Our Approach

We bring deep expertise in a variety of therapies including dry needling, acupuncture and manual therapies as well as lifestyle, nutritional, and supplement recommendations, all informed by cutting-edge pain and muscle science.

Our integrative approach works on three levels: alleviating the triggers of pain in your body, addressing the root causes and working with your nervous system to dial down hypersensitivity and amplified pain signals.

We also work collaboratively with your other health care providers to optimize outcomes, and we can advocate on your behalf when necessary.

Therapies We Provide

Dry Needling

We are nationally-recognized leaders in dry needling, an extremely effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. It employs fine needles to stimulate a healing response that repairs damaged and dysfunctional muscles and tissues, soothes inflamed areas, and unwinds tightness. The needles reach places that hands alone simply can’t, whether it’s more superficial connective tissue, or deeper fascia, muscles or joints.

While both dry needling and classical acupuncture use the same needles, the approach is fundamentally different. While classical acupuncture focuses on regulating qi, dry needling focuses on working directly with muscles and tissues.

Learn more about Dry Needling

Acupuncture & Electroacupuncture

Our providers are experts in a wide variety of acupuncture methods, from classical techniques that have been in practice for thousands of years, to the most cutting edge science-based modalities. According to traditional theory, acupuncture regulates the movement of qi and blood in the body, restoring homeostasis and promoting self healing. Scientific studies into acupuncture have demonstrated its effectiveness in a diverse range of conditions and symptoms, and have elucidated a multitude mechanisms that help explain how it works in the body.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is the use of specific frequencies, intensities, and pulses of electric current in between acupuncture needles in order to relieve pain and reduce tissue inflammation by “interrupting” pain signals and causing the release of natural painkillers. We co-authored and helped conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial on EA analgesia (pain relief) that was carried out at the Stanford Pain Lab and presented at the World Congress of Pain (Buenos Aires, 2014) and at the Society for Acupuncture Research (Harvard Medical School, 2015).

Learn more about Acupuncture & Electroacupuncture

Manual Therapies / Fascia Tools

We like to say that our needles are like extensions of our hands and fingers, but sometimes there’s just no substitute for hands, and we often employ therapies like cross-friction tendon massage, or specific manual techniques to alleviate the taut bands, ropes, knots, and triggers that lead to muscle pain. We also make use of “gua sha” fascia tools to help the tissue to be more pliant and elastic.

Virtual Consultations for Pain

When you are dealing with chronic pain, it can be hard to get clarity on what’s going on, what will be most helpful and/or what you can do at home to feel better. Our telehealth pain consultations are designed to help patients understand the nature of their pain, the factors contributing to it and treatment options, including self-care and referrals.

We offer our expertise and guidance both as one-time consultations or on an ongoing basis to support you in making progress on your health and activity goals. We’re able to do a lot over video, including:

Offer potential avenues to explore for diagnosis
Create personalized treatment plans
Teach exercises, stretches, at-home therapies, relaxation or hypnotherapy/guided imagery techniques
Recommend ways to correct postural habits
Prescribe supplements specific to your case
Refer and collaborate with other specialists or therapists
Recommend steps to improve sleep

We’ll work with you to create a flexible treatment plan and guide your progress toward sustainable and lasting success. As you let us know what’s helping, we’re able to help you take control over your condition and make changes that make a difference.

We also consult with other health providers and act as an advocate when necessary.

Learn more about Virtual Consultations for Pain

Integrative & Functional Medicine

The functional medicine approach empowers patients and providers to work together to create individualized treatment plans that take into account each person’s unique genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors to address the underlying causes of disease. We seek not merely to relieve symptoms, but to remedy root causes; not merely to treat maladies, but to optimize health.

Learn more about Integrative & Functional Medicine

Other Modalities We Employ:

Exercise and stretching

Herbs & supplements

Lifestyle and behavioral recommendations

What to Expect in Your First Session

In our first session with you, we’ll conduct a thorough history and physical exam to develop a working diagnosis, identify the sources of pain, determine what’s aggravating/perpetuating it, and explore what we can do to resolve the pain, restore function, and help you achieve your goals. Our approach includes clinical therapies, changing habits (e.g. posture/ergonomics, sleep position, repetitive activities) and home care (e.g. exercises, stretching, heat therapy, self-massage).

Ann S.

2022-07-27

I have major pain issues due to Lyme. Jonah made a huge difference in my level of pain. I appreciate that before he begins, he explains his approach. Jonah is thoughtful, precise, and gentle. I was pleased and surprised by how much better I felt after every session with Jonah.

Julie M.

2022-06-03

Jonah has helped me for so many years with everything from sports injuries, stress, to a spiritual awakening -- from the physical to the spiritual. He's truly a gifted healer and friend. I will always hold Jonah, Franco, and everyone at SF Acupuncture Group close to my heart for their incredible knowledge, skill, and kindness.

Sabrina M.

2022-04-13

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST OF THE BEST! I have been a client of San Francisco Acupuncture Group for many years now. I first found them when they hired me on as an administrative assistant years ago. I absolutely adore the entire team. I worked with Franco and Jeannie with back problems, nausea (pregnancy), neck isssues and more back problems after kids. They are super down to earth and really take pride in patient care and results. I have continued to refer anyone who needs help, my husband who injured his shoulder in the past after a sports injury, Has seen Franco and Jonah a few times and raves about his experience and completely changed his posture due to Franco and Jonah's suggestions.

During pregnancy I experienced severe nausea and back pain. Jeannie helped me tremendously through all those fun preganacy surprises. If you are looking for help with aches and pains, overall stress and well being look no further! They make everyone feel super welcome and comfortable while sticking you with needles. Haha

Super convenient location with Bart being steps away and target across the street. While I know it can be pricey, just know the price correlates with the experience, technique and amazing treatment you are getting every session. I promise your body will thank you!

Meg H.

2022-03-17

Franco was one of the most skilled medical professionals I have ever worked with. For months, I had been struggling with an Achilles injury that no amount of physical therapy, Graston, or other treatments could fix. Desperate to return to running again, I arrived at Franco's acupuncture table (somewhat skeptical) at the recommendation of a friend. Within three sessions, Franco had me running again. I would call it magic, but as an M.D. myself, I can recognize a skilled practitioner. Franco possesses a profound understanding of the intricacies of the human neuromuscular system and it is this knowledge and skill that healed me; what's more: he is incredibly professional and kind, as is his staff member Joi. Both of them went out of their way to call and check in on me after a bike accident en route to an appointment.

Unfortunately, I have moved away and am no longer able to make it into SF for his healing powers. Since our treatments, I have tried other acupuncturists closer to my home, and no one compares. I just wish he would open an office closer to me in Marin!

Lena K.

2022-03-05

Anyone who is looking for a holistic approach to healing and/or has issues with female health should try to get a consult with Jeannie. We've been working together for the last 1.5yrs and her approach transformed my life. Thanks to Jeannie I was able to get the right care and was diagnosed with auto-immune thyroid condition that was missed by so many of my doctors in the past. Jeannie helped me with PCOS as well and now I am a fully functioning human that does not require to take hormones and painkillers every day of my life, but able to regulate my body with food, lifestyle changes and herbs. Jeannie was also so helpful in my fertility journey; thanks to her recommendation I was able to make the right choice of clinic, Dr., pre and post care. Very happy that I was able to find SFAG and Jeannie 😀

Oren L.

2022-02-07

I had suffered from foot pain for 2.5 years. At its worst, it was difficult to walk. I'd received an x-ray, MRI, ultrasound, and EMG. I'd seen several orthopedic doctors, a podiatrist, a neurologist, and a rheumatologist. No one was able to explain or help my pain. Then I met Franco, where he introduced me to dry needling and ideas from pain science. It is not an exaggeration to say this was life changing. At this point, I am nearly pain free.

Pain science is a growing field and there is a lot of research backing it up. It is very unfortunate that so many medical professionals are not aware of it or don't practice its ideas. If you are suffering from chronic pain, I highly recommend trying out the 'San Francisco Acupuncture Group'!

Louis S.

2022-01-20

"Magic is just science that we don't understand yet". By that definition, Jonah and Franco are magicians.

I have tried every bit of science to cope with an insane amount of chronic pain that have been torturing my body for years (neck, shoulder, back, hips, leg). I have tried chiropractors, acupuncturists, osteopaths, deep tissue massage therapists, orthopedic shoes... Best case scenario I have some relief for a few days (or weeks if I'm lucky). Usually it has been a pure and simple waist of time and money, and oftentimes it caused me more pain than before.
Then I discovered trigger point therapy, also named dry needling. It is extremely rare to find people using this technique. And that is how I met Jonah. Practician of this method for twenty years, Jonah changed my life. Over the course of the past year, he has brought my body back from hell.

Never heard of dry needling? Picture this: the pain you feel is like an itch you cannot scratch, too deep, inaccessible, too tensed, too tender. Acupuncture is the cute version of dry needling, only on the surface. Trigger point is deeper, acupuncture meets biomechanics meets deep tissue: it's like resetting the nerve and surrounding muscle group back to its original state. Which let's be honest, can bring a lot of discomfort during the session.

But Jonah is a magician, a musician. He is the Miles Davis of needling. He is using your body as a musical instrument, improvising and composing a symphony tailored to your body and your needs, and playing off its reactions and triggers to relief your pain. You might feel sore afterwards for a few days or you might feel like you were given a brand new body, it depends on the session. It depends on what kind of song your body needs Jonah to play. But sure enough, week after week, I saw my body morph, my posture got better, I could move around in ways my body couldn't allow for years because it was too stiff & too painful. And most of all, with the pain silenced, I was able to have a restful sleep once again.

If you are loosing hope to find pain relief, give trigger point therapy a go. It is not the faint of heart, but it might change your life.

Danny N.

2021-01-26

Several years ago I had an accident in the gym that has given me consistent flair ups in my shoulders. That injury, combined with daily life behind a laptop, travel (when that was a thing), and a desire to maintain good physical fitness has meant that I usually have some sort of shoulder pain whether I acknowledge it or not.

This ever-present pain was something I thought I had to accept but that changed when I started to get acupuncture with Franco. Quickly, I began to feel relief and I'm so grateful to him and his partner Jonah for their expertise, thoughtfulness, and authenticity.

Their service goes way beyond the dry needling that I get there. Franco studies my body, takes notes on progress, and provides recommendations for my life outside of their clinic to feel better - stretches, alignment techniques, mental/emotional tools, etc. This is just as important as their acupuncture itself, not only does it provide me instant relief they also deeply care to try and treat my pain before it arrives.

Franco is one of the best medical practitioners that I have ever worked with, easily.

Kirsten S.

I can't even begin to explain how Jonah and Franco have impacted my life. I have been working with them for over 5 years. When I first walked into the office I was in the worst pain of my life. My traps, neck, and mid back were absolutely throbbing, so much so that I would often be crying when I came in. I started to get migraines, couldn't sleep, and couldn't function. I even had to take time off of work.

But every time I walked into that office, they each took the time and did everything they could to make sure I left that office without pain.

They genuinely care about every single one of the patients. They listen, respond empathetically, and do everything in their power to make you better. They are two of the most brilliant people I have ever met. When learning many famous athletes like LeBron James came into their office (see photo!) it didn't surprise me a bit, because they are the best at acupuncture and dry needling in the world. They also do life changing electric stem through the needles. I have tried acupuncture in China, Japan, Singapore, New York, Colorado - all over the world, and no one is as good as Franco and Jonah. I have recommended them to my partner, friends and coworkers; every single person could not believe how much better they felt about their appointments - they didn't even know it was possible.

I believe we all deserve to live a life without pain, and I can honestly say Franco and Jonah gave me my life back. My body is completely different and has healed tremendously. The combination of being the most skilled, experienced acupuncturists that also fully understand how the body and brain affect pain, as well as being the kindest and most compassionate people I know, makes them so powerful. I have seen over 40 doctors and can say no one is better. Thank you Franco and Jonah - you will now forever be family.

If you are dealing with pain, stress, anxiety, or digestive issues, SF acupuncture group gets my highest recommendation.

Aaron M.

2020-12-26

This review is way, way overdue. I had injured my wrist/hand in a fall. Over subsequent months, it got worse, not better. I tried everything conventional medicine had to offer and nothing relieved the pain I was experiencing.

A single visit here with Jonah was all it took. Given, it was one of the more uncomfortable acupuncture sessions I've ever had - but it worked!! It was honestly miraculous. It's been over a year and I haven't experienced a recurrence.

Treatments