WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a healing modality that is part of Oriental Medicine, an ancient system of medicine that originated in China thousands of years ago and which has been continuously evolving ever since. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin and body tissues at specific points proven to be effective in the treatment of health problems.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Oriental Medical theory considers disease to be the result of an imbalance or blockage in the flow of energy (Qi) through meridians or channels that run throughout the body. These meridians cover the body in regular patterns in much the same way that the blood vessels do. Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points along the meridians, causing Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient or away from places where it is in excess. In this way acupuncture regulates and restores the balance of the body, and helps it to return to health.
The scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and regulatory chemicals. The improved biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture is often associated with pain control, but can have much broader scope in the hands of a well-trained practitioner. While Matthew's areas of specialty are in pain conditions, mood disorders, and addictions, we can effectively treat a wide range of medical problems including:
Musculoskeletal problems: whiplash, repetitive motion injuries, tendonitis, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis.
Mood disorders: anxiety, stress, depression, irritability, insomnia,chronic fatigue syndrome.
Addictions and cravings: drugs (illicit or pharmaceutical), smoking, alcohol, food cravings and weight loss.
Digestive disorders: acid reflux, ulcer, IBS, nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
Respiratory disorders: colds and flu, sore throat, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, cough, bronchitis.
Reproductive disorders: poor libido, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause symptoms, PMS.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE?
Acupuncture needles are made from stainless steel and are much thinner than a hypodermic needle. Also, unlike hypodermic needles, the point of an acupuncture needle is solid and smooth. Insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. In our clinic we use only STERILE, SINGLE USE, DISPOSABLE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES.
WILL IT HURT?
Every person experiences acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only a slight pinch as the needles are being inserted, while some feel nothing at all.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
This depends on the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. The process of acupuncture relies on re-patterning the energy flow of the body. Quite like when we are giving up a habit, many reminders are often needed to reinforce this re-patterning.
No two conditions or people respond in exactly the same way, but signs of improvement are often experienced soon after treatment begins.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Many health insurance plans are starting to reimburse for acupuncture treatments. However, you may want to investigate whether your health plan covers acupuncture before your treatment, as payment is required at the time of service.
For those who do have acupuncture coverage, a medical receipt will be issued. This receipt will have all the information needed to get your treatment reimbursed.
The fee for treatment is $70 per session.
DO YOU ACCEPT PIP CLAIMS?
Yes! Bring in your insurance card and PIP claim information and we will do the rest.
Elements of Nature Acupuncture and Wellness
Matthew Flesch, L.Ac.
318 2nd Street South, Kirkland, WA 98033
425-218-3094
