Yicawell Acupuncture & Herbal Center

Dr. Sandy Sun is one of the best TCM doctor that I have come across, and I have seen *a lot* of Chinese medicine doctors so far in my life time. Although she is not that old (most experienced patients prefer to see older Chinese doctors), she is gifted in giving diagnosis. She was able to see problems with my digestion, knees and other things by either looking or feeling my body, and she gave very practical suggestions to correct some problems, like doing certain exercises, eating certain things, or sleeping certain ways. She was very caring and comforting, too, so that made it easier on me, since I was very anxious to know what my problems were. Since she was a western medicine doctor in China, she also recommended that I double check certain things with a family doctor or a specialist, but her suggestions and her accupressure made an immediate improvement for my indigestion problem. Simply amazing!

I get facials here pretty regularly, maybe once every month and a half or when I have skin emergencies. I have had consistent acne problems since middle school and have used all sorts of products like Proactiv and been to a number of facial places with no significant results. Ever since I started getting facials at Yicawell and using their skin products, my skin has been fantastic!
My acne scars are fading away, my breakouts are reduced to one or two pimples that pop up every once in a while when I don’t sleep well, and my skin is so soft and smooth!
I always get my facial from Sue, who I believe is only there on Mondays and Wednesdays. She’s really awesome at assessing your skin conditions and using really effective products and machines to deal with them. She can be pretty blunt about her assessments, which might come across as rude to some people who can’t handle harsh truths, but I really appreciate her critical eye since it will mean she’s gonna tackle the issues.
I think it’s important to note that right after a facial appointment, it’s natural to have red splotches. I mean, you just got your pores poked and prodded to squeeze out the oils (or pus if you have really bad acne!) The redness goes away, but don’t plan on making social engagements right after your facial.
I can see why this place would be a turnoff for many people – quite simply, it’s a Chinese establishment so communication might be difficult. This is why I give it 4 stars, since it’s inconvenient for non-​chinese speakers. (Although, Sue does speak English! On a conversational level too).

I can only comment on the acupuncture that I received from Yicawell.
A month and half ago, I injured my knee in a climbing accident (guess I should stick with my level and not try to do a bouldering route out of my league). Anyway, I had been hobbling along for a month or so. Another Dr. I saw at PAMF said just to take ibuprofen with every meal to keep the swelling down and so that I could walk normally. I’m not one for medicine, even OTC stuff, so my grandmother suggested this place.
Went three times in a week, and had a bunch of needles stuck into me. Each appointment lasted an hour-​ish. There was a bit of massage therapy as well. I must say, after the three times I went I can finally bend my knee all the way again! My knee is still recovering, but the Dr. at Yicawell did a splendid job helping the recovery process.
Word to the wise: most of these people only speak Chinese, so that’s a bit of a bummer. :(The female Dr. I had spoke English and Chinese, though.

LET THE BUYER BEWARE. I would suggest staying away from this place. I came here every week for a one hour long facial treatment and let me just tell you, whatever it is that theyre putting on my face has caused me to get acne. after each facial session, my face would be cherry red. how the hell are you supposed to meet up with friends if you look so fucked up? On top of that, the workers there do NOT UNDERSTAND ENGLISH. They do not greet you once you enter nor do they have any manners whatsoever. Another thing, yeah, I don’t speak Chinese, but I DO understand when you shit talk behind my back. They are also constantly always tryna sell their products to you. If i said no the first time, i gonna say no the 2^nd, and 3^rd and 4^th and 5^th time.
I’d definitely take my service. This place sucks hella money outta you. ive been to other places in san jose that charge a lot cheaper and are actually professionals.