Dr. Emma Marie Chiang, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)®

Dr. Chiang is a Nationally Board and State-Certified Acupuncturist licensed by the California Acupuncture Board of Medicine. Dr. Chiang received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at CIIS in San Francisco, CA in 2023.

Education:

  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) | 2023

  • Masters of Science Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at CIIS | 2023

  • B.A. Photojournalism and Minor in Holistic Health from San Francisco State University, CA | 2016

Specialized Training: Integrative Chinese Medicine Pediatrics (Children & Teens) - Dr. Robyn Adcock, DACM, L.Ac., MS, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in October 2022

Clinical training at ACTCM with mentor Dr. DaGang Wang

Graduation day at The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) at CIIS.

My Story

Dr. Emma Marie Chiang, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl. OM (NCCAOM)® is the founder and owner of Leaves of Healing Acupuncture & Holistic Medicine Corporation. She provides integrative, empathetic care that treats the whole body using the ancient diagnostic methods of Traditional East Asian Medicine. Dr. Chiang was drawn to Eastern Medicine because it treats the whole person rather than viewing the body as a compartmentalized isolated system. She focuses on the mind-body-spirit connection when treating patients with chronic and acute pain, stress, burnout, trauma, sleep problems, and digestive disorders, among others. 

Dr. Chiang earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at CIIS in 2023 and completed over 3,200 hours in didactic and clinical training at ACTCM Community Clinic and externships at California Pacific Medical Center’s Davies Hospital in the Stroke and Rehabilitation Center, GLIDE Memorial Foundation, and the The San Francisco Sheriff’s Department’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC), where she provided care to underserved communities. Through this training, she has witnessed how Eastern Medicine helps improve physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Dr. Chiang is a member of the California State Oriental Medicine Association (CSOMA) and attends continuing education programs annually to enhance her skills and knowledge and stay informed about medical issues and trends from both Western (or allopathic) and Eastern perspectives.

As a general practitioner, Dr. Chiang incorporates a variety of healing modalities—such as acupuncture, acupressure, auricular and scalp acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, customized Chinese herbal formulas, sound therapy, massage, shiatsu, cupping, Gua Sha, moxibustion, microcurrent therapy, aromatherapy, Qi Gong, mindfulness, guided visualization, and breathing meditation—tailoring each treatment to the individual's needs. She works collaboratively with patients to help them achieve optimal health by unlocking their innate healing ability.

Before entering the world of Chinese medicine, Dr. Chiang built a career in storytelling and photojournalism, honing the art of inquiry and active listening. Her experience in journalistic storytelling gave her deep insight into how past traumas shape personal identities and influence physical health, often triggering a cascade of chronic conditions and comorbidities. Now, as a Doctor of East Asian Medicine, she integrates empathetic listening with her medical expertise to help patients reframe their personal narratives into pathways for healing.

Dr. Chiang specializes in custom herbal formulas and believes that the synergy of herbal medicine and acupuncture produces the most effective healing outcomes. She is deeply passionate about making Eastern medicine accessible to all, regardless of their stage in life or health challenges, and has devoted her life to creating a lasting impact through education and healing generations. 

At 9 years old, Dr. Chiang had a transformative experience with Traditional Chinese Medicine when she began receiving acupuncture treatments from her now-mentor, Dr. Jill Sweringen, during puberty—a critical stage in her body’s development. These treatments not only alleviated her symptoms and balanced her hormones but also left an enduring impression, introducing her to the profound healing power of East Asian medicine.

Dr. Chiang truly believes Eastern medicine can help everyone, no matter where they are in life, and considers it an honor to make a difference in someone’s health, instilling lifelong change for the better. 

Story behind the name “Leaves of Healing”

Leaves of Healing Acupuncture and Holistic Medicine is inspired by Ezekiel 47:1-12 where fruit trees of all kinds are planted on both sides of the river nourished by the water that flows from the holy place, its fruit will be for food and its leaves for healing….healing of all people and nations.

Leaves that do not wither and give healing are one of the ways the Old and New Testament scriptures describe God’s restorative hope for all people. Before the first coming of Jesus, the holy temple represented the presence of God. In Ezekiel chapters 46–47, a river flows out eastward from the presence of the Lord. “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will trees be unfruitful. They will bear fruit every month because the water from the holy place flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing” (Ezek. 47:12).

  • Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a "rest and digest" state that enhances the body’s natural healing processes. Increasing blood flow and stimulating endorphin release effectively reduces pain and regulates various bodily functions.

    Additionally, acupuncture supports the hypothalamus and limbic system, strengthening their role in maintaining homeostasis, regulating hormone production, sexual arousal, and processing emotions, memory, and motivation.

  • Your first treatment session is a 90-minute appointment that includes a thorough review of your health history, treatment goals, and time for questions. Following this consultation, you will receive an acupuncture treatment and may opt for a customized herbal formula consultation and herbs for purchase.

    Acupuncture is the main modality used during treatments. Very thin needles are inserted into strategically selected areas known as “acupuncture points” on the body and either left in place or gently manipulated to elicit a sensation within the muscle. These points are chosen based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, which involve assessing your health, pulse, and tongue to identify imbalances in the body’s energy pathways, called meridians. Acupuncture points are chosen based on traditional Chinese medical theory, which uses a combination of diagnostic techniques such as a detailed health intake, physical assessment, palpation, and examining the pulse and tongue, to determine which of the body’s energetic channels (or “meridians”) are experiencing a disharmony.

    You may feel a slight sensation when the needles are inserted, sometimes a mild ache, or a pleasant feeling of “tingling” or “buzzing”. I will ask for feedback and communicate clearing with you throughout the session. Once the needles are placed, you will relax quietly for 20–30 minutes. During this time, you might feel tingling, warmth, heaviness, or no sensation at all—any response is normal and can vary between treatments. 

    Additional techniques, such as cupping, Gua Sha, or massage may also be included.

    During your first appointment, we’ll create a treatment plan to determine the frequency of follow-up sessions, which may vary per person. Consistent treatments, typically weekly or bi-monthly, are often needed for lasting progress, as one session may not fully resolve the issue.

    Returning client sessions are 60 minutes and include a brief check-in, followed by acupuncture and any additional treatments like cupping, Gua Sha, or massage if needed.

  • Wear comfortable clothing. A sheet will be provided for draping as needed during treatment.

  • Leaves of Healing accepts cash, check, Zelle, and multiple contactless payment options, including all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover).

    An invoice and receipt will be sent via the CharmHER portal. We can provide a superbill if you have out-of-network coverage, and discounts are available for educators, service workers, and seniors aged 62+. Please email us for more details.

  • Currently, we do not accept insurance. However, we accept HSA and FSA cards, and we can provide a superbill for those with out-of-network coverage. For information about discounts for educators, service workers, and seniors aged 62+, please email us.

  • If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment or do not show up without prior notice, an 80% treatment session fee will be charged.

  • The recommended number and frequency of sessions vary based on your diagnosis, health goals, and desired outcomes. An individualized treatment plan will be created during your first visit and may be adjusted as needed.

  • If you are curious about how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help you reach your health goals, you are welcome to schedule a free, complimentary video/phone Discover Consultation (approximately 15 minutes), click on the booking link above.

    After you will be invited to create an online profile through the CharmHER patient portal where you will be given a Welcome Letter and New Patient forms to read and sign.