Business Details
5 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture & Wellness Center in Pacifica, CA
Protea Acupuncture is a holistic wellness practice dedicated to integrating Eastern and Western therapeutic traditions to help individuals achieve optimal health. Founded by Heather Bedient, a Nationally-Certified and California Licensed Acupuncturist with over 20 years of experience, the practice combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork, and nutritional counseling to address both chronic and acute conditions. Heather's expertise is rooted in advanced training from institutions like the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and California Pacific Medical Center, complemented by her personal commitment to holistic health as a lifelong athlete, yogi, and ocean swimmer.The practice emphasizes personalized care, utilizing techniques such as Five Element Acupuncture, cupping, and therapeutic exercises to restore balance and vitality. With a focus on systemic healing and patient education, Protea Acupuncture empowers clients to overcome pain, stress, and lifestyle-related challenges through natural, evidence-based methods.
Services
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Nutritional Counseling
Cupping
Gua Sha
Microneedling
Tui Na Massage
Shiatsu
Pre/Postnatal Care
Details
- Year established: 2021
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in holistic health and acupuncture.
- Our treatments combine Eastern and Western therapeutic traditions for comprehensive care.
- Personalized treatment plans address root causes of pain and imbalance.
- Conveniently serve Pacifica, San Francisco, and surrounding Bay Area cities.
- Nationwide certification and state licensing ensure clinical expertise.
Associations and certifications
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- California Acupuncture Board
What people say
Amazing knowledge
Stress just dropped
Incredible energy
Comprehensive experience
True healer
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates the body's innate healing by unblocking Qi energy through sterilized needles. This ancient practice restores balance to meridians, alleviating pain, stress, and chronic conditions while enhancing overall wellness through systemic regulation of bodily functions.
Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulas target individual imbalances, combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern diagnostics. These safe, effective treatments address digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals, accelerating recovery when paired with acupuncture.
Nutritional Counseling
Certified nutritional therapy identifies dietary root causes of health issues. This service integrates Chinese medicine principles with functional nutrition to optimize digestion, energy levels, and metabolic health through personalized meal plans and supplement guidance.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping improves circulation and relieves muscle tension by creating suction on the skin. This therapy reduces inflammation, eases chronic pain, and promotes detoxification, often used for athletes and patients with musculoskeletal conditions like back pain or arthritis.
Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates collagen production through controlled micro-injuries. This treatment improves skin texture, reduces scars and wrinkles, and enhances radiance, requiring 4-6 sessions for visible results in addressing acne scars, stretch marks, and aging signs.
People
Heather Bedient
Acupuncturist & Owner
Heather Bedient is a Nationally-Certified Acupuncturist with 20+ years of holistic health experience. She holds a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and specializes in integrating Eastern and Western therapies for pain management, women's health, and emotional wellness.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat chronic pain, stress, insomnia, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and emotional conditions using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept PPO insurance plans with acupuncture coverage and process claims for Cigna and other out-of-network providers. Contact us for verification.
How often should I schedule treatments?
Most patients attend 1-3 sessions weekly, with 6-10 visits typically resolving chronic issues. Frequency decreases as wellness improves.
What payment methods are available?
We accept cash, check, credit cards, and flexible spending accounts (FSA/HSA). Discount packages are available for uninsured patients.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Initial visits last 75-90 minutes, including health history review, physical exam, and treatment. Bring medical records and wear comfortable clothing.
Are services available for pregnant women?
Yes, we offer pre/postnatal bodywork to address pregnancy discomforts and support maternal wellness through safe, specialized techniques.
Reviews (3)
Ruth Rosenwald
Sep 24, 2020
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I went to a few different doctors for an issue with my hand and they all suggested surgery. Before going down that path, someone recommended Acupuncture - which is not something I have ever done before or considered. I am beyond amazed at the work that Heather has done. My hand is almost back to normal and I truly believe this was the wonderful work of Acupuncture and Heather. She really works wonderfully with her clients, in a very calm and clean environment - I would highly recommend her!
Maggie Sisti
Sep 15, 2020
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Beautiful space to visit and be treated by a compassionate, insightful, talented acupuncturist. Heather has created a zen space for healing in Pacifica, nestled within the local community, with plenty of parking and refreshing smells of the ocean breeze. I love taking a short (one block) walk to the beachside boardwalk before or after getting a treatment. Heathers compassion and versatile skills, especially in 5-Element acupuncture, easily convinced me of the amazing results of this type of treatment for emotional and physical ailments.
Patsy Creedy
Aug 01, 2020
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I have been going to Heather for years. I was so happy to see her at her new office in Pacifica. It is a beautiful space and so welcoming. There is ample parking and a naughty bakery near by.
