Whole Health Services
Abigail Surasky, L.Ac.
I blend over 30 years of experience with a rigorous clinical analysis of your health issues, and a caring and responsive hands-on style.
Want to get and stay healthy?
Get occasional free health tips, resources, and guides.COVID Info
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFO FOR PATIENTS:
1. Please stay home (fee waived) if you have: fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, achiness, sudden fatigue, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, sudden diarrhea, nausea/vomiting.
2. Please come alone.
3. Face coverings optional for patients at this time.4. Face coverings always worn by staff (fully-vaccinated).
5. Two air purifiers in each room.6. Schedule allows for one patient in the waiting room at a time.
7. Payments are touchless and secure with online credit card system.Thank you!
WELCOME!
SPECIALTIES
I specialize in women's health, men's health, pediatrics, and adolescent health, as well as chronic viral issues, autoimmune disorders, adjunct cancer care, chronic stress, digestive issues, mood disorders, and most types of pain, including headaches.
APPROACH
I utilize acupuncture and herbs, as well as diet, lifestyle, and supplements as appropriate. I primarily use a Japanese acupuncture style called Kiiko Matsumoto Style (KMS) which is extremely gentle and relaxing, and gives instant feedback. Other techniques used include Master Tong points, Master Tan Balance Method, and traditional Chinese style, including cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, and electro-stimulation.
BACKGROUND
After graduating from Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine in Santa Cruz, CA (three years: 1720 hours) I was licensed in 1988. The pass rate for the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam was 26%, requiring proficiency in both acupuncture and herbs. After living in Asia for three years, including Taiwan and mainland China, I took a position as Clinical Supervisor at Quan Yin Healing Arts Center in San Francisco from 1991 to 1996, specializing in HIV/AIDS, chronic hepatitis B and C, and women’s health. In 1995, I launched my private practice in Berkeley specializing in pain, digestion, gynecology, fertility, obstetrics, and more. After working as copy editor of the California Journal of Oriental Medicine, I taught Mandarin, Counseling and Communication, and advanced seminars at the Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley (AIMC) from 2006 to 2011.
OFFICE INFORMATION
Wholehealth Services Acupuncture Corp
1700 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94709
Office hours:
Tuesday 9:30am-6pm
Wednesdays 11:00am-3:30pm
Thursdays 9:30am-6pm
Location:
1700 Shattuck Ave (@ Virginia)
Directions:
Simply head up the wooden staircase on the outside of the building on Shattuck,
turn left down the hallway and enter the third door on the right.
Close to campus, Downtown Berkeley BART, North Berkeley, downtown, etc.
PARKING
There is 3-hour metered street parking in the immediate area, and 2-hour free residential parking within walking distance.
PAYMENT
Forms of payment accepted: credit cards (except Discover), debit cards, most HRA/HSA cards.
COST
Initial Intake/Consult (60 minutes) - $135. Please email to schedule this for in-person. (Telehealth alternative available to accomodate schedule and/or health needs.)
Initial Acupuncture (60 minutes) - $135. Please email to schedule this. If in-person (preferred), this is scheduled back-to-back with Initial Intake (2 hours total).
*If combined with telehealth instead of in-person, then acupuncture would be on a different day from the initial intake. Please email to schedule.
Follow-up Acupuncture (60 minutes) - $135. Schedule on-line. (DIY)
Follow-up Telehealth (30 minutes) - $135. Email to schedule.
Insurance - copays vary.
Email: ab@abigailsuraskyacupuncture.com
CANCELLATION POLICY
A 24-hour cancellation policy applies.
INSURANCE
Please confirm coverage and deductible status before initiating care. I am in-network with SutterHealth, Wellfleet, some Blue Shield and some UnitedHealthcare policies. I am out-of-nework with Kaiser, ASH, Covered California Blue Cross, and Healthnet. There is still coverage for many policies even out-of-network (except the ones just listed). Please email your insurance information and date of birth before scheduling to confirm coverage. Patients are responsible if visits are not covered. Billing is included in-house.
WHAT TO WEAR / EAT?
Please wear loose clothing. Please eat something (snacks count!) within three hours before your acupuncture appointment.
Video
Learn More
From South Philly to China to Berkeley
Learn about my background and love for Chinese Medicine.
First Time?
Here's what to expect.
Gua Sha Technique
A traditional technique for muscle pain, asthma, and stimulating the immune system.
Electro-Acupuncture and Cupping
Techniques commonly used to alleviate pain.
Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese style acupuncture is gentle, effective, and highly customized.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY SPECIALTIES
Click on posts below: • Women's Health • Complex Cases • Pain • Stress • Pregnancy • Fertility
BENEFITS OF CHINESE MEDICINE
Q&A
How does acupuncture work?
Energy (Chi or Qi “chee”) runs through the body along pathways called meridians. Each meridian is connected to an organ and is named after that organ: the Lung meridian, Heart meridian, etc. Qi tends to collects at varying intensities on points along these meridians, like cities and towns on a highway. When qi gets blocked, like a traffic jam, there will be pain or other problems. When qi is insufficient, like a deserted town, the system is weak and tired. Acupuncture regulates the flow of qi throughout the body, restoring the system's innate healing potential.
How do Chinese herbs work?
Chinese Herbs are an excellent adjunct to acupuncture, or can be used alone for those who are afraid of needles. Where acupuncture stimulates the body’s healing potential with each treatment, Chinese herbs can extend and build on those beneficial effects throughout the time in between appointments.
What about nutritional and lifestyle consulting?
According to the wisdom of Chinese Medicine, while acupuncture and herbs are the modalities of choice for treating an illness, for optimal health and prevention, eating well, getting adequate exercise, and rest are essential. Consultations will include targeted lifestyle recommendations and support.
Do you work elsewhere?
I work only in Berkeley. Non-clinic days are devoted to admin, study, and family.
Resources
Healthcare Survival Guides
CONTACT
The best way to reach me is via email.
1700 Shattuck Ave
Berkeley, CA 94709Tuesdays 9:30 am - 6pm
Wednesdays 11:00am - 3:30pm
Thursdays 9:30am - 6pm510-845-8017