Does acupuncture hurt?
Our patients are usually pleasantly surprised at how gentle Acupuncture is. The needles are as thin as a piece of hair and you won't usually feel the needles going in.
Does acupuncture actually work?
YES! The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health recognize the efficacy of Acupuncture and its ability to positively impact health issues. This has been validated through research studies and articles on Acupuncture's success rate.
How does Acupuncture work?
In Chinese Medicine:
Qi is your vital energy. Balanced Qi is considered good health. When Qi is out of balance, your body will send out distress signals (headaches, body pains or aches, melancholy, inappropriate anger, etc.)
Meridians are extra-cellular fluids that flow in channels independent of lymph and blood flow. The movement of the meridian, as well as the interaction of the fluid between or with the cells, creates energy.
Treatment. By inserting thin, sterile, needles into Acupuncture points along meridians, a current of energy is created that guides fluid and lymphocytes to areas of the body that are in need of healing. Systemically, these same points also stimulate the Central Nervous System, which then releases your body's own natural chemicals. These chemicals not only reduce pain but also trigger hormones that help regulate and bring your body back into balance. The mind and spirit, in turn, are soothed and calmed by the re-establishment of normal function and movement.
What can acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health recognize that Acupuncture is safe and affective for a multitude of diseases and conditions, which include but are not limited to:
Women. Fertility, PMS, Menopause, Menstrual Problems, Hot Flashes, Night Sweats
Men. Impotence, Prostate Issues, Urinary Weakness
Physical Injury and Pain. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Whiplash, Repetitive Strain, Tennis Elbow, Joint Issues, Sciatica, Low Back, Shoulder, Knee, Neck, & Post-Operative Pain
Head, Ears, Nose and Throat. Headaches, Migraines, TMJ, Allergies, Sinusitis, Tinnitus, Sore Throat, Rhinitis
Emotional. Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Melancholy
Gastrointestinal. IBS, Food Allergies, Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation, Hemorrhoids, Ulcers, Colitis, Diarrhea
Immune Support. Allergies, Fatigue, Bronchitis
Medical Diseases . Hyper/Hypotension, Common Cold, Flu, Hepatitis, Chemotherapy and Radiation relief
How long does a treatment last?
The first office visit will take 1.5 hours and all follow-up appointments last approximately one hour.
Should I do anything special in advance of my visit?
Yes, please come having eaten a light meal and wearing comfortable loose clothing. We may need to reach different parts of your skin or body for treatment.
What should I expect?
Each visit will begin with a brief discussion of your condition then I will check your pulse and look at your tongue. These two diagnostic tools help identify patterns and pathologies that need to be addressed. Your practitioner will then determine the appropriate Acupuncture points to address these issues. You may feel a small prick or none at all when the needle is inserted. The needles are very thin, sterile, stainless steel, and disposable. After insertion, your Qi will be stimulated and the needles kept in for an appropriate amount of time.
Will the treatment only include acupuncture?
No, not always. Your practitioner may include other modalities in addition to Acupuncture in order to best treat your condition:
Electrical, Mechanical or Magnetic Stimulation of Acupuncture Points. Using very small levels of electricity to stimulate Acupuncture points and meridians, or by using mechanical or magnetic devises to stimulate Acupuncture points or meridians. These treatments are painless.
Moxibustion. A soft woolly mass prepared from ground young mugwort leaves, typically in the form of sticks or cones, which are ignited and placed on or close to the skin or used to heat Acupuncture needles. This is also painless.
Acupressure. Traditional Chinese medical massage and manual therapy.
Cupping. Glass cups are placed on the skin with suction to stimulate circulation.
Dermal-friction Technique (Gua-sha). Friction is applied topically to the skin using a smooth object to relieve symptoms.
Infrared Heat. Applying heat generated by an infrared lamp over a specific area of the body.
Sonopuncture. The use of sound to stimulate Acupuncture points or meridians.
Laserpuncture. Laser light beams are applied to the Acupuncture points to help stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing.
Dietary Advice and Health Education Based on East Asian Medical Theory. Suggestions for nutrition and herbal food products including herbs, vitamins, minerals, and dietary and nutritional supplements.
Breathing, Relaxation, and East Asian Exercise Techniques. Guidance on meditation and relaxation techniques.
Qi Gong. An internal Chinese meditation practice that often uses slow graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques to promote the circulation of Qi within the human body, and enhance a practitioner's overall health.
East Asian Massage and Tui Na. Bodywork characterized by kneading, pressing, rolling, shaking, and stretching of the body. This does not include spinal manipulation.
Superficial Heat and Cold Therapy. Application of hot or cold therapies.
Liniments, Oils, and Plasters. Herbal formulas applied topically to the skin.
How many treatments does it take?
Acupuncture is extremely individualized. The course of treatment depends on how acute or chronic the ailment, how long you have had the condition, your lifestyle, and how strongly you respond to Acupuncture.
Supplements or herbal formulas may be suggested. Research has shown that these may expedite healing and support healthy immune responses.
How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, please call 206.860.1704. We endeavor to answer your call in person, but may be treating a patient when you contact us. Should you reach our voice mail, please leave a message for Andrea Iwi'ula or HOKU Acupuncture and include your name, phone number, best days and times for appointments, and preferred times to be reached. We will return your call as soon as possible.
What kind of training do you have?
In order to become licensed, Andrea Iwi'ula was required to complete a minimum of 750 hours of Acupuncture academic education, 500 hours of clinical training, and 450 hours in biomedical science at a collegiate level with study in anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, biochemistry, pathology, hygiene, medical referral, and survey of western clinical sciences. Andrea then followed these requirements with the completion of both the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine's national certification exam and the Clean Needle Protocol Exam.
Andrea also has significant additional training in 5-Element Acupuncture, Toyo Hari (Japanese Style) Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy, Auricular Therapy, and the Acupuncture “Facelift” or Facial Rejuvenation, with a special focus on fertility, menstrual disorders, menopause, chronic pain, headaches/Migraines, allergies, and insomnia.
