David Lesseps, MS LAc CMT

The place was great. The price for acupuncture even better. why the 3 stars? I went here with my boyfriend for a massage (not acupuncture) and me being new to massage and acupuncture thought since the 15 – 35 sliding scale was the only price I saw on the website, and new they offered massage from the Unilocal sites, I assumed .it was the only price for both massage and acupuncture services. As soon as I got there, I used the bathroom and noticed a small flier for massages with prices…
Obviously, they were much more, (1 hr massage-40−60 1 hr and 30−70−90) still with sliding scales. It was not a happy surprise because my bubble of excitement for the great affordable massage dropped. Than, I was told that our missus was running late because her last client was running «a little late». Well… A little ended up being around 30 – 35 minutes of waiting. That brought me down another star.
I’m sorry but, is that supposed to happen. The domino effect? I think they could have done something for me not to pay consequences for another clients inability to come on time. In addition, me and my boyfriend both agreed our missus massaged a little too softly (even after we communicated that we wanted it a lot harder. Don’t get me wrong the massage was still incredibly relaxing, and I felt so much more calm after, but the pressure was so light. Sorry sweet place but in my experience service and communication on massage therapy definitely needs some improvement. maybe next time I’ll go for acupuncture.

I took a shot with David after reading the previous reviews. My digestive system was pissed off for a long time and the typical Western doctors couldn’t do jack. I got fed up and said hey, let’s give acupuncture a go!
The thing I enjoy most about David is that he genuinely cares about your problems. This is a not a situation where you come in, check off some symptoms on a questionnaire and then he just goes to town. When I see him he asks about everything: stress, symptoms, life changes. He puts in the time and effort to look at the big picture which is what Chinese medicine is all about. I feel he is genuine in his concern and urge to help you, not just make money.
They have a sliding scale for payment to meet your budget, again realizing that not everyone can afford the same things and they want their services to be attainable for everyone.
Lastly my symptoms, the ones the western medicine was completely failing me on, are pretty much gone. I visit once or twice a month for a tune-​up and feel great, all at a fraction of the charge my frequent and fruitless visits to the «normal doctor» used to cost.
To anyone looking to maybe try something to not only fix one problem but get your body back in line I say give David a shot! Return visits are between $ 15 and $ 35, whatever you can pay, and it’s well worth the money.

My first ever experience with acupuncture was with David. I had been experiencing pain in my right wrist that worsened over a week’s time. Although I was leary of acupuncture, I’ve many friends who recounted the benefits to me and encouraged me to at least «give it a try.» During an aproximately 30 minute session, David applied his skills. He has a very calming presence and was very confident and kind (important for a first timer like me!). The numbing pain in my arm dissipated while I sat there and the next day it was reduced dramatically. Within the next couple days the pain was altogether gone and it hasn’t returned. Although my encounter with David was brief, it was obvious to me that he is a natural healer and very much enjoys his work. Thanks David!

I know David from grad school, and he gives absolutely amazing massages! I’m a bodyworker as well, and believe you me, we’re a mighty picky bunch. :-)
He melts away the tension and pain with his strong capable hands — he did this technique in a spot that was particularly tender, (in a wonderful pain _​leaving_​kind of way), and I asked if he was using his elbow or fist, and it was his thumb! But he of course, adjusts his pressure according your comfort. :-)
David is well-​versed in Chinese medicine, and so he is able to understand the body on multiple levels. He also has a fantastic «bedside manner» and is a great listener, caring, with a good level head on his set of shoulders.
And to close, in honor of the upcoming especially important CA primaries: «I’m Showing On, and I approve this message.»

I’ve known David for about 2 years now, but I only recently received a Tui Na massage from David. He’s awesome. I’ve been under a lot of student stress lately, but David did a great job with loosening up my tight upper back and the glut and IT band area. I recommend David to anyone who wants an amazing deep tissue massage from a soon to be acupuncturist/​Traditional Chinese medical doctor. David is a very nurturing guy and a good listener. He will not only focus on your tight muscles, but ask you questions about your lifestyle and give you some very helpful hints from a holistic point of view on how to avoid muscle tensions and stretch them out on your own. He’s a 2-​in-​1 bargain.

I’ve been seeing David for Tui Na going on 2 months, and I have seen a dramatic effect. I have been plagued with extreme tightness in my right shoulder, neck and upper back related to a pinched nerve and winged scapula.
I have seen David for 4 or 5 sessions and now have almost full range of motion and strength as a result of his work. Frankly, I saw a noticeable improvement even after the first 1 hour session.
I am athletic (surf, mountain bike, run, golf, etc…) so I believe my body responds well to the deep tissue massage. Regardless of body type, David is very competent and skillful, and I am glad to have made him a part of my general approach to overall health and well-​being. I will continue to see David for maintenance sessions at least once/​month going forward, and am eagerly anticipating his official licensing for acupuncture.

I came to David as a person who had never experienced Tui Na but I know what a good massage is — I like deep pressure that communicates with my muscles. I also came in feeling a like my immune system could use a little help. The massage was amazing, David is very talented as he is also training to be an acupuncturist, and I left counting the days I would have my next appointment.
So I headed over to the mission, parked my car, and headed up to the second floor office which was extremely bright and gorgeous with a deck of plants. I changed into some yoga clothes and he began the fully clothed massage on his table which was very effective at getting through to my muscles.
I highly recommend this type of massage for people who may have never had this type or who don’t have much experience with massage. Its extremely soothing, effective, and healing since it used the meridians of chinese medicine.
He also says he knows how to do extremely deep massage on people who are seeking therapy for areas such as their shoulder. David is very talented and I highly recommend him.
For now he only works on fridays.
In fact I am going to go see if he has an opening.

Another easy five star review. I’ve been David’s acupuncture patient for the better part of a year and my frequent sessions with him have played a bigger part in helping my physical and spiritual health than any other medical of therapeutic work I have done. I recommend him wholeheartedly to all my friends and massage and skincare clients who are interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine. So when he told me he was taking his Tui Na practice to the Mission I jumped at the chance to schedule a session with him. I’m so glad I did. My session was wonderfully thorough and effective, and the tight shoulders and creaky back I walked in with were loose and fluid when I left his table and went out into the world an hour later. The work is energizing as well as deeply relaxing, and his office is airy, light and calming. I’m eagerly looking forward to my next session. I’m so glad to have David in the cadre of practitioners I visit regularly to keep me feeling well and happy.