Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere. And now you can receive acupuncture in Redmond!

For instance, acupuncture for back pain can bring almost instant relief. Acupuncture for migraines help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Acupuncture for anxiety can calm and reset the nervous system.  One study found acupuncture for depression to be as effective as antidepressants.

Cosmetic acupuncture is also gaining a reputation for reducing wrinkles and increasing collagen in facial tissues. Cosmetic acupuncture is a fabulous option instead of injections or botox.

Acupuncture for weight loss works by resetting your nervous system. It decreases cravings and reduces cortisol levels, making your weight loss journey easier and longer lasting.

Acupuncture has helped many people lead happier healthier lives. Cancer treatment support, depression, insomnia and other conditions can also be relieved and supported with acupuncture.

Who Should Consider Acupuncture at LWW?

Anyone struggling with any of the following conditions:

• Musculoskeletal aches and pains. Acupuncture for back pain works exceptionally well.
• Poor Sleep: Acupuncture catalyzes the production of neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and sleep, which helps insomniacs rest and wake with energy.
• Stress and anxiety. Acupuncture for anxiety dramatically reduces anxiety and stress.
• Sluggish Digestion: Sessions of acupuncture can soothe acid reflux and heartburn by speeding up the digestive system and regulating acid secretion.
• Weight Loss: Acupuncture for weight loss can help shed pounds by stimulating and increasing the body’s metabolism.
• Menopause Symptoms: Acupuncture can help to ease the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
• Compromised Immune System: Acupuncture can stimulate the activity of immunity cells that seek out to destroy infections in the body.
• Heart Conditions: Regular sessions of acupuncture can promote heart health by lowering blood pressure.
• Acupuncture for migraines, acupuncture for depression, and facial acupuncture give great results and are worth considering.
• Sinus and respiratory issues.
• And Much More!

Located in Redmond, we are close convenient and gentle.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (vital energy) that flows through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). In Western Medicine, this correlates with health of the nervous system, circulatory system, groupings of muscles and fascia and the overall functioning of the organ system.

Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow (blood flow and circulation). By optimizing blood flow throughout your body and retraining your nervous system, acupuncture helps your body to heal naturally while improving wellness and increasing vitality.

At it’s core, acupuncture was founded on the Buddhist principle that “Every Human being is the Author of his own Health or Disease”- in other words, each of us possess our own natural healing abilities within us. Every human body desires to exist in an instinctive state of homeostasis. When you experience disease, pathology, pain, or emotional disharmony, this is a sign that your body’s natural state has been tipped out of balance. Acupuncture helps restore your mind, body and spirit to a natural state of equilibrium.

Do The Needles Hurt?

During acupuncture treatment, hair-fine pins are gently inserted into the surface of the skin to stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems. There will be some associated sensation, which is actually good because it facilitates the triggering of the nervous system and sends the appropriate signals to the brain. You may notice a pinching feeling as the needle is inserted. This is followed by the sensation immediately beginning to lessen and relax. Often after the needle is placed you may not even notice the needle is in. If a needle continues to have a strong sensation, this can be immediately lessened by a gentle adjustment.

Some patients feel a distinct energetic sensation, tingling or heaviness from the location of the needles, while others feel nothing. Either way, this is not indicative of the treatment’s effectiveness. The needles are typically left in place for about 30 minutes, although specific treatments may dictate a longer or shorter amount of time. Needles used are sterile, disposable and used just once. After treatment, the needles are then discarded, eliminating any risk of infection.

Acupuncture treatment naturally settles your nervous system. Most of us are running around with our nervous systems in a sympathetic state or in ‘fight or flight’ mode. Acupuncture relaxes your body and puts it into a parasympathetic state, or ‘rest and digest’. Clients often fall asleep on the table, or simply relax into a very comfortable and tranquil state.

What Should I Expect On My First Visit?

Donna will assess and treat you individually, taking into account your specific health condition, needs and goals. The initial visit can take up to 90 minutes and includes a thorough health history and treatment. Return visits are scheduled for an hour. You will have the opportunity to discuss your progress and any new concerns.

To ready yourself for acupuncture, please have on clothing that that you can rest comfortably in. Your shirtsleeves need to be able to pull just above your elbows and your pant legs just above your knees. I specialize in a distal style of acupuncture, which means that I typically do not treat at the site of pain. You will be lying comfortably on a heated table, face up.

Many patients drift into a very relaxed state and may even fall asleep. The treatment table is heated, the lights are turned down, there is optional relaxing music- the perfect environment for a tranquil moment in your day, while your body repairs and renews.

How Many Visits Will I Need?

Everyone has a different rate of response to acupuncture depending on a person’s age and state of health and how long they have had the problem we are treating (older problems can take longer to treat). Often acupuncture results don’t show up until the second, third or even eighth visit. This doesn’t mean change is not happening, it is often culminating just below the surface. Completing an initial series of 3-4 treatments is the easiest way to determine rate of response and estimated outcome.  When a patient is in a lot of pain or having an acute injury or illness, it is common to see them twice a week for several weeks.

Does Insurance Really Cover Acupuncture?

Many Insurance companies do cover acupuncture. We do not verify coverage or benefits. It is always a good idea to call the number on the back of your card yourself so you have all the information regarding your coverage and limitations.

Rates

If we are working with your insurance our rates can vary depending on the sets of needles used and the length of treatment. The initial visit typically takes 80 minutes and follow up appointments 50 minutes.

If we are not working with your insurance we offer a time of service rate of $150 for an initial consultation, $100 for a 50 minute visit.

We also offer:

1 Plus 3 Package for $379 averages to $94.75 per visit

Package of 5 (50-Minute) visits for $425 averages to $85 per visit

Package of 10 (50-Minute) visits for $800 averages to $80 per visit

Acupuncture appointments are available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday

Lake Washington Wellness has been serving Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell and the entire Eastside since 1992.

Cosmetic Acupuncture for a Younger Looking You!

Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture skin care, which gained recognition and acclaim in the June 2010 issue of “O, The Oprah Magazine” is a style of acupuncture that has been shown to alleviate wrinkles by toning and firming skin through the use of specific acupuncture points.

This technique increases blood flow to the face, relaxes facial muscles, and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin (structural proteins in the body that revitalize and nourish the skin). Acupuncture anti age program anyone?

Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture skin care also utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat underlying internal conditions that may be increasing damage to skin. Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophizes that internal imbalances can affect us externally. Therefore, it is imperative to treat the internal imbalances as well as external signs to reach optimal results of beauty and well-being. Cosmetic acupuncture is an all-natural, non-surgical approach to beauty.

Results you can expect from Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture Skin Care:

• A reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduction of sagginess in the skin
• Lifting of droopy eyelids
• Clearing or reduction of age spots
• An overall rejuvenation that is not confined to your face.
• Minimization of the beginnings of jowls
• An improvement in acne and rosacea
• Reduction of under-eye puffiness
• Improved facial and neck tone
• Softer, more vibrant skin
• Enhanced natural glow and vitality that reflects innate health and radiance of the body, mind, and spirit

In addition to the acupuncture anti-aging effects mentioned above, clients may see other positive “side effects” and notice a decrease in other symptoms they are experiencing due to the regulation of the internal environment. This can include an increase in energy, decreased pain, weight loss, improved digestion, increased restful sleep, and decreased anxiety.

Who should consider cosmetic acupuncture?

Any individual seeking a safe and healthy skin treatment technique to maintain or gain a more youthful appearance and age as gracefully as she or he can.

While results can be dramatic, they do vary from individual to individual and should not be compared specifically to other more invasive procedures like cosmetic surgery and injections.

For individuals who want surgical results, surgery may be the best road to take. However, even for these clients, acupuncture and cosmetic acupuncture can be used to increase the longevity of chosen surgical or injection treatment and enhance overall natural beauty.

acupuncture redmond

This procedure is not suitable for:

• People who suffer from seizures
• People with bleeding disorders
• People on blood thinning medications
• Pregnant women
• People with severe migraine headaches (this should first be resolved through acupuncture or another modality preceding cosmetic acupuncture treatments)

What to expect:

The acupuncturist inserts sterilized, stainless steel, hair-fine needles into areas of the face. This causes micro-trauma in the skin, (this is a good thing) which increases the production of collagen and elastin. The needles also promote the circulation of Qi and Blood in the face. Increased circulation, moistens the skin and increases muscle tone and elasticity. After the needles have been inserted, the client rests from 20 to 30 minutes, leaving you to relax and envision a younger you.

A study in The Journal of Clinical Acupuncture shares that, with cosmetic acupuncture, 90% of clients have marked improvement in their faces and experience an overall rejuvenation that is not confined to the face. This is a good reason to call Cosmetic Acupuncture procedures “Anti-Aging Treatments” because they affect overall health in a positive way.

Acupuncture anti age effects are less expensive, healthier, and safer than the modern treatments. It’s virtually risk free and there are none of the side effects of face lift surgery, lasers, and injections like numbness, scarring, possible atrophy, and lengthy recovery time. Clients’ faces will never look stretched, burned, puffy, or “banded.”

Some people have noticeable results right away, while others see results over time.

Cosmetic Acupuncture Includes:

A treatment plan consists of 11 appointments (two treatments per week over five weeks for people over 30 years of age). For people who smoke or have severe skin damage, more treatments may be necessary. You will receive:

• One free 30-minute consultation to answer your questions, fill out initial paperwork, make sure there are no contraindications, and to schedule appointments.
• One 1.5 hour initial intake and treatment for general health and wellbeing.
• Ten 1.5 hour cosmetic appointments scheduled twice a week for 5 weeks.
• It is best to schedule all ten at beginning of series.

Price: $1,320 (Total savings of $430)

Suggested maintenance: A maintenance program of one treatment every month is strongly encouraged to sustain results.

Lake Washington Wellness is proud to have Donna practicing Acupuncture in Redmond at their newly remodeled wellness center.