Acupuncture is one of oldest and safest forms of medicine. When performed by a trained professional, acupuncture carries little to no risk or side effects and safely complements other treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, other traditional components of Oriental or East Asian medicine include:
- Chinese Herbal medicine
- Tuina massage
- Dietary & Lifestyle counsel
- Qi Gong exercises for rehabilitation and optimal health.
The number and frequency of treatments depends on the history and severity of the medical condition as well as the overall health of the individual. While it is entirely dependent on the condition, I commonly advise weekly treatment for the first month. For those receiving maintenance or preventive treatment, monthly or even seasonal visits may be adequate for optimal care. Some conditions respond very quickly even immediately to treatment. Others require combined acupuncture and herbal treatment over a period of months.
In addition to the 2-3,000 years of empirical evidence, there is a growing body of modern clinical research supporting acupuncture’s efficacy in treating a variety of medical conditions. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) find acupuncture effective for the following categories of conditions:
Additional Acupuncture Research (10 pg. pdf)
- Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders
- Circulatory Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders
- Immune Disorders
- Addiction
- Emotional and Psychological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
- Respiratory Disorders
- Chemotherapy and radiation side effects
- Diabetes
- Dermatological disorders
- Weight control
Additional Acupuncture Research (10 pg. pdf)
Most insurance companies in Washington state provide some coverage for acupuncture.
See forms, fees and insurance
See forms, fees and insurance