House of Qi

It is every bit as good as other people have been saying, and it’s always a very relaxing and enjoyable time whenever i go. Joseph really helped loosen up my neck when I hurt it pretty bad in the gym.
I wish i could go more often but sometimes its hard to take off 2 hours at a time (one hour on the road, one hour+ in therapy).

Joseph is the best, plain and simple. What’s better, the people that work with him are the best too! I initially went to see him for head aches and after a couple of sessions I couldn’t believe how much better I felt. Now if anything feels wrong House of Qi is my go-​to place, I don’t even see a western doctor anymore.
The best thing about this place is that they’re not just your doctor, they’re also your friends. They spend almost as much time treating me as they do teaching me how I can treat myself at home. Therefore, if you go to House of Qi, not only are you going to feel much better, you’ll also be armed with the tools to tackle future problems you have yourself!
If you’re hesitant about acupuncture, House of Qi is by far the best place to go as Joseph will make you feel totally comfortable and relaxed, plus you’ll walk away more knowledgeable!

I’ve been going to see Joseph for 14 years and can’t recommend him highly enough. I was initially introduced after developing a bad case of asthma following my move to SF from the east coast. I’d cycled through a number of steroid and B2AA inhalers and the pulmonologist I was seeing wanted to put me on prednisone. He basically told me it was that or move out of San Francisco (apparently I’d developed asthma because of the mold in the fog).
I’d never tried acupuncture/​Chinese medicine but I decided to give it a shot because I really did not want to be taking oral corticosteroids and I definitely wasn’t going to be moving out of SF because of some f*ing mold in the f*ing fog. (Although I wish some other people would. Have you seen the rents here lately? And have you seen the people who’ve been moving here and paying those rents? Spend a day walking around the Castro. It’s not a pretty sight.)
I will say that some of Joseph’s food recommendations gave me pause, but I followed them pretty diligently because like I said I did not want to be taking prednisone. After about 2 weeks of going to him my asthma started clearing up and after a month it was gone. Needless to say, I was impressed.
Joseph’s talent as a healer would be reason enough to go to him, but being with him is also medicine for your soul. I don’t know how to describe it other than that. He’s a beautiful, kind man with a magnetic presence. Also, he treats Bjork. I’m not joking. What more of a recommendation do you need than that?

My shoulder + House of Qi = the best it’s ever felt in 5 years. Joseph and his staff’s commitment to healing you is truly unparalled. Literally, I could not recommend them highly enough. 15 stars? But please don’t go – I don’t want you boxing out my next appointment.

I just wanted to writ a bit of negative review as everybody seems to be so positive of him.
He adjusted my neck, which did not feel really good:
My question is:
Does he have a license to adjust? If he dose, he is not good at it — hey I see my chiro at least once a week. His adjustment did not feel right at all.
If he doesn’t have the license, he goes beyond what his license allow him to do, which is a real red flag.
So, see it for yourself.
I would not go back to him.

I have been seeing Joseph for about 3 years now. I probably should have written this review sooner, but better late than never! I sought out acupuncture after I realized that the only options western medicine had left to treat my steadily worsening spina bifida were experimental surgeries on my back. At one point I had two of the top neurosurgeons in the Bay Area calling each other names, so I decided it was time try something else.
Joseph has done so much to alleviate my back pain, help me lose weight and just generally relax me and help me cope with my condition. I enjoy my time spend there, and feel it has helped me a lot. Many of Joseph’s treatments are also kind of out-​there and experimental, but as he says, at least his experiments won’t hurt me… Well, not much anyway! ;)
House of Qi may not be for everyone, but as far as acupuncture goes, I would say that Joseph is the real deal.

Most professional, warm and thorough experience I have ever had. I highly recommend the House of Qi.

Though I rely heavily on Unilocal,I have never before been motivated to sign up and post something until now.
I am a pretty linear, rational, scientifically inclined gal, but I have to say, quite simply, I am confident that Joseph is the reason for my beautiful baby girl. I like to joke that my gay acupuncturist got me pregnant! :) I became pregnant within weeks of seeing him. She is 15 months old now and I am finally getting around to posting on Joseph’s behalf.
He is a bit of an odd duck and does provide a great deal of unsolicited advice which you can take or leave, but if you’re OK with his unusual approach you can appreciate that he is an utterly independent thinker and does what is needed to heal or help you. Period. I am so deeply grateful to him.

Joseph did an amazing job curing my cousin Darril! He couldn’t travel or drive and now he’s back to normal. We’re enjoying a long weekend in Chicago now and his balance and stamina have been fully restored! Thanks Joseph!

I can’t believe I have waited this long to review Joseph and Kate at House of Qi! When I first came to to see them, I was in severe pain. I threw my back out… getting dressed. I have had back issues for many years and had thrown it out in the past, but as soon as I did it, I knew it was a bad one. At first I tried bed rest and painkillers, but that didn’t work.
After my very first visit to see Joseph and Kate, I was a LOT better. Not 100%, but a HUGE improvement. I saw them weekly for about a month and I was pretty much cured after that. They do everything from acupuncture to cupping, to deep, DEEP stretching to chiropractic. The whole experience in their office (if it can be called that?) is so relaxing and positive that I kept going… even after my back was healed. I go every other week now and whatever ails me, these two can fix it. Whether it be insomnia, knee or back pain, or even if I’m just feeling… off. They are miracle workers! Dare I say we have become friends even? They are so, so great!
I am so happy to have discovered House of Qi. I literally cannot wait for my next appointment. Alas, it isn’t until next week. Sigh…

Joseph has improved the quality of my life. Whether I go to him with an injury or for just periodic maintenance, I always leave his clinic feeling much healthier.
I especially appreciate his integration of acupuncture with stretching as informed by his Qi Gong training.
As a martial artist, I prefer rigorous body work to wimpy treatments. Joseph gives me just what I need.
Hooray for House of Qi!

I’ve had 6 days of agony with muscle spasms and locked spine and neck thingmajigs, for which the symptom was a major neck and headache that no Advil, Hydrocodone, Excedrin, Tylenol or Vicodin would cure. I tried them all.
1.5 hour with Joseph and I’m free, not only free of pain, but also largely detoxed from all the chemicals.
Thank you Joseph for always giving me my vitality and zest for life back

After three years of trying almost every route imaginable (including other acupuncturists) I conceived naturally after seeing Joseph for 2 months. I am now in my 5^th month, and throughout this process, his help has been a crucial factor in my pregnancy. Not only has he contributed his vast expertise in healing any physical and emotion issues through acupuncture treatments; he has also been a source of strength, calm, and optimism throughout. From helping me get pregnant, to helping me stay pregnant, to helping me deal with back pain and other issues that come with pregnancy, I have relied on his skill, humor, and patience, and have never been disappointed with his care.

I honestly never thought I’d be into getting stabbed with needles and put in slightly painful contraptions that bind my wrists and ankles… But I am. I am into S&M. Just kidding!!! But seriously now — Joseph is an incredible healer. Lemme tell you a story…
In August of ’08, I was in a nasty car accident. I broke both ankles, my right femur, tibia, fibula, and acetabulum (think: hip area). Seven surgeries and nearing 3 years later, I still have pain every day. There’s a chunk of bone missing from my right ankle, and I also have the arthritis of a 78 year old. Not wanting to be on a Schedule II Controlled Substance (read: Percocet) forever, I decided to give the House of Qi a try after reading the glowing reviews. I am so very glad I did.
At my first appointment, I filled out a short questionnaire and chatted with Joseph a bit. I was expecting to simply be poked and prodded with needles, however, Joseph has these crazy-​looking contraptions that he designed and built himself. There are giant springs with straps and weights suspended from the ceiling above tables. It looks a little intimidating, but Joseph’s calm manner and gentle nature inspire instantaneous trust in him. So, when he told me to lay down on the table, and put my arms out in a «resurrection» pose, I did it without question.
He explained that these contraptions essentially put patients into yoga poses and gently, slowly create some tension and resistance, so it’s like you’re doing non-​weight-​bearing exercises! You don’t notice it that much while you’re in the poses, but you definitely feel it the next day!
The needles he uses are 40 gauge and sterile (of course). He showed me one of them during the acupuncture procedure — it’s the size of a strand of hair, and you barely, barely feel it. On my first visit, he was inserting a needle into my ankle when I suddenly felt something akin to a bolt of lightening shoot through my foot. He explained it as my «chi»… I think he just hit a nerve. Yeah, I’m still a teensy bit skeptical. :)
Regardless of my skepticism, the results thus far are real. I typically have to take a dose of Tylenol or Advil in the afternoon, lest I want to deal with pain the rest of the day. However, after my very first appointment (at 10 a.m.), I didn’t have to take anything at all! The lessened need for medicine continued for the next 3 days, as well.
In addition to all this, Joseph is just plain smart. He realizes that acupuncture is not the end all, be all of medicine, and says that whatever combination of Eastern/​Western medicine works for you is what you should do. Oh, and he’s funny too! On my first visit, he asked me to slide my butt up so he could put a lumbar support under me, and then said, «Don’t worry — your doctor is gay! Have you seen Love & Other Drugs with Jake Gyllenhal? I saw it just because he’s half-​naked the whole time!» Oh, Joseph. :)
After my first appointment, we were in his office scheduling the next one. He asked me when would be good for me. I immediately whipped out my iPhone and pulled up the calendar, my mind going a mile a minute. The exchange went something like this:
Me: «Well, what would work best for you? I could maybe do a morning again, although I hate going into work late. But, we do have a flex time policy, so if it’s best for you, I can do it.»
Joseph (super calmly): «When is good for you?»
Me: «It’s up to you, really. I have a few meetings in the morning next week, so maybe afternoon would be better. You said I’ll be sore next time, right?»
Joseph (super calmly): «When is good for you?»
Me: «Well, if there’s a full moon on the 16^th of March and Congress passes that bill on -«
Joseph (super calmly): «When is good for YOU?»
Whoa. I suddenly felt like a crazy person. His repetitive-​yet-​ever-​so-​gently-​asked question really made me realize that 1. I wasn’t answering him and 2. I was overcomplicating something simple by trying to consider a million factors. Huh. Good lesson!
Last, but not least, Joseph recently told me, «The Chinese — we are smart, and we are cheap. Do you think we would continue paying a lot for something if it doesn’t work?!» His words of wisdom, not mine! :)

Joseph is AMAZING!!! One of the main reasons I miss living in San Francisco is the great care from Joseph. I am an Internal Medicine Doctor and Joseph helped me relax, de-​stress and be more centered. Would recommend to any of my friends.

So a few things…
First, if your living in pain this is the place to come not only does Joseph poke you with needles to make your body feel better he places you in contraptions, stretches you and feels out your pain. Second, if you have deep pain it’s worth the money to make it go away by booking an series of on-​going sessions. Third, I didn’t realize that it was check or cash only and he totally let me leave to the honor system.
Just go if you’ve been thinking about alternative ways to heal your daily pain.

It’s been 1.5 years since my last visit but when I called Joseph in a panic yesterday with a newly acquired injury he graciously squeezed me into his busy schedule. Joseph feels like an old friend who knows how neurotic and crazy you are and loves you anyway. He is reassuring and calming when you arrive and has you laughing and feeling lighter as you leave. I actually dread leaving; his place is a sanctuary. His methods are powerful and unconventional and I love wondering what each new session will bring forth. I feel so fortunate to have found Joseph Chang.

I went in to see Joseph today after a week of intense shoulder and neck pain (yoga injury? computer injury? sharing a double bed with my boyfriend? Who knows…) that left me totally non-​functional and doped up on muscle-​relaxants and wine.
I will just say the two things you should know:
1. Joseph was humble, kind, and knowing
2. In an hour and a half, Joseph not only made me functional, but brighter and healthier with no pain.
Joseph is an amazing healer and an amazing human being. Listen to him, and go see him if you have a physical ailment that is keeping you from living your life.

I telephoned Joseph last weekend… I’d been ill for two weeks and was not getting better… the reviews here were great (with the exception of the narcissist)… Joseph rang back promptly Monday morning.
A few hours later I was heading to the ER… serious stuff… I rephoned Joseph, really scared… Despite not knowing me, he took time to comfort me and help me get through it all… «IT ALL» including a stay in the hospital…
So I had my first visit with Joseph today. He immediately recognized that I needed to replenish and rest… I was truly amazed at the modialities Joseph uses, incorporating Pilates, Yoga and deep breathing to enhance the acupuncture session.
I am usually much less verbose… I SHOULD just say GO SEE JOSEPH… but after all I experienced in the past week, and the toll it took upon me, contrasted with having such a great health experience today leaves me feeling … well, feeling good… hopeful, positive…
Thank you, Joseph Chang!

I love Joseph.
If it wasn’t illegal, I’d kidnap him and stick him in my pocket and bring him out every time any time I wasn’t feeling well. It’s sort of hard to describe what Joseph does, but I’ve been to other acupuncturists who weren’t nearly as effective and cost the same amount. One visit with Joseph nixed a major issue (which had been going on for over a year) and I’m planning on seeing him every month or so just to stay healthy. Preventative care, people! That’s what you’re gonna get chez Joseph. And, he’s funny as hell so it makes everything much easier.