Traditional Chinese Medicine · San Diego
Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Diego, in a modern medical clinic
Our Doctors of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are part of our medical team, alongside our Naturopathic Doctors and other Licensed Providers. We pair tongue and pulse assessment and Acupuncture with lab testing and a written plan, so your care is traditional and measured at once.
Every plan is built around you. There is no set program, and your treatment changes as you do.
- Doctors of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
- In-house Chinese herbal pharmacy
- Labs and Chinese medicine in one plan
- HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds accepted
- Care
- Acupuncture, Fire Cupping, herbal formulas, Qi Gong, Chi Nei Tsang
- Led by
- Doctors of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
- Herbs
- In-house pharmacy: granules, tinctures or capsules
- Plus
- Labs, Naturopathic Doctors and a written plan
- Where
- 2555 State St, San Diego
New patients
Start with one visit
We listen to what is happening and what would help most. Choose the first appointment alone, or add a full consultation.
Medical first appointment
First appointment
- Your first medical appointment
- What is happening, what you need, and a first plan
- HSA, FSA and LSA welcome
Medical appointment + consultation
First appointment + consultation
- Your first medical appointment
- A full consultation, a $300 value, included
- Time to ask questions and plan your care
New patients. Through November 26, 2026. Labs and prescriptions are priced separately. HSA, FSA and LSA welcome. We are direct pay and do not bill insurance; superbills are available on request.
After your first visit
Book visits as you need them with medical credits, or save with a monthly plan. See monthly plans
Not sure where to start?
Talk it through on a free discovery call first. Book a discovery call
Why people come to us
Time-tested medicine for what you feel today
You do not need a diagnosis to start. These are the reasons people most often come to see us.
Headaches and migraines
Treatment tailored to your pattern, with a plan to keep it going.
Acupuncture →How care works
Traditional and thorough
A thorough intake
You complete an online intake, and our team reviews it before you arrive.
Tongue and pulse
Your Doctor listens to your story, then reads your tongue and pulse to see the pattern behind your symptoms.
Treatment
Acupuncture, Fire Cupping, Gua Sha or bodywork, chosen for how you feel that day.
A plan to take home
Home recommendations, a protocol and, when it fits, an herbal formula filled in our pharmacy.
Herbal medicine
Your herbal formula, filled in house
Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed by your Doctor and filled in our herbal pharmacy after Acupuncture sessions or a Botanical Medicine consult. Formulas come as granules, tinctures or capsules, and the Doctor sets how long you take them. Herbal formulas cost extra.
- Prescribed for your pattern, not off a shelf
- Granules, tinctures or capsules
- Refills every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the formula
- Sick members can call for a 15-minute phone consult with the Doctor and herbalist
Care that works together
Services that work together
Your plan uses only what fits you. These are the services most often combined.
Medical credit
Acupuncture
Fine needles, Gua Sha and gentle bodywork from a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Acupuncture →Non-medical
Fire Cupping
Warming cupping along the back and shoulders to ease tension and move stagnation.
Fire Cupping →Medical team
Botanical Medicine
A consult for your herbal prescription, filled in our in-house pharmacy.
Naturopathic Medicine →Non-medical
Movement Therapy
Private, one-on-one Qi Gong and Tai Chi to build breath, balance and calm.
Movement Therapy →Medical credit
Nutritional Therapy
Food as medicine, tailored to your constitution and your labs.
Nutritional Therapy →Medical team
Integrative Medicine
A Doctor-led review of your whole picture, with labs and a written plan.
Integrative Medicine →Your care team
The people beside you
Your care team works together under one roof, overseen by our Medical Director.
DACM
Dr. Scott McFarlane
Director of Clinical Excellence, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Read bio →
DACM
Dr. Kolin Durrant
Integrative Care Director, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Read bio →Book online
Book your first appointment
New patients, use the offer cards above. Already have a medical credit? Pick a service and a time below. To book a session for a family member, or to ask about home visits, call our Concierge at (619) 933-2340.
New to Saffron & Sage? Start with your first appointment for $250, normally $300.
Book nowLocation
Traditional Chinese Medicine near Little Italy, San Diego
Saffron & Sage is in Mission Hills, just north of Little Italy, a short drive from Downtown, Bankers Hill, Point Loma and North Park. The entrance is on West Maple Street.
Hours: Monday and Thursday 8am to 2pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8am to 8pm.
Questions
Traditional Chinese Medicine FAQs
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a medical system that includes Acupuncture, herbal medicine, Fire Cupping, Gua Sha, bodywork, movement and nutrition. It looks at patterns across your whole body, not one symptom at a time.
Do you use modern testing as well?
Yes. Our Doctors of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are part of our medical team, alongside our Naturopathic Doctors and other Licensed Providers. When labs help, we order them and bring the results into your plan.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel little. Needles are very fine, and many people feel relaxed during treatment. If you prefer, we can use needle-free options such as Gua Sha or Fire Cupping.
What happens at a first visit?
You complete an online intake, then your Doctor reviews your history, reads your tongue and pulse, and treats you. You leave with home recommendations, and an herbal formula when it fits.
How do herbal formulas work, and what do they cost?
Your Doctor prescribes a formula for your pattern, and we fill it in our in-house pharmacy as granules, tinctures or capsules. Herbal formulas cost extra, and the Doctor sets how long you take each one. Refills run every 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I use TCM with my other care?
Yes. We coordinate with your other providers, with your permission, and we tell you if a treatment is not right for you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you are working on and how long you have had it. Your Doctor will suggest a plan after your first visit and adjust it as you progress.
What does it cost?
New patients can start with a first appointment for $250 (normally $300), or $300 with a full consultation. A discovery call is free. Labs and herbal formulas are priced separately.
Do you take insurance, and can I use HSA or FSA funds?
We are a direct-pay practice and do not bill insurance. Superbills are available on request, and we accept HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds. Your plan administrator decides which services are eligible, so please check with your plan.
Where are you located?
2555 State Street, Suite 101, San Diego, with the entrance on West Maple Street, just north of Little Italy.
Ready when you are
Start with one visit
Tell us what is going on. We will suggest a first step, or tell you honestly if something else should come first.
The content on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Results vary from person to person. We accept HSA, FSA, HRA and LSA funds. Your plan administrator decides which services are eligible, so please check with your plan. All medical services are provided by Kasawa Medical APC dba Saffron & Sage MD.
