This is the Alternative Way

Our mission is to ensure that all bodies receive excellence in holistic care, without judgment or question, to keep our community feeling and looking great! Whether you are looking for a tune-up, attention for an acute problem, care for a chronic condition, or a Primary Care Provider that will meet you where you are, we’ll make sure that you are in good hands.

I’m Dr. Marcos

Welcome!


I am a licensed Acupuncturist and Primary Care Provider in California. I specialize in back, shoulder, and neck pain, immune system enhancement, digestive issues, insomnia, anxiety and depression management, stress relief, and hormonal balance support.

I also provide extensive assistance with facial and skincare, as well as hair care. If this means growing you a beard or thickening your hair, let’s get you growing!

I am deeply committed to ensuring that the transgender and LGBTQIA+ community have access to safe and exceptional healthcare. I strive to create an inclusive and compassionate environment for gender-affirming care, promoting body positivity, sex-positivity, and a non-judgmental, trauma and neurodivergent-informed approach.

Education

In partnership with Black Thorn in Oakland, Dr. Marcos offers classes that allow you to practice some of the modalities offered at Needle Play Acupuncture at home! These are not classes on how to give yourself or anyone else acupuncture, but more in alignment with bodywork, cupping, and aftercare techniques. Some classes help spark your imagination if you would like to cross over to the kinkier side of things with things like cupping.

Services

  • Are you feeling stressed? Shoulders up by your ears while you are reading this? Been under the weather? Have you had “this thing” that has bothered you since you can’t remember when? Time to book an appointment.

    Whether you wear your purple hanky on the left or the right, or you are halfway to your safeword even thinking about needles, acupuncture can be a powerful and easeful experience. Acupuncture is a holistic method of treatment that addresses the whole system of a person. Immune system, check. Nervous system, check. Digestive system, also check. Musculoskeletal, you ask? Yes, that gets a check too.

    Utilizing hair-thin (yes, really) needles along the Classical Meridians of the body, acupuncture can help to alleviate a host of pathologies that one endures. Whether something feels wrong right now, has felt off for a while, or you are investing in your long-term well-being, each and every treatment is uniquely designed with your optimal well-being in mind.

    Pop over to the services page for more information.

  • In California, acupuncturists are not only specialists in traditional Chinese medicine but also recognized as primary care providers. This designation means that they are trained and licensed to be the first point of contact for individuals seeking healthcare, especially for conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, digestive issues, stress-related disorders, and more. As primary care providers, they can diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of health challenges using acupuncture combined with other traditional Chinese medicine techniques. Patients can directly consult with acupuncturists without needing referrals, ensuring an integrated approach to healthcare that blends the best of Eastern and Western medical traditions.

  • Comprehensive healthcare services for transgender individuals encompass a wide range of medical fields. This includes internal medicine, surgical support, post-operative care, and treatments for feminization and masculinization.

  • Picture it: You’ve been on T for a while and your face just hasn’t gotten the memo. Or maybe you aren’t on T and your face didn’t even know there was a memo to get. In either case, micro-needling can help get you started on the path of full facial hair. It can start growth, or fill in where you may need a little more. Check out the packages page for pricing and lets get you growing!

  • As Truvy in Steel Magnolias once said, “Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin' across your face.”
    Even Dolly lets us know that it takes effort to look as good as we want to. I also specialize in Anti-Aging treatments that include Micro-Needling, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Lymphatic Drainage, and Body Sculpting. Check out the prices and packages page to start to Turn Back Time.

Are you feeling stressed? Shoulders up by your ears while you are reading this? Been under the weather? Have you had “this thing” that has bothered you since you can’t remember when? Time to book an appointment.

Who We are

Needle Play Acupuncture was envisioned by and for the LGBTQIA+ community, with expertise in Transgender Care, to offer service and healing to the Trans, Kink, and Leather communities of the Bay Area (family, friends, and allies welcome). Dr. Marcos’s table is a sanctuary where all are safe to receive treatment; where the stories told by our “scene souvenirs” are welcomed, and our bodies are supported by transgender-centered, kink-informed, and trauma-informed care to keep us doing what we love!

Safe.
Queer.
Trans informed.
Trauma-informed.
Leather informed.
kink informed.
Body positive.
Sex-positive.
Care.

Pricing

$200

initial acupuncture appointment

Your first acupuncture appointment with Dr. Marcos. This comprehensive 90-minute session will consist of an intake, treatment, and a detailed report to ensure personalized care and effectiveness.

$175

Acupuncture

A 50-minute assessment and acupuncture treatment to be booked after your initial appointment.

$225

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural, non-invasive alternative to botox and plastic surgery that rejuvenates the skin and promotes a youthful glow. It addresses various skin concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and acne, while also improving overall skin tone and texture.

Results vary from patient to patient. The statements above are not offered as any form of medical advice, evaluation or cure.

Contact Me

Have a question? Want a consult? No problem. Drop your information into this form and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Please do note that I am only in the office Tuesday through Friday and will respond during business hours.