Conceive Wellness Fertility Acupuncture, Seattle

What is Acupuncture?

Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical, mental, and environmental stresses of life. One way East Asian medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By the insertion and manipulation of needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture is able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that are often undectected when inserted. Occassionally there may be some sensation, similar to a mosquitoe bite. Once the needles are in, they are gently stimulated. You may experience a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. Acute conditions require fewer treatments, and chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. But you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few; and often people are aware of positve change after the first treatment. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. Deborah is accredited and has passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), she is actively engaged in continuing education, and is licensed by the state. As required by law, pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles are used to ensure your complete safety.

Your First Visit

Your completion of the Patient Health History Questionnaire is extremely important for you first acupuncture appointment. This form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing your intake form and discussing your health concerns, Deborah examines your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points  chosen  for your treatment will depend on your condition and specific diagnosis.   Once the needles are inserted, you rest comfortably for  with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. The National Institute of Health (NIH), clinics, and schools of medicine around the world are  actively engaged in researching the effects of acupuncture.  Please see our research page (coming soon--under construction) for some links to significant research in the field.  Below are some common conditions acupuncture treats,  but please feel free to contact Deborah with questions about your specific health concern might respond to treatment by East Asian medicine.   

Common Health Concerns that East Asian medicine treats:

Women's Health

• Amenorrhea
• ART support (IVF, IUI, etc.)
• Dysmenorrhea
• Edema during pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Hot flashes
• Infertility
• Lactation disorders
• Luteal Phase Defect (LPD)
• Mastitis
• Menstrual irregularities
• Morning sickness
• Night sweats
• Ovulatory Dysfunction
• Peri-menopausal symptoms
• PMS
• Polycystice Ovary Syndorme (PCOS)
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Thin uterine lining
• Unexplained infertility
• Uterine fibroids

 Pain

• Sports injuries
• Muscle pain
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Leg, ankle and foot pain
• Arm, wrist and hand pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• Postoperative pain
• Fibromyalgia

Digestive Issues

• Heartburn, Acid Reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic indigestion
• Chronic loose stools or constipation
• Constipation
• Diarrhea and loose stools
• Bloating and gas

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression

Respiratory Complaints

• Sinusitis
• Allergies