beets, is packed with health benefits! Beets support healthy blood pressure and reduce levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). They also fight inflammation, aid digestion with their fiber content, and boost the immune system. Plus, they may even help protect against cognitive decline.

Beets in TCM: Beets are wonderful for building and moving Blood, and promoting healthy circulation. They help cleanse the liver and have a calming effect on the mind and spirit.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the season with you! Treat yourself to a relaxing acupuncture session.

Wishing you a frightfully fun October!
Dr. Mary & the root and the branch 🎃

Bloody Borscht Recipe

Ingredients

2 medium beets, peeled and grated

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium carrot, grated

1 medium potato, diced

2 cups shredded green cabbage

6 cups vegetable, chicken or beef broth (or bone broth for an added boost)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 tablespoons oil (ghee, coconut oil, avocado oil)

Fresh dill (optional)

Sour Cream (optional)

Instructions

Cook Vegetables: Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté chopped onion until soft. Add grated carrots and beets, cook for 10 minutes until beets are soft.

Combine Ingredients: Add tomato paste, vinegar, diced potato, and cabbage. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until veggies are tender.

Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill if desired.

10/24/2024

🌿 Happy World Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Day! 🌿

Today, we celebrate the traditional practices of acupuncture and herbal medicine that have supported wellness for centuries. Acupuncture is more than just a treatment—it’s a journey toward balance and well-being. It can help relieve stress, reduce pain, regulate the endocrine and immune systems, and boost overall health.

When paired with the natural power of herbal medicine, these practices can create lasting change to both mind and body.

Whether you're a longtime client or just curious about how acupuncture and herbal medicine can support your health, we’d love to see you in the clinic this week!

Wishing you wellness and balance on this special day! 🌱✨

the root and the branch

09/17/2024

Whether you have children or not, this time of year likely initiates a return to routine. Hopefully, over the last few months, you've indulged in at least a bit of unstructured time, felt the sun warm your back, and had enough time away from work or school to bring about reflection.

Often the word "routine" seems to suggest inflexibility, boredom, or dispassion, but when it comes to your health, routine is vital. I often remind clients that our bodies relish regularity. How we eat, when we go to bed, and how often we exercise are all foundational habits.

Given this return to school/work/routine, we might consider it an opportunity for change. If your sleep, nutrition, or exercise (or all three!) are not optimal, what do you need to do to make them so?

Our medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, includes herbs, acupuncture, lifestyle, and dietary recommendations that will support you in making positive changes to find a better routine.

In partnership,
Denise Bowden, Owner/Acupuncturist