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.

Enhance Your Skin with Rose Quartz Gua Sha: Gua Sha Skincare Tips for Radiant Glow

Courtney Zeller
6 days ago
4 min read

If you’ve been curious about natural ways to boost your skin’s health and glow, you’re in the right place. Gua sha, an ancient Chinese technique, has been making waves in the skincare world, and for good reason. Using a smooth stone to massage your face might sound simple, but the benefits are anything but. Today, we’re diving deep into how you can enhance your skin with a rose quartz gua sha massage tool, sharing practical tips, science-backed insights, and everything you need to know to get started.

What Is Gua Sha and Why Should You Care?

Gua sha is a traditional healing method that involves scraping the skin with a smooth-edged tool to improve circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. When applied to the face, it can help reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, and give your skin a natural lift. But why rose quartz? This beautiful pink stone isn’t just a pretty face. It’s believed to carry calming energy that promotes self-love and emotional healing, making your skincare routine feel like a mini spa ritual.

The technique itself is straightforward: gentle strokes along your face’s contours, encouraging blood flow and helping your skin detoxify. Think of it as a workout for your face muscles, but way more relaxing. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to wind down after a long day in the city hustle.

Gua Sha Skincare Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Routine

Ready to add gua sha to your skincare arsenal? Here’s how to do it right:

Start with a Clean Face
Always begin with freshly cleansed skin. This ensures you’re not pushing dirt or makeup deeper into your pores.
Apply a Facial Oil or Serum
To help the tool glide smoothly and prevent tugging, use a nourishing facial oil or serum. This also boosts absorption of your skincare products.
Use the Right Technique
Hold your rose quartz gua sha massage tool at a 15-degree angle to your skin. Use gentle, upward strokes starting from the neck, moving to the jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Don’t forget the delicate under-eye area—just be extra gentle there.
Be Consistent
Like any skincare practice, consistency is key. Aim for 3-4 times a week, or even daily if your skin tolerates it well.
Clean Your Tool
After each use, clean your gua sha with warm water and mild soap to keep it hygienic.

Here’s a quick pro tip: keep your gua sha in the fridge for a cooling effect that helps reduce inflammation and tightens pores. Trust me, it feels amazing!

Close-up view of rose quartz gua sha tool on a marble surface

Can I Use Gua Sha If I Have Rosacea?

If you’re dealing with rosacea, you might be wondering if gua sha is safe for you. The short answer: it depends. Rosacea is a sensitive skin condition characterized by redness and inflammation, so any facial treatment needs to be approached with care.

Gua sha can potentially help by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing puffiness, but the key is gentleness. Avoid aggressive scraping or pressure. Instead, use very light strokes and always listen to your skin’s response. If you notice increased redness or irritation, it’s best to pause and consult with a skincare professional or dermatologist.

Also, make sure your gua sha tool is clean and smooth to avoid any micro-tears or irritation. Using a soothing facial oil with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile or calendula can also help calm your skin during the massage.

Remember, every skin is unique. What works wonders for one person might not be ideal for another, so proceed with caution and care.

The Science Behind Gua Sha: What’s Happening Under the Skin?

You might be thinking, “Okay, it feels nice, but does gua sha really work?” Let’s break it down.

When you use a gua sha tool, you’re stimulating microcirculation—the tiny blood vessels just beneath your skin. This increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the surface, which can help repair and rejuvenate skin cells. Plus, it encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps flush out toxins and reduce swelling.

A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine found that gua sha can increase microcirculation and reduce muscle tension, which may explain the lifted, relaxed feeling after a session (doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.12.002).

On a cellular level, improved circulation means better collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. So, while gua sha isn’t a miracle cure, it’s a powerful tool to support your skin’s natural health.

How to Incorporate Gua Sha Into Your Holistic Wellness Routine

Living in a bustling urban environment like Downtown Seattle means we’re constantly exposed to stress, pollution, and long hours indoors. Incorporating gua sha into your routine isn’t just about skincare—it’s about self-care and holistic wellness.

Here’s how to make it part of your daily ritual:

Morning Boost: Use gua sha after cleansing and applying your morning serum to wake up your skin and reduce any overnight puffiness.
Evening Wind-Down: Combine gua sha with a calming facial oil to relax your facial muscles and prepare for restful sleep.
Mindful Moment: Turn your gua sha session into a mini meditation. Focus on your breath and the sensation of the stone gliding over your skin.
Combine with Acupuncture or Microneedling: If you’re already exploring holistic treatments like acupuncture or microneedling, gua sha can complement these by enhancing circulation and promoting healing.

By integrating gua sha into your wellness routine, you’re not just enhancing your skin—you’re nurturing your whole self.

Eye-level view of a rose quartz gua sha tool resting on a soft towel next to a bottle of facial oil

Ready to Glow? Let’s Get Started!

There you have it—everything you need to know to start enhancing your skin with a rose quartz gua sha massage tool. It’s simple, effective, and a beautiful way to connect with your skin on a deeper level. Whether you’re looking to reduce puffiness, smooth fine lines, or just enjoy a moment of calm in your busy day, gua sha offers a natural, holistic approach that fits perfectly with a mindful lifestyle.

So why not give it a try? Your skin—and your spirit—will thank you.

Remember, the journey to radiant skin is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, consistent, and gentle with yourself. Here’s to glowing, healthy skin and embracing the ancient wisdom that supports it!