Luminate Mill Valley

"Today starts my 3rd week with Chris and I can't put into words how grateful I am to have found him as a true partner on my healing journey. I have long experienced challenges with imbalances in my gut which have caused a number of other systemic issues in my body. Most recently, I have been experiencing chronic gout flares despite eating clean and living a healthy lifestyle. I had what I call an "extreme flare" only 4 weeks ago that I typically only get once or twice per year with months in between one and the next. This time, I got a 2nd extreme flare within 2 weeks of the other one ending. Reaching the end of my patience and not wanting to be put on a pill to address only a symptom for the rest of my life, I found Chris. Within the first 5 minutes of meeting him, I knew I was in the right place. Chris radiates warmth, empathy, kindness, and a wealth of holistic knowledge. He believes in looking at the body as a whole with the Spiritual, Energetic, Physical, and Mental bodies all needing to be in balance to have true holistic health. Chris goes after the root cause, not simply your symptoms. From the first appointment, Chris prescribed a unique Chinese Medicine formula specific to me to clear out my "damp heat." He even allowed me to borrow one of his Chinese Medicine Tea pots. Full transparency, the tea is intense! It is bitter and it is clearly working. Within hours of drinking it, my body is cleansing what the tea is dredging up. Chris' "needling" technique (as he calls it), is also fantastic. I've worked with other Acupuncturist and barely felt a thing. With his, my somatic experience is very palpable. Chris also prescribed me a gut cleansing protocol to get rid of any remaining bacterial, fungal, and viral imbalances that have been plaguing my system for years. As I said, I'm only 3 weeks into what I'm sure will be a storied journey with Chris. And I can already feel the positive impact his medicine is having on my body as a whole. I will update this review in about 3 months once we should see some huge shifts in my overall health and well-being. Thank you, Chris!"

"Chris was instrumental in my recovery as a busy working mother of two. The sessions are more than acupuncture, it is a spiritual working session towards overall wellness. I would highly recommend Chris to anyone working towards that end, especially busy moms."

"I had the absolute pleasure of working with Chris at Luminate. From the moment I walked into his studio, I knew I was in good hands. Chris possesses a rare and invaluable quality in a healthcare practitioner – the ability to truly listen. During my initial consultation, Chris took the time to understand my situation, ensuring a personalized approach to my treatment. Chris approaches his practice holistically, recognizing that true well-being encompasses more than just the physical. I came to Chris with an excruciating pain and skin condition, and with his expertise, I experienced immediate results. It was astonishing how quickly the treatment worked to alleviate my discomfort. With a mix of acupuncture and cupping, in addition to the use of herbs at home, Chris demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of traditional and alternative therapies. Not only did Chris help solve my immediate problem, but I also felt a renewed sense of vitality and balance after my sessions. The overall improvement in my well-being was immediately palpable. I will undoubtedly be returning in the future. If you are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and effective acupuncturist who takes a wholistic approach to health, Chris is the one you've been looking for. Thank you, Chris, for your exceptional care and support!"

"I have been treating my mild to sever psoriasis on my hands since 2017. My dermatologist could offer steroid creams and shots (very expensive) but a friend who had great luck with Chinese medicine steered me in that direction. I have always believed in the mind/body connection that Chinese medicine embraces and embodies. I had had acupuncture and herbal remedies before but Chris was able to do them together which seemed more effective. Also, his needles and herbs much stronger than with other practitioners. He also was able to pick up on the emotional stress, asked questions and used his needles accordingly. Chinese herbs are intense and a commitment but have been so worth it for me. For novices, you cook them yourself (a good meditative practice)and the recipe gets adjusted as you go based on results. I also had to adjust my diet. Four weeks later my hands are obviously looking better but I am also feeling better than I have felt in at least a year. My "conditions" come from years and years of stress so won't clear up overnight, but I can feel the motion in that direction. Chris makes himself easily available through text and e-mail for questions and his office is lovely."