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Tracey

Acupuncture 101

Acupuncture is a form of healing that has been continually practiced for 5,000+ years. Looking at the body through a different lens from Western medicine, we treat the body as a whole. Our goal is to uncover the root cause of your dis-ease. Instead of treating each symptom individually, we seek to find the root imbalance causing all of your symptoms.


We treat: pain, hormone imbalance, digestive disorders, stress, anxiety, insomnia, fertility struggles, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, and more.


Even if you don't have a clear complaint - whether you just feel "off", out of balance, or want to prevent illness or dis-ease - we'd still love to see you.





BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT


You can book an appointment online, or by calling our office at 425-413-3801. You are welcome to stop by in person too, although we can't guarantee our office manager will be at the front desk.


New patients can schedule: Initial Acupuncture Treatment, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture Treatment, and Microneedling. New patients are not required to book free a consultation. If you're unsure if acupuncture will be helpful to you or just want to meet your practitioner before they stick needles in you (we totally get it!), you are welcome to.


ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT PREP


Before you come to your appointment, we ask that you please fill out our health history form. This can be found online through your Jane account, or you're welcome to arrive 20 minutes early to fill it out in our office (paperwork can also be found here).


So many patients ask us what to wear - pajamas, work clothes, yoga pants, whatever your fancy! Loose, comfortable clothes are BEST, but don't stress if you wear skinny jeans. If there are acupuncture points we need to access, we have blankets to drape over you.


It's also a great idea to eat a meal or have a snack before your first appointment.


YOUR FIRST TREATMENT


We'll start by discussing your main complaints and will also ask about: sleep, energy, temperature, digestion, bowel movements, menstrual cycles, emotions, aches + pains, skin health, respiratory health and more. This is to help us discern your underlying constitution and related imbalances.


Next you'll lay down on the massage table (think you'll need a stool or help? Let us know!) We'll feel your pulse and look at your tongue - two important diagnostic techniques in Chinese medicine. Even the slightest nuance in pulse strength or quality, or areas of cracks on your tongue gives us clues about your internal ecosystem.


Next - the acupuncture! Your practitioner will select points based on your symptoms, health history, and diagnostics. Wondering why you came in for back pain but we're putting needles in your ankle? Well my friend - it's all connected. Sometimes we'll treat symptoms locally (at the source) or distally (away from the source). Sometimes if there's a blockage of energy (we call it "qi"), treating it downstream can be more gentle but still provide amazing results.


You might feel a slight pokey or pinchy feeling. as the acupuncture needles are inserted. This is normal. If anything is extremely painful or doesn't go away in 10+ seconds - let us know. After all the acupuncture points are in, you might notice a throbby, achy, or radiating sensation. If you're able to rest with it - great! If not, again, let us know.


Now it's your time to relax and let the activated acupuncture points guide your body to heal itself. This isn't a time to check your email or scroll TikTok. It's for you to rest your body, set aside your to-do list, let your thoughts wander, focus on your breathing if you'd like, or take a nap.


Your practitioner will check on you periodically, or you can always request a buzzer if you're nervous. If you're too cold, too hot, or hate the music - let us know! We want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible.


AFTER YOUR TREATMENT


You might find yourself in an acu-daze, much like the floaty (or confused!) feeling you get after a massage. Get up SLOWLY please. Sit for a few minutes if you need to.


Your acupuncturist will leave you with a treatment plan - typically we like to see patients 1x per week for 6-8 weeks as an initial series.


Before you leave, stop in at the front desk to book your next appointment(s). Easy peasy!


Have questions about how to book an appointment, or if we treat whatever condition you're dealing with? Call us at 425-413-3801. We're happy to answer any questions you have.






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