
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are you located?
We are located in the heart of the historic Willamette neighborhood
of West Linn, Oregon. There is a gravel path on the side of the residence that leads through the side and back garden. where there is a small step up to get into the acupuncture studio. The serene and peaceful treatment space is
surrounded by a garden, flora and fauna, and nearby a duck coop.
Our small urban homestead will be developing in the
coming warmer months.
What are your office hours?
By appointment only.
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, we only accept cash, check, or credit card payments at the time of service.
We do not bill insurance, however if your insurance covers acupuncture, we will be happy to provide you with a 'superbill', an itemized receipt, which you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Please keep in mind that even if your insurance does have acupuncture benefits, the number of treatments, modalities, or symptoms covered may be limited. We ask that you verify this information with your insurance company ahead of time. If a superbill is
needed, please request this at the time of your appointment.
What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a medical system that has been used
for over 3,000 years. It incorporates acupuncture, herbal medicine, Eastern nutrition, and various other
non-needle treatments such as cupping, guasha, and moxibustion. This holistic health system utilizes
the body's natural ability to heal itself.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very tiny needles at certain points on the body.
In TCM we refer to the term “qi”, vital life force or energy, which flows throughout all living things
along meridians or pathways, and connects the entire body. Qi can be disturbed or blocked due to stress,
emotions, constitutional factors, trauma, illness, environmental factors, diet, medications, etc. When this occurs,
pain, symptoms, and/or illness result. Acupuncture and other TCM modalities rebalance and correct this disruption, restoring the body's natural ability to heal. While modern research supports the use of acupuncture for a variety of
symptoms and conditions, there are often additional positive effects more difficult to measure and at times, not
what the patient was coming in for. For example, one might start sleeping better, notice improved digestion,
or a child might have less emotional meltdowns. While TCM does treat symptoms, it's focus is really much
more than that. By treating the root of a problem, the symptoms or branches are more easily resolved.
What is pediatric acupuncture?
Pediatric acupuncture often involves non-needle techniques such as acupressure,
tuina (massage), or shonishin, but may also consist of gentle needling. Shonishin, which translates as
'little children needle', is a type of non-insertive Japanese acupuncture traditionally used on children up to
10 years of age. Many children find this relaxing and enjoy the treatments. Some children may even find it ticklish. Pediatric techniques are used for many of the same conditions that are treated with adult
acupuncture. Dr. Ralston-Wilson has extensive experience treating pain and agitation in babies
related to chronic illness and medication weaning, post-surgical and chemotherapy-induced
nausea and vomiting, treatment-related side effects in pediatric cancer and
transplant patients, and chronic and post-surgical pain.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is a very safe modality when provided by a well-experienced and trained practitioner.
Acupuncture needles are all sterilized, disposable, and single-use.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of health conditions and symptoms.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and World Health Organization (WHO)* recognize acupuncture in the treatment of the following conditions. If you do not see what you would like to be treated for here,
please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your treatment further.
Upper Respiratory Tract
Acute Sinusitis . Acute Rhinitis . Common Cold and Flu . Acute Tonsillitis
Respiratory System
Acute bronchitis . Bronchial asthma
Eye Disorders
Acute conjunctivitis . Central Retinitis Myopia . Cataracts
Mouth Disorders
Toothache . Post Extraction Pain . Gingivitis . Acute and Chronic . Pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Spasms of esophagus . Hiccough . Gastroptosis . Acute and Chronic Gastritis . Gastric Hyperacidity
Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief) . Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications) . Acute and Chronic Colitis Acute Bacillary Dysentery . Constipation . Diarrhea . Paralytic Ileus
Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Headache and Migraine . Trigeminal Neuralgias . Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
Pareses Following a Stroke . Peripheral Neuropathies . Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
Meniere’s Disease . Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction . Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting) . Intercostal Neuralgia
Cervicobrachial Syndrome . Frozen Shoulder . Tennis Elbow . Sciatica . Low Back Pain . Osteoarthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome . Back and Knee Pain . Fibromyalgia . Chronic Fatigue . Sports Injuries and Pains
Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
Premenstrual Syndrome . Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) . Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period) . Impotence . Infertility . Incontinence . Prostatis
Mental Emotional Problems
Stress . Anxiety . Depression . Insomnia
*Source: NIH, Acupuncture, Nov. 3-5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5 2. World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.
What to expect during my 1st visit?
Please plan to arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment time. You are welcome to
park in the "Resident Only" parking spaces in front of our residence only. Wear loose and comfortable clothing
that can easily be rolled up to the elbows and knees or bring a change of clothes if you would prefer to change. A bathroom is available for patient use in the studio. Be sure to have eaten prior to your treatment, a small snack is sufficient. After acupuncture, it is always best to drink a little extra water and allow a bit of time to rest
as many patients feel more relaxed after acupuncture. If you must plan physical activities the
day of your treatment, please do so in moderation.
What is the Biomat?
The Biomat is a far-infrared heated amethyst crystal mat. It is an FDA-approved medical device
with technology designed in part by NASA. The Biomat mat combines the benefits of a heating pad, far infrared sauna, and gemstone healing all in one! When used during acupuncture treatments, patients often experience deeper relaxation and improved circulation. For those who would prefer, or for those whom the Biomat
is not indicated, the mat can be left off and unplugged.
What are your COVID-19 practices?
I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (1/7/2, 1/28/21, booster 12/16/21) and value the health and safety
of all my patients. Here are practices we have in place to keep you as safe as possible while in our space:
Patients are pre-screened for COVID symptoms prior to all appointments and are asked to reschedule if any
COVID symptoms are present. Cancellation fees do not apply for cancellations due to illness. Patients that have travelled are asked to self-quarantine for 10 days prior to
their appointment or to get tested prior to scheduling. This does not apply for those who are fully vaccinated.
Patient temperatures are taken upon arrival and patients are asked to wash their hands once in the studio.
An air filter with Medical Grade HEPA is run during all patient visits and a minimum of 30 minutes at the
beginning and the end of the day. Masks are required at all times, with the exception of children under
the age of 2. All high touch surfaces are regularly disinfected and linens are changed
between each patient. The studio is well ventilated with 2 windows, a skylight,
and a door that opens to the back garden.
Where can I or my child get tested for COVID-19?
GS Labs in Tigard, OR (https://gslabstesting.com) offers drive-through rapid COVID-19 testing
that is covered by most insurances. This is available for patients as young as 1yr of age.
No referral is needed, however an appointment is required.
Address: 10935 SW 68TH PKWY, PORTLAND, OR, 97223



