Frequently-Asked Questions

Feel free to contact us if you have any unanswered questions, we look forward to hearing from you.

How does acupuncture work?
According to traditional branches of East Asian medicine, acupuncture encourages the body to restore the normal flow of "Qi" (the Chinese word for life force, pronounced "chee") and return healthy function. Pathways, also known as channels or meridians, have been identified through which Qi flows. These channels traverse the body from head to toe, and points along these channels have become recognized for their ability to promote or quell specific functions throughout the body. During treatment, points are stimulated in combination with one another to gently redirect the body's Qi to correct imbalance. Natural aging, overuse, stress, and trauma are the main reasons the normal flow of Qi is altered, leading to decreased performance, pain, and dysfunction.

Research has also been done to investigate changes that occur in the body in response to acupuncture treatment. There is solid evidence that the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, is one of the effects of treatment. This helps to explain acupuncture's profound effect of relieving pain. Another measurable change during a treatment is a steep increase in the production of white blood cells, one of the markers for measuring the health of the body's immune system. Maintaining normal levels of white blood cells is associated with an increased resistance to bacterial and viral infection. Changes in many other chemicals have also been seen, for example increases in neurotransmitters and hormonal activity have also been noted. These changes may help to explain how acupuncture enhances the body's ability to correct many kinds of imbalance.

What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is currently used as a primary health care system throughout the world. It is used for preventative maintenance, to treat many common health conditions and speed recovery from traumatic injury.

Below is a list of conditions and circumstances for which people commonly find acupuncture and East Asian medicine treatment to be effective: Addiction, Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain, Bronchitis, Bursitis, Cataract, Cardiovascular health, Cancer adjunct care, Chronic fatigue, Common cold, Conception difficulties, Constipation, Cough, Depression, Digestive disorders, Dizziness, Duodenal ulcer, Dysentery, Ear infection, Fibromyalgia, Fibroids, Headaches, Hearing loss, Hemorrhoids, Hiccups, Hypertension, Hypoglycemia, Insomnia, Irritability, Irritable bowel syndrome, Joint pain, Lactation difficulties, Low energy, Mastitis, Menopause, Menstrual problems, Muscle strain, Migraines, Neck pain, Obesity, Ovarian and uterine problems, Post-operative recovery, Post-partum care, Pregnancy support, Preventative health, Prostate health, Psoriasis, Psycho-spiritual imbalances, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sinusitis, Sexual dysfunction, Shoulder pain, Smoking, Stress, Tendonitis, Tinnitus, Toothache, Tonsillitis, Urinary problems, and many more.

Is acupuncture recommended for emergency situations?
If you are experiencing shortness of breath, sharp abdominal pain, chest pain, severe bleeding, or trauma such as lacerations or broken bones, you should call for emergency medical treatment first. Acupuncture first aid can be given in certain instances, depending on the circumstances. Also, once an acute emergent condition has stabilized acupuncture can be very helpful, even in the initial stages of healing.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
This will depend on the condition being treated; it's severity and duration, and your response to treatment. Almost everyone experiences some improvement after just one treatment, but a course of treatments may be necessary for significant change and lasting relief. A general rule is that the longer a condition has been present, the more treatments will be necessary to remove the condition.

What if I am healthy? Can acupuncture help prevent future problems or enhance well being?
Acupuncture is powerful preventative medicine. Many people report higher energy levels, greater focus and ability to perform at peak levels in their work and play, scheduling regular weekly to monthly treatments to stay in top shape.

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Modern-day acupuncturists are thoroughly trained and use sterile, single use disposable needles.

Does acupuncture hurt? What is it like?
Your first acupuncture session will include a thorough interview before the actual treatment to determine your underlying constitution as well as the nature of your current concern. Licensed acupuncturists typically receive a minimum of three years' training and they develop great skill in providing a comfortable treatment. Because the needles are literally hair thin, treatment is rarely painful, with occasional momentary sharpness or dull ache, far less intense than a western injection. When there is discomfort, the acupuncturist can quickly make adjustments to ensure your comfort. After insertion, a variety of sensations including warmth and tingling near the area or in other parts of the body are common. The practitioner may stay in the room or leave you alone to quietly rest while the treatment takes effect. Most patients find treatment deeply relaxing and even the apprehensive can overcome their intimidation, usually within a session or two, as they develop positive associations with these "friendly needles".

What should I expect on my first visit?
Acupuncturists might use a variety of techniques to arrive at their diagnosis including questioning, palpating the abdomen and tender points along the body, feeling the pulse and looking at the tongue. This information enables the acupuncturist to diagnose the imbalances causing your symptoms. At first, some patients are uneasy about the idea of receiving acupuncture as it is unfamiliar to them and because their previous experiences with much thicker hypodermic needles has been unpleasant. Usually, after the first treatment or two, even the apprehensive begin to look forward to treatments as a time to relax and unwind.

During a typical treatment, four to twenty needles are inserted into specific points that may be dispersed throughout the body. Each point has a unique function to affect the physiology of the body. The points most often used are located on the forearms, hands, legs and feet. Most people find acupuncture a deeply relaxing and soothing experience as they become more balanced with each treatment.

You may feel a relaxing warmth spread through part or all of the body, pressure, tingling, itching or buzzing in the local area and often along the pathway being stimulated. Often you don't feel the needle insertion at all! The treatment usually lasts 20-40 minutes and at the end the acupuncturist will discuss a strategy for future treatments, if necessary. It is recommended that you drink plenty of water and give yourself time to acclimate before jumping into anything demanding so that the treatment has a chance to take full effect.

Does my insurance cover acupuncture?
Some good news! Since 1996 Washington State has had the "Every Category of Provider" law, which mandates that insurance companies with offices in this state must offer a plan to include services from every kind of health care provider that is licensed by the state. It makes sense that if the state has recognized the profession, that the insurance plan should allow patients to choose that modality. Actual coverage, however, is in the details. Every plan is different so it is important to call your insurance company to find out if your package includes acupuncture as a benefit. Your acupuncturist can help you with this process, or you can find out by calling the phone number on the back of your insurance card and asking the following questions:

  • Have the social security number and birth date of the policyholder and the intended patient ready.
  • What is the active date of the policy? Does the policy cover acupuncture performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist?
  • Is your acupuncturist a 'preferred provider'? If not, are there 'out-of-network' benefits?
  • Is a referral or pre-approval necessary?
  • Is there a limit to the benefit in dollar amount per year? Any used already?
  • Is there a limit to the number of visits allowed per year? Any used already?
  • Is there a deductible? Has it been satisfied?
  • Is there a co-pay? How much is it?

Then go to our "Find a Practitioner" page. You may have a list of 'preferred providers', acupuncturists who have a contract with your insurance plan is often available from the health care network's web site.

If your symptoms are the result of an automobile accident you can benefit from receiving acupuncture through the "PIP" (Personal Injury Protection) of your auto insurance policy. Call your company and speak to the individual managing your claim. Inform them of your interest in receiving acupuncture care for your injury. Getting a referral from a primary health care provider is recommended as it will help demonstrate your medical need for acupuncture, in case the company contests your need for treatment. The State Labor and Industries (L&I) and Federal Programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Federal Employee Plans do not currently cover acupuncture. Ask your legislator why.

How are acupuncturists trained and licensed?
Today, most acupuncturists graduate from a school that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which is recognized by the US Department of Education to set standards for professional education. An acupuncturist's education usually includes course work in diagnosis, pathology, therapeutics, and acupuncture techniques including electro-acupuncture, as well as training in Western sciences such as: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, Western clinical sciences, needle hygiene and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Extensive clinical rounds and supervised practice are essential pieces of the professional degree program.

The State of Washington Department of Health (DOH) currently requires passing the Board Examination of the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) to become a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). This examination is used by nearly all states regulating the profession of acupuncture. To ensure proper needling hygiene, Washington State also requires that all acupuncturists receive Clean Needle Technique certification as approved by the NCCAOM.

The following links will give you the most up to date information on licensing and education requirements:

https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/HPS3/Acupuncture/default.htm
http://www.nccaom.org/
http://www.ccaom.org/Members3.asp

Is it okay to use prescription medications while receiving acupuncture?
Receiving acupuncture treatment has not been found to interfere with any prescription medications. As always, For advice about prescription medication you should consult the prescribing physician or pharmacist.

What if my regular doctor isn't familiar with the benefits of acupuncture?
With your written permission, your acupuncturist can speak and work with your doctor directly. Most acupuncturists are interested in helping everyone understand the benefits and usefulness of this time-tested medical system.

Can acupuncture help senior citizens?
Yes. Acupuncture is for people of all ages and seniors can often experience great benefits. It can assist with conditions such as: insomnia, incontinence, mental clarity, and regulate blood pressure.

Can acupuncture help with stroke?
Acupuncture is recommended for stroke patients as soon as possible after their diagnosis, and it is helpful in eliminating or decreasing related paralysis.

Is acupuncture cost-effective?
If we restructured medical care so that the least invasive methods, like acupuncture, were employed first, medical costs would likely drop dramatically nationwide as much more expensive and invasive procedures might be avoided.
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