Quiet, considered care
on Laurel Street.
Family Acupuncture Center is a neighborhood clinic offering traditional acupuncture to support the body through pain, stress, tension, and the wear of everyday life — one unhurried visit at a time.
A gentle way to help the body
find its footing again
Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that uses fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. Many people come to it looking for support with the everyday things that wear us down.
Everyday aches & pain
A common reason people seek acupuncture — support for tension, sore joints, and lingering discomfort.
Stress & tension
An unhurried, quiet setting where the nervous system has a chance to settle and unwind.
Rest & sleep
Many patients simply want to feel more rested. Care here is calm, personal, and paced to you.
Whole-body balance
Traditional Chinese medicine looks at the whole person — not just the spot that hurts.
Acupuncture is used to support well-being and is not a substitute for medical care. Individual experiences vary, and no specific result is promised. Please talk with your physician about your health concerns.
Nothing to be nervous about
If you have never tried acupuncture, that is perfectly normal — most first-time patients are surprised by how relaxed the whole thing feels. Here is what to expect.
We listen first
Your visit begins with a conversation. What brought you in, how you have been feeling, your history — there is time to talk it through, without rushing.
A plan made for you
Based on what you share, a treatment is tailored to you. Everything is explained beforehand, so you always know what is happening and why.
The treatment
You rest comfortably while fine, single-use sterile needles are placed at specific points. Most people feel little more than a light tap — and many drift into deep calm.
You rest, then head home
After a quiet period of rest, we check in on how you feel and talk about next steps. Most people leave feeling noticeably more at ease.
Rooted in tradition,
practiced with patience
“Care that begins with listening, and ends with the body a little more at ease.”
Family Acupuncture Center has quietly served the San Carlos neighborhood from its clinic on Laurel Street. The practice is led by Margaret Zhao, and treatment here is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine — unhurried, attentive, and shaped around the person on the table.
There is no conveyor belt here. Sessions are personal, the setting is calm, and the goal is simple: to help your body find a little more balance than it had when you walked in.
The whole person
We consider how everything connects, not just the symptom in front of us.
Unhurried time
Sessions move at your pace. Being listened to is part of the treatment.
Gentle by nature
Fine, single-use needles and a soft touch — comfort matters here.
Reasons neighbors come in
Patients here have sought support for a range of everyday concerns. These are some of the reasons people have mentioned — not promises of any particular outcome.
These reflect reasons patients have come in and are described in general terms. Acupuncture is used to support well-being and does not diagnose, treat, or cure disease. For any specific health concern, please consult a licensed physician.
In their own words
A few notes from patients who shared their experience online. These are real, unedited excerpts from their reviews.
“Margaret is the best! I have seen her for almost 26 years now and she is remarkably talented and caring!”
“After trying numerous treatments for my post-shingles nerve pain, I decided to give acupuncture a try out of desperation and extreme discomfort. Amazingly, after just one session, 90% of my pain was gone.”
Family Acupuncture Center holds 19 reviews on Yelp, with additional reviews on BestProsInTown and Nextdoor. Call (650) 596-5685 to ask any questions before your first visit.
A few small things to make your first visit easy
Nothing complicated — just a handful of things that help your visit go smoothly.
Give yourself time
Plan a little extra for your first visit — there is a conversation before treatment, and no reason to rush.
Note your history
Jot down any conditions, medications, or past treatments so you can share them — it helps tailor your care.
Wear comfortable clothing
Loose, comfortable clothes make it easy to relax and to reach common treatment points.
Have a light meal
It is best not to arrive on an empty stomach. Something light beforehand keeps you comfortable during treatment.
Find us on Laurel Street
In the heart of downtown San Carlos, an easy walk from the shops and cafes along Laurel.
1185 Laurel St
San Carlos, CA 94070 — on the main downtown street.
Phone
(650) 596-5685
Call for appointments and questions.
Hours
Please call ahead to confirm and to book your time.
Let’s find you
a time
Tell us a little about what brings you in and how to reach you. We will follow up to arrange a visit that fits your schedule.
This form sends a request only — it is not a confirmed appointment until we speak with you.