Testimonials

I have been doing life-changing work with Tamara for several years now in her acupuncture, herbal and Chinese medicine, and polestar astrology practice. Prior to working with Tamara, my whole life I had largely been treated by the theory, systems and practices established by Western medicine. I had dabbled in and explored other forms of non-western treatments, and recently had started a meditation practice so I was open to the possibility for new ways to envision a healthy life. But for the most part I was completely uninitiated to the curative depth and ancient wisdom that a true healer like Tamara can draw from to treat their patients. The level of diagnostic intuition and expertise she brings into her treatment modalities has helped me investigate and work on curing longstanding sources of illness and pain in my life that had been either unaddressed or mistreated by my previous dependency on modern/Western science and medicine. Among other things I had been suffering from a constant lack of sleep for over a decade, anxiety I didn't even really understand until we explored it in more detail, a tendency toward addictive habits, and a constant irritation from general physical health problems related to asthma, allergies and chronic pain from sports injuries.

Coming into her practice for the first time I had very little insight or knowledge as to why I had been dealing with these issues, some for the majority of my life. But I was ready for a change, and to do the work required to explore a healthier course in life. With Tamara, I've worked on developing a much deeper understanding of the root causes of these issues. This has helped me see very clearly that I too must take ownership in the role I play in making my mind, body and spirit a healthier unified experience. Then we work on taking action to fix these problems. With her various herbal, acupuncture, polestar astrology and other therapies we've worked at eradicating all of these issues from my life, bit by bit. With her guidance she provides recommendations for alternate ways to live life so that the same problems don't resurface. I've also learned a lot about the differences, pros and cons and philosophy behind Chinese/Eastern and Western medicine which has provided me with a new framework for how I view medicine.

Tamara is extremely patient as she helps guide her patients to explore the sources of their pain and health issues. The first steps you take with her are exploratory and diagnostic. She needs to understand what's going on with you, so that she can provide the correct treatments and path for exploration along the way. It's a fluid, ongoing dialogue Tamara engages in with you, and so is the treatment course that frequently changes direction to aim at what you really need to improve. With her communication and treatment styles she has an ability to act as a sort of mirror you can look into to view what is ailing you. She works at showing you a way to see the "truth" underlying the source of illness, pain and unhealthy behaviors affecting your life. This may take some getting used to, as most people are used to just masking what is hurting them with pills, drugs, addictive habits etc... She is patient in that she understands some people, like myself, have a huge amount of resistance, and as such may be slower to adapt and change, and truly accept the curative properties of what she offers. But she is tirelessly, vigorously and constantly working to help her patients improve their overall health and happiness through the course of her treatments. After an acupuncture treatment I feel rejuvenated and can literally feel energy coursing through my body as she targets and frees sources of blockage and inflammation. Her herbal treatments have helped me improve allergy, pulmonary, sleep, anxiety and digestive issues that I had dealt with for years and years.

I cannot say enough positive things about the amazing change that Tamara has brought to my life and that I have witnessed her bring to others. Working with her I feel better to my core of my being. I only wish there were more people like her available to treat others. She is truly a most amazing healer and person!

AC

I came to Tamara without clear treatment goals, mainly the intuition that my health could be better than its current state and that Tamara could help guide me there. After a thorough assessment we decided to focus on improving my digestion and sexual health, two problems that had been with me for many years, and also take a closer look at my relationship with cannabis and other recreational drugs and how they may be associated to my previous struggles with depression. Through acupuncture and herbs I slowly but surely found my digestion and sexual health began to change for the better, notably improving my quality of life. And, more remarkably and unexpectedly, my work with Tamara helped me understand the profound depth of my addiction to substance use and helped guide and support me on a path to achieving complete sobriety and freedom from the grip of intoxicants. With these changes I noticed a profound improvement in the stability of my mood, the quality of my relationships, and my performance at work. My life has been filled with more happiness and ease as a result!

In addition, the education I received through our small group seminars and work with polestar astrology helped frame the treatments Tamara utilized within a larger, cohesive View and enhanced my adherence to and understanding of the overall model of wellness she employs.

The cascading positive effects of Tamara's teachings and our aggregate work together have been undeniable. In the year since I started seeing Tamara regularly and committing to her treatment I received a significant promotion at work, established a meaningful and loving romantic relationship, and have been graced with excellent overall health.

Tamara brings an unwavering commitment to the comprehensive wellbeing of her patients combined with the knowledge and expertise of how to get there. I feel honored and fortunate to have her healing presence in my life; my work with Tamara has helped me to become a truly holistic version of myself and live my happiest, healthiest, and most meaningful life.

Peter

When I first came to Tamara, I wanted nothing more than to become pregnant. I had been trying to conceive for a couple of years and was told by various medical doctors, fertility specialists, and psychologists that the odds of me having a baby at age 40 were slim. I was extremely discouraged and stressed. A wise friend referred me to Tamara. She carefully assessed me and determined the treatment I needed for my cycle to become regulated and my body more receptive to pregnancy. Within a very short time period, I noticed changes — not only in my menstrual cycle, but also in my overall health and well-being. I often think about how the blessing of my so-called infertility was that it led me to Tamara. More than any other doctor or therapist, she helped me to tap into a part of myself that really wanted to be more mindful, careful, and healthy. I began to feel that even if I was not able to conceive, I was so grateful for my work with Tamara and the ways in which she was so fully present for me throughout my journey.

To my great delight, however, just when Tamara predicted that my body appeared much more receptive to conceiving, I became pregnant. I was very anxious at the beginning of the pregnancy, not being able to trust that it would 'stick.' Tamara, providing me with the appropriate herbs, acupuncture interventions, Reiki, and perhaps most profoundly, her presence and support, was invaluable in helping me to hold the growing baby inside me. Thanks to Tamara, my son was born a strong and healthy baby, sign of the dragon.

K.C.

When I decided to start working with Tamara, I had been struggling for nearly 15 years with various debilitating health issues.  Women's Health Issues including reoccurring yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and kidney infections were my "norm".  The Candida (unbalanced internal yeast/bacteria levels) that had I had developed as a result of all the antibiotics I had been given to try to "treat" these issues left we with sluggish, irregular and incomplete digestion.  My immune system was weak and my overall zest for life was low.  Dedicating much of my adult life to educating myself in natural and alternative healing methods in an effort to free myself from these health burdens, the various avenues I had explored all helped but never seemed to last or get at the root of the issue allowing me to truly heal.  Tamara's name kept popping up within my healing communities and when I finally literally crossed paths with her in a crosswalk, I knew that working with her was the next directing for me to turn.

Immediately upon working with her, I could see that the approach that she took was one that I was seeking in that she was going to cut through the nonsense of treating symptoms and seek the deeply imbedded roots of cause.  I knew that in order to get to the bottom of my imbalances, I was going to have to look within, WAY within, to see some of the areas in which my traumas had created destructive patterns and built up protective barriers that were showing up as physical illness but that were actually stemming from emotional and spiritual disharmonies. Tamara was there to guide and support me through this journey.

After working with Tamara every other week for nearly a year and a half now I can wholeheartedly say that I am no longer in a place of struggling or suffering with my health.  Tamara put 100% of her wellness expertise into choosing the right herbs for me, choosing the right acupuncture treatments for me, using techniques such as crystal healing and essential oil therapy with me, giving me the most potent Reiki I have ever experienced, giving me a life changing Polestar Astrology reading, recommending literature to help support me in my process, and maintaining an unwavering sense of commitment and support for me.

I would and do recommend working with Tamara to most everyone I know.  She is a truly phenomenal Healer and Teacher and TCM Doctor.

Devon, Integrative Health Practitioner

I am not able to do justice to the accolades that Tamara Ja deserves and has earned. Personally she has assisted me with work related anxiety. Also my experience with her acupuncture and herbs has helped me to relax. Taking the herbs in the evening definitely helps me to wind down and relax my body and my mind before going to bed. I find that the treatments themselves allow me to get some of the deepest states of relaxation that I am able to let go into. The treatments and herbs also have helped me with pain and have definitely boosted my immune system. Tamara has a high level of competency, skill, talent, and creativity that she brings to her acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine practice. In addition, she brings a breadth and depth to her practice from other healing modalities and traditions that she has studied and practices. She is able to integrate her studies and practices with a level of mastery. This is not a healing facilitator that has dabbled in this or that, whatever she has studied, it is evident that she has gone deep into it with the intention of mastery. Furthermore, Tamara is clearly a compassionate educator. The way she communicates and explains to you, it is clear she has a love and respect for knowledge.

Also I am so grateful for Tamara's cultivation and practice of her East Asian Animist traditions. Counsel from this perspective and wisdom from this perspective has allowed me to move on from a 22 year addiction to marijuana. With Tamara's guidance and assistance of one of her Polestar readings I was able to get the perspective I needed and the insight I needed to move on from my dependence on marijuana. I am able to see clearly now the impact of its use on my life and I am working daily to transform that dependence into living my life liberated from addiction. I am happy to state that I have been sober for 5 ½ months. Furthermore, the East Asian traditions that Tamara was able to offer was instrumental in turning the corner regarding intense chronic back pain I experience for 10 weeks. More importantly I was able to learn the lessons of self care and gain insight on how my lifestyle contributed to this intense period of chronic back pain.

It is evident that Tamara Ja is a deeply compassionate human being, dedicated to service and consistently seeking to improve her skills. When you work with Tamara it is a partnership and it is an empowering process. Working with Tamara you are engaging in process of healing the physical body, mental, emotional, and soul bodies( if you believe in a soul) Tamara has the capacity to work with you where you are at and communicate with you where you are at. If you want to experience what is like to work with someone who is brilliantly in stride with their purpose and mission in life with joy, compassion, and wisdom in their heart, contact Tamara Ja.

Michael D. Turner

I have been receiving extremely effective acupuncture treatments and herbal remedies from Tamara since I believe 2010 - I can't recommend her enough! Tamara really takes time to get to know what's going on and is incredibly skilled, focused and intuitive when it comes to diagnosis. Most recently I started working with her again very regularly in July 2017 after a variety of challenges with my health and in my life. Over the last year, the combination of regular acupuncture treatments and herbs (along with my committed daily practice) have created so many positive shifts and a tangibly greater sense of balance in all levels of my being. Tamara was also extremely helpful when I was recovering from major surgery - a process that I believe would have taken a lot longer had I not been working with her. As compared to last year, most remarkable is the positive energy and mood than I'm able to stay in touch with, regardless of whether I'm tired or not and regardless of whether I'm facing a stressful situation. I would say that I am "back" and Tamara and Red Bamboo Medicine have played a huge part in that process. Thank you Tamara!!!

Suzannah C.

I began seeing Tamara Ja to address uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, hot flashes, sleepless nights and mood swings. The acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs she prescribed along with the dietary adjustments she recommended made an incredible difference in my life. Within a few months I was much more balanced, getting good rest and rarely experiencing hot flashes. She is an amazing healer with a wealth of knowledge that stems from her deep understanding of the practice and a strong connection to her lineage. Since the menopause phase ended, I have continued to see Tamara Ja for overall wellness and preventative health care. Her integrated approach to health has helped me a lot and taught me to have the discipline I need to stay balanced and healthy.

Tamara Klamner, Seva Foundation ~ Tapestry Productions

I have worked with other acupuncturists in the past, but Tamara's work as really resonated with me and because of that I have been a patient of hers for close to a year. I initially started seeing Tamara to ensure that I maintain my physical and emotional health as best as I can since being a social worker can deplete me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Without a doubt, working with Tamara has transformed my health inside and out. To begin, since my early 20s (34 now) I have suffered from lower back pain due to the scoliosis in the lower right part of my spine and have worked with endless practitioners to curb the pain. With Tamara, the needle work she performs on my back has been astonishing to say the least. I feel the needles penetrate deep down through the layers upon layers of built up stagnation and stiffness that has handicapped me for over a decade and a feeling of release is left behind after the needles are removed. In addition, I feel an increase in mobility and fluidity in my lower back, which leaves me amazed and happy since I was hopeless for many years. Furthermore, I also take a concoction of Chinese herbs that Tamara has prescribed which in conjunction with the acupuncture has done wonders for my back pain. Tamara has also worked with me with regards to the anxiety that has plagued my life since I was a child. Living with anxiety is like having your mind and heart locked up in chains and not having the key to unlock them. Tamara has provided the key to not only release the anxiety, but to understand my anxiety in a way that allows me to take control of it, rather than the other way around. I also completed a Zi Wei Polestar Astrology reading with Tamara that gave me the insight I needed to transform my anxiety by knowing the origins of its roots. I also receive acupuncture in conjunction with Reiki and the powerful herbs she prescribes that releases my anxiety from me on a mental/psychological level (being more optimistic) and physical level (sleep better, not clenching my jaw at night, and better digestion). Lastly, to my surprise, my skin has never looked better! I have dealt with acne pretty much since I was 14 and my skin has never been clearer for this long of duration! My family, friends, and coworkers have even commented on my skin describing it as "radiant" and "natural glow" who doesn't want to hear that! Tamara puts intention, precise detail, and abundant compassion into her work and she is truly a master of her craft. After every session, I come out thinking "wow she nailed it" and feeling centered, healthy, and vibrant to my core, which is undoubtedly priceless.

Sunbula

I came to see Tamara because I had had a basal cell carcinoma some years ago and I wanted to take a preventive approach to possible future dermatological problems. I had some basic understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and chose that path and her. I didn't know then how fortunate I was! She diagnosed me as having an unhealthy level of heat (vaguely similar to inflammation) in my body. The beauty of TCM is that the treatment can be customized to each individual's constitutional makeup so Tamara treated me with acupuncture and an herbal formula and modified each as she saw movement toward balance. The result is that my skin feels and looks excellent--no problems. I see my dermatologist now once a year instead of every six months as before.

I continue to see Tamara because this 5,000 year-old science has a shamanic basis and is able to treat karmic issues which can be divined from Chinese Astrology which she has also studied deeply. Tamara's intelligence and highly refined intuition combined with years of study has resulted in a unique present-day exemplar of the great Chinese healing tradition. I am indeed fortunate to be her patient.

John Duignan, Server

Tamara is a dedicated healer possessing vast knowledge, deep insight, and a compassionate, strong presence. After an initial consultation and check up I quickly went from 'giving acupuncture a try' to feeling impressed by the results. As a result of several acupuncture and reiki sessions I found that my yoga practice deepened and expanded, and that the seeming division between my mind and body began to soften. This had a wide-ranging effect on my over all wellness, and helped me to discover greater equanimity and self awareness. She also recognized and helped me to correct a condition that seemed mysterious to me — a 'restless leg' syndrome that was being caused by a blood imbalance. How often can we say that visiting a healer has actually helped us become more whole? For me that has been rare, and I can say that working with Tamara has touched me that deeply. I recommend her work enthusiastically and unreservedly.

Arthur Avary, Web Developer and Designer

I feel very blessed to have found Tamara. She creates a relaxed and comfortable environment and her Acupuncture treatments always help me feel more balanced and energized. I've also found that her Reiki treatments provide a powerfully deep experience for me and leave me feeling profoundly relaxed and clear headed.

Another area that I find extremely helpful is her Pole Star Readings and being able to overlay the information on my life experience, it seems to have a surprisingly high accuracy. The map she provides has a strong relevance and affinity with the events I've experienced in my life. And the information that she brings up takes ideas to a deeper level where I can progress further, based on how I conduct my life, as well as showing me me things that are not optimal, and areas I can avoid. I feel that Tamara's visions and insights that are revealed in this process take me on a deeper internal journey of my own personal cosmology.

All in all, I appreciate her depth of knowledge and expertise, and I believe that she has a true passion for healing. I always leave her place feeling so clear headed, relaxed and peaceful. I highly recommend her services.

Jim

Tamara Ja is an effective healer, committed to assist people heal and move into their highest  physical, emotional and mental functioning. Her treatment modalities of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture & Reiki provide a powerful synthesis that works at both physical and energetic levels. I have successfully utilized acupuncture to successfully remedy chronic and acute conditions, including tennis elbow, hypoglycemia, chronic constipation, sciatica, ankle and foot injuries from a fall and a growth on my eye.

MC

I really appreciate the knowledge and expertise that Tamara provides in her Acupuncture treatments, as I'm seeing her to bring my entire body system into alignment, creating an overall sense of radiant health. So far I find that I'm more relaxed and balanced after her Acupuncture treatments and seem to be much more conscious of my whole body system in terms of the healthy foods I'm interested in eating, how flexible I feel and how much more clearer my mind seems to be.

I especially enjoy Tamara's Reiki treatments, the energy she transmits in those treatments allow me to journey quite easily where I can see and feel images and sensations that help me stay more closely aligned to the sense of radiant health that I'm cultivating. It's a wonderful combo when done with her Acupuncture treatment.

And the Pole Star Readings that I've received from Tamara have been uncannily accurate and very insightful in looking at my life's path, both in pointing out the learning experiences that I have encountered so far, as well as the other aspects that I'm currently attracting into my life. It gives me a GPS-type mapping system of the areas that I know I have consciousness of, and more importantly of those places where I can bring more consciousness to. I feel that having access to this information, allows me to more smoothly work out any "bumps" along my path and gravitate to experiences that bring me the most joy, passion, presence and peace to my life.

I believe that Tamara is an extremely gifted healer with a great depth of knowledge and a very nurturing sense about her. I highly recommend her.

Carol

Tamara Ja is an incredibly skilled and caring Practitioner. I have been treated for several months regarding maladies associated with a long martial arts life. Tamara does not simply treat the body of the client; she opens the client up to the full integration of emotional and energetic conditions that can possibly exist for us all. To be treated by Tamara is to be educated through a wide lens of interconnection with thousands of years of traditional Chinese medical practice history as firm foundation. Every visit, every treatment is an invitation for deep integration in which one can progressively come to see oneself, one's own behaviors and chosen environments in a new, profoundly deeper light. With every treatment, I am always reminded that each of us are active participants in our own health. Tamara is one of San Francisco's healing treasures; I am eternally grateful for her heart and guidance.

S. Z., Martial Artist/Writer/Entrepreneur

I began seeing Tamara in my first trimester of pregnancy and was fortunate enough to see her virtually every week, including a few weeks into my post partum period. Being in the healing world myself, I know a lot of practitioners and am extremely picky with who I choose to collaborate with. I feel truly honored to have experienced Tamara's nurturing, professional, and intelligent treatments during this amazing time in my life. The combination of acupuncture and intuitive hands on work combined to create a truly powerful and relaxing effect that I know contributed to the beautiful and peaceful homebirth I always dreamed of. I highly recommend her as an acupuncturist and a great human being. This is her life's work and it really shows!

Eréne Lejeune, Applied Chi Kung Practitioner/Traditional Tibetan Medicine

I have the highest regard for Tamara and her healing arts, from which I have benefitted since 2009. Tamara has played a significant role in my recovery from a lengthy physical and spiritual illness, whose manifestations included anxiety, recurring bouts of depression, hormonal imbalance, depleted energy, a vulnerable immune system, and susceptibility to physical injury. For several years I experimented with many different therapies and practices, but eventually found only a few to be truly helpful, including my work with Tamara. She treated my illness at a fundamental level, demonstrating deep insight and intuition that I feel is the unique product of her ongoing commitment to mastery of a suite of healing arts that integrates multiple practices and cultural traditions. I particularly appreciate how she cultivates a beautiful and nurturing environment in which relaxation and trust are strongly inspired. I heartily recommend her to others.

Sangjun

I found my way to Tamara in search of some much needed support, while in a process of healing old traumas and patterns of defense associated with early development. There are few words that can describe the deeply nourishing feeling of being seen, held, and understood at the many levels from which she works. In working with Tamara I have come to know her not just as my acupuncture but also as an ally, a teacher and a friend.

J

I was 40 when I went to see Tamara for fertility at the recommendation of a close friend. I'd had one miscarriage two years before, and then during the most recent 8 months of trying I felt as if I'd come close to conceiving but it hadn't stuck.

Well, one week after my first meeting with Tamara I conceived! I felt much more confident with her support as the months progressed successfully. I am now 19 weeks pregnant and it looks like all systems are go! I am a huge fan.

Sara, Entreprener (Sara is now the proud mother of a beautiful and healthy baby girl)

Not only is Tamara highly skilled and precise, she listens with an open and caring heart. Her Reiki is phenomenal. Since I began working with Tamara over a year ago, my symptoms of insomnia/adrenal fatigue and digestive issues have greatly improved. My acupuncture visits with Tamara are also an integral part of my wellness and preventative health care. I have learned a great deal about the subtleties of what it means to be healthy, and how I can be empowered to participate in my own health and well-being.

J.S.

I've been a patient of Tamara's for over a year and have been able to experience the depth of her abilities to facilitate healing on multiple levels. Her holistic approach has been eye-opening for me as our work together often goes far beyond the physical. Tamara is extremely dedicated and passionate about her practice and has shown me a great deal of skilled care, always in the most compassionate manner. She's an amazing and wonderful person who has helped me achieve greater balance with my health as well other areas of life.

Tim G. Architect

As a nurse for 45 years I've come to learn the advantages and limitations of Western Medicine, and appreciate the necessity for Complimentary Medicine. I've benefited from Acupuncture, Cranio Sacral Work, Chiropractic care, and Naturopathic Medicine for over 25 years, so I consider myself an informed consumer.

I was fortunate to be refereed to Tamara Ja in 2011, when I was struggling with some health issues, and living in San Francisco. Recently she has treated me for a knee injury and laryngitis after I had seen traditional doctors and a Physical Therapist. My healing significantly changed after having acupuncture and Reiki treatments from Tamara. She pays full attention to symptoms, uses her intuition, her experience in Chinese Medicine, and other modalities, to formulate a treatment that she offers with compassionate care and powerful needles.

I'm grateful to have found such an accomplished healer.

R.R., RN