Denise Mailloux Bowden, M.S., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist and the founder of the root & the branch: a center for acupuncture & holistic health. For all patients, Denise completes a holistic assessment by taking a detailed history, evaluating diet and lifestyle, and customizing a treatment plan.

While she treats many common health concerns from backaches to migraines, Denise specializes in reproductive medicine, women’s health, preconception care and fertility, pregnancy, postpartum health, and hormonal transitions associated with aging. During her Master’s program, Denise apprenticed with renowned healer Beverly Burns, M.S., L.Ac., fertility specialist Dr. Lifang Liang, and pregnancy and childbirth expert Raven Lang, M.S., L.Ac. Denise has been a contracted acupuncturist at Pacific Fertility Center and is a preferred practitioner with Laurel Fertility Care.

Additionally, Denise saw patients at the UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Medicine fro 2016-2019. While there, she was fortunate to participate in acupuncture research and medical systems research in an ongoing effort to support the growth of our field and access to this valuable medicine.

For her pregnant patients, Denise is well connected to the birth and baby community and, as a mommy herself, knows lots of kitchen table remedies to ensure women feel healthy and strong. She treats the common and troublesome side effects of pregnancy such as nausea, headaches, and mood concerns as well as breech presentations. Perinatally, she sees clients for labor support and promotion and post-partum care. Denise loves treating pregnant women and finds acupuncture an ideal treatment because it’s drug–free, relaxing, and nourishes both mama & baby simultaneously.

Denise Mailloux Bowden, M.S., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and clinical herbalist and the fo... Read More

Ilana is a licensed acupuncturist in California and a graduate of Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, where she earned her Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Aside from acupuncture, Ilana enjoys utilizing other traditional Chinese modalities such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, fire cupping, gua sha, and tui na massage. She has additional training in Japanese acupuncture, a gentler style of treatment using finer needles. With a background in Yoga Therapy and reiki, Ilana weaves in complimentary modalities such as breath work and somatic awareness within her sessions, creating a holistic and personalized approach to care.

Ilana is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative space for healing. She believes in the innate wisdom of the body, mind, and spirit and sees acupuncture as a way to activate and support this natural intelligence. Her areas of focus include mental and emotional wellness, pain management, women’s health, senior care, and digestive health. Ilana is especially passionate about working with individuals who are sensitive and strives to create an environment of safety and trust to facilitate deeper healing.

Originally from Philadelphia, Ilana is new to the Bay Area and enjoys exploring the city with her partner and pup, dancing, attending live music and improv comedy shows, hiking, and cooking nourishing meals in her free time.

Ilana is a licensed acupuncturist in California and a graduate of Pacific College of Health and S... Read More

Dr. Mary Manning is a licensed acupuncturist who began her career in healthcare before studying Chinese Medicine as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She supported emergency and critical care patients and worked in academia, specialty, general practice, and holistic medicine. Treating animals introduced her to the remarkable and undeniable benefits of acupuncture and a whole-being approach to healthcare. She earned her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University in Santa Cruz. Dr. Mary treats various health issues, focusing primarily on digestive health, mental wellness, and pain management. She also has a passion for supporting seniors. She is present for her patients and offers gentle guidance and support on their health-seeking journey. In addition to her Traditional Chinese Medicine credentials, she has studied Five Elements and Kiiko Matsumoto Styles of Acupuncture (KMS). She is a Certified Provider of Hospice and Palliative Care Acupuncture. And she even keeps her RVT license current! During her free time, you can find her hiking trails with her husband and three dogs, volunteering with The Street Dog Coalition, providing veterinary care for the unhoused, or relaxing at home, where she might be knitting.

Dr. Mary Manning is a licensed acupuncturist who began her career in healthcare before studying C... Read More