Acupuncture for Anxiety in San Francisco
A mind that won't switch off, a chest that stays tight, nights spent awake at 3am. Ali Hakimi uses scalp and ear acupuncture with classical Chinese medicine to help stress, anxiety and poor sleep settle, in a quiet room in Cow Hollow.
Rated 5.0 on GoogleLicensed acupuncturists
What our patients say
5.0 on Google from 92 reviews
I was introduced to Andrew by a friend who dubbed him as nothing short of magical. After experiencing his expertise firsthand, I couldn't agree more. Andrew's mastery of the human body and its intricacies truly feels like a kind of magic. I've been to other specialists for my chronic upper back and neck pain, but Andrew is different. He focuses on treating the actual problem, not just masking the symptoms. For the first time, I walked out of an acupuncture session and went back to exercising without feeling any pain. It was a game-changer. I feel as if I've been given a brand new back. Honestly, I never thought a life without back pain was possible until now. While I was also working with Andew some other health issues came up that couldn’t be diagnosed by western medicine. His thoughtful and holistic approach immediately made me feel understood and valued. Throughout our sessions, he would patiently explain the various points he was working on or the sensations I was experiencing, shedding light on what was going on internally within my body. Thanks to him, I now have a deeper appreciation for how imbalances in one area can send ripples throughout the entire system. He was able to find the root cause, guiding me slowly but surely on the path to recovery. I feel blessed to have met Andrew, he really has changed my life and I’m grateful for that.
I would strongly (strongly!) recommend Acupuncture for Athletics for both athletes and non-athletes alike. Not only does Andrew help with injury recovery, pain management, and stress relief, but he creates a relaxing and positive environment that enhances the work that he does and leads you to feel better both physically and mentally after each visit. And beyond acupuncture and massage, Andrew goes the extra mile to provide guidance on how to address specific pain-points and injuries, or to simply ensure that you are feeling and performing your best. Again, I can't recommend Acupuncture for Athletics enough!
Andrew is amazing! Very caring and concerned about your health and well being. He genuinely is a very kind person.
Andrew is a cornerstone of my care team. He successfully unwinds my ills before they can become chronic problems.
I came to Andrew after nearly six excruciating months of not being able to run. I had a seemingly minor Achilles tendon injury that simply refused to heal, defying every modality I tried. I hoped Andrew, a specialist in sports injuries, could break the deadlock. The simple answer is that in three visits, I was running again, hardly able to believe my good fortune. The more complicated answer runs deeper. Andrew’s work doesn’t just address physical injury; he works on spiritual and emotional injury and stress too. I didn’t realize that my physical injury was bound up with emotional trauma, but he did, and he figured out how to disentangle them so the healing process could start. The process can be painful; emotional injuries that have lodged in your body have to work their way out through muscle and bone, like a physical illness. But it’s also both profound and unexpected. As another of Andrew’s clients said, he is a true healer.
I loved coming to Andrew. He was a lifesaver in helping me through some back issues when I was pregnant with my first child. A lovely, warm place and Andrew is amazing!!!!
Andrew is a fantastic alternative and addition to physical therapy. He quickly understands your condition and treats it effectively.
Andrew introduced me to a form of healing which, after years of competitive long distance running and many injuries, I am more than thankful to have discovered! My latest injury, a small tear in my left hamstring, sidelined me for a number of months. After trying rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatories with little results, I finally met Andrew. His approach from the very beginning was completely methodical, precise and extremely professional. Right away the pain eased, and I felt my body finally respond to treatment. Andrew was instrumental in healing my hamstring, and I trust that his acupuncture/massage techniques will keep me healthy and, importantly, keep me running for many decades and miles.
I’ve always wanted to be able to demonstrate clearly to professional dancers when giving them corrections or setting ballets. However, without the level of daily physical preparation that my body was used to when I danced, my body now has moments of rebellion that, however careful I am, need the assistance of experts to ensure I can do my job fully. Andrew’s combination of acupuncture and soft tissue work always made a significant difference to my mobility, helping me undertake my role in the studio at a level of physicality such that I’m not confined to the minimum level of demonstration. With his level of experience with dancers it was always easy to discuss problematic muscles and joints, and reassuring that he ‘got’ what was going on and what was required to improve the situation efficiently and effectively.
Andrew’s massage and acupuncture techniques have seen me successfully through back-to-back marathons seven weeks apart, plus two active pregnancies and a record-breaking racing season in between. He is a veritable genius in his field — a true healer.
Andrew Castellanos has helped my Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis with acupuncture, not only getting the swelling down, but also massaging the area after. His therapeutic work has enabled me to continue dancing at a high level without having to take a break, so I’m able to dance with injury due to the therapeutic work that Andrew does.
As a professional dancer, I rely heavily on Andrew throughout the performance season to literally fix me in order to get me back onstage. I have chronic problems with my knee and my shoulder, and the combination of acupuncture with electric stimulation and heat has been tremendously helpful. Andrew only needs five minutes to find exactly where he needs to work, and the results are fantastic. His acupuncture work is also gentle, and doesn’t leave me sore the next day — in fact, it’s one of the only therapies I feel comfortable receiving right before a show. Andrew does great deep tissue work as well, and he is very responsive and attentive as a therapist. I’d highly recommend him to dancers, athletes and non-dancers alike.
Does this sound familiar?
Stress and anxiety show up in the body as much as the mind. These are some of the signs people describe when they first come to see us.
You don't need a diagnosis to book. If a few of these ring true, we can talk through what's going on and whether acupuncture is a good fit.
- Worry or racing thoughts that are hard to put down
- Trouble falling asleep, or waking in the early hours and staying awake
- A tight chest, shallow breathing or a pounding heart when you're stressed
- Tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders that never fully lets go
- Feeling wired and tired at the same time
- A nervous stomach, headaches or irritability on busy weeks
How stress, anxiety and sleep feed each other
Stress is your body's response to pressure: a deadline, a move, a sick parent, a hard season at work. It's meant to pass. Anxiety is when that alarm keeps ringing after the pressure eases, or rings when nothing obvious is wrong at all.
Sleep usually gets caught in the middle. A busy mind makes it hard to drift off, a short night leaves you more on edge, and the next night feels harder still. Many people who come to us for insomnia find that stress is part of the story, and many who come for anxiety are also short on sleep.
Chinese medicine looks at the whole pattern rather than one symptom. We ask about digestion, energy, appetite, menstrual cycles and how your body holds tension, because these often shift together. That picture shapes where we place needles and what we suggest between visits.
What we often see
- Work and life stress that has started to affect sleep
- Ongoing, general anxiety
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Low mood alongside stress
- Stress that shows up as headaches, jaw clenching or a nervous gut
- Lingering stress after a difficult or traumatic event
Care led by Ali Hakimi
Ali is a California-licensed acupuncturist and a seventh-generation practitioner of traditional medicine. He earned his master's degree from the Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences in 2017 and has kept studying the classical texts ever since.
He trained in scalp acupuncture for emotional health, including anxiety, stress, insomnia and PTSD, under Dr. Suzanne Robidoux, and studied classical diagnosis with her as well. He also studied classical Chinese herbal formulas with Dr. Huang Huang.
In practice, that means a calm, unhurried visit. Ali listens first, then builds a treatment that may combine scalp, ear and body acupuncture with advice on diet, sleep habits and daily routine. You can read more about him on our team page.
Ali's training
- MS, Academy of Chinese Culture & Health Sciences (2017)
- Scalp acupuncture for anxiety, stress, insomnia and PTSD with Dr. Suzanne Robidoux
- Classical diagnosis with Dr. Robidoux
- Classical Chinese formulas with Dr. Huang Huang
- Diet and lifestyle guidance
Scalp, ear and body acupuncture
Most visits use a combination of these three. Each one has a slightly different job, and Ali chooses the mix based on what's bothering you most.
| Compared on | Scalp acupuncture | Ear acupuncture | Body acupuncture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where the needles go | Along specific zones of the scalp, just under the hairline and across the top of the head | A few small points on the outer ear | Classic points on the hands, wrists, lower legs, feet and sometimes the back |
| What it's used for | Emotional and neurological concerns, including anxiety, stress and sleep | Calming the nervous system, stress and sleep | Your overall pattern, plus tension, digestion and energy |
| How it feels | A light tap, then little or nothing; some people feel warmth or heaviness | A quick pinch that fades, then a sense of settling | A dull ache or tingle at the point that eases as you relax |
| Good to know | No need to undress, and it combines easily with other points | Often added when you feel too keyed up to lie still | Loose, comfortable clothing makes these points easy to reach |
What else may be part of your care
Acupuncture is the center of most visits, but Chinese medicine has other tools for stress and sleep. We'll only suggest what makes sense for you.
- Diet and daily rhythmSimple changes to meal timing, caffeine, screens and wind-down routines that support calmer days and easier sleep.
- Classical herbal medicineAli has extensive training in classical formulas. Any herbal suggestion starts with a check of your medications and health history.
- Craniosacral therapyVery gentle hands-on work that many people find deeply relaxing, offered by Andrew and Suzanne.
- Breathing and self-careA few easy techniques to use at your desk or in bed when stress starts to build.
What the research says
Research on acupuncture for anxiety is encouraging. A 2025 review of 41 trials with 3,209 people with generalized anxiety disorder found acupuncture, alone or alongside medication, likely eased anxiety and may work better than medication alone, with fewer side effects. An earlier 2021 review of 20 trials reached a similar conclusion.
For sleep, a 2025 review of 10 trials with 757 people with chronic insomnia found real acupuncture improved how well people said they slept compared with sham acupuncture.
Ali combines scalp, ear and body acupuncture because they work well together in practice, and he'll adjust the mix as he sees how you respond. Results vary from person to person. Want the basics first? Read what an acupuncture session involves.
In short
- Studies suggest acupuncture may ease anxiety and improve sleep quality
- Results vary from person to person
- Side effects are uncommon and usually mild
- It works best as part of a wider plan, not instead of one
Your first visit and your plan
Plan on about an hour for your first visit. How many sessions you'll need varies, and we'll give you an honest estimate after your assessment.
Talk
Ali asks about your stress, sleep, mood, digestion and energy, and what you've already tried. He'll also check your pulse and look at your tongue, two key parts of classical Chinese diagnosis.
Treat
You stay clothed and lie comfortably while a small number of fine needles go in at the scalp, ear and body. Then you rest in a quiet room. Many people doze off.
Afterwards
Most people feel calm, a little sleepy or simply lighter. Some feel tired for the rest of the day. If you can, leave some space after your visit rather than rushing into a stressful meeting.
Build on it
We'll suggest one or two changes to try at home, then space visits out as things settle, so the benefits hold during busy weeks.
Acupuncture complements, not replaces, mental health care
Acupuncture can be a good companion to therapy, medication or other support, and many of our patients use it that way. It isn't a substitute for care from a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or counselor, especially for moderate or severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks or PTSD.
If you take medication for anxiety, depression or sleep, keep taking it as prescribed. Please don't stop or change a dose without talking to your prescriber. We're glad to work alongside your care team.
If your anxiety feels overwhelming, or you've noticed new symptoms such as chest pain or a racing heart that doesn't settle, see your doctor to rule out other causes. Athletes sometimes come to us for nerves before a big race or game, and that's fine too, though the same advice applies.
If you're in crisis
If you're thinking about harming yourself, or feel unsafe right now, please reach out today.
- Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It's free, confidential and open 24/7.
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you're in immediate danger.
Who'll treat you
Ali leads our care for anxiety, stress and sleep. All three of us are California-licensed acupuncturists trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which looks at mind and body together, and Ali may check your pulse and tongue as part of a classical assessment. Suzanne adds more than 20 years of gentle, whole-person care.
Ali Hakimi
L.Ac
Scalp and ear acupuncture for anxiety, stress and poor sleep.
- Trained in scalp acupuncture for anxiety, stress, insomnia and PTSD
- Studied classical diagnosis with Dr. Suzanne Robidoux
- Diet and lifestyle guidance alongside your treatment
Andrew Castellanos
L.Ac, CST · Clinic owner
Hands-on care when stress shows up as tight, aching muscles.
- His approach covers the physical and emotional sides of illness
- Acupressure and shiatsu for stress held in the body
Suzanne Lange
DACM, L.Ac, CMT
Acupuncture blended with gentle bodywork, at an unhurried pace.
- Trained in craniosacral therapy and somato-emotional release
- Advanced study in Japanese-style acupuncture
- More than 20 years of clinical experience
Pricing and booking
Care for anxiety, stress and sleep happens within a standard acupuncture session. There's no special package to buy, and we'll never pressure you to prepay for a long course.
We don't bill insurance, but we provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We accept HSA and FSA cards and all credit cards. The clinic is on Webster Street, an easy walk if you're looking for an acupuncturist in Cow Hollow or the Marina. When you book, ask for Ali.
Appointments
- 60-min initial acupuncture & assessment
- $225
- 45-min acupuncture follow-up
- $195
- 60-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $225
- 75-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $265
- 90-min acupuncture/massage combo
- $300
Anxiety, stress and sleep FAQ
Can acupuncture help with anxiety?
It may. Reviews of clinical trials suggest acupuncture can ease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, sometimes as well as or better than medication alone, with few side effects. Many people come to us for racing thoughts, tension and poor sleep. Results vary from person to person, acupuncture works best alongside other support, and we'll estimate how many sessions you may need after your assessment.
Can acupuncture help me sleep better?
Research suggests acupuncture may improve how well people with chronic insomnia feel they sleep, compared with sham acupuncture. We can't promise a full night's sleep, but many people tell us they feel calmer and settle more easily at night. Good sleep habits make a real difference too, and we'll help with those.
What is scalp acupuncture?
Scalp acupuncture places very fine needles along specific zones of the scalp. It's often used for neurological and emotional concerns. Ali trained in scalp acupuncture for anxiety, stress, insomnia and PTSD under Dr. Suzanne Robidoux. Most people barely feel the needles, and you don't need to undress.
What does ear acupuncture do for stress?
Ear acupuncture uses a few tiny needles on points of the outer ear. It's commonly used to help the nervous system settle and is quick and easy to add to a treatment. Ali often combines ear points with scalp and body points.
Will acupuncture make my anxiety worse if I'm nervous about needles?
Feeling nervous about needles is common, and it's worth telling us. The needles are much thinner than the ones used for injections or blood tests, and we can start with just a few points and build up. You can ask us to pause or stop at any time.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Stress from a recent rough patch may settle sooner than anxiety or insomnia you've lived with for years, which usually starts with weekly visits and spaces out as you improve. We'll give you an estimate after your first visit rather than selling a package.
Can I keep taking my anxiety or sleep medication?
Yes. Acupuncture can be used alongside medication, and you should never stop or change a prescription without talking to your prescriber. Please tell us about any medications and supplements you take, especially before trying herbal medicine.
Does acupuncture replace therapy?
No. Acupuncture complements, not replaces, mental health care. Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy are a mainstay of care for anxiety and insomnia, and many people do best with both. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if you're in immediate danger.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is generally very safe. Mild soreness, a small bruise or feeling tired afterwards are the most common side effects. Let us know if you're pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder or a pacemaker.
Where can I get acupuncture for anxiety in San Francisco?
Ali Hakimi treats stress, anxiety and sleep problems at our clinic at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, between Union and Filbert. You'll be treated in a quiet room, a short walk from Pacific Heights and the Marina. His visits often bring together scalp and ear acupuncture with classical Chinese medicine.
How do I get into the building on my first visit?
The building has a street gate on Webster Street. Enter the gate code from your booking confirmation email and come in. If arriving somewhere new makes you uneasy, it can help to know the steps ahead of time, and our directions and parking page walks you through them. You're also welcome to call (415) 646-1862 with any questions before you come.
References
- Lai J, et al. Efficacy of acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder: a systematic review. Annals of General Psychiatry. 2025.
- Yang XY, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Annals of General Psychiatry. 2021.
- Yu Y, et al. Acupuncture for chronic insomnia disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. 2025.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Ready to feel more settled?
Book a visit with Ali at our Cow Hollow clinic, or call us to talk it through first.
Visit us in Cow Hollow
2920 Webster Street, between Union and Filbert. A short walk from the Marina, Pacific Heights and the Presidio.
Address
Acupuncture for Athletics2920 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94123 Gate code: in your booking confirmation email
Hours
- Every day
- 7:30am – 9:00pm