North Node Clinic

Transformative Medicine

Spiritual evolution. Social revolution.



THE PRACTICE

Physical health cannot be addressed without also examining and nurturing emotional health. This is true for an individual as well as for the body of a group or organization. In addition to helping you establish routines that will nourish you, we will also help you be true about the obstacles between you and peace. Sessions will be tailored to your specific needs.

ELLICE PLANT, LCSW, HHC, she/they

As a psychotherapist and holistic health practitioner, Ellice works with adolescents and adults as they work to transform patterns and purpose. Some of the reasons people come to Ellice include struggles with anxiety, depression, body image, gender expression and identity, and surviving abuse or assault. As a queer white femme, Ellice has both personal and professional experience in creating healthy, nourishing spaces for queer and trans people and those who love them. Through this work, and as a white practitioner, Ellice is continuously reminded that the anti-violence and anti-oppression work of the world happens on the individual level, first.

KELLEN GRIMM, L.Ac, MSTOM, they/them/their

Kellen is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. They also manage the behind the scenes aspects of  North Node Clinic (Pisces north node duties). As a non-binary white trans person, Kellen is passionate about LGBTQI competent health care and the intersection of social justice and health. They live dedicated to the transformation of the body-mind-soul in order to achieve optimal health and spiritual fulfillment. Kellen sees how, in our society, holistic health in general and Chinese medicine in particular commonly exclude some people. Thus, they are committed to maintaining a practice that is anti-racist and anti-classist.

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Chinese medicine includes 8 practices, commonly listed as: feng shui, cosmology, tui na, tai ji, dietary therapy, qi gong, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. As a licensed acupuncturist and Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine, Kellen practices dietary therapy, qi gong, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. Please reach out to Kellen through our contact form for an appointment.

People find it most effective to employ a combination of these modalities. At North Node Clinic, we offer a complimentary consultation so that you can find out what will work best for you. Below are some frequently asked questions about acupuncture. Please reach out if you have questions about the other modalities, too!

FAQ

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is effective in treating acid reflux, allergies, anxiety, arthritis, back pain, common cold, depression, digestive issues, endocrine health, fertility, grief, headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, muscle strain, unhealed injuries, and more. For a comprehensive list, see the World Health Organization’s official position.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, acupuncture treatments do not hurt. There are a few different sensations that can be felt at different times during a treatment. There can be heaviness, tingling, warmth, or a sensation of movement in the acupuncture channel. The insertion of the needle might be felt; that sensation fades quickly.

How many sessions will I need?

Initially we like to have patients come in for 4-6 weekly treatments. After that series of sessions, we re-evaluate and decide if weekly, bimonthly, or monthly treatments are  appropriate. Acute symptoms respond quickly to acupuncture, so two or three sessions may be all that is required. For chronic diseases, it may take 3-6 months of weekly treatments. We will know if acupuncture is working for you after 3 treatments.

How many needles will I get?

Depending on the symptoms present, acupuncturists usually use 5 to 18 needles.

What happens during a treatment?

At the beginning of your treatment Kellen will ask you about your symptoms and answer any questions you have. Based on that information, they will determine which points to use to address your pain. After the needles are inserted, Kellen will move on to the next patient and you will have 40 minutes to rest with the needles in your body. It takes 28 minutes for qi to cycle through all of the 12 main channels in the body. It is good to focus the mind on the breath or the body part that needs healing. Many people fall asleep during acupuncture, which is a great way to spend time during the treatment.

Is there anything inside the needle?

No. Acupuncture needles are very thin, stainless steel, solid needles. They are sterilized, single-use, and disposed of in a sharps container. We use 30 to 38 gauge needles, whereas hypodermic needles commonly used in western medicine are 26 to 16 gauge.

Do you take insurance?

At this point, we do not bill insurance companies. If your insurance policy does cover acupuncture, we are happy to print a super bill for you to submit.