Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Kris Ichigotora

Licensed Acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine Practitioner

Master of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

Jikiden Reiki practitioner

Photograph by Lianne Rozzelle, 2024

Needles & Herbs

Rather than seeing challenges as problems, I look at them as puzzles with solutions waiting to be found. With the help of big cat tiger energy I am able to dive into the puzzle you have presented : mind, body and spirit. Acupuncture and herbal medicine allowed me to take my health back and feel like a whole person. The more I learn, the more fascinated I am by what nature, needles and the human body can do. I'm excited to explore what we can achieve together!

Doctorate Candidate, Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, expected 2024 Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine, Seattle, WA

Master of Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine, 2023 Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine, Seattle, WA

Japanese Acupuncture Techniques, 2023 - current Private study under Dr. David Harmon

Bachelorʻs of Fine Art : Intermedia, 2005 University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa, Honolulu, HI

Please note that I am currently practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine at the Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine : Center for Integrated Care

6363 7th Avenue S.; Seattle, WA 98108

Services

  • This style is based upon osteopathy. I start with physical palpation to listen to your body as objectively as possible

  • Japanese styles tend to use finer needles, use non-insertive techniques, or objects that are not needles at all. Gentle, yet powerful

  • Treat yourself to a relaxing and rejuvenating facial, personalized to your constitution. Includes special techniques using extremely fine needles, cupping, and gua sha. Better than putting toxins in!

  • Traditional East Asian medicine has a long history that is continuing to prove itself as a powerful modality for healing. Herbs are selected for you and your unique puzzle, often customized

  • All reiki originates from Mikao Usui in Japan in 1922. Most reiki practiced within the U.S. has a lineage via Hawaii. Jikiden reiki is loosely translated to “original reiki”, having stayed in Japan and being passed down through Chiyoko Yamaguchi.

    This energy healing method is different than others I have experienced and I was drawn to learning this particular method of reiki

  • Moxibustion is made of mugwort, often refined several times and aged for 3-10 years or more. Its smoke is said to enter all 12 channels of the body. It can be used in different forms, directly and indirectly

  • An old method used throughout many countries. It will look like an giant octopus attacked you!

  • The most well known use of gua sha today is for facial acupuncture, to bring qi (ki) and blood to the tissues. It can also be used elsewhere, in deeper issues to promote healing

  • Movements to help your body harvest qi (ki). Great for maintaining and improving general health, as well as therapeutic

FAQs

What is acupuncture?

Fine, sterile, single-use filiform needles stimulate points on meridians throughout the body. It is a complete medical system that was developed in China thousands of years ago and spread throughout Asia and the world. I like to think of it as listening to your body and utilizing needles or other techniques to bring things back into balance

Can acupuncture help me with…?

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for many conditions of the body, emotions and mind. It has been shown through many studies to be particularly effective at alleviating pain. You can find more information here

Herbal medicine is also effective and powerful. Combined, they can allow for deeper and more effective treatments

Does it hurt?

Some areas are more sensitive than others, and some people are more needle-sensitive than others. There can sometimes be a quick “pinchy” feeling that quickly dissipates. I use very thin needles and use a variety of techniques to be pain-free as possible. There are also Japanese techniques where there is no needle insertion, or no needle used at all! We are after “de qi”, or “the arrival of qi”. That sensation can vary according to each person ranging from a heavy feeling, dull and achy, to electric

Do you accept insurance?

The Center for Integrated Care / Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine currently does not accept insurance. The rates are very affordable

What can I expect during treatment?

Physical palpation is very important, and I will do this before any words are spoken. Secondly we will have a brief chat about *all the things*, to best figure out what is going on and what needs to be addressed. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, be able to let your hair down, and take off any jewelry

How many times do I have to come?

Everyone is different. Generally the longer you have had a problem, the longer the course of treatment. When there is an acute problem, coming once a week is advised. We will discuss a treatment strategy, re-evaluate at regular intervals, then adjust as is necessary

My goal is to get you into feeling balanced, and onto living your life to the fullest. Tune-ups thereafter as needed

KI TONICS

BYE BYE ITAI

  • This formula was developed for martial arts houses. Each kung fu school has their own special formula to help with pain and quick recovery. Do not use on open wounds. This is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY

  • Apply to the skin and rub in lightly, until mostly absorbed. Wait until dry and reapply. You may use this several times a day.

O.F. JUICE

  • This is based on a tincture called “tendon lotion”. It is slightly warming in nature, goes deep, and has some pain relieving herbs.

    Do not use in open wounds. This is for EXTERNAL USE ONLY.

  • Apply to the skin and rub in lightly, until mostly absorbed. Wait until dry and reapply. You may use this several times a day.

NOW-CHIES

Quality tinctures, hand made by me.

  • This tincture is simple, with very few ingredients. If your pain feels better with warmth and pressure (like massage), then this is your friend. It has a pain reliever, but also “moves blood”, to help healing on a deeper level.

  • Apply to the skin and rub in lightly, until mostly absorbed. Wait until dry and reapply. You may use this several times a day. If you have a warming lamp or pad, you may use this with it.

Testimonials

  • Megan K

    This is my first experience with acupuncture. Kris has been attentive and thorough in her treatments. She has made me feel extremely comfortable; explaining the process, what to expect, and checking in regularly. She has a very calming presence; at each appointment Kris takes the time to understand what's going on by asking lots of questions, listening to me and my body. I have felt heard and considered with no judgement. Knowing this is not a 'one and done' therapy, I have already noticed positive changes and am excited to continue.

  • Erika L

    Kris is an incredible healer. Her expert intuition and ability to listen to the body has offered me much-needed symptom relief on a number of different occasions. Not only do I trust in her level of knowledge and skill for her craft, but also in her ability to treat me holistically - both physically and mentally. While I've visited other acupuncturists before, none have provided as much care and relief as Kris has. She has worked wonders for me, and I appreciate the direct approach that she takes in centering my health.

  • Elaine S

    I very much enjoyed my weekly acupuncture sessions with Kris. While we all have anxiety to some degree (but may not admit it!), mine was very much related to work and impacting sleep which was taking its toll on my general well being. The work Kris did on me really helped to restore my Qi. I feel more motivated, less lethargic, really on the whole, more balanced. I 5 star Kris to the nth degree. She's fantastic!

  • Katie Z

    It’s honestly hard to put into words how much Kris has helped me. I started seeing Kris last fall. I was having a really hard time with my mental health and while I was seeing successes with therapy and prescription medications, I needed something more to help with my anxiety and my PTSD. I was also having intense migraines. Over the past several months, Kris has helped my anxiety to be almost non-existent and has reduced the severity and pain of migraines down to an annoyance at most (I’ll take annoying over excruciating!) I feel incredibly lucky to have found such a thoughtful, caring, and gifted healer in Kris. I highly recommend working with her! She will make you feel better and will definitely make you feel cared for.