• Poppy Field Wellness

    Acupuncture . Herbal Medicine .

    The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®

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    Samantha Avnet, L.Ac

    Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist

    San Francisco, California

  • Hello & Welcome!

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    About Samantha

    Samantha is a Nationally Board-Certified and California Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist and a Certified Arvigo® Abdominal Therapy Practitioner. She has a master's degree in acupuncture and oriental medicine (MAcOM) from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. She has been working with Women's Health and plant medicine for over twenty-five years with her roots in Western herbal traditions. Her expertise in gynecological and menstrual health concerns is based on advanced integrative medicine training from herbalist-midwife-MD Aviva Romm, with whom she started training in 2005.

     

    Samantha started down this path as a health care provider when she was a teenager, in the 90's, after her own struggles with debilitating menstrual cramps and anxiety. The modalities that she offers are ones she has experienced direct relief from and ones that have been providing healing in her patients.

     

    Her private practice is dedicated and passionate about bringing quality, holistic health care to the community, with a focus on supporting mental & emotional health, the menstrual cycle & body literacy, utilizing Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®. She uses advanced chart interpretation by using the menstrual cycle as a diagnostic tool to empower patients to understand how their body works through menstrual cycle charting. A root cause approach is taken with mindset, lifestyle and nutrition whenever possible to help reverse underlying causes.

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    Specialties

    I have a very gentle needling style and welcome Highly Sensitive People. I treat only one patient at a time so I can give you the best care possible. Here are just a few conditions I treat:

     

    Mental & Emotional Health

    -Anxiety/Panic

    -Stress/Overwhelm

    -Trauma

    -Insomnia

    -Depression, Grief

    Women's Health:

    -Painful Menstruation

    -Menstrual Cycle Irregularities

    -PMS & Mood Swings

    -Peri Menopause & Post Menopause Support

    -Hormone Support

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    Acupuncture

  • Treatments

    Acupuncture . Herbal Medicine

    The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®

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    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is a technique that has been used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to promote health, well-being and the healing of the whole person. By gently stimulating specific points on the body with acupuncture needles, a form of communication is taking place from one area of the body to another. What this connection ultimately strives for is to address the underlying disharmony by bringing the body, mind and spirit back into balance and into vitality so one can thrive in their life.

     

    The mechanisms of action of acupuncture have been extensively studied and include the enhanced release of a number of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system such as endorphins (opioid peptides) which both relieve pain and create a general sense of well-being, serotonin with its mood stabilizing effects, and GABA to help promote relaxation and rest. This engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system supports the body/mind/spirit into a more calm, safe and regulated state as compared to a stressed, fearful and dysregulated one. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's innate ability to heal itself and promote physical and emotional health. National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies.

     

    "We all see the world through the state of our nervous system."

     

    What I love most about offering acupuncture as a health care modality is that during a treatment it can help one to get out of their head and into their body where true healing can take place.

     

    In California, an acupuncturist is allowed to engage in the practice of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of East Asian massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, and restore health.

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    Herbal Medicine

    Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It is used in all societies and is common to all cultures.

    There are many different forms of herbal medicine that come from different cultures around the world. All these have the use of medicinal plants in common, but they vary in the plants they use, the way they prepare and use medicines from these plants, and the philosophy of their treatment approaches.

    Herbalism is designed to use herbs to treat the underlying cause of disease in an individual. They are used in many traditions as a preventative action to boost immune function and promote general well-being before disease occurs.

    Herbalists look at the whole picture, from lifestyle to mental/emotional stressors, in order to prescribe the best treatment to restore the body's natural balance.

    I like to combine my love for all plant medicine with an emphasis on using Western herbal medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurvedic herbal traditions.

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    The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy®(ATMAT)

     

    The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® are founded on an ancient Maya technique of abdominal massage. This technique is performed externally by gently guiding and supporting organs back into their optimal position, allowing for improved functioning for optimal health and wellness.

     

    Arvigo® Therapy is best known for addressing misalignment or congestion in the pelvic bowl or reproductive organs of both male and female bodies, as well as many common digestive disorders.

    The techniques effectively alleviate tissue congestion and organ constriction to improve the vital flows of energy, blood, lymph and nerves in the abdomen. It addresses and can release emotional and energetic tension from the abdomen. This assists to prevent the progression of chronic disease symptomology while improving the body’s ability to self repair and balance.

     

    In 2009 I began my training in this modality after receiving monthly Arvigo® sessions with profound menstrual pain relief and a reverence for this medicine. I am very passionate about this work and over the last decade I have completed the following trainings in Arvigo® Abdominal Therapy: Professional Care, Advanced Clinical Applications, and Advanced Pregnancy and Postpartum.

     

    Please refer to the FAQs section below for more information about Arvigo® Abdominal Therapy.

  • FAQs

    The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT)

  • Rates

    All Rates, including a detailed description of each treatment offered,

    Are Listed On My Booking Page.

     

    I do not accept insurance but you are welcome to use your FSA and HSA card. I do offer a discounted acupuncture rate with Acupuncture Packages and you can scroll down for more information about these. If you are in need of a low income rate, your local Community Acupuncture Clinic will be an incredible resource for you. In San Francisco:

    San Francisco Community Acupuncture.

     

     

    Why Don't I take Insurance?

    I focus entirely on providing absolute quality care to my patients and as a solo practitioner, who treats only one patient at a time, the insurance reimbursement rates are barely enough to cover the cost of running a practice. This is one of the reasons I cannot accept in-network insurance. Insurance places limitations on the types of services I can provide and by not taking insurance I can focus on the personalized care that I tailor to you and your unique needs. They also dictate how long appointments can be and how frequently patients can be seen, which impacts quality of care. My relationship with you comes first when it comes to your care and by building a strong relationship together my hope is that your goals are achieved and your long term health is maintained.

     

    Gift Cards Available Here!

  • Acupuncture Package Rate

    I offer a discounted rate when a series of treatments are purchased at once in the form of a Treatment Package. Acupuncture tends to be a cumulative therapy, with each treatment building upon one another, meaning the more regularly you come the more effective the treatments can be. Packages are a great fit for those looking to incorporate acupuncture as part of their ongoing wellness routine to support mind, body and spirit, and for lasting treatment for current ailments. I hope to make this medicine convenient for you to come on a regular basis so optimal outcomes can be achieved.

     

    All acupuncture sessions take place in a tranquil, private office with complete, individualized attention. I treat only one patient at a time so I can give you the best care possible. Sessions will always consist of going over your health care needs and concerns utilizing a root cause approach with lifestyle, diet, nutritional and herbal protocols whenever possible to help reverse underlying causes. Treatments may include, at no additional cost, any of the following based on the patient's needs and time allowed: fire cupping, moxa, gua sha, TDP infrared heat lamp, essential oil therapy, tuina massage.

     

    Packages are only for the 60 Minute Follow-Up Acupuncture Treatments 

    can be purchased at the time of your visit

    (regular rate $130 per treatment)

     

    *5 Pack — $615  

    5% off ($35 Savings) $123 per treatment

    *EXPIRES 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE

     

    *10 Pack— $1170  

    10% off ($130 Savings) $117 per treatment

    *EXPIRES 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE

     

    *3 Pack *NEW PATIENT SPECIAL— $351  

    10% off ($39 Savings) $117 per treatment

    *CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED ONCE following your initial visit

    *EXPIRES 3 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE

  • Let's Connect!

    Have Questions, Concerns, Comments?

    546 Fillmore St.
    San Francisco, CA 94117
    Tuesdays- Saturdays
    by appointment only.
    Closed Sundays and Mondays.
    1-415-799-1614
    1-415-799-1614
    samantha@poppyfieldwellness.com

  • Testimonials

    "Samantha is one of the most genuine people I have come in contact within health care. I've been seeing her for just under a year for Acupuncture, Maya Abdominal Therapy, Cupping, and Pelvic Steams. I struggle with a myriad of issues and she gives time and space for everything. She has educated me and empowered me in so many areas and has the capacity for great empathy along with a wealth of knowledge. In addition to all of the care she has given me in session, she has provided me with a home regimen from herbal medicine to self care abdominal work. Her approach is uplifting and holistic. If you have a uterus, you should see Samantha."------Audrey, patient

    "Samantha has been a gentle and supportive guide in my journey to balance my hormones and regain my cycle. Within 2 months of weekly acupuncture and diet/herbal protocols, my cycle returned. She emphasizes sustainable lifestyle practices and self care habits to create holistic health long term- not just quick fixes. I appreciate that she takes time to check in, empowers me to ask questions, and strives to understand the whole person- before providing thoughtful recommendations. I always feel totally relaxed after our Maya abdominal massage and acupuncture sessions- with her healing hands and the calm atmosphere of her office."---------Anonymous, Patient

    "As a practitioner, Samantha treats the mind, body and soul in a deeply caring and intuitive way. She has a generous, gentle and down to earth style and she exudes genuine warmth and compassion. I never fail to leave her office feeling transformed. Samantha takes the time to ask good questions allowing a person to feel seen and heard. As a menopausal woman she has helped me work through and manage this transitional time of life and I am so thankful to have found Poppy Field Wellness!"--------- Jill, patient

    "I started seeing Samantha after an irregular menstrual cycle. I've been seeing her weekly with acupuncture, cupping, and Maya Abdominal Therapy. The essential oils are also a nice touch! Not only did she help me with my menstrual cycle, I also feel more relaxed. I grew up going to acupuncture and this has been the best experience I've ever had with a practitioner. I'm so grateful to have found Samantha. She has such a warm and gentle energy that you instantly feel comfortable working with her. She listens to you and let's any treatment plan be an open discussion, with your desires in mind. I would highly recommend Samantha to reach your health and wellness goals." -------Alisha, patient

    "Samantha is not only an incredible acupuncturist and Maya Abdominal Therapist, she's a genuinely great person. She always makes me feel so comfortable and knows all the right questions to get me to explain my symptoms and feelings. I've been to many different acupuncture therapists, and I can state with certainty, I've had some of the most dramatic improvements in my health by Samantha's compassionate care."-------Megan, patient

    "Samantha is absolutely amazing - her healing has changed my life. I have gone to many acupuncturists over the last 5 years to treat my IBS and get my menstrual cycle back to normal and I have never felt so healed as I do with her. She combines her expertise in Chinese medicine with her gift of healing. Samantha is extremely in tune and knowledgeable - she treats with a personal touch, takes time to listen and really understand your needs, what's going on mentally and physically, and bring it all together for your treatment. I have been struggling with IBS, anxiety, insomnia, and an irregular cycle for 10+ years, tried everything under the sun, and only with Samantha's care have I seen significant improvements to the point where my symptoms are gone. I can't express how grateful I am for Samantha and how she has changed my life. She even checks in on me, reaches out when I have forgotten to book an appointment, and truly cares for me as a whole person. Not to mention her caring, gentle, adventurous, knowledgeable, and beautiful soul."-------Lily, patient

    "I saw Samantha during a stressful period in my life with much uncertainty to my condition. Not only did she help me tremendously with the Maya Abdominal Therapy, she showed me self-help techniques that were very effective. Samantha is an authentic, kind and skilled healer." -------Jan, patient

    "Samantha is a total gem! She is beyond knowledgeable and thoughtful and spends the time listening to you and your body. She's talented, hard working and is always learning more about her craft. She truly helped me in ways that I can't put into words. The greatest gift was her introducing me to learn meditation and to be mindful about what I put into my body. This has been life changing. On top of that just going to see her on a monthly basis for Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy is like a gift from the gods. I feel so relaxed walking out of her office. Every time I leave, I think about why we get massages for our feet, back, shoulders, etc but as women we ignore our most sacred parts. She has truly helped with my digestion and just making better choices in life. After each session, she provides a WEALTH of information. This is so rare from any practitioner. Thank you for all you've done for me. It's more than I can accurately put into words!"------Anonymous, Patient

    "I had been in search of a natural medicine/herbalist practitioner for awhile and after a couple of sessions with Samantha, I knew my search was over. A trusted friend recommended Samantha and I am so glad I consulted her. She is an intuitive and insightful healer. I have been working with Samantha for about 3-4 months and my health has improved drastically. I have been struggling with Women's health issues for many years and I've tried various healing modalities/herbs and consulted a number of practitioners but I have never made as much improvement as I have since working with Samantha and that too in such a short time. Beyond the herbs she recommended, she is very compassionate, gentle and thoughtful. I feel very supported under her care."------Aanchal, patient

    "Samantha is kind, caring, and gentle. Her space is relaxing and you can tell the depth of her expertise across a wide range of disciplines, from fertility awareness, acupuncture, herbalism, moxa, and more. I originally went in for Mayan Abdominal Therapy, which was very supportive for my cervical health goals after an abnormal pap, with added benefits for my periods, digestion, and nervous system.  She also develops research backed protocols to guide you through nutrition, supplements, and additional supporting practices." -------Anonymous, Patient

    "Such a wonderful experience with Samantha and Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy. Samantha has a warm and nurturing personality, so the extensive intake was helpful and supportive. The abdominal massage therapy was really helpful for my chronic abdominal pain, and she teaches you at home care which is amazing. I would fully recommend her skills and healing!"---------Faye, patient

    "Samantha is wonderful! Truly skilled and dedicated, she is a gem healing practitioner! Samantha truly listens with great empathy. She clearly explains her protocol, always making sure we stay comfortable. Her office is really clean and welcoming. The customized treatment is so healing, soothing and nourishing. It is a balm to the Soul! Highly recommend Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy!"------Flo, patient

    "Samantha is absolutely amazing! I reached out to her when an issue that I have had since I was a teenager took a turn for the worst. Before Samantha, I had worked with several other health practitioners but none have helped me as effectively, quick, and sustainably like the herbs that she has prescribed. Within a week, I started to notice a positive change and I am continuing to see the changes. Samantha's genuine and caring personality combined with the helpful herbs have helped me through some very challenging times in my life. I would recommend Samantha to anyone in a heart beat. Give yourself and her a chance to help you heal."-------Saveena, patient

    "Samantha is wonderful and a true healer. I came to her for help with my menstrual cycle and did several sessions of Mayan abdominal massage with her. She has a real mastery of women's health and holistic healthcare. She's incredibly personable and intuitive, and makes you feel completely comfortable about everything. She follows up and shares relevant resources with me and it really feels like she's looking out for you. I highly recommend Samantha if you're looking for help in this area."----------Allison, patient

    "Samantha is a kind, intuitive, and knowledgeable practitioner. She takes time to get to know you and your goals, priorities, or concerns before beginning treatment or making recommendations. I feel so lucky I have been able to work w/ Samantha and would recommend her to anyone looking to do arvigo or acupuncture. Thank you so much!!"-------- Anna, patient

    "A treatment with Samantha is extremely nurturing, enjoyable and quite healing. You can tell Samantha is completely present during the full session. Cupping has changed my life and her acupuncture, yet gentle, provides lasting results. Cramping during periods has subsided substantially and back and neck tension is alleviated. I highly recommend giving yourself the gift of an Acupuncture session, which is so much more than just acupuncture, with Samantha."---------Sarah, patient

    "I highly recommend Samantha as a practitioner! She has the most welcoming, gentle, kind and knowledgeable demeanor. I felt comfortable immediately upon meeting her. I came to see her for Mayan Abdominal massage and acupuncture while going through fertility treatments. She put me at ease throughout our treatments, shared her extensive knowledge about women's health, along with many great resources for me to reference. She's wonderful!"-----------Kate, Patient

    "Samantha is truly a special healer. I really cannot recommend Samantha enough, imagine having someone in your corner who doesn't judge, gives you the utmost support and positivity and has a wealth of knowledge to help meet your individual needs. That doesn't even begin to describe Samantha because she is so much more. Her unconditional support is absolutely amazing to experience. From acupuncturist, to herbalist she is absolutely amazing at tailoring a treatment to your individual needs. There is no one treatment fits all approach with Samantha, she is always checking-in, giving you a wealth of knowledge and help at your appointment and even after. She suggest new reading material to look into, new meditations to try and really takes a lot of time carefully crafting out an ever evolving treatment that's just right for anyone."---------

    Mark, patient

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    Testimonials

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    Qualifications & Education

  • Listen Here!

    Fertility Friday Podcast

    with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack

     

    This podcast was recorded at the end of my nine month Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship (FAMM) Certification with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack. Enjoy!

    • What Samantha’s periods were like from an early age and how she overcame her own period pain
    • How her herbal medicine journey began and grew
    • What led her to becoming an acupuncturist and Arvigo® Abdominal Therapy Practitioner
    • How to know if your period pain is “normal” or something more
    • The main factors Samantha takes into account when working with her clients
    • The connection between period pain and past trauma

  • Body Literacy/Menstrual Cycle Awareness/Fertility Awareness

    Our female reproductive health deserves to be supported whether you wish to conceive or not and understanding how your body works can help inform you how to truly take care of yourself. I have a passion for working with those who would like to support their gynecologic and hormone health who may be experiencing painful periods, irregular periods, PMS, fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, in the perimenopause phase of their lives and those wanting to support fertility whether they want to conceive or not for optimal health parameters so that they feel good in their bodies and in their lives.

     

    Did you know that your menstrual cycle reflects your overall health, can be used as a diagnostic tool and is considered a vital sign? Along with body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and blood pressure, the Menstrual Cycle has been officially recognized in 2015 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a Vital Sign. They conclude that “by including an evaluation of the menstrual cycle as an additional vital sign, clinicians reinforce its importance in assessing overall health status for patients and caretakers.” Science has validated what traditional medicine from all over the world have been using successfully as a diagnostic tool in their health care systems for centuries. And this is what I love to do: help support menstrual cycles to support overall well-being and support overall well-being to help support menstrual cycles. They are the same thing as we are a whole inter-connected system that supports one another so we can be in optimal balance to thrive in life.

     

    I love using BBT (Basal Body Temperature) and tracking Cervical Fluid to take charge of hormone health. Our menstrual cycles are thermodynamic and you can see the ebb and flow of our temps and cervical fluid with the ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone. This is called the Sympto-Thermal Method, tracking BOTH Basal Body Temperature (BBT) AND Cervical Fluid, and optional Cervical Position. “Sympto” relates to the symptom of cervical fluid and cervical position, and “Thermal” relates to the basal body temperature (BBT), which both change under the influence of estrogen and progesterone throughout the cycle. I think this practical knowledge is so cool and very empowering as we can have a visual aid to our hormone health, the ability to identify fertile and infertile days, and gives information about the possible pathologies underlying gynecologic disorders. When you practice cycle awareness you are connected with yourself and by tracking observable physical signs, this method can serve as an integral, diagnostic tool for your overall health, as the Fifth Vital Sign.

  • Fullscript

    Welcome to my Online Dispensary through Fullscript.

    This is the best place to purchase your high quality, professional-grade nutritional supplements and personal care products. It is completely free to open an account and you will have access to 20% off retail prices!

    HSA and FSA cards that are optimized for online payments for eligible items are accepted.

  • Poppy Field Wellness

    Samantha Avnet, L.Ac

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