Acupuncture
and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Welcome to SEATTLE HEALTH THERAPIES, your acupuncture clinic in the Pacific Northwest! An acupuncture specialist, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of alternative health care using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition to addressing your specific health concerns, each acupuncture treatment balances, strengthens and optimizes your health.  Other specialized treatments such as Ear Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy are available.  Click here to learn about medical conditions that respond to acupuncture treatments.

My clinic is situated right in the heart of downtown Seattle (Map & Directions). There is on-street parking available within a three block vicinity. This area, the Seattle Metropolitan Tract also has several convenient garages. Most reasonable is the Benaroya Hall Garage on Second Avenue and Macy's garage on Fourth Avenue.  Metro buses stop nearby.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a three thousand-year-old method of healing. According to ancient Chinese philosophy, energy or (Qi) flows through channels or meridians in the body, which contain well-defined individual acupuncture points. Each channel pertains to a particular organ and touches upon neighboring organs in a complex matrix system. Each of the acupuncture points along the meridians has specific functions. Acupuncture involves stimulating these points with fine stainless steel needles to initiate those functions.

During the 17th century missionaries returning from China brought back incredible stories of Chinese doctors curing illnesses with needles placed in the skin. It wasn't until the 1970's that acupuncture received notice in America.  People traveling with President Richard Nixon to China brought back stories of acupuncture anesthesia used during surgery.  Today, acupuncture has an established place within the ranks of the scientific community and modern medicine. Research has not only explained some of the mystery, which surrounds this ancient method, but is currently using this knowledge to gain technological advances in many other areas of medicine, as well as human behavior. Through the use of needles, pressure, electrical currents, sound waves, and even laser light; the acupuncture meridian system is accessed to treat illness, promote healing and strengthen body systems.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The acupuncture meridians have been likened to a "fifth circulatory system". This internal energetic current system provides nourishment and organization to the physical and cellular structure of each organ system and surrounding tissues. Individual points (there are over 360 acupuncture points) along the meridian system serve as "micro-intelligence centers", relaying information, diagnosing, and correcting imbalances via their energetic influence. Acupuncture restores wellness by correcting the disorganized energetic patterns of disease and dysfunction.

By modifying the energy field environment, our body is able to repair and strengthen itself. This is an important concept to grasp, as it explains why acupuncture treats the root of the problem and not just the symptoms. A simple analogy I often use is that of a cockpit in an airplane. As each of the buttons and switches in the cockpit control certain aspects of flight, so do individual acupuncture points fine-tune the functions of the human body. For example, there is a point on the lung channel which clears heat and phlegm from the lung. Another point on the same channel stops coughs and sore throat. By stimulating certain points, or combinations of points in concert, we are relaying energetic messages to restore homeostasis. Acupuncture is safe, effective and generally painless.  Read how ACUPUNCTURE FACILITATES LIFE CHANGES.

Frequently Asked questions:

What are the needles like and how many of them are used in a session?
The needles are fine and flexible, about the size of a thick hair. The comment I hear most often is "I can't believe how thin they are!" I have treated people with needle phobias who report afterwards that acupuncture was so much easier then they had anticipated. In general, the average number of needles used is anywhere from eight to twelve.

Is acupuncture painful?
When the needles are inserted there can be a slight pricking sensation. Many people do not feel any sensation. When the Qi (energy) is stimulated at the needle, there is a "toothache" sensation, tingling or a feeling of heaviness, which often dissipates within a few seconds. While the needles are retained there is little sensation. Most people find it deeply relaxing, as if being relaxed from the inside outwards.

Note: Addressing those persons who have a fear of needles. I do have an acupressure technique which neutralizes fear and phobias (EFT). After a few minutes of applying this technique, fear is greatly diminished if not resolved. You are always in charge. If any anxiety or discomfort is felt during the treatment the needles can be withdrawn immediately. In all the years I have practiced acupuncture I have had only one person who could not continue the treatment due to fear. This woman did not speak any English. Perhaps if I had been able to communicate with her the outcome would have been different.

How long are the needles retained?
Depending on the condition treated and other factors, needles are retained for about 30 to 40 minutes. During that time people report feeling very relaxed and often fall asleep. Often, a front and back treatment are done in the same session.

How many sessions will I need?
Depending on the nature of the complaint and other factors, you can expect to have anywhere from 3 to 7 sessions. Some people respond with one or two treatments. This is often the case with acute conditions of short duration. Those presenting with chronic illnesses need ongoing treatments during the year. Each session builds upon the former, consequently, in the beginning weekly treatments are advised. As the core of the issue resolves and symptoms abate, sessions can be spread out over a longer period of time. If there is not a positive response to treatment within a reasonable amount of time we will re-evaluate and decide on the next course of action.  Click here to learn about medical conditions that respond to acupuncture treatments.

 To learn more about our acupuncture treatments, contact us.

Seattle Health Therapies
Acupuncture and
Energy Medicine Solutions

1411 Fourth Avenue, Suite #1322
Seattle, Washington, 98101
USA Tel: (206) 623-1630