How Does Acupuncture Feel?

Monica: I slept ALL night thanks to your magic! (Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs) Thanks, see you next week.

I am your stereotypical office-bound weekend warrior athlete who finds challenges in both my chronic sports injuries and stress levels. I manage both of these things with acupuncture as well as exercise, yoga, pilates, chiropractic and massage. I feel that the common thread between my stress and many of my injuries is that I have muscle tension that I cannot quite let go of. Acupuncture is one method by which I can specifically alleviate tension and pain in my shoulders, hips and back while reducing my need for pain medication.

I had a spine fusion surgery in January 2012. The operation was satisfactory in terms of off-setting stenosis, but not so much for alleviating back and hip pain, unfortunately.  I cannot stand still for more than one hour without experiencing back pain. I finally sought help from Monica last fall… I am so glad I did! The intensity of the pain has decreased tremendously for as long as I see Monica every two-to- three weeks. When the interval gets longer, I start noticing the pain more frequently and intensely. One thing people have to keep in mind, though, is that acupuncture is not a magic or a quick fix to whatever the symptoms you have.  It takes time for your body to undergo biological changes. But once it starts happening, you do feel as if it is magic!

So…why Monica?  I say because she is focused on treatment. You’d say, “Isn’t that what all therapists do?” No. I mean, she really cares about YOU. She is also very confident with her skills and most importantly, she cares about what she does. I also believe that you need to create a positive relationship with your therapist for the treatment to work.  That’s why I encourage you to talk to Monica and find out for yourself. Happy healing!

Downtown Seattle Acupuncture is such a wonderful, calming place to visit. I most highly recommend Monica Legatt. She is incredibly skilled, knowledgeable and informative. I was initially treated by her for a severe case of psoriasis. After a few treatments and herbal supplements, my skin quickly and quite beautifully cleared up!!! What a relief! The benefits of Monica's treatments extend much further than one issue, however (in my case it was my skin), acupuncture treatments have helped calm my nerves, have aided in more restful sleep at night, and just overall I feel better. I've seen various acupuncture professionals over the years (it can help with literally any health issue you might have!) and I find Monica to be quite stellar in her comprehensive, subtle and calming approach.

As a retired ballet dancer, I have suffered through a lot of lower back and neck pain as I age. I still enjoy taking ballet class and the treatments I receive from Monica have not only helped to relieve the chronic pain, but also are helping to restore some of the flexibility I have lost over the years. Monica’s background in dance is an added plus as she understands dancers, and athletes for that matter.

Monica is very thorough in her assessments at visits, going over current conditions and keeping track of progress made from past visits. She explains the treatment plan for the session and the reasoning behind the placement of needles as well as the larger, long-term needs and benefits of the treatment plan.

I would recommend Monica to anyone seeking acupuncture, particularly those who are dealing with sports-related (or dance-related) issues. She is thorough and thoughtful and I really value what her treatment has given me back in terms of my ability to still be able to dance and enjoy doing so.

I had been seeing an acupuncturist for depression, low energy and digestion issues. I was unable to schedule with my regular provider so I made an appointment with Monica. It was life changing. She really took the time to listen to me and about my life. Monica explained, in detail, the theory behind acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it could be useful specifically for me. The anticipatory guidance she gives before inserting each needle gave me a relaxed and in control feeling. Although I had been getting weekly treatments for 6 months I had never had someone get the QI! This was amazing and took my acupuncture experience to a new level. Soon, thereafter, I had intense stomach pain that I believe to have been associated with my gallstones. I left work to head home but was unable to make it to the bus. I called Monica’s office and although it was the end of the day they told me to come right in. Once there Monica gave me her full attention and began to do an intense treatment. Within twenty minutes I was feeling better. After the treatment was over she had me just relax until my husband was able to drive in to pick me up. My original appointment with Monica was meant to be a stand-in but I have yet to return to the previous provider and consider myself a loyal patient.

I came to Monica complaining of extreme fatigue that had been ongoing for a long time and had been getting worse over time. From the moment I entered Monica's care, I felt I was working with a true professional. No only is she obviously knowledgeable about acupuncture, but she knows and can explain to you in lay terms how your body works in relation to Chinese medical techniques and practices. Over the 12 weeks I was in her care, I saw steady improvement in my energy level to the point where I felt fully functional by the time we terminated treatment. I would and have recommended others to this healing modality and most specifically to Monica. I'm very grateful for her thorough, kind, caring and educated approach to healing.

I came through Seattle with the national tour of "Wicked" and immediately had a reaction to the climate change, developing bronchitis and acid reflux, which I have never suffered as a singer before. After going to more than one traditional ENTs and getting all kinds of prescription medication that actually made me feel worse, I turned to Monica, hoping that she could help me get back in the show. After just 2 treatments and taking the herbs she gave me, as well as following the diet guidelines she had suggested, I felt so much better, both physically and mentally. She was always there to answer any questions I had and to fit me into her schedule whenever she could. I continued to see Monica until I left Seattle, and every single visit was a calming, healing experience. She has changed my entire opinion of acupuncture and opened my mind to a whole new way of health and wellness. I'm just sad that she doesn't live in New York, where I'm from!

Thanks Monica!

Dear Monica,

During my stay in Seattle last December you treated me for my endometriosis while I was in between cycles for IVF treatment. You also prescribed some Chinese herbs for me to take with me when I returned to France. Well, I have great news and want to extend to you my deepest appreciation for all of your help.

My CA125 (blood test marker for endometriosis) dropped from the 300's down to the 50's. I think the benefit of the acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs are difficult to dismiss. My IVF cycle resulted in a positive, and as of today, I am seven weeks pregnant, complete with healthy measurements and a strong heartbeat on ultrasound.

I really think that your help in reducing my endometriosis has been a significant factor to the success of this IVF treatment. Thank you very much!