Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture Provider in Pacifica, CA
Acupuncture Works was founded in 2012 by Dr. Ella Woods, DAOM, a licensed practitioner with over two decades of experience in integrative healthcare. My journey began in entomology and biotechnology, where I conducted research on disease vectors and managed contracts for institutions like NASA and Genentech. After witnessing the transformative effects of acupuncture on my own pet, I pursued formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, earning a Master's and Doctorate from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. I completed advanced studies in Women's Health and Pain Management at Yue Yang Hospital in Shanghai and have collaborated with leading integrative medicine practitioners, including those at UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine.My practice combines deep expertise in public health and Western medicine with evidence-based acupuncture and herbal therapies, enabling effective collaboration with conventional healthcare providers. I specialize in treating chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and oncology supportive care, serving both human and animal patients with a commitment to personalized, compassionate care.
Services
Pain Management
Women's Health
Gastrointestinal Health
Oncology Supportive Care
Weight Management
Veterinary Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Integrative Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in biotechnology and integrative medicine
- Our team holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)
- We specialize in evidence-based treatment of chronic pain and oncology support
- Our practice integrates Eastern and Western medical communication frameworks
- We provide veterinary acupuncture services with certified holistic veterinarians
Services
Pain Management
Acupuncture Works provides specialized treatment for chronic pain conditions including arthritis, sciatica, and migraines. Our approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern research findings to address both physical discomfort and associated emotional impacts. Patients receive personalized treatment plans targeting specific pain sources while promoting overall wellness through complementary herbal therapies.
Women's Health
Our women's health services address menstrual disorders, menopause symptoms, and reproductive health concerns using acupuncture and herbal medicine. Treatments focus on hormonal balance and symptom relief for conditions like endometriosis and fibroids. The practice integrates Western medical understanding with Eastern healing traditions to support women's health across all life stages.
Oncology Support
We offer integrative oncology support to help patients manage treatment side effects and enhance recovery. Services include acupuncture protocols designed to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and improve energy levels. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with conventional cancer care teams to provide comprehensive supportive care throughout treatment and remission phases.
Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulations complement acupuncture treatments for various health concerns. The practice utilizes high-quality Chinese herbs to address digestive disorders, immune system support, and chronic condition management. Each prescription is tailored to individual patient needs following comprehensive diagnostic assessments and treatment response evaluations.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture Works extends integrative care to companion animals through specialized veterinary acupuncture services. Treatments address mobility issues, chronic pain, and digestive problems in pets. The practice collaborates with certified holistic veterinarians to provide evidence-based alternative therapies for animal patients alongside conventional veterinary care.
People
Dr. Ella Woods
Owner
Dr. Ella Woods holds a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. With prior careers in entomology and biotech contract management, she brings unique interdisciplinary expertise to integrative healthcare. She has specialized training in women's health and pain management from Shanghai's Yue Yang Hospital.
Questions
What conditions do you treat most commonly?
We specialize in chronic pain management, women's health issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and oncology supportive care for both human and animal patients.
How does your biotech background benefit patients?
My biotech experience enables effective communication with conventional medical providers and informed integration of Eastern and Western treatment approaches for comprehensive care.
Do you accept insurance for acupuncture treatments?
We recommend checking with your insurance provider about acupuncture coverage. Payment is required at time of service with superbill provided for potential reimbursement.
Can you work with my primary care physician?
Yes, I maintain professional relationships with MDs and can coordinate care with your primary physician when appropriate for comprehensive treatment planning.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Initial consultations include detailed health assessment, treatment planning, and first acupuncture session. Plan for 90 minutes with follow-up sessions typically lasting 60 minutes.
