Who is Dr Amy Chang?

I am a queer, poly, kink-aware Chinese-American practitioner of classical and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). I have treated people at Burningman, in home hospice and at hospital births, on the sidewalk in Hayward, on a cafe patio in Topanga Canyon, and at various airports while waiting for delayed flights. This is why I call my practice the Anywhere Clinic. I also offer housecalls, remote consultations, and site-specific pop-up events.

Maybe it began when acupuncture and herbal soaks helped me avert surgery for a dislocated elbow at age 11. Or maybe it all started long before, when my grandmother decided to teach us Chinese first, empowering us with the fluency to read classical texts like the one I chose for my doctoral capstone project decades later. (That project turned into a reference book, A Field Guide to the Huángdì Nèijīng Sùwèn, which was published by Singing Dragon Press in 2021. If you want a copy of my book you may purchase one here. I have limited copies left so please also contact me if you fill out this form.)

I gave birth on June 14, 2022. Having waited years to become a parent, I was lucky to carry my baby with me as I carry on with my career. I am trying to live in alignment with the seasons while parenting a toddler. You are more likely to find us out in nature and not on social media. She’s about to start Mandarin immersion preschool so I anticipate having more energy available for patients in 2025. I am so grateful that my patients are willing to share their appointments with the needs of my child, like people used to do.

As a native Californian, I believe in living as if life could go on forever, and also as if it could end at any moment with the next big earthquake. Seize the day, and cultivate wellness, both.

Shanyin Amy Chang, DAOM, LAc, CKTP
December 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a specialty?
No. Chinese medicine treats the person, not the disease. That said, I've worked on people with allergies, autoimmune disorders, cancer, common cold, diabetes, digestive problems, drug reactions, glaucoma, gynecological problems, high blood pressure, infections, insomnia, mental health issues, pain (acute, chronic and post-op), pregnancy & childbirth, sexual dysfunction, skin problems, smoking cessation, stroke, and tinnitus. I especially enjoy working with teachers, therapists, artists, caregivers, and the recently bereaved.

Do you make housecalls?
Yes, I do. Please text or email me your address and a brief explanation for why you want a housecall. I have experience with home hospice, homebirth/hospital labor support, corporate wellness, short/long-term disability, and elder care. I offer housecalls at a starting rate of $150 ($120/treatment, plus the housecall excursion fee: $30 per 15-minute commute to/from the location).

Do I have to make an appointment?
Yes, please. Same day appointments are often available if you text message me at (510)684-0694.

What modalities do you use?
Most frequently, a combination of acupuncture, kinesio-taping, far infrared heat lamp, and lifestyle suggestions. I also use contact needles, electro-acupuncture, fire cupping, herbs, lancet needling, moxibustion, and reflexology. If you have questions about these modalities, please email me.

What herbs do you use?
I prescribe Chinese herbs in patent and custom formulas. I use herbs, minerals, and animal products that are NOT endangered species. Vegan, organic, pesticide- and gluten-free options are available upon request. COVID-19 UPDATE: I offer local herb pickup/dropoff, and herb mailings at cost via USPS.

Do you charge by modality?
No. My in-person session fee is all inclusive. Herbs are $30 per bag or bottle. COVID-19 UPDATE: Remote consultations are available.

Do you offer discounts, trades, or payment plans?
Yes! I take the 'no one turned away for lack of funds' (notaflof) part of my private practice seriously. Every day I am in practice I reserve pay-what-you-can appointments for people who need discount, trade, or complimentary sessions. If you cannot pay the full fee, please ask me about these special slots when we are scheduling your appointment. UPDATE: I am currently full up on discount/trade patients, but please ask me about payment plans if you need one.

Do you take insurance?
As of February 1, 2021, I no longer accept insurance of any kind. I do support patients who wish to claim reimbursements from their insurance by providing receipts, but I am an out-of-network provider. For some reason Anthem Bluecross and Aetna still have me listed online as an in-network provider. I think they do not update their online directories. (They have not responded to repeated requests to be removed from their listings.)

Do you take worker's compensation cases, Medi-Cal or Medicare?
No. Sorry, I tried and couldn't figure out the paperwork.

What happens if I can't make it to my appointment?
Your appointment is reserved just for you. For cancellations (or if you are bringing/sending me someone else to see), please call, text, or email me 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. No shows and late cancellations will be charged $100, even if you booked a pay-what-you-can or complimentary appointment.

What kinds of payment do you accept?
Cash, check, and Venmo.