Traditional Acupuncture Clinic

Does it hurt?

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The most you will feel is like a small pinch as the needle is tapped in. Most people don't feel anything at all. Once the needle is tapped in, then it is manipulated to get a mild 'Qi' sensation. This feeling is different for everyone and depends on the time of day, the season, level of relaxation, if an illness is present or not, etc. Usually people describe it as a dull, heavy sensation or a tingling sensation that follows the acupuncture meridians. As one of my 12 year-old patients says.. 'it feels cool!..'

How does it work?

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – works by keeping the body in balance. Our bodies are complex systems made up of flesh, energy (Qi, pronounced ‘chee’), blood, and essence. In reality, everything is made up of various forms of energy (Qi). This can be a confusing subject to grasp, but it’s interesting to note that in western physics matter is made up of electrical particles (atoms) joined by electromagnetic bonds. This electrical concept of the universe was known by the Chinese over two thousand years ago! When the various substances flow smoothly through the body, we feel healthy, happy, and mentally balanced. When this circulation becomes disrupted, then disease will result if harmony isn’t restored.

Our bodies are always trying to return to balance, but sometimes we do things that get it out of balance, or the environment changes and causes disharmony in our Qi. For example, if someone eats too much fatty food, they can gain weight. When the weather changes during changing of the seasons, colds abound. If someone can’t resolve a sad situation, depression can result. These are examples of things that can cause imbalance in the body. When imbalance occurs, TCM can help restore you back to a balanced, healthy state.

There are many tools of TCM that are used to restore health. The most widely and best known is the acupuncture needle. These are very fine needles that are inserted into acupuncture points along pathways of energy flow on the body. Other therapies include herbal formulas, suction cupping, channel scraping, and moxabustion. A practitioner of TCM will discuss the various methods with you that they feel are appropriate to treat your condition.

There's another detailed description at Acupuncture.com that may be of interest.

What can you treat with Acupuncture?

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This is a very common question, and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) practitioners always are educating the public about the scope of our practice. There's a simple answer; we'll treat any problem you would see your primary care provider for. Most people come in when they haven't been able to find out what's causing their health concern, or quite often, are tired of taking a once-a-day pill that never stops. I say that I have a general practice and have a special interest in Women's health issues, migraine headaches, and arthritis (including rheumatoid, osteo, psoriatic, etc.)

Keep in mind that TCM (acupuncture and herbs for example) has a 2,500 year written history… and it's still being practiced! Think about all the conditions you would see in 2,500 years in a continuous society that had been ravished by war and plagues… just about everything. It's not the end-all-be-all medicine - nothing is or can be. One of the greatest assets of this medicine is it's ability to treat a deeper root of disease, which Western medicine does not.

Given patience and willingness to follow the advice of your practitioner, acupuncture and herbal medicine can work for a great variety of things.

For example, a medical doctor may treat a common cold by giving you a prescription for an antibiotic.. even if the cold is caused by a virus. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not a virus. Anyways.. the bacteria that Western medicine considers is the cause of the illness are often NORMALLY present in our bodies, and a virus can come and go and be dealt with by our immune system. Why would bacteria or virus cause a problem then? Usually, the immune system gets weakened and the virus or bacteria get out of control. So - what's the cause of the cold? The pathogen (virus / bacteria) or the weakened immune system? Our medicine would consider the weakened immune system to be the root cause. Therefore, I'll often treat the immune system to prevent you from getting sick in the first place.. and if you do get sick, I use various

techniques to clear out the pathogen and then strengthen your immune system. I may also suggest lifestyle changes as well, since you also have to consider why the immune system was weakened in the first place - often due to poor diet, overwork, too much stress, not enough sleep, etc.. I think this whole story illustrates why western and Chinese medicine can be used together for great results. Sometimes with very strong pathogens, people can't come in frequently enough for treatments to be effective enough, so they will get some western treatment as well. Then in the recovery stage, I can strengthen the body to get back to a healthy state which prevents illness from coming back in.

Acupuncture.com has a sampling of what Chinese medicine is often used for. The National Institutes of Health has more of a western point-of-view on information about acupuncture.

What to expect

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Depending on how long you have been dealing with a certain condition, treatment results vary. For recent, acute conditions, one or two treatments may make a big difference in how you feel. For longer term illnesses, you may require several treatments before you notice much change in the way you feel. Usually people feel pretty relaxed after a treatment and have a good nights' sleep.

Choosing an acupuncturist

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I have a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree (MTCM). That is a four year degree that combines herbal and acupuncture training to treat people from the inside-out and the outside-in. I feel this is a great way to learn Chinese medicine. Other acupuncturists may have a Masters of Acupuncture degree (M.Ac.). This is a three year program that focuses on using acupuncture to treat patients. Some M.Ac. students will go back to school to get some herbal training and have a designation of Certified Herbalist (CH) attached behind their name.

Acupuncturists (MTCM or M.Ac.) have to pass a national board examination from the NCCAOM to receive a diplomate in acupuncture. Choosing a practitioner with a diplomate gives you peace of mind that you have a qualified practitioner. In some areas, other health care providers can also practice acupuncture. For example, in Washington, MD's can practice acupuncture without any training in Chinese medicine and without a diplomate of acupuncture from the NCCAOM.

Your first visit

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I recommend you have a little something to eat a couple of hours before your visit so you have enough energy for the treatment. It also helps if you are well rested. Acupuncture points are located all over the body. Many common points are located from the knees and elbows to the ends of the hands and toes. It will be more comfortable if you wear clothing that will easily roll up to your knees or elbows. The needles in modern practice are new, hair-thin, sterile surgical stainless steel and are disposed of after the treatment.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

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Few plans in Missouri cover acupuncture service. There are acupuncture benefits available with some secondary Medicare policies and federal employee insurance plans.

What paperwork will I need to fill out?

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It will be helpful if you fill out my intake form before your appointment (requires Adobe Acrobat, available here). That will give you time to answer the questions well and will allow us to take full advantage of your time here.

How is my privacy protected?

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Your personal information is protected according to HIPAA and state law and this protection is described in the Notice of Privacy Practices (requires Adobe Acrobat, available here). Please ask if you have any concerns.

Introductory Offer

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Have questions you would rather ask in person? To schedule a complimentary 15 minute consultation, call or send me an

General Advice

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A great aspect of Chinese Medicine is that it relates the external environment to the internal environment of our body. A vulnerable place is the back of the neck, which is called the Wind Gate, or 'feng men' in Chinese. It's a gate where Wind can enter the body, thus causing a common cold. Wind carries external pathogenic influences (EPI's) into the body. With a common cold, the EPI's responsible are Wind carrying Cold or Heat with or without Dampness. This may seem strange to Western thought, but if you watch people, you'll see that it's often true. Since I get to work on people's health, I see what changes occur when the external environment changes. I've noticed that when people start catching colds, the weather makes changes at the same time. When the weather makes big changes, it's brought by the wind as pressure fronts come and go.

All things in moderation!

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Moderation in your life leads to a balanced, healthy body.

• Exercise – especially calming, meditative. Walking & breathing! Usually Qi (energy) Stagnated people exercise a lot and can’t sit still for any period of time. However, they exercise frantically, and don’t breathe well, which is not healthy. Exercise needs to have a balance of breathing fresh air properly and physical activity in order to be healthy.
• Regulate temperature – prevent over heating and over cooling. Our bodies don’t like rapid changes.
• Diet – regular intake and avoid excess of problem foods. This is very individual and varies from person to person. You have to be observant of yourself to find what causes you problems.
• Sweat and exposure to cold – avoid drafts and cold weather when you are sweating, allow yourself to cool off normally and then you’ll be fine.

• Sleep – balanced. Usually around 8hrs, don’t eat much within 2 hrs of going to bed. Don’t over work and under rest - balance work and rest. Occasionally you will have to overwork, but then you can take it easy for a bit to recover. If you have to cram for finals you might not sleep much for several nights, but afterwards you should take it easy for a bit until you feel strong and healthy again. When you have a lack of energy, your immune system isn’t functioning optimally so you are at risk for illness.
• Posture – don’t hunch over and compress your chest, stand tall and keep your shoulders back and relaxed. Try not to wear your earrings on your shoulders. Makes it easier for your lungs to function properly and get good deep breaths. Deep breaths move the organs and break up stagnation – leading to a healthy mental attitude and a long life!

Spring

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Allergy Season! According to the 5 elements of Chinese medicine, Spring elements include Wind, Wood, Liver, and Green. Wind affects the upper body first. This is like a tree. When the wind blows, the leaves at the top of the tree shake first. Allergies flare up in Spring. People's noses are like the tree's leaves. Common symptoms of allergies are stuffy nose, itchy throat, dry itchy watery eyes, headaches, etc. Most of these symptoms affect the top of the body, like the wind rustling the leaves on the top of the tree. As the season changes to Spring, it's important to get extra rest in order to keep your energy up. Try to get to bed a little earlier than usual; this helps to keep your energy strong. Having extra energy really helps to keep your immune system strong. During the Spring, when the molds, pollens, and other allergens come out, your immune system has to run in overdrive, so it's important to keep it strong.

During the cold Winter months, many people get dehydrated from indoor heating systems. Therefore, try to drink more water than you normally do. Water helps your body circulate better and also helps to flush allergens from your system.

Since winter is usually cold and in spring the weather warms up, the body will gradually start to become warmer. This process takes some time though. Be cautious with clothing though, and dress to cool down gradually, rather than wearing spring or summer clothes too quickly. Wearing inappropriate clothing causes the body to cool down too quickly, and you will be susceptible to catching colds.

Summer

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Summer is the hot and dry time of year. As the weather gets warmer, our bodies also start to warm up. As in the other seasons, care needs to be taken to make this a gradual change. If you warm up too quickly, then various hot type of problems can result, i.e., insomnia, restlessness, heart palpitations, constipation, etc. If you try to compensate by eating too many foods that are cold, i.e., iced drinks, ice cream, too many raw salads, etc., you can also cause imbalance in the body. Adding some cold foods to your diet in the summer will help to balance the heat from the environment, but you need to take care not to over cool your body! You are the best guide, if you feel good, then you are probably doing the right thing for you. You also want to be sure to drink enough water to compensate for the dry weather. This summer has been quite dry and warm in Seattle, so I expect that when the weather changes in the Fall, people may not be well prepared when it suddenly cools off and their bodies cool too quickly.

Fall

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Fall is the time of year to store your harvest from Summer and prepare for Winter. As I mention above, the summer here in Seattle has been quite warm and dry. The weather is cooling off quickly at night, and many people are cooling down too quickly. Rapid changes in the body lead to stress. Stress consumes your energy. Less energy reduces your ability to adapt to the change in weather. Less adaptability means your immune system is not working optimally. Many people are experiencing cold and stuffy noses. I generally recommend to be sure to get enough rest to help your body adapt to the cooler weather. As the season sets in and the weather becomes more stable, the stuffy noses and colds will become less bothersome. If your body isn't able to get rid of the cold or stuffy nose quickly, then you should consider taking steps to get your body on the right track again!

Winter

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In the winter, the environment is cold, and so is your body. Keep warm in winter to protect against getting too cold. Balance is the key! If you feel too hot or too cold, you need to take actions to correct the imbalance.

Dressing properly for the season you are in is important. In winter, layering is great... especially since the weather can change quickly. Adjust your clothing so you're comfortable. Use a jacket with a hood to keep your head and neck dry and warm or use an umbrella. In winter, many people use a scarf, which is a great way to keep your body protected from the elements.

Diet should also change in the winter. Most people don't have much urge to eat the same foods that they do in the summer. For instance, a large cold glass of iced lemonade and a green salad isn't too appealing when the temperature drops, as it is when it's hot and dry in the summer. One concept from the macrobiotic people that I like is to eat what grows by you in the season you're in. Eating too much pineapple in Seattle during winter will not make your body too happy.

Squashes and root veggies are great though. Indian food is wonderful in the wintertime. It contains many warm spices and other warm natured ingredients that keep the body nice and toasty on the inside. Stews are great as well. Healthy people naturally eat more warm and rich foods in the winter. This helps protect the body from the cold and prepares us for spring and summer. You can think of it like farming, where you prepare the soil for what you want to grow in the following seasons. Keep balance in mind though. Too much rich food will cause you to gain weight and hamper your digestive system. Various spices will help your body to properly digest the foods you eat. Avoid drinking cold drinks, especially iced drinks in winter. This cools the body down too much and damages the digestive system in any season.

My Treatments

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Hi Geoffrey, Since I've started seeing you for acupuncture treatments, I've started to feel better that I have in 10 years! I rode before my "accident-thingy" and through MUCH hard work have gotten to a level of riding and UNDERSTANDING ... than I was at previously. I don't understand how that mind and body work together, but no matter HOW badly I felt, if I could get out to the barn, I would feel good as soon as I drove in, and then start feel terrible again soon after I left. I've always jokingly told people that, "I could get shot while riding and not notice it!" NOW though I feel good enough CONSISTANTLY that I've begun to do more work. I would guess that many people wouldn't think acupuncture can help, but fewer and fewer are beginning to think that way! Anyway. I wanted to write and tell you how much I think you are helping me.

Beth,
Puyallup

Thank you, Geoff

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Thank you - I can't believe the impact this has had for me. I'm usually the skeptical type; oh, I'll try anything at least once, and I'm open to new experiences. But I tend not to have high expectations. But I am impressed and moved by what I've experienced. The immediate affects were increased energy that was balanced, producing a relaxed, peaceful state. The more subtle affects have been profound - better mood, feeling less stressed and feeling in tune with the world.

You're bedside manner is outstanding. You orchestrate an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to exploration of something new. Thank you, again, for opening a door to a path I needed to go down.

Tim,
Kirkland

Women's health

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Thank you for giving me back the power to do what is right for me. For so many years I was at the mercy of traditional medicine. It has it's place, don't get me wrong and it will always be part of my health care but I will no longer turn there first. My body was so dependent on birth control that I didn't feel I had any where else to turn when things started to go seriously wrong. I am thankful that we met and you have given me the chance to get my body back on track and off the pharmaceuticals. Since I began treatment I have felt more aware of my body and more in touch with my surroundings. The most profound effect that acupunctures has had on my life is the management of the chronic pain I have been dealing with for so many of years. It was such a strange feeling to wake up in the morning and not be in pain. I was unaware of how much energy went into dealing with that pain every moment of every day. That is the most amazing gift to recieve and I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me back my life.

Patricia,
Everett

Digestive trouble

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My stomach dyspepsia or whatever it was is gone. I wasn't sure what it was when I first saw you and as I told you then the doctors I'd spoken with were confounded too. There symptoms were undeniable, they just couldn’t do anything about it. As a result, I'd lowered my expectations about it getting better.

Your treatments changed my mind. You’ve not only fixed a problem that was a painful annoyance, you've helped me think about health in a more hopeful way. Like a lot of men I think, I've been "programmed" to believe that pain is just part of the deal, and was taught to 'take it like a man.' It got to be a habit. Your willingness and ability to diagnose the symptoms and treat them successfully with acupuncture and herbs has made me less inclined to take a bite-the-bullet attitude when it comes to my health. It’s a relief to know I can call on your medical talents and expertise if something goes out of whack. Thanks for your insight and skill. And thanks for your warmth and generosity of spirit.

Warm regards,
Neal,
Seattle