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.

Exploring EDS Wellness Strategies and Its Wellness Impacts

Courtney Zeller
2 days ago
4 min read

When we talk about health, we often focus on the obvious: diet, exercise, sleep. But what about conditions that quietly shape our daily lives in ways we might not immediately recognize? One such condition is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or eds, a group of connective tissue disorders that can impact everything from joint stability to skin elasticity. If you’ve ever wondered how EDS affects wellness and what strategies can help manage it, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into this fascinating topic together.

Understanding EDS: More Than Just a Medical Term

EDS is a genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissues—the “glue” that holds everything together. Think of connective tissue as the scaffolding of your body, supporting skin, joints, blood vessels, and organs. When this scaffolding is fragile or overly stretchy, it can lead to a range of symptoms like joint hypermobility, chronic pain, and skin that bruises easily.

But here’s the kicker: EDS isn’t just about physical symptoms. It can influence your overall wellness, including mental health, energy levels, and even digestion. That’s why a holistic approach to managing EDS is so important. It’s not just about treating symptoms but nurturing the whole person.

What Does Living with EDS Look Like?

Imagine waking up every day with joints that feel like they might pop out of place or skin that tears with the slightest bump. For many, this is reality. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With the right strategies, people with EDS can lead vibrant, fulfilling lives. It’s about understanding your body’s unique needs and working with them, not against them.

Close-up view of a flexible hand gently stretching a soft fabric — connective tissue, sensory processing, and potential viral involvement?? yes..

EDS Wellness Strategies: Practical Tips for Everyday Life

So, how do we approach wellness when EDS is part of the picture? Here are some tried-and-true strategies that blend modern science with holistic care:

1. Prioritize Joint Protection and Stability

Since joint hypermobility is a hallmark of EDS, protecting your joints is key. This means:

Low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to build muscle strength without stressing joints.
Physical therapy tailored to improve proprioception (your body’s sense of position) and joint stability.
Using assistive devices such as braces or orthotics when needed to support vulnerable joints.

2. Nourish Your Body with Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Chronic inflammation can worsen pain and fatigue. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (think salmon, walnuts), colorful fruits and veggies, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, which can fuel inflammation.

3. Embrace Mind-Body Practices

Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so practices like yoga, meditation, and tai chi are fantastic. They not only promote relaxation but also improve body awareness and balance—crucial for those with EDS.

4. Explore Natural Medicine and Acupuncture

Many find relief through natural medicine approaches. Acupuncture, for example, can help manage pain and improve circulation. Microneedling, while often associated with skin aesthetics, may also support skin health in EDS by stimulating collagen production.

5. Prioritize Sleep and Rest

Fatigue is a common complaint. Establish a calming bedtime routine, keep your sleep environment cool and dark, and consider natural supplements like magnesium or melatonin after consulting a healthcare provider.

6. Stay Hydrated and Support Digestive Health

EDS can affect the digestive tract, leading to issues like bloating or constipation. Drinking plenty of water and eating fiber-rich foods can help keep things moving smoothly.

7. Build a Support Network

Living with a chronic condition can be isolating. Connecting with others who understand your experience—whether through support groups or online communities—can be a game-changer.

Eye-level view of a cozy room with yoga mats and meditation cushions

Is EDS a Form of Autism?

This question pops up more often than you might think. While EDS and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are distinct conditions, they sometimes share overlapping features, such as sensory sensitivities and difficulties with motor coordination. However, EDS is primarily a connective tissue disorder, whereas autism is a neurodevelopmental condition.

Interestingly, some research suggests a higher prevalence of EDS among individuals with autism, hinting at possible genetic or biological links. But it’s important to remember that having one does not mean you have the other. Each condition requires its own tailored approach to care.

Understanding these nuances helps us avoid confusion and ensures that people receive the right support for their unique needs.

Integrating Holistic Care for Lasting Wellness

At the heart of managing EDS is a holistic mindset—one that values the integration of ancient wisdom and modern science. This means:

Listening to your body and honoring its signals.
Collaborating with healthcare providers who understand the complexity of EDS.
Exploring complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments.
Adopting lifestyle habits that promote resilience and vitality.

For those in Downtown Seattle, this approach is more accessible than ever. With providers specializing in acupuncture, natural medicine, and personalized wellness plans, you can find support that feels both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in tradition.

Moving Forward with Confidence and Care

Living with EDS might feel like navigating a maze at times, but it’s a journey filled with opportunities to learn, adapt, and thrive. By embracing wellness strategies that address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—we can transform challenges into strengths.

Remember, you’re not alone on this path. Whether it’s through mindful movement, nourishing foods, or gentle therapies, there’s a world of tools ready to support your health and happiness.

So, why wait? Let’s take those first steps toward a more vibrant, balanced life today.

Interested in learning more about personalized wellness approaches for connective tissue health? Reach out to local holistic providers who can tailor a plan just for you.