New center offers alternative medicine options in HMB

There's a new game in town when it comes to acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, nutrition and lifestyle support.

Dandelion Family Wellness Care hosted a grand opening last week. A branch of the established Sage Wellness Center in San Mateo, the Half Moon Bay center is a dream come true for its founder.

"I have an office in San Mateo," said founder Yvette Ward. "It's been there for 17 years and we have no problem keeping busy.

"I live on the coast," she continued. "It's been my dream to have a coastal office."

Before the grand opening, the Coastside branch building had a substantial facelift.

"We fixed it up super nice. It took three months to redo it," said Ward. "It's spa-like now. That also helps people just relax."

Ward's vision for Dandelion centers on family care and family wellness with acupuncture being the primary service. In addition to acupuncture, the branch offers a blend of healing therapies including herbal medicine and cupping. Although they will treat any condition, their specialty lies with pediatrics, adolescence, fertility and pregnancy support.

"Research shows that acupuncture increases blood flow, releases serotonin and is good for inflammatory issues," said Ward. "For chronic pain, digestive issues and insomnia, it's great.

"From an energetic standpoint, if you have any pain or ailment or discomfort, your body is telling you that it's out of balance," she continued. "The acupuncture needles work on the meridian, energy freeways … that connect deeper into the organs."

Getting started is painless. The first visit is a complimentary consultation lasting 20 to 30 minutes.

"People come in, can sit down, meet the practitioner, check it out and see if it's a good fit," said Ward.

The next appointment is detailed and lasts significantly longer.

"We do a full history. We have to check in with each body system with that holistic diagnosis," she said. "We may follow that up with testing, diet and lifestyle support as well."

There are treatment options available for patients of all ages, with special considerations made for younger patients.

"Usually, we bridge with a family intake. The child's in the room with the parent the entire time," said Ward when asked about her work with children. "We try to figure out where the imbalance lies.

"A lot of it is discussion around things that can be done such as support with acupressure, massage, dietary, lifestyle, specialty massages and lasers," she added.

Ward stated that a lot of her patients suffer from attention-deficit disorders. Youth athletes are also another faction being treated.

"A lot of people are so active, acupuncture is great for increasing the blood flow and reducing inflammation," said Ward. "It's great for physical endurance, pain and trauma.

"We do a lot of cupping," she continued. "In the Olympics, it became popular. It's so enjoyable and it helps the needles work better."

Dandelion accepts most major health insurance. Insurance coverage can be checked by visiting the spa website and completing an insurance verification form.

The center is currently accepting new patients. For more information on Dandelion Family Wellness Care, visit dandelionwellness.org.

Source: New center offers alternative medicine options in HMB