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. 

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What are your office hours?

By appointment only.

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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.

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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.

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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.



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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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*Source: NIH, Acupuncture, Nov. 3-5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5 2. World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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

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