Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine clinic, WA


Acupuncture Treatment & Testimonials

In December of 2007, I came to 1st Choice Acupuncture after suffering through brain surgery to remove a benign brain tumor.  I was also suffering from a recurring nerve condition in my brain causing excruciation chronic pain.  Dr. Sun developed a treatment plan to address the nerve condition (Trigeminal Neuralgia), as well as the re-growth of the brain tumor. After a year of regular treatments, the recurrence of my Trigeminal Neuralgia attacks has been cut in half, and there has been no sign of tumor re-growth on my quarterly MRIs. Throughout the year of treatments, Dr. Sun has been able to address other ailments I have has such as bronchitis and GI issues in my colon.  My acupuncture treatments have been a very positive compliment to my Western Medical care!

~Trina Carlstrom~

“It appears there is a problem with your spleen,” Dr. Sun said regarding his first pattern diagnosis. It meant nothing to me, as my spleen seemed a nearly disposable organ. Months later, occasions for stress mounted in my routine, until it one day came to a head. I felt my heart beating so hard it might burst in my chest, and it truly frightened me. I suspected blood pressure issues and again sought Dr. Sun.
We talked at length about what acupuncture and herbal medications could and could not do, and about my responsibility as a patient. We began twice-a-week treatments, coupled with my reducing caffeine intake and dietary supplement. Six months have now passed. The heart palpitations have been nearly erased.  The headaches I thought everyone suffered from (non-migraine) are mild and seldom.  We are now in that place in health recovery that once-a-week treatments are in the near future.  A brief medical bio like this means nothing to others until the real benefits are regarded.
It is not unusual for a golfer to experience stage fright when approaching the first tee.  Performance anxiety, others may call it. Acupuncture treatments and the rest of our regimen (this health procedure is, in fact, a partnership) have virtually eliminated that game time nervousness. My proficiency in the sport has become measurably better as a result.
I’ve wanted to commit this information to paper for a while, but intentionally delayed. It is one thing to feel better in health terms and I am grateful enough for that. It is another to have that change bring about a concrete and unexpected improvement in my daily affairs.
Thank you, Dr. Sun!

~Frank Krajewwski~

The experience I have had with acupuncture as been extraordinarily positive.  I feel so much better; more energetic and happy.  I look forward to the treatments—the quiet time and the rest.  Finding this way to care for myself has been a blessing!

~Nancy Lashinski~

1st Choice Acupuncture has provided me the most comprehensive service I’ve ever had – I really felt taken care of! Howie, Buffy, and Naomi have taken the entire picture of my health into consideration, not just my symptoms.
After suffering from a long list of ailments, and taking a longer list of prescription medication to “fix” my symptoms (not my problems), I was starting to believe that I may always feel dis-eased.
I would have never discovered this path of renewed health on my own. Like everyone else suffering from aches and pains, I always thought it was unattainable.  Well, it isn’t.  I have regained my health, spirits, and confidence, and am no longer on ANY medications.  Please accept my sincere thanks.

~Annika Washburn~

I have been truly amazed at the progress I have made since I started seeing Dr. Howie Sun. I have several health issues, but the highest on my list is my years of suffering from kidney stones. I have had stones since 1984, with attacks usually every year since; sometimes twice a year. I have had many surgeries and visits to the emergency room to get relief from the passing of the stones. I’ve been to several urologists that have told me that there is nothing I can do to prevent the stones. Howie started me on herbal medication that cleaned out my kidneys within two weeks, along with acupuncture. Within the first month of taking the medicine I passed four stones in about two weeks. I look forward to my visits with Howie each week as I find myself growing stronger and healthier each visit.

~Dalene Haynes~

I decided to try acupuncture for chronic sciatica and neck pain. I have two herniated lumber discs and four discs in my cervical area with varying degrees of degenerated disc disease. When I began acupuncture in March 2008, I wasn’t able to stand or walk for more than five minutes before severe pain would shoot down from my right hip through my right leg. When this would happen, my right foot would go completely numb and I would have to sit down. My life was on hold until I got some pain relief. Acupuncture has given me my life back. It didn’t happen overnight, but I steadily got better and less sciatic pain occurred. Today, I’m 80% better. I’m back exercising and recently walked for three hours without having to sit down at all!

~Darcy Pearson~

I met Howie Sun at the 2008 Women’s Show in March. I signed up for a complimentary visit to see if acupuncture and herbs could help me feel better. I had never experienced either one. My background: I am a 53 year old woman and have been a flight attendant for 32 years. I have been pretty healthy all my life, up until the last three years. During that time, I had lower back surgery and a bone graft. This entailed two surgeries within 8 months! I suffered from low energy, stiff joints, tendonitis in my elbow, and weight gain for the first time in my life. To say the least, I was depressed. I met with Howie with the attitude that it was a ‘last resort’; after all the drugs and physical therapy, it couldn’t hurt, right? After Howie and I talked about the intensive program and commitment to treatment, I started. After three months of treatment, I am pain free. The amazing part is that I have plenty of energy, and I was motivated to start exercising and lost the weight. My husband sees the change and is thrilled to have my old self back. I am convinced that 1st Choice Acupuncture should have been my first choice instead of my last resort. I love the feeling of calm when I walk into this office. The staff is amazing. I have told everyone I know about my experience. The first step is to go; the second step is to commit to follow the plan. I am so excited to see how great I feel after I complete my treatment plan. I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I felt better. I also have gotten off the pain medications, which is the best part. My motto is GO, SEE, and DO and 1st Choice Acupuncture. You will be so happy with the results.

~Jodi Griffiths~

I began acupuncture treatment for a tumor on my foot, for which surgery was recommended. The tumor was gone within two treatments. From there, I addressed chronic constipation and poor circulation, both of which I no longer endure. My present treatments for high eye pressure and injuries from two car accidents have resulted in success and pain free living. My continued care with 1st Choice Acupuncture keeps my body aligned with excellent health, and I am thankful! The customer care couldn’t be better! And the teas are a great touch as well as the special herbal formulas.

~Kathryn Lengell~

Howie Sun gave a presentation to a Women’s Group I belong to, and I was shocked at what he shared about the amount of toxins our bodies have to deal with daily. Shortly after that, I came in for a free consultation to learn more. Although my body serves me well without major pain or illness, I did have a low-grade nagging headache and agreed to four sessions of acupuncture to see if that would help.
    After just a couple of sessions, my headache was gone, and at that point, I realized how much I had been holding on to without acknowledging it. I’m now in for the long term and in filling out the forms. Again, I realized that there were/are a lot of things going on in my body that I had been ignoring for a long time. Since I rarely go to a doctor, I was under the impression that my body was operating at peak. For the most part that is true, and what has come to the surface blatantly is my insomnia. Again, the insomnia, along with my low-grade headaches, were never enough to send me to a doctor. Both of those outcomes are a result of “dis-ease” in my body, and I believe that acupuncture and herbs can take care of that. The next treatment for success will be releasing that 20 extra pounds that’s hanging around my midsection. Still working on insomnia and lately I have had a couple of dreams, which tells me that I am in REM sleep, and that’s healing in itself.
    Oh, one minor thing. One evening, I slipped off my sandals and slightly turned my ankle. After I pointed it out at my next acupuncture session, the acute pain went away; what a fast healing that was!

~Michelle Robbins~

During the summer of 2007, I developed pain in my left elbow and right knee – mostly attributed to tennis. I came to 1st Choice Acupuncture seeking relief. I knew that conventional medicine would have dictated that I stop playing tennis for a few months, which did not appeal to me. So Dr. Sun and I worked out a treatment plan that allowed me to keep playing, and within a matter of weeks, my pain was dramatically reduced.
Now, a year later, I’m still pain-free and playing tennis 2 or 3 times a week. I go in for treatment once a month, and enjoy the soothing, relaxed environment that Howie and Buffy have created. I’m now a firm believer in the effectiveness of acupuncture!

~Dean Ikeda~

A few sessions of acupuncture and the regimen of herbal medicine fixed my chronic stomach pain. Dr. Sun is very warm and considerate with patients, and is concerned with their overall well-being.

~Kathy Johnston~

My first visit with Howie was everything and more than I expected! I have panic attacks and take Xanex for medication. I haven't had a Xanex since my first acupuncture treatment. Well worth every penny! I love it! Most calming experience and Howie is very professional taking great care to make you comfortable.

~Catherine Siefert~

Since beginning treatment, I have been amazed with the way I feel. I have always lived with pain and lack of sleep, and even through I am being treated for weight loss, the treatments have made my other ailments almost disappear. The care I have received with 1st Choice Acupuncture has been the absolute BEST!!!

~A.B.~

I lost 12 pounds following the weight loss program for 1 month. I am the president of a start-up Biotech company, and meeting clients for lunches/dinners is the main contribution to my weight gain. My business associates and clients all noticed the major transformation in me, and I am excited about acupuncture! Not only have I lost the weight, I feel better! I feel more rested, and am able to concentrate more. My cold hands and feet are not as bad, and I don't get headaches like I used to.

~L.T.~

I have tried several weight loss programs, and controlling my hunger was always very difficult. I just love the weight loss acupuncture program, in not only that I'm losing weight, but I'm on a healthy diet and not feeling hungry anymore. During other programs, I was often grumpy and felt that I could not control my hunger anymore. After treatments, I feel more relaxed and it makes me feel more energetic. I have been so amazed with my progress. After the first couple of treatments, my friends started noticing that I was losing weight. This has been the most successful weight loss program that I have done!

~Z.O.~

It's the day after my second treatment, and I've wanted to call you because I saw definite differences in my face this morning!!! I was surprised and pleased. The lines around my eyes, especially the right one, were much, much finer, not so noticeable. My cheeks were fuller, revitalized, not sort of 'sunken', and the lines on my forehead were slight. Dr. Sun, I'm a believer!!! Thanks again! See you soon!

~E.K.~

One treatment and my sciatica pain was completely gone! Amazing!

~G.L.~

I've replaced my hormone medication with herbs for my menopause symptoms. Not only does it work wonders on my hot flashes and night sweats, it makes me feel more energetic and also relaxed. I can just sense my body turning for the better. Thanks, Dr. Sun.

~M.A.~

I didn't know acupuncture could treat morning sickness. I wish I knew about this earlier. Thank you!

~D.N.~

Other Testimonials

On behalf of the University of Washington MBA Challenge for Charity, thank you for your generous support of this years “Best of the Northwest” Auction and Gala.  With your help, we had another outstanding year and generated tremendous support for the two incredible charities we work with: Special Olympics Washington and the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
Over the past ten years, University of Washington MBA students have volunteered more than 12,000 hours and raised nearly a million dollars to support the Special Olympics Washington and the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.  Your contribution has helped us to support local family-related charities and develop business leaders with a lifelong commitment to community involvement and social responsibility.  Thank you for joining us in our work to meet this important mission.
We thank you for your generous donation and continued support, and look forward to working with you again in 2009.  Best wished and much gratitude.

Sincerely, The 2008 Challenge for Charity Leadership Team Amy Hughes, Ellie Peck, Carrie Stearns, Kevin Thomas, and Jerilyn Young
Magazine Articles featuring 1st Choice Acupuncture
Washington's Community Treasures

Acupuncture artical in bellisma 2005  Acupuncture artical in bellisma 2006

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You can also find us at www.1stchoiceacupuncture.com