FAQs

We get a lot of great questions from our patients, but the fast pace of community style acupuncture means we often don't have time to answer them. For some great answers to basic questions about acupuncture generally and community style in particular, take a look at Why Did You Put That Needle There, either in our library, on Amazon, or check out the free ebook in English, Spanish, or audiobook format online!

Meet David!

I'm geeky and nerdy and my writing voice tends to be verbose, so I'll do my best to keep this real. When most people find out that my undergrad studies were in biomaterial engineering they're like, "Whoa! How did you go from that to acupuncture?!" The short story is that in my senior design class I designed what I came to understand as a very expensive surgically implantable band aid for arthritis that in the end wouldn't have addressed why someone ended up with arthritis in the first place. I just so happened to take an elective in medicinal plants and herbology out of curiosity and when my professor told me that I could continue pursuing that kind of study in grad school my world kind of exploded.
Thus began the Amtrak trips around the western portion of the country in search of a naturopathic school. After thoroughly investigating the options, I noticed many of these schools also had programs in Chinese medicine. I was a martial artist and avid meditator at the time and the Chinese medicine curricula just seemed familiar and enticing. I ended up near my midwestern suburban hoemtown at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago. There I learned Taiji and Tuina before leaving for the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine where I could pursue my passion for learning to read Chinese, study of the classical texts, qigong, and palpation-based acupuncture.
And now, having graduated in August 2014, here I am: Chinese medicine super-geek, practitioner of qigong and taijiquan, lover of simplicity, complexity, internconnection, stillness, movement, and transformation. When I get a spare moment I love to play either of my two guitars, read paper books, walk freely in Ravenna Park, sketch things far beyond my skill to capture, write about anything, drink and prepare gong fu style tea for myself and others, eat dinner with my wife, ride my bike, and whistle.

Self Confidence!

The darkest quarter of the year is here and with it often comes depression and self-doubt. Acupuncture can be great for both those issues, but can be even more powerful with homework, like reading Feeling Good or a daily meditation practice
Check out this daily meditation for self-confidence and let us know if it's helped you as much as it's helped us!

I know that I have the ability to achieve my purpose in life; therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

I realize the dominating thoughts in my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward physical action and gradually transform themselves into physical reality; therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for 20 minutes daily thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture.

I know through the principle of autosuggestion any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of attaining the object back of it; therefore, I will devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.

I have clearly written down a description of my chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying, until I have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects.  I will succeed by attracting the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people.  I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others.  I will eliminate hatred, jealousy, envy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing a love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success.  I will cause others to believe in me, because I believe in them, and in myself.  I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory and repeat in aloud once a day, with full failth that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become a self-reliant, happy, and successful person.

Meet Alex!

Alex graduated with a Masters degree from Oregon College of Oriental of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR. He is board certified by the NCCAOM and is a NADA certified detox specialist. Alex also spent some time in Seoul, S. Korea studying Oriental Medicine . When he is not poking people with needles Alex is out there living and loving life! 

Women's Reproductive Issues

Are you having trouble with PMS, cramps, or infertility? Acupuncture can be a great resource for all issues related to the female reproductive system (and male, but that's another post!). One resource we've found helpful here is Taking Charge of your Fertility, whether you're trying to get pregnant or not. The foundation of TCOYF is to track your cycle using your body temperature. Just pop a thermometer in your mouth before you get out of bed every morning and chart it on a form like this:

Knowing when you're ovulating can help you predict mood swings, migraines, and any other cyclical issues you may have so you can get in for preventative acupuncture before your issues start!
If you're interested in learning more, check out these books at the Seattle Library:
Taking Charge of your Fertility
Cycle Savvy (for teens, a bit more readable with an emphasis on contraception rather than conception)

Summer and Fire

Summer is the time of year that resonates with the fire element in Chinese medicine. A healthy fire energy is expressed in a joyful, friendly manner and a clear and peaceful mind. Engaging in social activities, putting your energy into your community and enjoying social events are expressions of healthy fire energy. If we have not taken good care of ourselves in the winter and spring, it may be difficult to really flourish, like the plant life that is so luxurious and beautiful in summertime. For more tips on eating well to support your fire element, see Paul Pitchford's Healing with Whole Foods, from which the accompanying dietary tips for summer were taken.

The summer season, the most yang time of the year, is filled with abundant energy and lots of sunshine. It’s about the fire element, expansion, growth, activity, and creativity. Several thousand years ago, an ancient Chinese medical text, The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon, contained the idea that to live a balanced life we should cultivate yang energy in the spring and summer, and protect yin in the autumn and winter. Here are some tips to help you promote the yang energy. 

    *Be active: * The heart is associated with the fire element, and it’s main function is to pump oxygen rich blood to your whole body. Getting your heart pumping will help keep it strong. Summer is an excellent opportunity to be active outside while having fun!
    Ancient Chinese physicians advised to awaken early in the morning and go to bed later in the evening. Follow the pattern of the sun. A midday rest is a great way to recharge.
    *Be happy: * In Chinese medicine, mental processes, memory, and emotional well being are all attributed to the heart and fire element. This is the time to live life to the fullest and embrace our potential. Gratitude is great way to nurture joy in our lives. Try starting off each day naming three things you’re grateful for.
    If our fire element is in balance, we will sleep calmly and our hearts are strong and healthy. If it becomes imbalanced we may have insomnia, rhythmic disturbances in our hearts, depression or mania.
    *Modify your diet: * Eat lighter and cooling foods. Summer is the time to eat more vegetables, salads, fish and seafood. Eat with the seasons! Avoid eating a lot of meat and fried foods this time of year since those are warming in nature. Add pungent flavors to your diet such as spices, chili peppers, garlic and onions. Pungent flavors “wake up” the senses. They tend to open the flow of energy in your body and can improve metabolism. As always, eat in moderation.
    Live joyfully in the moment, get lots of sunshine, and enjoy summer!

Community Acupuncture Worldwide

Have you ever wanted to refer an out-of-town friend or family member to a clinic like The Pin Cushion? Visit www.pocacoop.com/clinics for the most up-to-date information on community acupuncture clinics worldwide!
POCA also has information on cooperatives, how to become an acupuncturist, even free treatments for you and your friends! Join POCA today and help support the organization that started it all!
www.pocacoop.com