Cara Brockbank
I am Cara Brockbank. I have been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine for over 25 years. I’ve been interested in natural remedies since I was a small child, playing in the garden with plants and roots, smashing them up! Both of my grandmothers —one Italian and one Irish — were farmers. From them, I learned a love of the earthiness of herbs, which led me to medicine. Then, in college, I discovered the power of acupuncture, which healed me from debilitating allergies.
I studied acupuncture at the Meiji College of Oriental Medicine in San Francisco. Influenced by the teachings of renowned Japanese master Kiiko Matsumoto, I work slowly and gently with my clients, focusing on the root causes of illness and discomfort to create profound and long-lasting results. Our bodies are designed to maintain health. My work helps remind the body of the balance it yearns for. By restoring my clients to health, I want to free them to achieve their full potential.
Methods I use include…
gentle acupuncture + herbal remedies
“I saw Cara today for my first ever acupuncture appointment and it was amazing. She took the time to really dive into what issues I was having before starting my service. Within minutes I felt like I was in the hands of a true professional that knew her craft inside and out. She listened to my needs, and surpassed my expectations by far. I’ve already gotten my partner on her books, and can’t wait to refer her more of my friends.”
Needles
Cupping
Moxibustion
Essential oils
Herbs
Breathwork
Gentle exercises
Common Questions
Is your office COVID-safe?
I take great care to keep you healthy. When you enter my office, I will take your temperature and ask you to wash or sanitize your hands. All of my equipment is carefully sanitized and the air in my offices is filtered and purified. Masks and COVID vaccination are required for both practitioners and staff.
What if I’m afraid of needles?
Needles are one of the tools I use to unblock energy. The needles I use are very, very small. Most people don’t even feel them. Whatever your comfort level, I will take the time to get to know your needs and meet you where you’re at.
How do I prepare for my appointment?
If this is your first appointment, I will ask you to fill out a short medical history online, so I can better understand your needs. Otherwise, put on some comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and prepare to relax. Acupuncture does not require you to do anything except receive the treatment and relax.
How often do I need to come?
Treatment frequency varies, but it is usually very helpful to come more frequently at the beginning of treatment — often once a week. This gives the body a chance to establish a new pattern. Our first meeting will run approximately 90 minutes. Subsequent treatments are 60-75 minutes each.
Do you take insurance?
I am a network provider for Blue Shield of California. Coverage is always dependent upon the patient’s plan. Other insurance plans (except Kaiser) may cover my services as an out-of-network provider.
Acupuncture relieves stress. Calling an insurance company does not. To find out if your health insurance will cover our sessions, contact me and let my insurance biller call them for you.
To schedule an appointment, book a session here. For other questions, please call or email me (info below) and I will get back to you within two business days.