Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture, founded in China over 5,000 years ago, is a medical system that, when used by a well-trained and licensed acupuncturist, encourages the body to promote natural healing, improved vitality, and restore balance. This is accomplished by inserting super fine needles into precise acupuncture points in the body and/or applying heat or electrical stimulation at these specific points.

Since acupuncture is a holistic system and addresses the whole person, it is effective for physical, psychological and emotional symptoms. It is important to remember that symptoms are the body’s way of drawing attention to an imbalance and should be addressed, not masked. Acupuncture is currently used throughout the world due to its effectiveness and low cost.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can help relieve a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain
• Sprains
• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Dental pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Postoperative pain
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Acute sinusitis, rhinitis and tonsillitis
• Acute bronchitis

Other conditions that can be addressed by acupuncture include sleep disorders, arthritis, PMS, digestive disorders, allergies, asthma and addictions.

Is acupuncture painful?

This is one of the most common questions asked about this treatment. Insertion of the hair-like acupuncture needles is practically painless. Often patients are unaware of the needle insertion since it is so subtle. You might feel a tingling, spreading, or pulling sensation, but not pain.

Is acupuncture safe?

In 1996, the FDA reclassified the acupuncture needle as a Class II device, meaning the acupuncture needle is now recognized as a safe, effective medical device and no longer an experimental procedure. You should only receive acupuncture treatments from a licensed and trained acupuncture professional.

What are your professional qualifications?

At Alchemy Healing, Barbara McIntyre received a Master’s of Science in Acupuncture from Bastyr University. She holds a licensed acupuncturist designation, LAc, and a East Asian Medical Practitioner, EAMP. Washington State uses the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, NCCAOM, as criteria for state licensure.

How many sessions will I need before I see results?

Every person reacts differently to acupuncture and longer standing symptoms may require more time before the body is able to find balance again. A series of ten treatments is considered standard. Most patients see marked improvement before the series is complete.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call us at (425) 891-0019 or email us at barb@barbaramcintyre.com to schedule an appointment.

Sessions for new acupuncture patients are 1.5 – 2 hours long. We offer 1 hour and 1.5 hour sessions for returning patients.

What are your session rates?

To prepare for your acupuncture treatment, please:

Drink plenty of water.

Avoid coming on an empty stomach.

Wear loose clothing to your appointment.

Download and complete patient forms and bring copies to your appointment.

Call or email us if you have any questions or concerns.