Questions Frequently Asked
Can Acupuncture Help Me?
Millions of people have experienced the benefits of Acupuncture over the years. With a 5,000-year history, Acupuncture successfully addresses chronic ailments and manages pain. Acupuncture is a stand alone therapy, but may also be combined with western medicine to provide a safe, effective treatment of:
- Autoimmune disorders; Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, etc.
- Back pain, Neck pain, Carpal Tunnel
- Allergies, Asthma and other Respiratory Problems
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Gynecological Problems: Infertility, PMS, Menopause
- Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Insomnia and Stress
- Drug and Alcohol Addiction
- And Many More Physical, Emotional and Neurological Issues
What is the
Format of Diagnosis and Treatment?
East Asian Medical Diagnosis consists of a thorough
examination of the present condition, and a complete medical and life history.
I combine this information with a physical assessment which includes a
reading of the twelve pulses to determine the condition and level of energy in
every part of your anatomy in order to determine the course of your treatment.
Treatment with acupuncture is the insertion of very
fine needles at particular points along energy pathways or Meridians. With
proper usage of these points, the Qi energy flow of your organs and extremities
is restored, adjusted, and equalized. This approach creates a healing that
occurs from the inside out.
Do
the Needles Hurt?
This is a common question. The answer varies from
person to person because the experience of feeling the energy shift inside the
body is so new to most people that it is difficult to find words to describe
the sensation.
Please Note:
Acupuncture
is an effective form of medicine w/o side effects.
Only
sterile, one-time use disposable needles are used.
What should I expect on my
first visit?
Usually the first visit can last from 1½ to 2 hours. We will start by talking
about your situation – what has brought you in to see me; whether it is an
acute or chronic issue, and what your goals are for your health and well-being.
We will also discuss your life and lifestyle; your work, home life, what it is
that you do on a daily/weekly basis, diet, exercise, how your body systems are
functioning, and your health history.
Next, I will do a short physical exam
which may include palpation of your back, abdomen, shoulders, arms and legs,
taking of your blood pressure, and checking your eyes, tongue, and pulses for
diagnostic purposes.
I will then begin the acupuncture
treatment, which will consist of me placing very fine needles at certain points
along your body. The needles will be left in for anywhere between 20 to 45
minutes, depending on what your system needs at that time.
During this whole process, I will keep
you informed as to what I am doing, I will ask you questions, and answer any
questions you will have for me.
On
return visits, we will review the previous week’s treatment, and you will
be able to inform me as to any affects, if any, you may have experienced
throughout your week. There may be more questions for both of us, and I will
let you know my treatment plan for you.
Return visits usually last from 1 to 1½
hour, depending on the treatment you require.
Do I have to bring anything
or prepare in any way?
You need only bring yourself. Please do not bring
children that need supervision, as I do not have the facilities to provide for
them and their well-being.
You will want to make sure you have eaten within a
few hours of your appointment.
Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or strongly
scented lotions to your appointment.
How often do I need to come
in?
Treatment is given on a weekly basis, occasionally
twice a week for certain situations. It is usually necessary to receive 6-8
weeks of treatment in order to accomplish significant sustainable progress in
your healing. Because each situation is different, I will recommend to you the
frequency and duration of treatment that will best fit your individual needs.
Do you
take insurance?
I
am not contracted with any insurance companies at this time. You must check with your
insurance company to see if they will reimburse you for out-of-network-provider
treatment, and I will gladly provide you a receipt (called a 'superbill') to submit to your insurance company for
reimbursement. This has worked well for many people, with their insurance covering all but a nominal co-pay, so please check with your
insurance company before-hand.
I
do require payment at time of service.
I accept Cash, Checks, Visa & MasterCard.
How
do I schedule appointments?
All treatments are by appointment only.
~
Online scheduling available
Phone: (206) 682-1512
~
Initial acupuncture
visits require 1½ to 2 hours
Return Visits require approximately 45
minutes to 1 hr.
This time is reserved exclusively for you.
24 hour notice is required if you
need to change an appointment.
Late cancellations or missed appointments
will
have to be charged the full fee.
What if I'm Not Sure If Acupuncture Can Help Me?
I provide free half-hour
consultations, and would love to meet you, answer your questions, and
explore how Five Element Acupuncture can help you to achieve optimal
health and well-being.
At Emerald Gate Acupuncture,
I am dedicated to the art of healing with the Five Elements.
I look forward to hearing from you and beginning our journey together to help you achieve optimal health and wellness!
Patient Testimonials:
Renee has provided me with acupuncture sessions on several
occasions now and I recommend her highly. She has a passion for her work and
cares deeply about the care she provides, and takes the time to understand your
health concerns so she can personalize your care. She also has a very gentle
manner and puts you at ease with the process. I have complex medical concerns
associated with having MS, but her treatments have alleviated symptoms for me
each time. Thank you Renee!!
Katherine Moore
Miraculous Energy of the Spirit
Floating gently in on a cloud of trust
Sparked by an energy connecting one to the other
Your loving and compassionate spirit
transcends the physical
Filling the spiritual, emotional and intellectual vessel
Healing with your hands and your heart and your soul
Powerfully transforming and balancing energy
Until the energy of the vessel spills into the universe
Turning pain into possibility and fear into love
~Penny H. ~
In this past year, I have received
"Seasonal Tune-ups" with Acupuncture from Renee Benedict of Emerald
Gate Acupuncture in the Wallingford neighborhood
of Seattle. A
wonderful way to refresh, rejuvenate & transition at the change of seasons.
Renee has a heart of gold, keen intuition and an excellent education from Wu
Hsing Tao Acupuncture School.
Deborah Luger
