For New Patients

 
Close-up photo of bright red leaves on a maple tree with some branches.

Before Your Appointment

First appointments are usually around 90 minutes, and follow-up appointments are closer to 60 minutes. I recommend having something to eat about an hour before your appointment so you do not enter the treatment hungry.

Before your first appointment there is an online intake form for you to fill out and you will receive a link to that form in your confirmation email once you have booked your first appointment.

 

During Your Appointment

The first 15 minutes, or more, of the appointment will be me asking a series of questions about your symptoms and concerns and what type of relief you are seeking. I will also look at your tongue and take your pulse. I will use this information to formulate a treatment plan, including a set of acupuncture points tailor made for your condition.

You will then lay face up or face down on a heated massage table, with a blanket covering you if needed. I will then needle the points chosen based on your symptoms. The number of points chosen vary from treatment to treatment, but on average I use 5 to 10 needles. You will likely be laying down resting, for about 20 to 30 minutes. It’s a very relaxing experience, mentally and physically, and many people end up a taking a nap.

After the 20 to 30 minutes, I remove all of the needles, give you a little time and space to wake up, and you are done!

 

How it Feels

The needles are hair-thin and flexible, and are often barely felt upon insertion — sometimes not felt at all. I have a gentle style of needling and do not believe the needles should be uncomfortable. If there is any feeling of discomfort, I can adjust the needle to dissipate the discomfort or even remove the needle altogether if needed. The needles are always sealed, sterile, and one-time use for your safety.

Please call (206) 979-4372 if you have any questions — I am happy to answer them!

 

Location

Inside Renew West Seattle Massage & Acupuncture
5410 California Avenue SW, #204
Seattle, WA, 98136

I am located a few blocks south of Alaska Junction in the West Seattle Whole Health Center building at 5410 California Avenue SW. My office (#204) is on the second floor. There is one flight of stairs if entering from the front of the building and no stairs if entering from the back (access through alley).

To find parking you can enter our parking lot just south of the building from California Avenue SW or you can use the alley to access parking spaces in the back of the building. Street parking is also available.

Photo of Mount Rainier near Seattle, Washington at sunset.

Fees & Insurance

I am an in-network provider for the following insurance companies:

  • Aetna

  • Ambetter

  • First Choice Health Network (Kaiser)

  • Lifewise

  • Premera Blue Cross

  • Triwest

  • United Healthcare


I will gladly bill out-of-network for:

  • PIP (Auto Insurance)

  • Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • Regence

  • Cigna

  • ASH

Health Savings Accounts can often be used to pay for acupuncture services as well. Please call my office at (206) 979-4372 if you have any questions about your insurance plan and acupuncture coverage.

For those that do not have acupuncture coverage through their insurance, I offer a time-of-service discount. The total cost of the treatment will depend on the services provided.