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.

Unlocking the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Benefits: Your New Skincare Ritual

Courtney Zeller
1 day ago
4 min read

If you’ve been scrolling through wellness blogs or Instagram lately, you’ve probably stumbled upon the rose quartz gua sha. It’s that pretty pink stone tool that looks like it belongs in a crystal shop but is actually a powerhouse for your skin and overall well-being. But what’s all the fuss about? Why are so many people raving about the rose quartz gua sha benefits? Well, let’s dive in and explore why this ancient beauty tool deserves a spot in your self-care routine.

Discovering the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Benefits

First off, let’s talk about what makes rose quartz so special. Known as the “stone of love,” rose quartz is believed to carry gentle, soothing energy that promotes emotional healing and self-love. But beyond the metaphysical, when carved into a gua sha tool, it becomes a practical device that can transform your skincare game.

Using a rose quartz gua sha massage tool can help:

Boost circulation: By gently scraping the skin, it encourages blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your skin cells.
Reduce puffiness: The scraping motion helps drain lymphatic fluid, reducing swelling and giving your face a more sculpted look.
Enhance product absorption: When used with serums or oils, it helps your skin soak up those ingredients better.
Relax facial muscles: It’s like a mini massage that eases tension, which can help soften fine lines caused by stress.
Promote glowing skin: The combined effects of better circulation and relaxation lead to a natural, healthy glow.

And here’s a little secret: it’s not just about looking good. The ritual itself is calming and grounding, making it a perfect way to start or end your day.

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

How Does the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Work?

You might be wondering, “How does a simple stone do all that?” Great question! The technique behind gua sha has been around for centuries, originating in traditional Chinese medicine. The idea is to scrape the skin gently with the tool to stimulate microcirculation and lymphatic drainage.

Here’s the science in simple terms: your skin and muscles can hold onto tension and toxins, which might cause puffiness, dullness, or even discomfort. When you use the gua sha tool, you’re encouraging your body to move that stagnant fluid along, kind of like giving your face a little detox massage.

Plus, the coolness of the rose quartz stone itself helps calm inflammation and soothe the skin. It’s like a mini spa treatment every time you use it.

What is a Rose Quartz Gua Sha Good For?

So, what specific skin concerns can this tool help with? Let’s break it down:

Puffiness and under-eye bags: The gentle scraping helps move excess fluid away from delicate areas.
Fine lines and wrinkles: Regular use can relax tight muscles and improve skin elasticity.
Acne and congestion: By promoting better circulation, it can help your skin heal and reduce breakouts.
Dull complexion: Increased blood flow means your skin looks brighter and more vibrant.
Jaw tension and headaches: If you clench your jaw or suffer from tension headaches, using the gua sha on your jawline and temples can provide relief.

It’s a versatile tool that fits right into a holistic approach to skincare and wellness.

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

How to Use Your Rose Quartz Gua Sha Massage Tool Like a Pro

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get the most out of your rose quartz gua sha massage tool:

Cleanse your face: Start with a clean canvas.
Apply a facial oil or serum: This helps the tool glide smoothly without tugging your skin.
Hold the tool at a 15-degree angle: Almost flat against your skin.
Start scraping gently: Use upward and outward strokes, moving from the center of your face toward your hairline.
Focus on key areas: Cheeks, jawline, under eyes, forehead, and neck.
Repeat each stroke 5-10 times: Be consistent but gentle.
Clean your tool after use: Wipe it down with a soft cloth and mild soap.

Remember, it’s not about pressure but technique. Think of it as a loving touch for your skin.

Why Choose Rose Quartz Over Other Stones?

You might ask, “Why rose quartz? Can’t I use jade or other stones?” Absolutely, jade is popular too, but rose quartz has some unique perks:

Emotional benefits: Rose quartz is linked to love and healing, adding a soothing vibe to your routine.
Cooling effect: It tends to stay cooler longer, which is great for calming inflammation.
Aesthetic appeal: Let’s be honest, that soft pink hue just makes your skincare shelf look dreamy.

If you want to explore, check out this rose quartz gua sha massage tool for a blend of beauty and function.

Integrating Gua Sha Into Your Holistic Wellness Routine

Using a rose quartz gua sha tool isn’t just about skincare. It’s a moment to slow down, breathe, and connect with yourself. In a busy city like Seattle, where stress can pile up, this little ritual can be a game-changer.

Pair it with other holistic practices like acupuncture, microneedling, or natural medicine to amplify your health journey. The beauty of gua sha is that it complements these treatments by promoting circulation and relaxation, helping your body heal and rejuvenate naturally.

Embrace the Glow: Your Next Step

So, are you ready to add a touch of ancient wisdom to your modern routine? The rose quartz gua sha benefits go beyond skin deep. It’s about nurturing your body, mind, and spirit with a simple, elegant tool that fits right in your hand.

Give it a try, and watch how your skin and mood transform. After all, glowing skin is just the beginning of feeling truly radiant.

Feel free to explore more about holistic health and natural aesthetics to keep your wellness journey vibrant and effective.