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Nancy Rakela Acupuncture Nancy Rakela, OMD, LAc. has over 30 years of experience in Berkeley, California treating chronic and short term conditions naturally and safely with Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was awarded Best Acupuncturist in the East Bay by the Oakland Tribune and has helped thousands of patients achieve optimal health and become pain free. The Berkeley Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Clinic was established by acupuncturist, Nancy Rakela, OMD, LAc. in Berkeley in 1985. Our clinic was the one of the first alternative health clinics in West Berkeley.
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The Berkeley Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Clinic was established by acupuncturist, Nancy Rakela, OMD, LAc. in Berkeley in 1985. Our clinic was the one of the first alternative health clinics in West Berkeley. Acupuncture helps to regulate hormones, ovulation, cycles and a graceful transition to menopause.
Dr. Rakela describes the scientific explanation and the classic Chinese explanation of why acupuncture is effect at relieving pain. Acupuncture during pregnancy can help prevent miscarriage, relieve nausea, treat pain, and turn breech babies.
Women have many hormonal fluctuations in their bodies from puberty, through their fertile years, and again during menopause. Acupuncture and TCM can restore and balance the female reproductive system at all stages of life. Acupuncture has a positive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the control center for all hormonal activity.
Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of endorphins. These natural pain killers block pain sensation and reduce nerve inflammation without the harmful side effects of opiate drugs. Endorphins also produce a sense of well-being which can help to reduce stress. Acupuncture helps microcirculation, inside and outside the cells, allowing for a healthier cellular state to exist.
Reviews (20)
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Ratigon L.
Jan 22, 2022
This is overdue, but I went to Dr. Rakela several years ago while ttc (prior pandemic). She was very knowledgeable and thorough with her assessment. I appreciated that she told me what she was doing and looking for during our sessions. I did about 4 months or so with her, initially doing twice a week and then once things looked better, once weekly sessions.

She had anticipated somewhere 4 months and right on schedule we had baby dust. She knew right away when she checked my pulse, without me evening announcing it! This was after 1-2 years of trying, and the fertility specialist docs pushing for IVF. We had planned on IVF at the 4 month mark but did not have to thanks to Dr. Rakela's amazing acupuncture skills!

We ended up coming back when trying for number 2 and we had good news right away. Her office is very calming and peaceful. I literally had the BEST NAP EVER with her acupuncture sessions. It's probably the only good sleep I had in years. The level of background music is just about right and the place is very tidy. She did acupuncture points to help me relax and destress, and I've been wanting to come back just for that :)
Nancy O.
Aug 01, 2019
I love going to see Nancy at her beautiful office. The aesthetics of the office are very tasteful and her acupuncture treatment leaves me feeling very peaceful and refreshed. Her treatment has helped me with reducing my pain which is mostly inflammatory and also due to spinal issues.
Vennessa H.
Oct 31, 2018
Nancy has been a huge support in my pain management related to endometriosis. It has been a long journey and I'm not sure what I would do without her. I am so thankful my primary care doctor referred me to her. As an extra bonus her office is so comfortable and peaceful, her office staff is so helpful and welcoming, and I can always trust they are detailed and follow thru with all of the insurance details.
Lana T.
Aug 24, 2018
Nancy is the best acupuncturist. She is well-versed in pressure points, and can make stuffy noses and aches disappear. She also specializes in fertility acupuncture. I went to her for three months before trying, along with consulting with a reproductive specialist as part of a regimen to improve my overall health before trying. I am not sure how much the acupuncture helped, but I did get pregnant at 44 after the three months as Nancy recommended.

It also helps that her office has the most relaxing and calm environment, I really enjoyed my sessions with her. She is also reasonable compared to some of the other fertility acupuncture practices that I looked at.
Sandy J.
Jul 31, 2017
Shhhhhhh. Don't tell anyone. Yelp wants me to say more, but I'd rather not. You can see how many stars I give it, and what those stars mean. Telling people about the good stuff might.you know. I don't know, maybe I should just delete this review.
Martina G.
Mar 11, 2017
Tried getting pregnant for 8 months (I'm over 35 so that puts me in the infertile category). Saw Nancy 1/ week for 3 weeks and ended up pregnant, amazing.
C. A. I.
Feb 22, 2017
Nancy has been an amazing resource on my road to motherhood. I'll be in the 40+ crowd when this baby comes. She helped me get pregnant on one try with SET IVF. She helped me again when I had some spotting in the first trimester. Now she's helping me with second trimester edmea. And I fully intend to use her help to maximize my easiest labor, when we get closer to my due date. She has been a gift.
Tim G.
Sep 07, 2016
I can't decide if she's a magician or a miracle worker or both, but Nancy is something of fairy tales. She cured my lactose intolerance in one treatment. Also helped with chronic headaches, hip arthritis, stomach pain, stress, sleep. She also has a great knowledge of supplements. And I love the design of her rooms. I could just sit in there all day; the paint color and natural light are very calming and welcoming.
Dinah C.
May 25, 2016
I've been going to her every two weeks for a little over a year. After a some bumps in the road trying to conceive, a friend recommended her as an expert in fertility acupuncture. I thought I would give it a try as acupuncture has really helped in the past with healing some chronic issues. After just one session with Nancy, I was pregnant. Unfortunately, I had a very difficult miscarriage and though I was looking at a d&c, she was able to help me avoid this unwanted process.

Once I started TTC again, it only took a few cycles. I'm not sure if it's connected to acupuncture but this pregnancy has been amazing. No nausea or aversions to anything, plenty of energy to keep up my routine, get plenty exercise, travel out of town frequently for work, and most importantly, sleep well! Nancy is pure magic! She's also helpful in guiding your diet and general health throughout pregnancy.
Diane H.
May 01, 2015
Nancy is awesome! I used her to help conceive. I got pregnant at the age of 42 and again at the age of 44. I had never used acupuncture before, I am not sure if or how it works but I figure it probably helped! Nancy is really attentive and takes a lot of time with each patient. I would highly recommend her.
Cindy C.
Sep 12, 2014
I have been going to Nancy Rakela once a month for about 3 years. I cannot say enough positive things about the overall experience in her office and about the quality of care. I started going to her for facial rejuvenation acupuncture, which helps stimulate collagen. The results have been amazing, but then whatever ailment I was having at the time, I would look to her to fix it, from neck problems to digestive issues. She has been extremely solicitous and kind, in addition to helping to alleviate whatever issues I have. I would highly recommend her.
Richard S.
Sep 04, 2014
I must admit that I had never considered acupuncture before being referred to Nancy for help in treating a lingering back injury. Years later, after receiving dozens of treatments from Nancy to treat a variety of neck and back issues related to working a desk job and my cycling addiction - I am a true believer. Whenever I make an appointment, I tell my wife I'm going to see 'my healer'. It is always such a positive experience and I always feel remarkably w-e-l-l after every treatment. I can't recommend her highly enough. With respect, Rich
Scott P.
Jan 31, 2014
Nancy is awesome! New to accupuncture but works sooo well! I'm a C-7 Quadriplegic w a compression fracture at the L-4 vertabrae causing severe tightness and pain in that area. Immediatley after beginning treatments the pain and muscles started to relax and get much better! Also as a wheelchair user Nancy's place is completely accessible. Great experience recommend highly.
Betty M.
Jan 22, 2014
I've only been to Nancy twice, and both times I got pregnant the next month! I had never done acupuncture before, so I was very impressed. The first time I had been trying about 9 months and the second time, only 6 months but was eager to amp up our efforts. Otherwise, her office is very relaxing and parking on the street is a breeze. I would definitely recommend her to others looking for fertility services.
Amber T.
Jun 26, 2011
I've been going to Nancy Rekela's office for almost 5 years now. I have never had a bad experience. Every visit is calm, relaxing, healing experience. She is supportive, empathetic and compassionate and more than anything she is focused on healing and addressing your symptoms rather than names and labels. I can go in with chronic pain and a migraine and leave without! She's amazing!
D. C.
May 31, 2011
SUPERB! I would highly recommend Nancy anytime, anywhere! After reading the reviews here and the Google intake, we sought her services for fertility. I can think of no better kudos than to say that we conceived with the first round of acupuncture! (Not at all to say that this is the norm for everyone, but I know it was astounding for us, especially after almost 10 years of infertility issues) She's personable, extremely knowledgeable and so comfortable with who she is and that in turn translates to amazing service. The office is impeccable and the front desk assistants are TOP NOTCH! I continue to be an oh-so-happy client! YAY!
Nisey E.
May 28, 2011
Since I was in an auto accident, I pursued chiropractic treatment which was helpful. The only thing was that my female hormonal system had shutdown rather suddenly from the shock of the accident even though it was like clockwork otherwise. Nancy Rakela brought it back in what? 3 treatments. She's an amazing acupuncturist specializing in fertility. The work has also helped other pain symptoms around my pelvis. Am I ever grateful to her for bringing this back to me. Sending my deepest appreciation to her for this.
Lola M.
Dec 27, 2010
I was a patient of Dr;. Nancy Rakela's for 6 months when I was 43 and trying to get pregnant for the second time. Doctors all told me it would be impossible at my age, but with Dr. Rakela's acupuncture, herbs and my commitment, it happened! I now have a healthy 15 month old girl and I am certain this would not have happened without the wisedom of this treatment.

She is very knowledgeable in wester and eastern medicine, respectful and provides a serene atmosphere. Prices reasonable too. I came back to Dr. Rakela recently to address an abnormal cycle, which I trust will be back in step soon with her touch. BTW, this was my first experience with acupuncture!
Rebecca S.
Aug 06, 2010
I've been working with Nancy for a number of months now and my skin has improved and my cycle has come back. She has recommended diet improvements and we've been doing acupuncture and NAET. Hard to know what works b/c with health their is no 'control'; but things have definitely improved. The experience at her space is still exceptional.

And I got pregnant after seeing her for fertility for a year. Who knows if the link is causal, but I definitely felt relaxed and happy going to Nancy's office and she was very focused on my success :
Natalie S.
Jan 19, 2010
Nancy is an amazing acupuncturist (and Eastern medicine Doctor). She can treat just about anything. I went to her with a slew of ailments ranging from headaches to not being able to sleep and she treated everything. Over the weeks/months that I have seen her, all my woes disappeared. Nancy has a calm demeanor and really takes the time to listen. She is helpful, attentive, and effective. Her office space is beautiful and relaxing, and I look forward to just - being - there. I highly recommend Nancy if you are need of an acupuncturist!