FAQ
WHAT IS FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE?
The practice of Five Element Acupuncture seeks to bring a body into harmony through an understanding and balancing of the Five Elements that govern our Qi (energy) and its flow throughout the body. Many factors, both internal and external, can influence the balance of these elements.
One of the core values of this discipline is that health is not just based on external factors such as symptoms or disease, but on how we interact with the world – our energy, vitality and ability to fully engage in the life we are meant to live.
The Five Elements and their corresponding seasons are:
Water – Winter
Wood – Spring
Fire – Summer
Earth – Late Summer
Metal – Autumn
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
The first visit is called the intake visit. It will take longer than the usual visit because of assessment (can last up to 2 hours). From there on out each visit should be 50-60 minutes.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. To whatever extent possible, avoid perfumes, fragrances, make-up, styling products, etc. This will remove some of the layers to assessment.
As a Five Element Practitioner I take many factors into account, including your history and environment. We will discuss these factors, as well as any specific symptoms, ailments, or concerns you may have. You will then receive a treatment. It is a good idea to have no other activities planned immediately after your first treatment.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL TREATMENT?
A typical treatment lasts for an hour. Usually it begins with a verbal check-in, where you and I will discuss recent events in your life. I may ask questions about assessment points such as sleep, mood, digestion, pain levels, etc. Next, I will measure your Qi by taking your pulses and plan your treatment accordingly. I map out the points and use needles to reach the Qi energy, often re-taking your pulses after each point. Sometimes the needles are left in for several minutes, but generally the needles are immediately removed.
Treatments sometimes include the use of Artemesia Lactiflora vulgaris, or Moxa, an herb placed on the skin and lit to warm the acupuncture point, and bring all the energy into one place.
It is a good practice to wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid perfumes, fragrances, make-up, styling products, etc.
DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
The needles used are very fine and generally cannot be felt. Occasionally the patient will feel a tingling sensation. As the needle reaches the Qi, patients generally feel a light tug.
WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT?
The frequency of treatment depends on the condition of your pulses and the issues you are trying to address. For prevention and maintenance, a seasonal “tune-up”, one at each of the Five Element seasons, is enough.
When dealing with a specific issue, it is a good idea to come once a week or every other week, then graduate to monthly visits and finally return to the five-a-year “tune-ups”.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?
I am currently in-network with the following:
Moda
Pacific Source
ASH: Providence ONLY
Optum (United Health Care)
Regence BCBS