Slow Poke Acupuncture

I first saw Tara 3 years ago for issues related to my hormones and period (mood, skin problems + serious pain during menstruation). She's amazing. I felt really listened to during intake - she really cared to understand what was going on with my body. She put me on herbs and regular acupuncture. Her treatments helped reduce the symptoms I was experiencing more than anything else I've tried, including hormonal birth control. I have recommended Tara many, many times since I started going to her for acupuncture. She's the real deal.

Woohoo! Tara is a good as it gets! I started to see Tara after my doctor recommended I try acupuncture (before medication and/or surgery) for the osteoarthritis in my knees. I am a runner and was NOT running, I was even having a difficult time walking. After my first session, I still had pain but I noticed the range of motion from my knee dramatically increased (I couldn't bend or extend my leg fully before my first session). Something was happening so I continued to see Tara weekly. Slowly (hence Slow Poke) BUT SURELY, I became pain-free walking. So I started jogging and before you know it, I was back to running full speed! No medication, no surgery! After seeing Tara now for over a year, I've also had other health improvements ... increased energy during the day, no more frequent headaches, improved sleeping, and immunity improvements. I even went to her when suffering from a nasty sinus headache (which I already visited Urgent Care for) and the pain was relieved after a session with her. Tara is truly a healer. Her space is an acupuncture sanctuary with a record player, fun art, and a really awesome dog. BTW ... Tara is on a mission to provide acupuncture for those that cannot afford it (namely our homeless population). So supporting her business allows me to help others get care that they need. And after seeing how acupuncture improved the quality of my life ... shouldn't everyone get that kind of care?!

I've been seeing Tara for treatments at Slow Poke since shortly after she opened. I love her space -- it is well decorated and extremely comfortable. I feel like I've walked into a beach bungalow and found a great place to relax as soon as I walk in. Tara is a talented acupuncturist who is a pleasure to be treated by. She listens to my complaints and truly cares about making sure I find relief. Her needles are painless and very effective. I always walk out of there feeling much better. If you're looking for an affordable acupuncturist, who is down to earth and not going to be too woo woo Tara is the person for you. She listens, she cares, she knows what she's doing, and she makes you feel better. Plus, her little dog is super cute! I love going to Slow Poke.

Started going to slow poke for tension/ allergy issues. Came in sore, sneezy and with a limited range of motion in my arm and hand. The time was taken to fully understand my heath issues and asses me in the proper manner. After just one session I had relief. With continued care each week my allergies subsided and arm/ muscle tension almost non existent. The space is cozy and private. And feel so wonderful every time leaving this office. As an added bonus slow poke is well versed in herbal medicine and gasha. If you've Never tied this please inquire. It's a wonderful treatment.

Listen up. Tara is by far, hands down, no doubt about it, the BEST acupuncturist you can find this side of the Rio Grande. She makes everything hurt less, calms the soul and rejuvenates the spirit with lavender eye pillows and old school vinyl tunes. Tara is a problem solver. She takes great care in listening to her patients' issues and figuring out the right ways of correcting them through various eastern medicine techniques. I'm going to try guasha next. 2017 is all about self care. This is one of those things you just have to treat yoself to. Why settle for feeling crappy? Oh, and you'll get to see the cutest damn pupperino, Franco, when you go. Tell Tara I sent you.

I love going to Slow Poke and I look forward to it every week. I had the opportunity to start going to Tara for acupuncture even though I didn't have any pain or symptoms necessarily... I have friends who had raved about acupuncture as one of the most important parts of their regular health/self-care practice, so I was interested to see more about that aspect of the treatment. I have a fairly high pressure job and I find that while I like it, I get kind of wound up... This stressed/tired kind of combo that doesn't feel great. Getting treatments at Slow Poke feels deeply relaxing and like I actually unwind at a deep level. After starting to go weekly I noticed what I can only really describe as feeling like my energy flows more freely. In turn I also feel like I breathe more deeply, which is obviously a good thing :) Now, if I ever don't go for a weekly session I really miss it! So I get what my friends were talking about who are really into acupuncture. With Slow Poke in particular too, it's much less expensive than other places (and more and more insurances cover acupuncture now too), Tara is so great, and she's on a mission to make acupuncture accessible. The space is lovely, low key and relaxing, and it's right in the Mission. I love it!

I started seeing Tara for back pain a few months ago, and I am so happy with the results I am seeing. I thought I was only going to see Tara for my back but she has treated so much more. From itchy bug bites, to a head cold, to anxiety each appointment is tailored to my needs. I highly recommend Slow Poke!

Tara is a gifted healer! I was looking for an acupuncturist and asked two people for referrals. They both recommended Tara and Slow Poke! I had a host of issues but most pressing was my allergies. I had really bad rashes on my arms and legs. After one session, they were about 75% clear and after two they were gone. Tara is incredibly knowledgeable. I felt very relaxed and comfortable in the space and in good hands with Tara. I am now going to see Tara twice a week to work on my sleep, digestion, energy levels, mood and much more.

I've been seeing Tara for the past month for hip pain. She's been able to reduce my pain significantly in just 3 sessions. She's super friendly and easy to work with. Her website makes signing up for sessions super easy and she has an easy online form where she will check your insurance to see your acupuncture coverage. I highly recommend Tara.

Tara at Slow Poke provides top-notch care for my general wellness, including allergy, immune, and fertility support. Her approach is accessible and friendly, and the environment is well-conceived with amazing music and comfy beds. Tara is able to interpret my own ideas about my health and give adaptable and responsive treatment with acupuncture, guasha, herbs, and cupping. I am so grateful for this space and Tara's care as an integral part of my health regimen!

I cannot say enough good things about Slow Poke and Tara. I was an acupuncture newbie, but decided to give it a try while recovering from a wrist injury. I had long-term anxiety and stomach issues, so it seemed the deck was stacking up and this was worth a shot. I had *incredible* results, and was even able to come off of some medication because of it. Tara took the time to ask really thoughtful questions and understand my symptoms and to explain to me what the treatment course would look like - including expectations for relief, what I could be doing between sessions and more. She helped me build a really healthy self-care routine and was patient, warm and made me feel like I could be really honest about where I was and where I wanted to be. And even better, she does a 1:1 program where she treats someone who can't afford acupuncture, including men and women from SF's homeless population, for every sessions you go to. On top of that, her services are *incredibly* affordable compared to many who overcharge in SF because she wants people to come back again and again. She really believes in what she's doing - and for good reason because it works! I'm moving from SF to DC and am SO sad to be leaving her care. BUT instead of Tara just ending my treatment, she already located a new acupuncturist for me in DC - and since I'll be going back to school, she found one that's affordable for my student budget. I highly, highly recommend Slow Poke and will continue to do so even as I move away!

I came to Tara to treat anxiety at the recommendation of my therapist. Tara is the BEST. She worked with me to create a custom plan for recovery and explains how it all works knowledgeably and willingly. I've been going to her for about three months and my anxiety (and a bunch of other things, like skin stuff) is much, much better. I felt better after one session, and the anxiety continues to abate. You can tell she really cares about the people she's fixing. Don't forget to say hi to Franco, her adorable, friendly pup!