Gentle care, real impact
Just a few needles in the right spot — that’s really all it takes.
- You deserve care that feels kind and effective
- Focus on sustainable changes
- I speak both "medical" and "human"
Puzzle Acupuncture
Gentle care that actually works. That’s our whole approach.
Women Owned
LGBTQ+
Neurodivergent-friendly
Gentle care, real impact.
Fewer needles, greater relaxation
Specializing in "difficult" cases
10+ yrs collab w/ neurologists & OB/GYNs at Beijing's #1 private hospital
Patients from 46 countriesCruise line Acupuncturist in Europe and Caribbean
Experience
My journey spans from Ohio to Taiwan, Mediterranean cruise ships, San Diego, China's #1 private hospital, and now San Francisco.
- Ph.D. from world's #1 TCM University - Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
- 17 yrs of experiences, worked in Unitied Family Hospital & collb with Mayo Clinic
- Work closely with pediatrics, orthopedics, neurologiest, and psychologiest
Expertise
Comprehensive maternal health support developed through years of specialized practice, representing my primary clinical focus.
- Immediate pain relief with Cheek Acupuncture & Fu Needles
- Breastfeeding support: lactation insufficiency and mastitis treatment
- Cross-departmental clinical integration
- Comprehensive postpartum care program with 80% adult and 20% pediatric
Areas of Specialty
Sleep & Insomnia
10+ yrs of cross-departmental training with psychology + neurology. Sorted by which part of the night fails before it is treated, the way a Chinese hospital sleep clinic does it.
- Can't fall asleep, a mind that will not switch off
- Waking at 2 or 3 am, or waking early and staying awake
- Sleeping through and waking unrefreshed, the kind the tracker misses
Nerve Injury & Rehabilitaion
Proven outcomes in cases deemed "permanent" by conventional medicine.
- Acute or chronic sports injuries for athletes
- Complex neurological disorders, stroke, Bell's palsy, limb numbness & tingling
- Post-surgical nerve damage, cancer-related pain, and chronic abdominal pain syndromes
Migraine
10+ yrs of cross-departmental training with OB/GYN + psychology. Treat the neurological basis of chronic pain and stress-related illness.
- Headache, chronic migraine
- Hormonal imbalances affecting mood and energy
Digestion & Gut
Autonomic nervous system balance and gut motility restoration.
- Bloating & abdominal distension
- Allergy management and immune system support
- Digestive issues and gastrointestinal health
Prenatal & Postpartum
10 years of specialized maternal hospital experience.
- Physical recovery: constipation, urinary retention, and pelvic health
- Hormonal rebalancing, pelvic floorrehabilitation, and psychological resilience support
- Postpartum depression and emotional wellness support
Fertility & Periods
Period pain and irregular cycles sorted by the week of the cycle, fertility by the cycle itself, the way a Chinese gynaecology department sorts them.
- Cramps, clots, a cycle that is early, late or missing
- PCOS, and support through an IVF cycle
- Perimenopause: sleep, sweats and mood
Pediatrics
From 6 months, the way a Beijing pediatric department does it: tuina and spinal pinching first, ear seeds and herbs alongside, and the strokes taught to the parent.
- Poor appetite, loose stools, constipation
- Colds, lingering cough, allergic rhinitis
- Sleep, eczema, tics, a baby's stiff neck
Trusted by 600+ patients worldwide
Recent podcast episodes
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Why Doctors Don’t Ask for Help: A Psychiatrist’s Own Burnout Story
A psychiatrist and a Chinese medicine doctor talk about why physicians stay quiet when they are not okay.
-
You Can’t Force Sleep: A Sleep Psychiatrist x TCM Doctor on Insomnia
Why sleep gets harder when you chase it, and what helps the body finally feel safe enough to rest.
-
Longevity Lab: Why Your Wearable Isn’t Making You Healthier
Three doctors challenge the score on your wrist and the business of longevity in San Francisco.
Modern techniques under master practitioners
Dr Deb brings modern pain techniques into a practice grounded in traditional Chinese medicine.
Cheek acupuncture
- Faster pain relief than a painkiller in one clinical trial
- Less invasive, with a shallow needling technique
- Used by anesthesiologists around surgery to help moderate heart rate and blood pressure
FSN needling
- Releases a larger area of pain and tension
- Collaborative care, like physical therapy during acupuncture
- Rapid pain relief
- Increases range of motion
Traditional acupuncture
Dr Deb studied with Professor Li Feng at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. He is the Party Secretary of its School of Chinese Medicine and holds national leadership roles in Chinese internal medicine, respiratory medicine and rehabilitation.
Puzzle Blog
Physician Burnout: Why Doctors Don't Ask for Help
TCM • 7 min
You Can't Force Sleep
TCM • 7 min
How to Fix Holiday Overeating and Bloating: TCM Food Timing and 3 Acupressure Points
TCM • 7 min
Acupuncture for ADHD in San Francisco: Rebuilding the Brake Your Meds Never Touch
TCM • 8 min
A Chinese Medicine Take on Longevity: Why Your Sleep Score Doesn't Match How You Feel
TCM • 8 min
When the Game World Is the Only Safe Place: A Chinese Medicine Lens on Gaming + Confidence
TCM • 11 min
From Dr Deb
Insight from the modern TCM doctor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing. The needles are hair-thin, and insertion is typically painless. You might feel a slight sensation, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
How many treatments will I need?
Every puzzle is unique. Some patients see improvement after one session, while others benefit from a series. I'll create a realistic treatment plan based on your specific condition and goals.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance. However, I can provide you with a “super bill” that has all the correct codes, which you may be able to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement depending on your policy. Please call your insurance provider to see if you have out-of-network coverage for acupuncture.
Can I continue my other treatments and medications?
Absolutely. I work collaboratively with your existing healthcare team and will never ask you to stop treatments prescribed by other providers.
Do you treat children?
Yes! I specialize in pediatric care for children 6 months and older, with gentle, child-centered approaches developed through years of specialized practice.