Frequently Asked Questions
For Acupuncture specific questions including first visit questions, please follow this link.
Safety Questions
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! When performed by licensed acupuncturists like those at Pinpoint, acupuncture is extremely safe. We use single-use, sterile, disposable needles. Side effects are rare and mild, occasionally including slight bruising or temporary fatigue.
Can I recieve acupuncture while pregnant?
Absolutely! Acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy when performed by trained practitioners. We help with morning sickness, back pain, breech presentation, and labor preparation at our Seattle clinic.
Should I continue my medications?
Yes, continue all prescribed medications. Acupuncture and herbal medicine complements conventional medicine. We’ll coordinate with your healthcare providers to ensure integrated care.
Herbal Medicine Questions
Is Chinese Herbal Medicine safe? How does it differ from Western herbalism?
Chinese herbs used for medicine go through strict safety testing, and the producers follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure quality. We only source herbs from companies that test for contaminants, so you can trust they’re safe.
When it comes to prescribing Chinese Herbal Medicine, the approach is different from biomedicine. The focus is on treating the whole person based on their unique constitution, aiming to create balance and promote true healing. This is why there might be 7 different formulas for a given complaint or illness, since each presentation and constitution necessitates different treatment to achieve balance. Furthermore, formulas are custom modified for each person, with modification selected from over 500 herbs to ensure your treatment is truly customized.
Chinese Herbal Medicine uses multiple herbs combined in formulas where every herb plays a specific role. These herbs work together to create powerful, whole-body healing effects. Herbs must be balanced to ensure they are not overly cold or hot, drying or cloying.
Our practitioners are board-certified, with years of study and hands-on experience under master practitioners. Training includes education in pharmacology and herb-drug interactions, so be prepared to share any and all pharmaceutical and supplement drugs you are taking. Any certified practitioner prescribing Chinese Herbs has also had extensive education in contra-indications for herbs (pregnancy, high blood pressure, cancer, etc) and it is important to us that you answer health history questions accurately in your appointment.
For more information see our Herbal Consultation page here.
About Our Services
What other services does PinPoint offer?
Beyond acupuncture, we provide:
- Chinese herbal medicine consultations
- Cupping therapy
- Guasha treatments
- Tuina massage
- Nutritional guidance
- Lifestyle counseling
Do you offer telehealth appointments?
Yes! Herbal consultations are available via telehealth for patients throughout Washington and California states. This is perfect for follow-ups or when you can’t visit our Seattle clinic in person.