Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic

Primary Care Naturally

Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – a diagnostic and therapeutic system of medicine that has been practiced and documented for well over 2000 years. Once a TCM diagnosis is made, Acupuncture can be used to treat the body, mind and emotions of the patient.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works because, according to TCM, there are meridians of energy that run through the body. Each of these meridians has its own special functions. If the meridian is blocked, then it can't do what it needs to do.

For example, there is a traffic jam on I-5. If you are in your car on the freeway, you have some choices: either stay where you are and hope it gets better, or try to get off at the next exit and go a different way to your

destination. Your body is the same way. The most efficient way to get from A to B is the main freeway, but if it is blocked, your body will compensate and work differently. Our bodies are amazing because they do this very well, but over time, this leads to greater disease because the body isn't designed to be in a state of constant compensation.

So, in a nutshell, Acupuncture is like the tow truck that comes and gets the stalled car out of the road so traffic can flow freely.

What conditions does it treat?

Acupuncture treats a variety of acute and chronic conditions including pain, fertility, menopausal symptoms, migraines, depression and anxiety, poor digestion, fatigue and insomnia, just to name a few.

How long is a treatment?

The treatments are an hour in length, with an intake and then time spent on the table getting the benefit of the needles.

I'm scared of needles. Will it hurt?

Our providers use only the highest quality, thinnest and give the most comfortable insertions. An Acupuncture needle is only about the size of a few human hairs and isn't hollow like a blood drawing needle. As a result, they are very comfortable for the patient and not very scary at all. Most people find that the thought of Acupuncture or the needles is far, far worse than the experience!

How do I know the needles are clean?

All the needles come in sterilized, single use packages. The needles that will be used during your treatment have never been used before and will never be used again.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is very safe when done by a qualified practitioner. The needles are placed in exact locations on the body and are adjusted for appropriate depth and stimulation to get the desired effect.

What will I feel?

Most people who have Acupuncture can tell when the practitioner is manipulating the Qi (the energy of the body), but this sense often takes one or two treatments to develop. Some treatments may be accompanied by a dull aching sensation that may or may not travel through the area. This is more commonly felt when the practitioner is trying to move Qi strongly.

How often will I need treatment?

If you have a sudden illness or trauma, you will have more frequent visits, up to 2-3 times in the first week or two. However, if your condition is more chronic, then weekly or bi-weekly, or even monthly is often the appropriate schedule. This can be discussed with your practitioner at your appointment, and a plan will be put in place to assess progress and determine the best schedule.

What is cupping?

Cupping is a common adjunct therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck and back pain, and the common cold. Similar to massage in its therapeutic nature, cupping helps to break up and release the accumulation of toxins, scar tissue and stagnant blood. Drawing these substances out of the muscles and to a more superficial layer enables them to be easily and quickly absorbed by the lymph system and then excreted from the body. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place small glass ‘cups’ over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. Cupping therapy often leaves large red or purple marks on the skin where the procedure was performed. There is no need for alarm! These marks are not painful and the slight discoloration usually dissipates in 3 to 5 days.

Why do you want to feel my pulses?

The pulse is a very important tool in determining an overall Chinese medical diagnosis, which helps to effectively choose appropriate acu-points and a potential herbal medicine prescription. There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. The quality of your pulse can actually change quite frequently throughout the day, depending on your constitution. And often times you pulse will change from the beginning of an acupuncture treatment to the end.

Why do you want to look at my tongue?

Believe it or not, the tongue helps to provide a glimpse into the function of your internal organs as they relate to your individual Chinese medical diagnosis. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue. The characteristics that we look for on your tongue can actually change throughout the day depending on your overall health, body temperature, the food you eat as well as your current sleep patterns. It’s very important that when we ask to see your tongue that we’re seeing it in its most natural and organic state. Please don’t brush your tongue before your visit to the acupuncturist! Brushing your tongue may actually erase important diagnostic criteria that we look for when making a diagnosis. Just like feeling your pulses, reading your tongue is also a very important tool in determining an overall Chinese medical diagnosis.

Cost: $85 (existing patient) - $135 (new patient) discounted rate for payment on the day of service for returning patients or we can bill insurance.

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Mindful Nutrition is a wonderfully informative and thorough overview of how to eat healthy. We learned the basics of nutrition in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Mindful nutrition will give you the tools to succeed whether your goal is to lose weight, choose the most nutritious foods, or understand food labeling and additives. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to embrace a healthy, vital, whole food approach to enjoying life.
Sally Abbey, July 14, 2008, Current Patient

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

"Bowenwork is a very effective bodywork therapy, where very gentle moves are performed over muscles and soft tissue, stimulating the nervous system to reset and heal. By combining moves the practitioner can either benefit the body as a whole, or target a specific problem." (www.Bowenwork.com)

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.

Hormone replacement therapy is a natural solution to menopause symptoms. Bio-identical hormones have the same molecular structure as naturally occuring sex hormones. A combination of progesterone, estrogen, DHEA and/or testosterone may help alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness.

Did you know that a naturopathic physician can be listed with your insurance carrier as you primary care provider (PCP)? This will allow us to provide you with well patient care (e.g.; pap smear, well child check, etc.) and refer you to other providers as needed.

Need a pap smear or mammogram, but can't afford the cost? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic's physicians are both contracted with the Breast and Cervical Health Program of WA to provide free pap smears and breast exams to low income women. Call 360.568.2686 to see if you qualify.

Many patients elect to do a sequence of IV Therapy while they are in training for a physical fitness event (marathon, swim meet, soccer game), or to help the weekend warriors recover from their exertions! Specific vitamins and minerals are administered to reduce recovery time and muscle fatigue.

Nutrition at SNC! Whether you have digestive issues or food allergies, are interested in weight loss, or just want to learn the basics of healthful eating, you will leave with shopping lists, recipes, handouts to read and sample menu plans that are all tailored to your specific needs.

Through the integration of Acupunture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern-day medical diagnostic techniques, it is our goal to help restore your mind, body and spirit to a natural state of equilibrium.

"Where naturopaths depart from (the familiar medical model) is to respect the symptom, not as a disease, but as a red flag. Treat the underlying cause, and you become well! For example, when you treat hypertension (high blood pressure) with medication, your numbers look better, but you still haven't treated the cause of your hypertension; the medicine is just a bandaid." Dr. Allison Novins, ND in the Lake Stevens Journal

HCG Weight Loss Program: HCG is a hormone naturally produced in the body. It has many functions and is used medically to treat a variety of conditions. During pregnancy, this hormone allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus; this acts as a "fail-safe" mechanism when energy is needed immediately. For weight loss, we use only a very small amount of HCG to capitalize on this same mechanism. Using HCG in this way does not mimic pregnancy; in fact, it can be safely used by both men and women.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed and board certified in Washington State much like MDs. We are primary care providers and we prescribe medication, draw blood and perform minor surgical procedures. We treat patients for incontinence, fibromyalgia, menopause, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, injuries, anxiety and depression, and fertility issues.

Did you know common complaints such as a rash, achy joints or fatigue can be caused by adverse reactions to food? Snohomish Naturopathic Clinic offers food allergy testing through US Biotek. Imperceptible reactions to common foods (such as wheat, dairy or eggs) can intensify your body's reaction to seasonal allergens.