Acupuncture and East Asian medicine are finally gaining acceptance in the United States. By treating the body holistically, it is able to treat a wide range of disorders. From acute injuries to chronic diseases, acupuncture provides a safe and effective form of medicine. Acupuncture is compatible with Western medicine and other alternative therapies, and often a combination of these works best.
Located in the heart of downtown Kirkland, Nicole and Deborah provide safe, gentle, and effective health care for the whole family.
"Health is a state of optimal physical, mental and emotional well-being, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity." -Dorlands Medical Dictionary, 26th edition
Nicole and Deborah earned their masters of science in oriental medicine together at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe. They also did post-graduate study in Beijing together in 2002. While both maintain general practices, Nicole specializes in fertility, pregnancy and auto-immune disease and Deborah specializes in the treatment of pain.
Nicole M Parkhill
EAMP, LAc, DOM, MSOM, Dipl Ac & CH
Acupuncture changed my life. I am richly blessed by the opportunities I was given to study, and now to practice, this amazing, powerful and endlessly fascinating science of healing. I respect its poetry, exactitude and the unique way it uses a particular understanding of the world to guide its practices. My goal is to provide safe, gentle and effective treatment to aid the body's return to a state of harmony and well being. Patient education plays a vital role in wellness and disease prevention and is an important part of my work.
Education & Certification
I began my studies at Montana State University where I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and a minor in Music Performance. I earned my Master of Science in Oriental Medicine through an intensive four-year program at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I continued with postgraduate work at The International Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China.
* National Board Certification in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
(NCCAOM)
* Licensed Acupuncturist (WA) and Doctor of Oriental Medicine (NM)
* Professional memberships held:
Washington Acupuncture Association
American Acupuncture Council
National Certification Commission on Acupuncture & Oriental
Medicine
Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Alliance
* Practicing Acupuncture since 2000, including internship
Community Involvement
After leaving my first practice in Oklahoma City, I moved to Kirkland in November 2004. I have become active in several local small business groups, as well as the Kirkland Downtown Association. In addition to donating acupuncture treatments to nonprofit groups and fund raising auctions, I participate in local fund raisers and community beautification efforts.
Hours
By appoiintment Only
Tuesdays: 2pm to 7pm
Thursdays: 2pm to 7pm
Saturdays: 10am to 2pm
For scheduling or more information:
425.280.1857
Deborah R Maahs
EAMP, LAc, DOM, MSOM, Dipl Ac
My passion for natural health began back in 1990 when I started to pay attention to what was in the foods we eat, the medicines we take and how our everyday lifestyles affect our health and wellbeing. I discovered acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a result of my own personal research into natural healing methods and instantly fell in love with it’s wisdom, power and profound simplicity. Seeing the body as an integrated whole as opposed to the western mechanistic view of the body made infinite sense to me.
Having completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology, I received my Master of Science Degree in Oriental Medicine at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After graduation I received advanced clinical training at the International Institute of traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing, China.
I’ve been practicing acupuncture since 2000 (including internship). Having helped thousands of people with countless conditions, my goal and style in acupuncture treatment is to yield quick and long lasting results using very few needles.
Mondays: 11am to 7pm
Tuesdays: 9am to 2pm
Wednesdays: 11am to 7 pm
Thursdays: 9am to 2pm
Fridays: 10 to 4 pm
425.440.1357
Einstein showed us that matter is energy, and that energy is all there is. Numerous cultures have described this energy and called it by many names: prana, baraka, pneuma, spirit, wakan, vital force, orgone, ether and ruach. For the past 500 years, practitioners of acupuncture have called this energy Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi flows as an invisible current throughout the body. Qi provides the power to accomplish everyday activities. It is necessary for growth, development, movement, maintenance of body temperature, protection against illness and disease, and overall regulation of the entire body.
Different stresses affect meridian and organ systems in different ways, disrupting or diminishing the flow of Qi. For example, a kink in a hose will not provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, it will become unable to thrive, grow and blossom. Likewise, a blockage of Qi in the meridians, caused by stressors, will not provide proper nourishment to the cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands which they feed.
This blockage can manifest in various signs and symptoms. Over time, the body as a whole becomes weakened and susceptible to illness, pain and disease. An acupuncturist develops keen diagnostic skills to effectively evaluate the quality, quantity and balance of Qi flowing within the body and uses various treatment methods to restore and maintain health.
Acupuncture care addresses current symptoms and signs while working with the underlying cause(s) of imbalance. The goal of this dynamic and integrated health care system is to strengthen the body as a whole, in order to prevent future illness and disease.
Moxa/Moxibustion
Moxa, also known as mugwort or Artemesia Vulgaris, is a spongy herb used widely in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Moxibustion is the act of burning moxa. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years in conjunction with Acupuncture. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi and maintain general health.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and Qi.
Breech Babies:
In Western medicine, moxibustion has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth.
A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of the women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Other studies have shown that moxibustion increases the movement of the fetus in pregnant women, and may reduce the symptoms of menstrual cramps when used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture.
Cupping is a method of stimulating Acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This technique produces blood congestion at the site and stimulates it. This technique is also used for breaking up fluid and phlegm stagnation in the lungs. Cupping is used for:
Back & Shoulder Pain
sprains
soft tissue injuries
bronchitis & pneumonia
smoker's cough
Insomnia
detoxification
Ion Cleanse
Lifestyle Counseling and Patient Education
To achieve and maintain health, certain lifestyle changes or practices should be included. These changes can facilitate faster healing, maintain current health and act preventively as well. I may have recommendations for dietary change, exercise, relaxation, self massage and/or acupressure. By integrating these tools into your daily routine, you can partake in the fruitful marriage of secret ancient practices and modern science to achieve well being.
TDP Lamp
The TDP Special Electromagnetic Health Lamp was invented in China by a group of scientists and physicians headed by Dr. Gou Wenbin. The TDP Lamp is a new type of therapeutic and health device and it's functions are:
promoting metabolism
regulating physiological deficiency,
diminishing inflammation
easing pain
The TDP Lamp has proven extraordinarily effective in treating numerous ailments such as:
muscular aches and pains
arthritis
various skin conditions
Since introduced into clinic and family use in the early 1980's, the TDP Lamp has successfully treated up to 60 million patients in China, Hong Kong, South Asia, Japan, Europe, Australia and recently in North America.
Due to its prominent therapeutic effects, the TDP Lamp is known in China and Hong Kong as the "Miracle Lamp". As a confirmation of its being accepted by the international community, the TDP Lamp won a gold medal at the 35th Brussels Eureka World Fair for Invention in 1986. Also, the TDP Lamp has been registered with the FDA for marketing in the United States.
The TDP Lamp is different from conventional heat lamps, infrared lamps and microwave therapeutic devices. The TDP Lamp features a round plate coated with a proprietary mineral clay formation consisting of 33 earth elements essential to the human body. When activated by the built-in electric heating element, this mineral plate emits a special band of far-infrared waves ranging from 2 to 25 microns in wavelength, that coincide with the wavelengths and intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the human body. As a result, the TDP far-infrared waves are readily absorbed.
Effects of Far-Infrared waves on the Human Body
• Raises temperature in tissue
• Expansion of capillary vessels
• Rejuvenation of cells
• Promotion of blood circulation
• Helps to move toxins from cells
• Improvement in Lymphatic system
Chinese Herbs
The original form of medicine, herbs are now being rediscovered for their invaluable benefits for so many conditions. The sophisticated science of Chinese Herbology has proven itself over thousands of years for a multitude of conditions.
Traditionally, Oriental Medicine has utilized Acupuncture together with Chinese Herbology for a more complete system of medicine, as these modalities are known to mutually benefit each other.
Chinese Medicine has always been used for the purpose of health and longevity. Herbal formulas are powerful medicine and need to be individually prescribed by a qualified practitioner.
We primarily use Golden Flower Patent Herbs for internal use. For external use, we carry Zheng Gu Shui, Yin Care, Sombra and essential oils.
Western Nutricueticals
We carry Innate, Right Foods and Pure brands
The following discounted rates are for payment at the time of service:
Initial Consultation and Treatment (90 Min)........$150
Acupuncture Treatment (60 min) ...............................$95
Ion Foot Detox Bath (30 min) ............................... $50 ($10 discount when combined with another treatment)
Payment
Cash, check, Visa and Mastercard are gladly accepted.
A recommended treatment plan will be outlined during the consultation. Different conditions require different courses of treatment. It is difficult to tell how many treatments you will need without a full history.
The billed rate for acupuncture is $140 per 45 minute treatment and $65 for an initial office visit.
Most health insurance policies in Washington State provide partial benefits for a limited number of alternative medicine treatments per year. We are happy to submit your claims for reimbursement to your health plan. It is your responsibility to verify your benefits.
Your co-payment or estimated coinsurance payment is due at the time of service. Balances remaining after your insurance processes your claim will be billed to you.
We are contracted as "in-network" providers with the following health plans:
For all other plans, we are considered "out-of-network". If you have this coverage, you will pay the rates for payment at time of service and we will submit your claim for you.
Personal Injury Insurance
This type of insurance covers 100% of treatment and we work with all companies. Please note that acupuncture is NOT a covered treatment with Washington L&I.
First Choice Health Network • Premera-Lifewise- Blue Cross
Aetna • United • Cigna
Common Questions About Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine are finally gaining acceptance in the United States. By treating the body holistically, it is able to treat a wide range of disorders. From acute injuries to chronic diseases, acupuncture provides a safe and effective form of treatment. It can even be used as a facial rejuvenation . Acupuncture is compatible with Western medicine and other alternative therapies, and often a combination of these works best.
Q. WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE GOOD FOR?
A. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are now recognizing Acupuncture as an effective treatment for more than 40 health problems.
These include:
• headache • migraine * fatigue * colds & flu
• asthma • allergies * sinusitis * hypertension
• high cholesterol • arteriosclerosis * PMS * painful menses
• menopausal syndrome • sexual dysfunction * infertility * fibromyalgia
• depression • anxiety * insomnia * acne
• stroke rehabilitation • TMJ * toothache pain * arthritis
• carpal tunnel • tendonitis * acid reflux * ulcer
• autoimmune disorders • IBS * adjunctive cancer care
Q. DOES IT HURT?
A. During the treatment, you can expect to feel very relaxed. The needles are hair thin and do not hurt, but often produce some sensation. A sense of warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention or energy is often reported. For most conditions, needles stay in for about 20 minutes. I am a very sensitive and gentle practitioner.
Q. IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
A. Yes. Nationally Certified Acupuncturists are thoroughly trained in Clean Needle Technique and they only use disposable needles.
Q. HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
A. In this system of medicine, each treatment builds upon the previous one. Achieving significant healing requires a commitment on your part. Optimal results are achieved when a patient follows the suggested treatment plan. Although some respond in as few as 4-6 visits, most conditions require 10-20 treatments. Other conditions may require a longer series depending upon the chronic nature of the complaint. Most patients begin to see positive changes within the first few treat ments. 7 Dragons is currently offering free consultations to answer questions and to design an individualized treatment program.
Q. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
A. On your first visit, I will do a full intake including current health, health history and an emotional profile. Then, I will take your pulse and look at your tongue. I will compile all of this information to form a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.
The first visit lasts about 90 minutes, and future visits last about 45 minutes. Frequency of treatments is determined on an individual basis. I will advise you on the best course of action for you. I will also offer counseling on diet and lifestyle modifications and may prescribe Chinese herbs to help you achieve your health goals.
Q. HOW DO I GET THE MOST OUT OF MY TREATMENT?
A.
- bring a list of all the current drugs and supplements you are taking
- make sure not to come on an empty stomach
- do not plan any stressful or strenuous activities right after your treatment
- feel free to ask any questions that arise
Q. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
A. Increased energy, improved sleep, mood and digestion are the most common side effects. On occasion, there is the risk of bruising.
7 Dragons Acupuncture is located inside of Kirkland Healing Arts in Downtown Kirkland.
143 Park Lane, suite 201
Kirkland, WA 98033
•••••
fax 206.219.7012
Click to:
or contact the practitioners directly by phone, text or email:
Nicole M Parkhill, EAMP
425.208.1857
Deborah R Maahs, EAMP
Like Us
Directions, Parking & Transit:
From I-405: Take the 85th St/Kirkland exit, this will send you west on 85th St. Take a left onto Lake St. Then just half a block to the first street on your Left (between starbucks and the parking lot). We are 2/3 up the block on the right.
Parking options in downtown Kirkland:
On street: Free 2 hour parking
One block away at the Kirkland Library:
Free 4 hour parking
Lot on Corner at west end of Park Lane:
Free 3 hour parking during the day
Pay $1 per hour after 5pm
Lot on east end of Park Lane:
$1 per hour
We are one block West of the new transit Center if you would like to take the bus.
7 Dragons copyright 2011
