Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology and bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise based on traditional Oriental medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself. This system of health care is used extensively by one-quarter of the world's population, residing in Asia, and is rapidly growing in popularity in the West.
Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced "chee"). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways, called "meridians". Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.
Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect on the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus confirming the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
Traditional Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of the abdomen, points and meridians, medical history, and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to attain a balanced state of health.
Acupuncture treats a myriad of health conditions. Some of the more than 200 conditions that acupuncture successfully treats, as recognized by the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health, include:
It is important to note that acupuncture needles are not at all like hypodermic needles. Instead, they are extremely thin, about the width of a human hair, and very flexible. When needled by a skilled acupuncturist, no pain is felt, maybe only the slightest sensation of pressure or a dull feeling around the point of insertion. In Toyohari style acupuncture developed in Japan, the needling techniques are so advanced that insertion is not always required. Most patients find acupuncture to be wonderfully relaxing and often fall asleep on the table.
In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured. Throughout their education, licensed acupuncturists are trained and tested in Clean Needle Technique (CNT). Most acupuncturists use disposable needles, which are factory-sterilized and sealed individually. Once used the needles are then immediately discarded by the practitioner in a marked biohazard container.
The number of treatments needed to see results varies depending on the individual because each person is unique,
as are the conditions being treated. Usually patients will see noteworthy improvements of symptoms within 4-6 weeks,
some more some less. Whether a condition is chronic or acute will also affect how quickly a person will respond to
acupuncture. Typically, acute conditions respond more rapidly and chronic conditions of a longer duration can take
up to 3 months. I should point out here that I have seen results in my patients and myself in just one treatment.
Most health insurance policies now provide some limited benefits for alternative medicine treatment.
We are happy to submit your claims for reimbursement. Your co-pay or estimated co-insurance payment is due
at the time of service. Additional balances remaining after your insurance processes a claim will be billed
directly to you. Plan ahead and know that while your insurance will give us a head start on paying for your care,
in most cases the limited benefits are exceeded and patients will usually incur some out of pocket expense.
Herbs and supplements are not covered by insurance.
I am contracted as an "in-network" provider with the following health insurance companies:
American Whole Health Networks
Aetna US Healthcare - WA CAM
General American WholeHealth Practitioners
CIGNA Health Care
Premera Blue Cross
Uniform Medical Plan - Cov
First Choice Health Network
Lifewise of WA
For all other plans I am considered an "out of network" provider. Many insurance plans do offer out of network benefits so contact your plan to inquire about your specific policy. I can also submit claims to your auto insurance for treatment of injuries sustained in an accident.
