Acupuncture and Asian Medicine

Acupuncture & Asian Medicine is a key and integral part of our mission to provide “Healing for the Whole You.” Our acupuncturists work directly with our naturopathic primary care physicians and our physical medicine providers in order to provide you with holistic, individualized treatment plans to help you achieve greater overall health and wellbeing.

Acupuncture & Asian Medicine is the oldest continuously practiced system of medicine in the world. It is comprehensive (meaning that it is effective in treating a wide range of conditions) and it is holistic (meaning that it is focused not only on healing injury and curing disease but also on supporting your optimal functioning as a whole being).

Modern science recognizes humans as complex bio-electrical systems, interacting with fields of energy daily. This understanding is the foundation of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, which view illness as an imbalance in life force, or Qi (“chee”). Qi circulates throughout the body, generating fields of resonance that affect health.

Acupuncture points are key locations along these energy channels. Stimulating these points with slim needles adjusts circulation, rebalances energy, and promotes healing. Many energy pathways in East Asian Medicine align with known neurological and electrical pathways, connecting muscles, tissues, organs, and systems to maintain balance. This is believed to be the basis of acupuncture’s effectiveness.

An acupuncturist will assess your lifestyle, energy, emotions, and medical history, along with body temperature, tongue condition, and pulse qualities to identify Qi blockages. Treatment involves using thin needles placed anywhere on the body to stimulate healing. Additional recommendations may include herbs, supplements, exercises, and dietary or lifestyle changes.

Many people feel little to no sensation during treatment, though some may experience a dull ache or tingling, indicating the restoration of healthy Qi flow. The overall experience is relaxing, often leading to sleep, and is known to induce a healing brain wave pattern.

In Washington State, acupuncturists undergo specialized training and certification, including 3-4 years of study, extensive clinical training, and a licensing exam. At Heart of Wellness, our certified acupuncturists are ready to help you.