Business Details
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Experts in San Francisco
Chinese Medicine Works has been a leader in acupuncture and herbal medicine since the early 1970s, founded by pioneers Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold. Our practice combines centuries-old Chinese medical traditions with modern Western science to address acute and chronic conditions like lower back pain, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and anxiety. We provide personalized care through acupuncture, customized herbal formulas, and nutritional counseling in a safe, compassionate environment.Our pharmacy offers 68 proprietary formulas, including pediatric remedies, distributed globally. With over 40 years of clinical experience, we emphasize holistic healing, patient education, and evidence-based treatments. We accept new patients for in-person visits or video consultations and offer mail-order herbal products. Our mission remains rooted in alleviating suffering to empower patients' physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Remedies
Nutritional Counseling
Pediatric Care
Chronic Condition Management
Highlights and features
- Pioneers in US acupuncture since the 1970s with 40+ years clinical experience
- Proprietary herbal formulas developed through decades of clinical practice
- Holistic care combining Eastern traditions with Western medical insights
- Personalized treatment plans for chronic and complex health conditions
- Offering both in-person and virtual consultations for accessibility
What people say
Life-changing results
Compassionate care
Effective treatments
Personalized approach
Highly recommend
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments use ultra-thin needles to stimulate energy flow and address conditions like chronic pain, migraines, and stress-related disorders. Our practitioners combine traditional Chinese techniques with modern medical understanding to promote natural healing. Patients often experience immediate relief or gradual improvement over multiple sessions.
Herbal Remedies
Customized herbal formulas treat systemic imbalances and support recovery from acute illnesses or chronic conditions. Our pharmacy offers 68 proprietary blends, including pediatric solutions, developed through decades of clinical practice. Formulas are tailored to individual constitutions and health goals.
Nutritional Counseling
Personalized nutrition plans complement treatments by addressing dietary factors affecting health. We provide evidence-based recommendations to manage conditions like hypertension, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances through food-based interventions.
Pediatric Care
Specialized acupuncture and herbal protocols for children address respiratory issues, developmental challenges, and common childhood illnesses. Gentle techniques and palatable liquid remedies ensure comfortable treatment experiences for young patients.
Chronic Condition Management
Comprehensive treatment plans target chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular issues. Combining acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle modifications, we help patients achieve sustainable improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
People
Efrem Korngold
Co-Founder & Chief Practitioner
A pioneering American acupuncturist since the 1970s, Efrem Korngold integrates traditional Chinese medicine with Western science. He co-authored Between Heaven and Earth and develops proprietary herbal formulas through decades of clinical practice.
Harriet Beinfield
Co-Founder & Senior Practitioner
Harriet Beinfield has practiced acupuncture since the 1970s, specializing in women's health and chronic conditions. She collaborates on herbal formula development and contributes to patient-centered care approaches at Chinese Medicine Works.
Questions
What conditions do you treat with acupuncture?
We treat chronic pain, migraines, hypertension, anxiety, digestive issues, and women's health concerns. Our success stories include fibromyalgia, asthma, and postpartum depression improvements.
Do you accept insurance for acupuncture treatments?
We provide super bills for insurance reimbursement. While we're out-of-network with most carriers, many patients receive partial or full coverage for acupuncture services.
Are herbal remedies available for purchase without consultations?
Yes, our pharmacy sells proprietary formulas and nutritional supplements online and in-store. However, we recommend professional guidance for optimal herbal regimen selection.
What should I expect during my first acupuncture visit?
Initial appointments last about an hour, including medical history review, diagnosis, and treatment. Please complete new patient forms beforehand to streamline your consultation.
Do you offer virtual consultations for out-of-area patients?
Yes, we provide video consultations for patients outside the Bay Area. Herbal prescriptions and follow-up care can be managed remotely with appropriate documentation.
