We're an acupuncture and functional medicine clinic in downtown Seattle. We've been around since 2008. Our work blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern functional medicine, and we treat everything from chronic pain and digestive issues to hormonal patterns, fertility, autoimmune conditions, and the long tail of 'something is off and no one can figure out what.' We specialize in the complex, chronic, and 'mystery' cases that other clinics often punt on.

What makes you different from other acupuncture clinics?

Three things. First, we treat the whole person, not just the symptom — every plan is customized, no cookie-cutter protocols. Second, we blend Chinese medicine with functional medicine, lab work, modern technology, and clinical reasoning that most acupuncture clinics don't do. Third, we say what we mean. We'll tell you straight up if we think we can help, if we think you'd be better served somewhere else, or if a particular intervention isn't right for you yet. We're not here to upsell you — we're here to actually fix what's going on.

Where is GoodMedizen located?

We're at 509 Olive Way, Suite 1401, in downtown Seattle, WA 98101. The Medical Dental Building, on the corner of Olive Way and 6th Ave. The primary entrance is on Olive Way next to Go Fitness and Cherry Street Coffee. Take the elevator to the 14th floor.

Yes. Every provider at GoodMedizen is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) with a Master's degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, plus extensive continuing education. We're nationally board certified and licensed by the State of Washington.

What conditions do you treat?

A lot. Pain (chronic and acute), digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, fertility, anxiety and depression, sleep problems, allergies, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, post-surgical recovery, headaches and migraines, neurological conditions, skin conditions, and the long tail of 'something is off and no one can figure out what.' Acupuncture and TCM are whole systems of medicine — we're always looking at the whole body, working on restoration of function to help your body perform the duties it's supposed to.

Do you take my insurance?

We're in-network with most major Seattle-area carriers including Premera, Regence, Aetna, Cigna, First Choice Health, Kaiser PPO, Molina, and several others. We can verify your specific benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises — text us your insurance info or fill out the form on our website and we'll run a benefits check for you.

What if you don't take my insurance?

We're preferred providers for most insurance plans in Washington State. We can still see you on a self-pay basis at our standard or member rates. If you have an FSA or HSA, you can typically use those. We can also provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.

How much will it cost me?

It depends on your insurance plan, your deductible status, and what services you receive. We'll always run a benefits check before your first visit and tell you what to expect — copay, deductible, coinsurance, the whole picture. No surprise bills.

How do GoodMedizen memberships work?

Standard ($99/mo) is for fairly straightforward cases — member-rate acupuncture, 10% tier discount, office-visit access to your practitioner, 60-minute appointment times that include a few modalities. Premium ($179/mo) adds weekly group Q&A access for people who want more clinical guidance between visits, with a 15% discount on everything. Functional ($397/mo) is the full toolkit — monthly functional medicine visits, quarterly lab review including specialty labs, dedicated messaging access with 24-hour return, 80-minute appointments for more modality work, and 20% off acupuncture, services, and supplements. Memberships are month-to-month and you can cancel anytime.

What's the difference between a la carte and a membership?

A la carte is pay-as-you-go — you pay full rate for each visit and service. Memberships give you a monthly rate that includes longer visits, member pricing on every service and supplement, modalities included in your appointment time, and varying levels of provider access depending on tier. Memberships are designed for people who plan to use them — if you'll be in regularly, they save you significant money over a la carte.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles we use are very small — about the width of a strand of hair — and most people do very well with them. They are still needles, so there might be a spot here or there that's a little sharp. If something feels sharp, it should go away within a moment or two. Some points, especially in the hands, can have a deep, dull, achy quality. That ache is actually a good thing, so long as you can rest comfortably with it. Our number one goal is that you are comfortable with our treatments.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

What we're trying to do in the beginning is get the attention of your immune system, so we front-load treatments 2–3 times a week for typically the first 2–3 weeks. If you aren't seeing significant change by visit 3, then we dig deeper. The ultimate goal is quarterly maintenance visits — 4 times a year at season change. The goal is to limit the amount of intervention you'll ever need.

How long until I feel better from acupuncture?

Most patients notice benefit from acupuncture at their very first visit, although the first benefits noticed can be nebulous — feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, having more energy. We want to start seeing explicit change around visit 3, and significant improvement around visits 4–6. We front-load treatments to get the attention of your immune system, then slow down.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes — and incredibly helpful. Acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy when performed by a trained practitioner, and it can help with morning sickness, back pain, sleep, anxiety, breech presentation, labor preparation, and postpartum recovery. It's often one of the only things a pregnant person can do for stubborn aches and pains, as many standard treatments and medications are contraindicated.

Can children get acupuncture?

Yes. We treat kids of all ages, including infants for things like reflux and sleep disturbances. For younger children we often use non-needle techniques (shonishin, gentle bodywork, magnets, ear seeds) that get the same effect without the needles. By age 8–10, most kids are curious about the needles and actually lead us to start using them.

Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?

Dry needling is a form of acupuncture — so all dry needling is acupuncture, but not all acupuncture is dry needling. Acupuncture is a complete medical system with upwards of 5,000 years of clinical refinement. Acupuncturists train for 3–4 years at master's or doctorate level and complete national board exams. An acupuncturist needs 2,000–4,000 hours of training to insert needles. A physical therapist can be certified to do dry needling after 50–100 hours. That's the practical difference.

What is functional medicine and how is it different from going to my regular doctor?

Conventional medicine is excellent at acute care, surgery, and managing established disease. It's less designed for the chronic, complex, multi-system stuff — the gut/hormone/inflammation/fatigue tangles where every specialist sends you to a different specialist. Functional medicine zooms out, looks at how your systems interact, and uses targeted labs and interventions to address the upstream causes. We work alongside your conventional providers, not in place of them.

How long does functional medicine take to work?

Most people start feeling shifts within 4–6 weeks of starting a personalized protocol. Bigger structural changes — restoring gut function, rebalancing hormones, healing chronic inflammation — usually take 3–6 months of consistent work. Functional medicine is iterative: we run labs, build a protocol, retest, refine. It's not a quick fix; it's a rebuild.

How do I know if I need detox?

Common signs include chronic fatigue, brain fog, unexplained inflammation, hormonal disruption, chemical sensitivity, mold exposure history, dental amalgam history, occupational exposures, autoimmune patterns that aren't responding to other care, and a long history of 'doing everything right' without feeling right. We start with a thorough intake and (when indicated) testing to figure out whether toxic burden is actually the issue.

Why doesn't GoodMedizen sell a 30-day detox kit?

Because they don't work, and some of them are dangerous. Pre-packaged detox kits don't account for your specific exposure history, your drainage capacity, your genetic detox pathways, your medication situation, or your nutrient status. They mobilize toxins without first making sure your exits are open — which is exactly how detox protocols cause harm. Real detox is individual. We don't shortcut it because we've seen what happens when people do.

How much does microneedling cost at GoodMedizen?

Microneedling at GoodMedizen is a flat $619 per session and is never discounted. Exosomes are expensive — really expensive — and they're the difference between 'okay' results and exceptional ones. Cheap microneedling without quality exosomes is a fundamentally different treatment. We don't compromise on the materials.

How many microneedling sessions will I need?

Most people see significant results from a series of 3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with maintenance every 6–12 months after. Severe scarring or significant sun damage may benefit from a series of 4–6 sessions.

What should I expect at my first acupuncture visit?

Your first visit is longer than a typical follow-up — usually 75–90 minutes — because we're doing a thorough intake. We'll go through your health history, current medications and supplements, lifestyle, and what brought you in. Then we'll do a TCM diagnostic exam (pulse, tongue, palpation) and build your initial treatment plan. The treatment itself is included in this first visit.

How do I book an appointment at GoodMedizen?

Online at goodmedizen.com/schedule-now — it's the fastest way and shows real-time availability. You can also text 206-402-3813 if you'd rather book that way or have a specific timing question.

What's the fastest way to reach GoodMedizen?

Text 206-402-3813. We're a busy clinic and during clinic hours we're with patients, hands-on, often literally holding needles. We can't pick up the phone in real time — but we can absolutely respond to a text between patients. Texting is by far the fastest way to get a response from us.

Discover the Amazing Cupping Therapy Benefits and Facts

Courtney Zeller
7 days ago
4 min read

If you’ve ever wondered about ancient healing techniques that are making a big comeback, cupping therapy is definitely one to explore. This age-old practice has been around for thousands of years, and today, it’s gaining popularity for good reasons. Whether you’re curious about how it works, what benefits it offers, or how long you should do it, we’re diving deep into the world of cupping. Ready to uncover the secrets behind those colorful circular marks? Let’s get started!

What Is Cupping Therapy and Why Should You Care?

Cupping therapy is a traditional healing method that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction helps increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. Sounds simple, right? But the effects can be quite powerful.

The cups can be made of glass, bamboo, silicone, or even plastic. The suction is created either by heat (fire cupping) or mechanical devices (pump cupping). When the cup is placed on your skin, it pulls the tissue upward, which can feel like a gentle stretch or a firm tug.

Why is this important? Well, increased blood flow means your body can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, speeding up healing and easing muscle tension. Plus, it stimulates your lymphatic system, which helps flush out toxins.

People have used cupping for everything from muscle pain and stiffness to respiratory issues and even digestive problems. It’s a holistic approach that taps into your body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Close-up view of glass cupping cups arranged on a wooden table

The Top Cupping Therapy Benefits You Should Know

Let’s talk benefits. Why are so many people turning to cupping therapy? Here’s a quick rundown of what it can do for you:

Pain Relief: Cupping is especially popular for relieving muscle pain and tension. It’s often used by athletes and those with chronic pain conditions.
Improved Circulation: The suction increases blood flow, which can help with healing and reduce inflammation.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Many people find cupping deeply relaxing, similar to a massage.
Detoxification: By stimulating the lymphatic system, cupping helps your body get rid of waste and toxins.
Skin Health: It can improve skin tone and reduce cellulite by increasing blood flow and stimulating collagen production.
Respiratory Support: Some use cupping to help with conditions like asthma or bronchitis by loosening congestion.

Science backs up many of these claims. For example, a 2015 review in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that cupping therapy showed promising results in pain management and improving quality of life for patients with chronic pain conditions (Lauche et al., 2015).

If you’re curious about more detailed cupping questions and benefits, there’s plenty of info to explore that can help you decide if this therapy fits your wellness goals.

How Long Should You Do Cupping For?

One of the most common questions is: how long should you do cupping for? The answer depends on your individual needs and the condition being treated.

Typically, a cupping session lasts between 5 to 20 minutes. For beginners, shorter sessions are recommended to see how your body reacts. Some people might feel immediate relief after just one session, while others may need multiple treatments over several weeks.

Frequency also varies. For acute issues like muscle soreness, 1-2 sessions per week might be enough. For chronic conditions, a longer treatment plan with regular sessions could be necessary.

It’s important to listen to your body. If you notice any discomfort or unusual reactions, it’s best to consult with a trained practitioner who can tailor the treatment to you.

Eye-level view of a cupping therapy session in progress on a patient’s back

What to Expect During and After a Cupping Session

If you’re new to cupping, you might be wondering what the experience feels like. Here’s a quick rundown:

During the session: You’ll lie down or sit comfortably while the practitioner places the cups on your skin. You might feel a tight pulling sensation, but it shouldn’t be painful. The cups stay in place for several minutes, and sometimes the practitioner moves them around for a massage-like effect.
After the session: You’ll likely see circular marks where the cups were placed. These marks are caused by blood being drawn to the surface and can range from light pink to deep purple. They usually fade within a week or two.
How you feel: Many people report feeling relaxed and less tense. Some might experience mild soreness, similar to a deep tissue massage, but this usually passes quickly.

To maximize benefits, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity immediately after your session. Your body is in healing mode, so give it some TLC.

Is Cupping Safe? What You Should Know

Safety is always a top concern, and cupping is generally considered safe when done by a trained professional. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid cupping on broken skin, wounds, or areas with skin infections.
People with certain conditions like hemophilia, blood clotting disorders, or those on blood thinners should consult their doctor first.
Pregnant women should seek advice before trying cupping.
Mild side effects like bruising, soreness, or lightheadedness can occur but usually resolve quickly.

If you’re in Downtown Seattle and interested in trying cupping, look for licensed practitioners who understand both the traditional techniques and modern safety standards.

Bringing It All Together: Why Cupping Could Be Your Next Wellness Move

Cupping therapy offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern health benefits. It’s a natural, non-invasive way to support your body’s healing processes, reduce pain, and boost overall wellness. Whether you’re dealing with muscle tension, stress, or just want to try something new, cupping might be just what you need.

Remember, every body is different. The best approach is to start slow, ask plenty of questions, and work with a practitioner who listens to your needs. If you want to dive deeper into cupping questions and benefits, there’s a wealth of information waiting for you.

So, why not give cupping a try? Your body might just thank you for it.

References:

Lauche, R., Cramer, H., Haller, H., & Dobos, G. (2015). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cupping therapy for pain conditions. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 5(4), 221-227.