Five Things I Learned Studying TCM in Hangzhou, China as a Fertility Acupuncturist

by Rachel Hemphill | Jun 1, 2026 | City Pulse Acupuncture Blogs

I specialize in fertility, women’s health, and reproductive medicine. It shapes what I notice, what I ask about, and what I cannot stop thinking about when I am in a clinical setting. So when I spent ten days in Hangzhou, China last April observing some of the...

What I Saw in Hangzhou: Ten Days Studying TCM at Its Source

by Rachel Hemphill | Jun 1, 2026 | City Pulse Acupuncture Blogs

This past April I traveled to Hangzhou, China for a ten-day TCM clinical training and retreat. It was my fourth visit to China and my third time studying there. I came home with 50 CEUs and a lot to think about clinically. What follows is a day by day account of what...

How Do I Know If I Need Acupuncture?

by Rachel Hemphill | Mar 23, 2026 | City Pulse Acupuncture Blogs

Many people are curious about acupuncture but are unsure when it is appropriate to seek care. Acupuncture is a core part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is used to support a wide range of health concerns. It focuses on restoring balance within the body, improving...

What Can You Expect at Your First Acupuncture Appointment?

by Rachel Hemphill | Feb 27, 2026 | City Pulse Acupuncture Blogs

If you’re new to acupuncture, it’s natural to have questions. Many people are curious about what acupuncture feels like, how it works, and whether it can truly make a difference in their health. At City Pulse Acupuncture in Oakland, we often meet patients...

Can Histamine Intolerance Affect Fertility? How Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help

by Rachel Hemphill | Nov 24, 2025 | City Pulse Acupuncture Blogs

Many people are surprised to learn that histamine, the same chemical involved in allergic reactions, can also affect reproductive health. For some, an intolerance to histamine may play a hidden role in hormone imbalance, irregular cycles, or unexplained fertility...