Earth and Air Wellness
ACUPUNCTURE AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Welcome to Earth and Air Wellness Acupuncture of Pleasant Hill and the East Bay. We are pleased to provide compassionate health care using Traditional Chinese Medicinal techniques. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system developed over thousands of years. Earth and Air Wellness Acupuncture applies a holistic approach to wellness by looking at every system of the body. We use a variety of modalities to treat not just the symptoms, but the whole person. No two people are alike; therefore two treatments are exactly alike. Based on each patient's unique symptoms, our treatments can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal recommendations, moxabustion, cupping, gua sha, dietary counseling, meditation practices, and advice in movement and exercise. Life style changes, sometimes big and sometimes small, are a major part of a successful course of treatment. In most cases, patients greatly benefit from becoming aware of and changing habits that have contributed to their current condition.
Acupuncture is not just for people who have a specific complaint, it is also for those who want to enrich their lives or simply maintain their good health and prevent future illness. The beauty of this system of medicine is that it acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual. Rather than addressing the isolated symptoms of illness, TCM nurtures the whole person, bringing balance to the body-mind-spirit triad so that the patient can relieve pain, heal, and maintain a healthy life style.
We are conveniently located in downtown Pleasant Hill, CA with flexible office hours.
Call (925) 280-6026 today to schedule your appointment, or book an appointment through our online booking system.
Clinic Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Closed
8:30am - 6:00pm
8:30am - 3:30pm
8:00am - 6:00pm
8:00am - 6:00pm
8:00am - 6:00pm
Closed
Our Staff
Laura Metzdorff, L.Ac.
Owner/Acupuncturist
Laura is a California state licensed acupuncturist originally from Long Island, NY. She began her graduate education at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City. After her third year there, Laura decided to explore life on the West Coast and moved to California to finish her studies at Pacific's San Diego campus where she obtained a Master's in Traditional Oriental Medicine.
During school, Laura assisted at North Shore Acupuncture in Encinitas, CA. She then spent two years assisting and practicing at The Healing Sanctuary in Tustin, CA. In December of 2010, she moved to Northern California and co-founded Earth and Air Wellness in Walnut Creek.
Laura has always believed that there is more to health than what we've been taught and she has made it her mission to help others gain back power over their health. Her true passion is education. She believes that the first step towards wellness is knowledge and she strives to inspire others.
Maria Yung, L.Ac.
Acupuncturist
Maria Yung is a third-generation practitioner of Chinese medicine, following a tradition started over 70 years ago by her grandmother, Dr. Bing Yin Lee. Like her grandmother, Maria specializes in women's health including the treatment of hormonal imbalances, menstrual problems, fertility, and gynecological cancers.
Maria started her family at the age of forty and has three young kids. Maria has a special passion in helping women achieve their dreams of motherhood. Over the years, Maria has helped hundreds of women become moms.
Maria combines a traditional Chinese medicine approach with her strong support of integrative health care. She encourages her patients to take a holistic approach to their health that includes a healthy diet, exercise, healthy habits, and emotional wellness.
She is a graduate of UCLA and the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, and completed post-graduate training at Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hangzhou, China.
Yingxin (Joy) Zhao, L.Ac., DAOM
Acupuncturist
Yingxin Zhao was born in China to a TCM family. Her grandfather was an experienced TCM doctor who inspired her to take an interest in Chinese medicine since childhood. Yingxin graduated from Hainan Medical University and earned a bachelor degree in Chinese Medicine. She also went to ACTCM in San Francisco and earned a Doctorate Degree of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She has been studying and practicing Chinese medicine for 11 years.
Yingxin completed her undergraduate internship at the General Hospital of PLA in Beijing, China. She had worked as a visiting physician at the No.2 TCM Hospital of Guangdong Province in Guangzhou China. Yingxin has been practicing and studying herbal medicine and acupuncture under expert mentors in Guangzhou for 4 years. Yingxin is specialized in infertility in both women and man, gynecology, insomnia, Bell’s palsy and pain management.
Yingxin Zhao is a licensed Chinese medical physician in China, NCCAOM certified and California licensed.
Services & Info
Acupuncture
Among the oldest healing practices in the world, acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the insertion and manipulation of tiny needles into specific points on the body. The tiny needles are about the size of a human hair and acupuncture is virtually pain-free. In fact, many people report a feeling of relaxation and stress reduction.
E-Stim
Electrical stimulation applied directly to the needles. This therapy is a stronger stimulation of the acupuncture points. It is particularly beneficial for musculo-skeletal and nervous system conditions.
Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine herbal formulas perfectly designed to restore balance to the body's internal conditions. We recommend the highest quality of products that follow the standards of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).
Cupping Therapy
The application of glass or plastic cups to areas of the body to promote good blood and qi flow.
Gua Sha
The use of a smooth surfaced tool to "scrap" areas of the body to increase blood flow and soften muscle tissue.
Acupuncture & WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations identified over 40 medical conditions effectively treated with Acupuncture. The following compilation includes these and other disorders which scientific research/clinical experience have shown acupuncture effective for:
All pain disorders
Back pain
PMS
Digestive problems
Skin problems
All pain disorders
Ear, nose & throat
Chemotherapy side-effects
Musculoskeletal disorders
Paralysis
Menopause
Morning Sickness
Acne
Stress
Allergies
Chronic Fatigue
Neurological Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Fertility
Bell’s Palsy
Painful Scars
Anxiety
Asthma
Fibromyalgia
Sciatica
Gynecology
Pediatric diseases
Obesity
Headaches / Migraines
Depression
Addictions
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Initial Acupuncture Consultation and Treatment
$135 - Includes an in depth intake about your health concerns, acupuncture treatment, and other appropriate modalities.
Follow-up Acupuncture Treatment
$95 - Includes a brief followup consultation, acupuncture treatment and appropriate modalities.
Insurance Info
We are participating providers with the following insurance companies:
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American Specialty Health Program
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ANC Optimal Health
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Blue Cross (Anthem)
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Blue Shield
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Cigna
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Health Net
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Health Plan Services
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Kaiser Affinity Program - 25% discount
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United Healthcare
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VA Community Affairs Program (TriWest)
* When filling out your new patient paperwork online, please include your insurance information so we are able to verify your coverage before your first appointment. Verification is not a guarantee of benefits. If you have questions or concerns about your coverage, we encourage you to contact your insurance company directly.
FAQs
What should I expect on the first visit?
Expect to be at the office for about 80 minutes. Upon booking your appointment, you will be prompted to fill out a detailed online questionnaire. This will give your practitioner an opportunity to review your health history and ask any questions about your main complaint and your body as a whole during the consultation portion of your treatment. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
How do I prepare?
Try to allow plenty of time to get to your appointment so you don’t rush in. This will increase your pulse rate and make you anxious.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. You want to be as comfortable as possible so you can fully relax during your acupuncture treatment. The most commonly used acupuncture points are on the extremities, so we will need to access to these areas.
Eat something before your appointment. You should have something in your stomach, even if it’s just a small snack. Some people get dizzy or faint if they come on an empty stomach.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture has no unpleasant side effects and does not interfere with any medical treatment you may already be receiving. Occasionally patients may get a small local bruise or feel light-headed for a few moments. The acupuncture itself can be as gentle or strong as the patient needs.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless; all you may experience is a slight prick upon insertion. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow.
What is that smell?
Some treatments require the burning of an herb called artemesia vulgaris, ai ye, mugwort, or more commonly known as moxa. It is a traditional Chinese medical technique that helps warm the body, strengthen the blood and stimulate the flow of "qi."
Why do you examine my tongue?
The tongue has many relationships and connections to the internal organs of the body. It is therefore, very useful and important to inspect the tongue to help diagnose you.
We will be looking at your tongue color, the thickness and color of the tongue coating and the relative shape of your tongue.
Why do you take my pulse?
Pulse diagnosis is an integral part of Chinese medical diagnosis. We will feel your radial pulse on both wrists to get a better picture of your overall health. While we do count the rate like traditional Western medical doctors, we are also feeling for the quality and depth of the pulse to aid in our diagnosis.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the nature, severity and duration of the complaint, the course of treatment will vary. Many problems can be fixed quickly, while more chronic conditions may be relieved only with time and effort. The speed of progress with long-standing chronic issues is much determined by the patient's willingness to make lifestyle changes conjunction with the treatment.
What are Chinese Herbs?
Your practitioner may recommend that you take Chinese herbs to help compliment your treatment process. Herbs are recommended in formulas that are specifically designed for the patients needs. Our most commonly recommended form of herbs is capsules for your convenience.
Resources & Partners
Acupuncture Resources:
Chiropractic Partners:
Advanced Upper Cervical
Walnut Creek, CA
McDuff Chiropractic Center
Pleasant Hill, CA
Mulhall Family Chiropractic
Pleasant Hill, CA
Massage Partners:
Loosen Up Bodywork
Walnut Creek, CA
Physical Therapy and Training:
Christine Koth - Holistic Physical Therapist
East Bay, CA
Perpetual Motion
Walnut Creek, CA
Nutrition Counseling:
Laura Halpin
Walnut Creek, CA
Jill West Nutrition Consulting
Lafayette, CA
Nutrition Counseling:
The Healing Sanctuary
Orange County, CA
North Shore Acupuncture Clinic
Encinitas, CA
Nourish Acupuncture & Wellness Center
Carlsbad, CA
Carolina Beach Community Acupuncture
Carolina Beach, NC
Contact Us
Earth and Air Wellness
(925) 280-6026
140 Gregory Ln Ste. 105
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Conveniently located just outside of Downtown Pleasant Hill (originally located in Downtown Walnut Creek), our office provides a tranquil and refreshing experience for our patients. Situated just across the street from Pleasant Hill's City Hall building, we offered ample free parking right outside our doors and ADA compliant access.