Does acupuncture hurt? No. Acupuncture is generally a comfortable procedure.
The needles are very slender, fine and flexible and there is usually no discomfort with insertion. Most patients find acupuncture treatment to be a relaxing and pleasant experience.

How many treatments will I need? This depends on the chronicity, complexity and severity of your condition. Acute conditions can often be resolved in 2-3 visits, while chronic conditions usually respond with slow steady progress, and may require regular treatments over a period of a few months to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit. Acupuncture treatments have a cumulative effect, in the sense that each one builds upon the next, as the self-healing system of the body is restored. If the cause of the illness or injury remains active in your life, you may have to come in for maintenance treatments once in a while.

Is acupuncture safe? Yes. The needles are pre-sterilized, single-use disposable needles, and there are virtually no side effects with acupuncture treatment when administered by a properly trained and licensed practitioner.

Can I use Western medicine and acupuncture together? Yes. Acupuncture can be combined with conventional medical interventions when acupuncture alone is not sufficient or appropriate to effectively treat your condition.

Do you prescribe Chinese herbs or other supplements? No. If you are looking for Chinese herbs, I would recommend seeing Paul Nojaim, LAc. (206) 923-2053 or Karin Nelson, LAc., (206) 769-7600; they are both excellent and experienced, and they also practice acupuncture. If you are looking for supplements, Western herbs, bio-identical hormones etc., I would highly recommend seeing one of the naturopathic doctors at the West Seattle Natural Medicine Clinic, (206) 938-1393, they are all excellent, and have a wide breadth of experience and specialties.