Absolutely! Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years and is very effective for a variety of conditions. As with any therapy, there are certain situations in which certain modalities may not be effective or appropriate. We will always be honest and up front about all treatments and will not hesitate to suggest alternatives or refer you to another practitioner, if that is what is best for you. Your health is the number one priority.

In general, traditional acupuncture is a pain-free treatment. You may feel a dull ache or heaviness at the acupuncture point or you may feel the sensation of energy moving in the body. Needle insertion can feel like a hair being plucked or it can feel like nothing at all. Overall, an acupuncture treatment is a very relaxing experience. Some other techniques can be more intense but they are always tailored to the tolerance and preference of each patient. It is not uncommon for people to request the stronger treatments after they have experienced them because they are so effective.

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by skilled and qualified practitioners. We practice the highest level of safety and precautions to provide the most effective treatments while minimizing risk. Each treatment utilizes single-use, sterile acupuncture needles that are new for each patient and disposed of after each use.

Thousands of hours of training and years of experience allow for accurate diagnosis and precise application of acupuncture technique. Despite taking all possible measures, there are possible side effects. The most common of which are bruising and muscle soreness. Bruising is less likely bust does happen. Muscle soreness is expected after stronger musculoskeletal treatments. You can expect 24-48 hours of soreness that feels similar to sore muscles after a workout. After that period, most experience a significant improvement in symptoms.

Other side effects are very rare but do exist. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts. We would be happy to explain any aspect of the treatment. This medicine is not meant to be mysterious or exclusive. It is an ancient medicine with thousands of years of practice and significant modern applications.

Typical new patient appointments last 60-75 minutes but can take up to 90 minutes for more complex cases. The appointment will begin with a thorough history and, if necessary, a physical exam to assess any musculoskeletal injuries or imbalances. We will discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.

All new patient appointments include treatment and the specific modalities will be selected based on the presenting condition and patient preference. If you are new to acupuncture and at all nervous about the procedure, we will take it slow and select a treatment that is effective yet also an easy introduction to medicine. Your comfort is always a primary consideration.

After the appointment, we will discuss and design a treatment plan moving forward. A course of treatments is often suggested and the number of visits and frequency will vary based on each unique situation. The plan will be reassessed at each visit and modified accordingly as your condition evolves.

East Asian medicine can be effective at treating most health concerns. Nick has extensive post-graduate training and clinical experience with pain management as well as women’s health and fertility. He often utilizes trigger point therapy when addressing musculoskeletal pain conditions, which is a very effective technique. Additionally, he regularly helps people with general health issues related to digestion, sleep disorders, and hormonal imbalances. He also enjoys working with people who don’t have any illness or injury to help them stay strong, healthy, and balanced. Natural medicine excels at preventing disease, enhancing performance, decreasing the signs of aging, and increasing longevity.

Trigger point acupuncture is a very effective method of relieving pain throughout the body. Acupuncture is used to release tight dysfunctional muscles that are causing pain patterns close to the muscle (local pain) or in another part of the body (referred pain). Accurate diagnosis and precise treatment is essential for fast and effective relief. This type of acupuncture can be more intense than traditional acupuncture but the results are fast and profound. There is often soreness following the treatment that feels like you just went to the gym. This lasts approximately 24 hours and is often followed by significant reduction of tightness and pain.

The average treatment plan is one to two treatments per week for a total of six to 10 treatments. For more acute conditions, one to three treatments may be enough to correct the issue. Chronic conditions tend to take longer to address. Consistency is the most important variable for successful resolution of symptoms. Regular treatments at short intervals are significantly more effective than the same number of treatments extended over a longer time.

Once initial symptoms have resolved many people continue treatment to support general health and wellness and to prevent disease. Chinese diagnostic techniques can identify imbalances in the body before they manifest as symptoms. Regular visits once per month, or as often as once per week, help to de-stress and and keep the immune system strong. These visits are also a great opportunity to work out any sore muscles before they develop into chronic pain and dysfunction.

For your convenience, we provide direct insurance billing with most major insurance providers. We are an in-network provider with many companies. If we are not contracted with your health insurance company, we can bill them as an out-of-network provider, if you have that benefit. Alternatively, you can pay out-of-pocket and we can provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Treatments are also eligible for HSA and Flex Spending accounts. In most cases, you do not need a doctor’s referral.

We are currently in-network with the following insurance companies:

• Premera Blue Cross
• Regence Blue Shield
• Aetna
• Humana
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare
• Kaiser WA PPO (formerly Group Health)
• Coordinated Care
• American Speciality Health

Don’t see your insurance listed? Submit an Insurance Verification Form and we will check your benefits. You may be covered!

For more information, visit our Insurance & Fees page.

If you were in an automobile accident as a driver, passenger, bicyclist, or pedestrian, you are entitled to acupuncture treatment that is 100% covered by auto insurance, whether you were at fault or not. Washington State law requires that all auto insurance policies cover Personal Injury Protection, which allows you to get medical treatment after an incident. We can bill the insurance directly and get you the treatment you need. Many auto-accident injuries are subtle or slow-developing. Early assessment and treatment can resolve issues that may otherwise develop into larger problems in the future. Don’t pass up this opportunity! Book an Appointment

Acupuncture is now a covered service for worker’s compensation claims in Washington State. A recent change in legislation has allowed acupuncture for the first time but coverage is limited to cases that involve low back pain. As more conditions are authorized for acupuncture treatment, we will update the information on this site. Check back regularly for updates.

In most cases, you do not need a doctor’s referral to receive acupuncture in the state of Washington. Some insurance plans may require a referral or pre-authorization. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help in any way we can. You can also submit an insurance verification form so we can check your benefits and any need for referral or pre-authorization.

A variety of techniques are regularly used to support and enhance an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is just one modality at our disposal and the effectiveness of the treatment is amplified when it is combined with appropriate supportive techniques, such as electrical stimulation, cupping, moxibustion, bodywork, herbal medicine, etc. Every treatment is custom designed for each individual. The supplemental modalities will be selected based on the patient’s unique presentation.