Tara Acupuncture & Wellness is a solo acupuncture practice in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, founded by Dr. Tara Shah, DACM, LAc. The site describes care that is attentive, warm and unrushed, with each appointment time reserved for one patient so there is room for questions, assessment and treatment. Treatment is individualized and grounded in East Asian medicine. Dr. Shah is especially drawn to Japanese Meridian Therapy, a gentle style that uses subtle needling, palpation and...
Initial Assessment and Acupuncture Treatment
A 90-minute first visit with a health history discussion, physical assessment, treatment and recommendations. Supportive techniques used in treatment are included in the fee.
More on their siteFollow-Up Acupuncture Treatment
Treatment adjusted to how you are feeling at each visit. Supportive techniques used in treatment are included in the fee.
More on their siteCupping Treatment
Round cups placed on the skin with gentle suction, created manually or with heat.
More on their siteCelluma LED Light Therapy Treatment
Non-invasive LED light therapy using specific wavelengths of light to support skin health.
More on their siteNanoneedling Treatment
A needle-free cosmetic treatment using a handheld stylus with silicone tips.
More on their siteNanoneedling Treatment with LED Light Therapy
Nanoneedling followed by Celluma LED light therapy.
More on their siteMicroneedling Treatment
A cosmetic treatment using an oscillating pen with sterile, single-use needles.
More on their siteMicroneedling Treatment with LED Light Therapy
Microneedling followed by Celluma LED light therapy.
More on their site
Dr. Tara Shah, DACM, LAc
California Licensed Acupuncturist, nationally certified by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, and founder of the practice. She earned a degree in Chemistry from Columbia University, worked five years in the pharmaceutical industry, then trained in San Diego. She is especially drawn to Japanese Meridian Therapy.
16516 Bernardo Center Dr #320
San Diego, CA 92128
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The practice is currently in network with OptumHealth Physical Health of California, including California Schools VEBA, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna. For all other plans it is out of network, and a detailed superbill is available for reimbursement or deductible credit if your plan has out-of-network acupuncture benefits. Contact your insurer before treatment to verify benefits. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Initial acupuncture sessions are 90 minutes. They include a detailed health history discussion, a physical assessment that may include tongue observation and pulse palpation, treatment with fine, sterile, single-use needles, and a discussion of recommendations and next steps.
The site says acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified, licensed professional, and that sterile, single-use needles are used for every treatment. Some people may have temporary mild soreness, bruising, fatigue or lightheadedness afterward.
Not necessarily. Treatments are adjusted to how you are feeling at each visit, how your symptoms have changed and what Dr. Shah observes during the appointment.
It varies with the nature, severity and duration of your concerns and how you respond. When several treatments are recommended, visits may begin more frequently and become less frequent as symptoms improve.
A licensed acupuncturist, or certain other licensed healthcare professionals when acupuncture is within their legal scope of practice. Dr. Tara Shah is a California Licensed Acupuncturist, nationally certified by NCBAHM.
Cash, checks, Zelle, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and UnionPay. HSA and FSA cards are also accepted.
Complete new patient paperwork through the patient portal before the visit, bring any relevant lab reports or imaging, wear comfortable clothing, eat a moderate meal 1 to 2 hours beforehand and avoid brushing or scraping your tongue that day.
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Payment Methods
Certifications
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science, San Diego (Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2021)
Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science (Sept. 2017 to Dec. 2021)
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Columbia University (Sept. 2008 to May 2012)
Licensed Acupuncturist, California (Apr. 2022 to present)
Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, NCBAHM (Apr. 2022 to present)
Clean Needle Technique, Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (Feb. 2022 to present)
First Aid, CPR and AED, American Red Cross (Feb. 2022 to present)