Starfire
Herbs & Acupuncture
Laurie Solomon
L.Ac., MSAOM, CCH
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is a complete medical system that has been used for over 23 centuries to diagnose, treat and prevent illness. It can alter states of mind, and enhance recuperative power and immunity
What It Does:
Eastern medicine, formally known as Oriental or Chinese Medicine, is used all over the world in conjunction with conventional medical protocols. It is a system that has evolved over thousands of years and continues to evolve in present times.
Eastern Medicine emphasizes preventative health and treats a variety of conditions. It includes the concept of “Qi,” or roughly translated, “life energy.” Eastern medicine can strengthen the immune system and promote an increased sense of well-being.
Eastern medicine practitioners tend to ask broad-reaching questions about emotional and physical symptoms. They may also feel multiple pulse points, representing each internal organ, and check the color or texture of the tongue, inquire about lifestyle or dietary habits, and assess overall human functioning. Based on these investigations, the practitioner will create a customized treatment for the patient.
This treatment plan can also take into account conventional medical treatments, including pharmaceutical medications and help the patient integrate Eastern medicine with conventional care.
How Do We Know It Works?
While acupuncture has not been recognized as a standard of care in the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have indicated that acupuncture is effective for particular symptom relief, including nausea and headaches, and many types of pain. The NIH states “the data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies.” “One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs and other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.”
Studies in western scientific journals are starting to measure the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine, and the NIH has funded OHSU research studies on Chinese herbs and other Eastern Medical techniques for treating conditions including Endometriosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Hepatitis, cancer, headaches,depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This is probably the most common question that people ask. We address this and many other FAQ’s.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for several types of pain, according to a speaker at the annual ACP Internal Medicine Meeting:
Here are some of the treatments we offer:
Respiratory:
Sinusitis, Common Cold, Flu, Cough, Bronchitis, COPD, Emphysema, Allergies, Asthma
Gastrointestinal:
Constipation, IBS, Diarrhea, Colitis, Ulcers, GERD, Bloating & Gas, Esophageal spasm, Hiccups, Nausea – caused by Western Medication, or during Pregnancy, or as a side effect of Cancer Treatment
Reproductive:
Imbalance related to Menses or Premenstrual Tension Infertility, Impotence/lowered libido, Prostatitis Menopausal discomfort, Endometriosis/Fibroid Pain
Neurological:
Headache & Migraine, TMJ, Bells Palsy, Shingles Intercostal Neuralgia, Post-Stroke Paralysis or Pain
Musculo-skeletal:
Frozen Shoulder, Bursitis, Sciatica, Back/Neck Pain Joint Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy/Neuralgia
Psycho-Emotional:
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Addiction, and many other Stress-related imbalances, including PTSD.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?
Acupuncture treatment is covered by many in-state health insurance policies. Laurie Solomon is contracted with many insurance companies, and will bill for you if your plan carries acupuncture coverage. Since 1996, Washington State law has required that all insurance companies providing coverage in this state must carry a plan that covers acupuncture. Call your carrier to find out about your plan coverage. Ask how many acupuncture visits you are covered for, and what your copay and deductible is. If your plan doesn’t cover acupuncture, ask why it doesn’t! By letting your doctors and insurance companies know of your positive results from receiving acupuncture therapy, we can exert the kind of support and pressure which drives decision-making…
Testimonials
Pat Fenech Brown
Laurie is attentive and knowledgeable. I’ll never get another cortisone shot. That lasted one month on my painful tendonitis, then the pain came back with a vengeance…the acupuncture has lasted about two or three years and counting!!
Healing Bodies & Minds
I am proud to offer my services to our service members.
Because acupuncture can have a positive effect on those suffering from physical wounds as well as the mental stress of a deployment, I feel a strong connection to my Veteran patients. I encourage veterans and their family members to reach out if you’re experiencing suffering and are open to exploring how acupuncture can benefit your overall recovery.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT
ACUPUNCTURE AND COVID-19
Since the beginning of Covid-19,
a number of things are different in my process and schedule
Now that the mask mandate has been lifted, it is no longer required to wear a mask in this clinic.
The following protocols are still in place:
Please note: I have been fully vaccinated and continue to get regular boosters
- Every treatment room has a HEPA/UV-C filter running at all times during treatments. The lobby has
a HEPA filter running throughout the day as well. - I will continue to wash all points of contact surfaces between patients
Essential oils to help all of us stay protected against URI contagion are sprayed regularly
At this time, if you have any upper respiratory (URI) symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has had URI symptoms or verified Covid-19 in the past 5 days prior to your scheduled appointment, I sincerely hope that you will stay at home until you have recovered.
There is no risk free scenario in an active medical practice. As new variants and surges in Covid and other communicable URIs continue to emerge, it remains important take these factors into consideration before exposing yourself to certain environments. However, if you are comfortable with the risk, you are welcome to come in for treatment.
Thank you for your understanding.
If you have other questions or concerns feel free to email me at [email protected].
You can also call or leave a message at (360) 666-1070 or by texting my cell phone at (360) 904-3113.
Thank you for thinking of Starfire Herbs & Acupuncture for your health and wellness needs.
~Laurie Solomon L.Ac.