What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can basically treat everything!  Acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which encompasses many therapies such as acupuncture, gua sha, cupping and herbal medicine. People often come to acupuncture looking for pain relief, such as neck, shoulder and low back pain, but it can do so much more! 

As acupuncturists (we are also called East Asian Medical Practitioners), we treat the main symptom while also looking at the root cause and also treating that.  

Some things acupuncture treats (but not limited to!):

  • Musculoskeletal pain like neck/back/shoulder pain, low back pain, joint pain, arthritis, chronic injuries to ligaments/tendons, residual pain from accidents such as car accidents

  • Acute trauma such as a car accident, or resetting the nervous system after an emotional trauma. It can help healing or broken or fractured bones, or quicker recovery post-op

  • Dermatological concerns such as acne, scarring, rosacea, eczema, viral & bacterial skin conditions

  • Digestive concerns such as nausea, bloating, gas, stomach cramps, irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoids

  • Gynecological concerns such as infertility, labor induction, morning sickness, PMS, irregular menstruation, painful periods, heavy periods, missed periods

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches

  • Mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, low energy, stress, and trauma

  • Genitourinary concerns like frequent or noctural urination, UTI’s, low libido and more!

Does it hurt?!

There is always some kind of sensation in an acupuncture treatment, but doesn’t mean it will be painful.  You usually feel a sensation, like a quick poke or scratch, or you feel nothing, and the feeling only lasts a moment and fades.  Sometimes there will be some soreness at the needle sight while you are resting, or you feel all kinds of other sensations, but most people drift off like they are meditating and it is quite relaxing.  If something hurts you for more than a moment, I will adjust things, and it goes away very quickly, so there’s nothing to be afraid of!  I am a sensitive needler and like to make sure you are comfortable. 

How many visits do I need before I see results?

Depending on how long your main issue has been going on will depend on the number of effective treatments.  Acupuncture treatments build on each other, so you feel the most relief after a few sessions. If you have been experiencing back pain for several years, it may take several months to clear up.  For something more acute, it may only take a couple sessions.  I say, on average, in 6-8 visits we will know if something will clear up quickly or take a bit longer and I am very communicative about this along the way, as well as refer you to other providers as needed. 

What does cupping and gua sha help with?

Generally cupping is helpful for the onset of cold symptoms, phlegm in the chest, tightness in neck, shoulders & back and stress, but I have used it for many things.  I will occasionally cup other areas of the body and face as needed.  Gua sha is a powerful traditional tool where the practitioner takes a spoon or other tool to “scrape” the skin which can alleviate a lot of pain, especially in areas where the fascia has been stuck for a long time, or perhaps a lingering stuckness from injury.  You will see facial gua sha frequently in the world these days, but it is often not practiced by a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, so it’s best to consult with us first!

What’s the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Dry needling is a term used when practitioners who are not trained acupuncturists such as physical therapists and chiropractors, put needles into the skin, usually trigger points.  The difference between a trained, licensed acupuncturist doing acupuncture and someone doing “dry needling” is the amount of hours they have studied and licensure.  For example, I have over 1200 training hours completed before I am able to take a national board exam to become an acupuncturist.  If someone does “dry needling” they usually take a course over a weekend or something equivalent to this.  I highly recommend seeing a licensed acupuncturist for acupuncture and not getting dry needled by another practitioner. 

Do you see children?

Yes!  Kids LOVE acupuncture!  I can see your babies & teenagers for all sorts of things like coughs, insomnia, skin complaints, pain, digestion, emotional support and more.  There are also some non-needle methods we can try, but I always go at the pace the child or teen is willing to go and never force them.  Herbal medicine is also very effective for kids! 

How to prep for your appointment/what to expect?

Filling out your paperwork ahead of time is helpful so you can take your time.  Bring your insurance card if you plan to use it (and call them to find out what your acupuncture benefits are).  Wearing comfortable clothing that I can access your arms, abdomen and legs is best, or something you don’t mind taking off and you can climb under a blanket!  Make sure to eat something and don’t come on an empty stomach.  You will arrive and hang out in the waiting area for me to greet you, being mindful of the other person ahead of you still resting in the room.  You will come in the room and we will chat about you for 15-30 minutes, then I will do some physical exams and ask more questions.  I will perform the acupuncture (insert the tiny needles) and you rest for about 30 minutes.  If there’s time, I will work on an herbal formula for you, or come back in the room for cupping, gua sha, moxabustion or other bodywork. You may feel a little tired or hazy after the appointment which is normal, just like when you get a massage! Or like you just woke up from a nap.

What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

Facial Rejuvenation, or cosmetic acupuncture, is a natural alternative to invasive current therapies like Botox and fillers. The result is that your face looks more like you, which these other methods don’t. Your face will generally look more toned, brighter, and have a more even complexion. It is useful for smoothing out fine lines & wrinkles, enhancing collagen production, smoothing out scars, helping with rosacea or other discoloration, lifting sagging muscles and more.  It can also help with redness, sagging and help fight aging and make your facial surgery results last longer.  I have also found it incredibly useful for neurological facial conditions and things like TMJ.

A session involves inserting many tiny needles into the face, but I also insert needles into the body to balance the constitution.  I finish the appointment with facial cupping, gua sha and massage, using only natural products. 

How many Cosmetic Acupuncture appointments do you need to see results?

As acupuncture appointments build on themselves, coming in once a week for 10-12 visits (or 2x a week for 5-6 weeks) is how you will see the best results. My patients usually feel a bit brighter after the first few sessions though! I encourage a follow-up visit to maintain results every 4-6 weeks after, and results usually last for a couple years and you can come in for another round then.  However, every person is different, so we will need to assess you individually. To get the most out of it, please be on time for your appointment (we need the full time!) and doing some other work outside on your own like possibly gua sha, Derma rolling, changing your face washing habits and possibly diet as well (this is all individual). Please contact me to schedule a consult!

Do you sell herbs in your clinic?

Yes!  I have an extensive apothecary here full of Western & Chinese herbs, granules that I mix for formulas, Chinese herbal patents, topicals, some tinctures and other herbal goods!    Most is by prescription, but some you can just buy outright. 

Do you take insurance?

Yes!  I am in-network with Premera, Regence, Aetna, United, Kaiser PPO and a couple others.  If you don’t have insurance, my rates are on the “schedule” tab.  Call your insurance company and ask them a few questions like:

·         Do I have acupuncture benefits?

·         How many visits a year do I get?

·         Do I have a deductible and how much is it?

·         Do I have a copay or coinsurance?

 (Photo in banner by Janna Ransch)