Berkeley Community Acupuncture & Massage Therapy

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.

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 1^st 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.

I really needed a massage and they were accommodating for getting me in the same day! Attention to detail and their knowledge of the body was impressive! Plus they have after massage stretching excersises Bryan did a wonderful job and I highly recommend him to anyone!

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:]

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.

About a year ago I was seeking Acupuncture treatment, particularly for a stress release. I found Berkeley and set up an appointment with Tiffany and she’s been my acupuncturist ever since. She does a great job of listening to my specific needs at each session, then addressing those needs. There’s no question she’s helped me become a healthier and happier person. Highly recommend!

Everyone here has a special touch, a unique way of helping people heal. I’ve enjoyed every interaction I’ve had with people here. Bryan is a «fixer» massage therapist — he gets into the painful areas and works out whatever is in there. Christy is more of an «energy» massage therapist — she helped me release grief in my solar plexus. I enjoy going so much, I signed up for the membership to get even better prices. I am glad I found Berkeley Acupuncture on Tennyson.

Andy Young is the greatest! I had severe nerve pain in my legs (radiculopathy) due to Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease, and was taking Lyrica and Tramadol for pain. I could not walk without a cane. While the Lyrica was a wonderful relief, it caused me to change from my formerly mellow self into a very aggressive personality, easy to anger and prone to extreme road rage. I began to have convulsions in my sleep, which the neurologist determined was from overdosing myself on Tramadol, which seemed to do little more than make me tired and mentally dull anyway.
Physical Therapy helped a little, but it was mostly just strengthening muscles which had then atrophied as a result of the chronic pain.
I began seeing Andy for acupuncture. On alternate visits, he used a new technique called «Emergency Battlefield Pain Relief,» which uses tiny pins on the outer edges of the ears. The pain relief was dramatic and immediate, The pins eventually fall out before 10 days. After a few months of acupuncture treatments, I was easily able to gradually wean myself off Lyrica and Tramadol, and I no longer needed the cane.
When I later saw my neurologist (who previously didn’t really believe in the effectiveness of acupuncture) on a pre-​scheduled visit, he was amazed, and even asked for Andy’s number so he could recommend Andy Young in the future!
I contunue to see Andy every two weeks, alternating between the ear treatment on one visit (a five minute procedure which he does for a nominal fee), and a community acupuncture treatment (usually using only the points available on feet, lower legs, forearms, head and hands) on the next visit. Because I am a retired person on a fixed income, he does the community acupuncture treatments on a sliding scale fee system, which is affordable.
Our family doctor, who is very open minded toward alternative therapies, was also amazed and pleased with my improvement, and he advised me to exercise regularly, especially with walking. He said, «There is much that Eastern medicine could teach us.»

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.

Hidden Gem! I’m a regular for massages with Jamie and acupuncture with Tiffany. Great people that really care. Very calm environment, great location, and everyone there is wonderful. And a plus they take insurance! Can’t go wrong–

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 Unilocal 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.

I checked out Berkeley Community Acupuncture because it’s in my neighborhood, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve been in for an acupuncture treatment with Andrew, and most recently, my now husband and I stopped in for an hour massage each before we headed off to our wedding. Bryan and Jamie are knowledgeable and kind; my husband and I agreed we received our best massage ever.
Check them out — they’re affordable, kind and very worth the trip.

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…).

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 Unilocal 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.

I’ve been going to Berkeley Community Acupuncture for about a year now after having tried them thru the Groupon discount fee program. Over the past 40 years I’ve gotten a lot of massages here in Denver, on the East Coast, in Europe, including Sweden, and I believe in S. America. I’ve probably had 25 massages with different massage therapists via the Groupon, discount program here in Denver before I was fortunate enough to have signed up with Bryan Trapp. Bryan is in the top two or three of all the massage therapists I’ve ever had, including massages that I’ve been fortunate enough to have at country clubs and exclusive hotels when I’ve been given a gift certificate. Bryan really helped me deal with pain management through massage before I had my recent hip replacement. I would recommend Bryan to anyone, especially those who like deep tissue, therapeutic massages, like I do.
I haven’t had acupuncture done there yet because I’m not a big needle person, but from what I can see Andy, the owner of Berkeley Community runs a very organized business and I’m sure that he hires very competent people on that side of the business as well!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.