Update
We’ve updated our clinic policy to align with Berkeley City Mandates.
We look forward to the time when we are all able to be together without any barriers or restrictions.
until that time, We believe the best way to keep our community safe as a whole is to require That everyone entering our space provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results from the last 72 hours.
We are following a precedent set by the cities of San Francisco and Berkeley in the hope that we can find the safest and fastest way through these times.
Thank you for being a part of our wellness community — more than ever, we are all in this together.
We are now seeing patients in Berkeley and Walnut Creek. We are adhering to the strictest safety protocols
please see our five-page clean & safe protocol.
Scheduling: Patients who have had a respiratory illness within 1 month or have been in close contact with anyone who has had a respiratory illness for 1 month are not being scheduled at this time.
Patients who are high-risk as defined as having cancer, history of pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease or have hypertension currently above 140/90 are not being scheduled during “Shelter in Place”. Patients who are over 75 yrs old are not being scheduled during “Shelter in Place” stages 1-3.
Patients who have traveled out of the country within 2 weeks will be scheduled after 2 weeks of quarantine since their return.
Patients who may be coughing, sneezing, have any respiratory symptoms, or have an elevated temperature at the door (over 100) are not allowed in the clinic space.
Appointment times: are now staggered to allow for thorough cleaning between patients.
Acupuncturists: are wearing masks and gloves, and adhere to the Clean Needle Technique protocols.
Checkout: We ask that you check out using cards saved on file. We encourage people to add their card (even temporarily) to their account so that we can eliminate the possible risk of exposure that occurs while handling cards. We would prefer to avoid taking cash. If a card is not on file, and must be swiped, we use a UV sterilizing box or alcohol to sterilize the card surface before handing the card back.
Common Spaces: Patients are brought into treatment rooms as soon as possible. We are attempting to limit social talking, and maintain the 6 foot rule, so there is no waiting in the lobby.
Filling Herb Orders: Working environments are disinfected before orders are filled. We sanitize the counter and any other surfaces that might be touched while filling an order ie. the herb cabinet door, the scale, and the door to back of house storage. All needed materials, such as gloves and ziplocks must be readily accessible before beginning. Herb jars are placed directly onto sanitized counter. Gloves must be worn when filling herb bags. Gloves are to be removed before using a pen, scissors, or any other tool outside of the herb formula work station.
Air: New HEPA filters have been installed in each room (filters are cleaned and changed regularly). We have circulating air going at all times to the reduce risk of exposure from water droplets.
Patients:
During clinic hours, we will prop the door open to reduce risk of surface contamination from the door handle. Once you enter the clinic, please sanitize your hands using the automatic hand sanitizer mounted to the wall. We are using non-contact thermometers to monitor patients’ body temperatures as they enter. If your temperature is elevated, we will attempt to reschedule you at a later time, when you are symptom-free. Please remove shoes at the door (in Berkeley).
No one is permitted in the clinic without a properly worn, well-fitting face mask . If you do not have your own mask to wear, we will provide you with a new surgical mask to be worn. Masks must be worn at all times. We understand that this can be uncomfortable, but it is important to maintain the safety and health of our community.
You will be brought into your treatment room as soon as possible. We are trying to keep the lobby clear to facilitate social distancing.
Please wash your hands in the bathroom with soap and water and sanitize hands frequently while in the space (wall mounts are present in common spaces and hand sanitizers is in each room). Use clean field provided in your treatment room for your personal belongings.
Our Health Stimulus Package
A healthy immune system is your best defense!
Acupuncture and Herbs can help boost your immunity by:
Regulating the Adrenal-Pituitary axis
Supporting Digestive and Liver detox pathways
Stimulating Lymph and blood circulation
Clearing and supporting Lung and Sinus health
What are we doing to help right now?
Directly Donating: 100 kN95 masks to The Navajo Nation.
Matching Donation to the Protect Native Elders gofundme, a crowdsourced COVID-19 response in support of The Navajo Nation
Help Donate your own masks! : Paypal turtleclinic@gmail.com (friend’s option please :) $5 / mask. We are working with partners in distributing these PPE to the most needed hospitals. Even one mask can save one life.
We are offering 10 full and partial treatment Scholarships to those financially affected by the Corona virus . Please email us if this could help you or someone you know.
Free Customized Herbal Consultations and Deliveries! Berkeley/Oakland/Walnut Creek until May 1st.