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.

EBV Health Implications: Exploring Its Impact on Your Health

Courtney Zeller
2 hours ago
4 min read

When we talk about viruses that quietly influence our health, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) often flies under the radar. Yet, this common virus has a fascinating and sometimes complicated relationship with our bodies. You might be surprised to learn just how much EBV can affect your overall well-being, especially when it comes to immune function and chronic conditions. So, let’s dive into the world of EBV and uncover what it means for your health.

Understanding EBV Health Implications

EBV is a member of the herpesvirus family, and it’s incredibly common—over 90% of adults worldwide have been infected at some point. Most people catch it during childhood or adolescence, often without even realizing it. The virus is best known for causing infectious mononucleosis, or "mono," which is that infamous illness marked by extreme fatigue, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

But here’s the kicker: after the initial infection, EBV doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it settles quietly into your body’s B cells (a type of immune cell) and can stay dormant for life. This latent state means the virus can reactivate under certain conditions, potentially triggering or worsening other health issues.

Why should we care? Because EBV’s influence extends beyond just a one-time illness. Research suggests it may play a role in autoimmune diseases, certain cancers, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Understanding these connections can empower us to take proactive steps toward better health.

Close-up view of a microscope slide showing virus particles

How EBV Affects Your Immune System and Overall Health

Our immune system is like a finely tuned orchestra, and EBV can sometimes throw a wrench into the performance. When EBV infects B cells, it can alter their behavior, leading to immune dysregulation. This means your immune system might become overactive or confused, attacking your own tissues or failing to respond properly to other threats.

For example, EBV has been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists believe that the virus’s presence in B cells may trigger the immune system to mistakenly target the body’s own cells, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Many people live with EBV without ever experiencing serious complications. The key lies in how well your immune system manages the virus and whether other factors—like stress, nutrition, or environmental exposures—tip the balance.

Here are some practical tips to support your immune system and keep EBV in check:

Prioritize sleep: Quality rest helps your body repair and regulate immune responses.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can weaken immunity and encourage viral reactivation.
Eat a balanced diet: Nutrient-rich foods support immune health and reduce inflammation.
Stay active: Regular exercise boosts immune function and overall vitality.
Consider holistic therapies: Acupuncture and natural medicine can help modulate immune responses and promote balance.

Eye-level view of a cozy holistic healthcare clinic room — viruses and autoimmunity - the future of medicine

What is a Rare Blood Disorder Caused by EBV?

One of the lesser-known but serious conditions linked to EBV is hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This rare blood disorder occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive, causing excessive inflammation and damage to organs.

HLH can be triggered by EBV infection, especially in individuals with genetic predispositions or weakened immune systems. The disorder leads to symptoms like prolonged fever, enlarged liver and spleen, low blood cell counts, and neurological issues. It’s a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

While HLH is rare, its connection to EBV highlights the virus’s potential to disrupt immune regulation in profound ways. If you or someone you know experiences unexplained symptoms like persistent fever and fatigue, it’s crucial to seek medical evaluation.

How to Detect and Manage EBV-Related Health Issues

Detecting EBV infection typically involves blood tests that look for antibodies or viral DNA. However, because EBV is so common, a positive test doesn’t always mean active disease. Doctors often consider symptoms, medical history, and other lab results to determine if EBV is contributing to health problems.

If you suspect EBV is affecting your health, here are some steps to consider:

Consult a healthcare provider: A thorough evaluation can help identify EBV-related complications.
Monitor symptoms: Keep track of fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, or other changes.
Adopt a holistic approach: Integrate lifestyle changes, nutrition, and complementary therapies to support immune balance.
Stay informed: Advances in research continue to shed light on EBV’s role in chronic illness.

Remember, managing EBV is often about supporting your body’s resilience rather than eradicating the virus completely. This mindset aligns perfectly with holistic healthcare principles that emphasize balance and personalized care.

Embracing a Holistic Approach to EBV and Your Health

Living with EBV or its health implications doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing a holistic approach, we can empower ourselves to nurture our bodies and minds in harmony. This means combining the best of ancient wisdom—like acupuncture and natural medicine—with modern scientific insights.

For example, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation and modulate immune function, which can be beneficial for those dealing with chronic viral infections. Natural aesthetics and microneedling might not directly impact EBV, but they contribute to overall well-being and self-care, which are vital for maintaining health.

In Downtown Seattle, where the pace of life is fast and stress levels can run high, integrating these personalized healthcare strategies can make a real difference. It’s about creating a lifestyle that supports your immune system, reduces triggers for viral reactivation, and promotes lasting vitality.

So, next time you hear about EBV, remember it’s not just a virus—it’s a complex player in your health story. By staying informed and proactive, we can navigate its challenges and thrive.

If you want to learn more about how to support your immune system naturally or explore holistic treatments tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your health journey is unique, and with the right guidance, you can achieve profound and lasting wellness.

Learn more about EBV