Acupuncture at To The Point PDX

What is acupuncture?

Simply put, acupuncture is inserting tiny tiny little needles on very precise points on the skin that stimulate the body to correct imbalances and improve functioning in the body. 

When you come to To The Point PDX, leave what you know about medicine at the door. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine views the body in a different way than your chiropractor, massage therapist or primary care doctor. We see the body as if it's made up of 14 different channels, 365 acupuncture points and we strive to bring balance to your body. 

How does it work?

Let us give it to you straight: science proves that it DOES work, but it cannot prove HOW it works.

Some theorize that inserting needles stimulates your immune system. Many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause biological responses that can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain and in the periphery.

Considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture.

Stimulation by acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

What's the difference between Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?

Chinese Medicine encompasses different modalities of medicine with Acupuncture being one of them. Chinese Medicine is an entire system of medicine that includes acupuncture, massage, diet therapy (we love to use food as medicine!), and plant medicine/herbs. We practice Chinese Medicine. Depending on your condition, we may employ more than just acupuncture.

Does it hurt?

If it does you're doing it wrong. Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. Some people feel the needles as they go in, and some people feel nothing. Acupuncture needles are solid needles (not hollow like the needles used to give you shots) and are much, much thinner - about the diameter of a human hair. And acupuncture hurts A LOT less than dry needling. 

What if I'm afraid of needles?

Chinese Medicine is more than just acupuncture. We can try acupressure, massage, reflexology, and cupping. Believe it or not, Sarah was afraid of needles before her first few acupuncture visits. We understand the apprehension. We'll work together so the experience is comfortable, relaxing, and effective.

What can acupuncture treat? 

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 40+ conditions including depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, and eczema, low back pain, muscle pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness, frozen shoulder, runners knee, sciatica, arthritis, constipation and diarrhea, ulcers, Irritable bowel syndrome, and colitis. Check out the World Health Organization's official paper.

Do you accept health insurance? 

To the Point PDX accepts Providence and BCBS for acupuncture treatments.* If you have Providence or BCBS, you will still need to verify that your plan covers acupuncture and the details of your coverage.

Let us know if you’d like us to check your benefits before you come in!

If your health insurance does not cover acupuncture, we offer a prompt-pay price.  

We are always happy to provide a superbill for you upon request. A superbill is a receipt that you submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursement or partial reimbursement for out-of-network services and providers. We can provide you with the superbill, but the reiumbursment process is between the patient and their insurance company. Patients requesting a superbill will still need to pay in full at the time of service.

*Please note that dry needling is currently not covered by most health insurance companies.