Clinical Acupuncture That Complements Your Existing Healthcare
Acupuncture uses hair-thin, sterile needles placed at specific points to activate your body’s natural healing responses. These needles are so thin that many people barely feel them.
What makes our approach effective is our ability to evaluate your unique situation. Some conditions are purely local issues, others reflect broader systemic imbalances, and many involve both. This comprehensive assessment enables us to select the precise combination of points that address all contributing factors, thereby treating both immediate concerns and underlying patterns simultaneously.
Your treatment will primarily consist of acupuncture, complemented by therapies from Kristine’s clinical toolbox selected specifically for your needs that day – whether that’s cupping for muscle tension, bodywork for structural issues, or moxibustion for chronic conditions. These aren’t separate services but integrated techniques within your session. We track your progress together and adapt the plan as you improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s innate healing mechanisms. The therapeutic effects include influences on nerve pathways, blood circulation, muscle recovery, hormone and neurotransmitter activity, and nervous system function.
Different points elicit distinct responses – some promote digestive function, others support immune response, and still others enhance muscle recovery and relaxation.
Your treatment might include points directly at the site of discomfort, combined with points elsewhere that address systemic factors contributing to your symptoms. For example, shoulder tension might involve needles at the shoulder, as well as points elsewhere on the body that improve circulation and reduce overall inflammation. It’s the combination of points that engages the body’s healing systems in a way that leads to lasting improvement.
The needles remain in place for 20-40 minutes while your body responds to the stimulation. Most patients find this deeply relaxing.
We’re not using the same treatment for every condition. Before any needles are placed, Kristine will evaluate what’s causing your symptoms:
- Is it a local tissue issue from injury or strain?
- A systemic pattern affecting multiple areas?
- A combination where local problems trigger system-wide effects?
This assessment reveals whether your headaches stem from muscle tension, circulation issues, or stress patterns – each requiring different point selections. That’s why acupuncture can effectively address conditions ranging from localized pain to digestive issues to anxiety. We’re activating different healing responses through different point combinations tailored to your specific pattern.
The needles are thin, sterile, and single-use. Most people describe insertion as a tiny pinch or don’t feel much at all. Once in place, you might feel warmth, tingling, or a dull ache at the point. This sensation, called “de qi,” indicates the point is activated and working.
During your session, you’ll rest comfortably on the treatment table. Many patients find it so relaxing that they fall asleep. After treatment, most people feel both relaxed and energized.
Because acupuncture addresses both local and systemic factors, it’s effective for a wide range of conditions:
- Pain conditions – chronic back pain, neck pain, arthritis, post-surgical recovery
- Headaches and migraines – often involving multiple contributing factors
- Digestive issues – IBS and other functional disorders
- Sleep and energy problems – insomnia, fatigue
- Stress-related conditions – feelings of anxiety, low mood, nervous tension, PTSD support
- Women’s health – menstrual concerns, hormonal balance
- Immune support – seasonal allergies, sinusitis
- Immune regulation – autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome
Acupuncture is complementary medicine designed to work alongside your existing healthcare, not replace it. We measure progress through objective markers when possible, such as pain scores, symptom frequency, and improved range of motion, adjusting your treatment as you improve.
Your first visit (90 minutes, $250): We’ll do a comprehensive evaluation, discussing your health history, current concerns, and what you want to achieve. This more extended session allows time for a thorough assessment and your first treatment.
Follow-up visits: Choose 60-minute ($130) or 90-minute ($185) sessions based on your needs.
Treatment plan: Everyone starts with six visits. Frequency depends on your condition – acute situations may need twice-weekly visits initially, while wellness maintenance might be monthly. After six visits, we reassess and adjust based on your progress.
Insurance: We accept Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield, TriWest Healthcare Alliance (Veterans Affairs), and Aetna. Please call to verify your coverage.
Veterans: Zero cost with VA referral through the Community Care Network. You can request me specifically when getting your referral. Learn more about veteran services by clicking here.