Amber West with 5 Lights Acupuncture has provided amazing relief for me. I suffer from an uncommon nerve condition which causes intense chronic pain (CRPS/RSD). During the 6 years I've had this condition, I've tried everything recommended for relief from the pain (medications, PT, massage, biofeedback, implanted spinal cord stimulator & even traditional acupuncture). Most methods provided at least some relief, but not usually long-lasting and absolutely nothing completely removed the constant pain. I started seeing Amber after a friend's urging nearly a year ago. From the first session, I was blown away by this treatment! This is a holistic approach to making each patient feel their best with focused, individualized treatments. I immediately felt relief from my chronic pain, in addition to my fatigue & anxiety (both brought on by the chronic pain). Even better was how long that relief lasted! Using her positive energy, careful listening and intuitive nature, Amber has addressed any and all concerns I've had during various visits - from lack of motivation to grief to sinus headaches (keep your eyes closed for that one if you're squeamish - you can see the needle wiggling near your eye). I'm still awed by her ability to zero in on my main concerns and, with far less needles than with traditional acupuncture, I always leave feeling my best. It's a wonderfully calming, healing and magical experience. (I tell her she works magic because I don't understand how it all works exactly, but feeling the immediate changes, it's magical!) If you are considering trying acupuncture (and if you're reading these reviews, I assume you are), I strongly recommend that you make at least one appointment with Amber and give her an opportunity to make a difference for you. (Bonus! She has a new on-line appointment system through her website that makes it even easier to schedule with her!) read more

-Kathy's Yoga Practice- I've practiced with Kathy twice now, and I'll keep coming back. Some things I like about her style: 1. She sets a theme for each practice (like 'being grounded' or 'openness'), and then follows through with the theme in the poses she chooses 2. The pace is great. She starts with mindful, stretching poses and transitions into the familiar favorites, like warrior & chaturanga flows. 3. I haven't done yoga for 10 years and I didn't feel overwhelmed . There are parts of the hour that my muscles hurt and I'm pushing myself, but it's not HARD. -The Studio- I love this studio and its neighborhood feel - I really feel like I'm participating in the community. The studio is cozy and has a great energy with plants, art, and lots of natural wood. It's crazy small, and on the second floor of the Ballard Studio Works building next to Safeway. Downside: There aren't showers in the space, so I can't leave directly from work after the practice. - Fitting Yoga into my Day- Here's the thing about morning yoga: I can spend an hour BEFORE work, still get to the office (SoDo) by 9:30, and feel AMAZING throughout the day. My posture is better, I'm nicer to the people in my office, and I'm more mindful about my work. I love the 6:30am class. She also offers a 9:30 class on Monday, Wednesday, Fridays. Check out Kathy for yoga. Or if her class times don't work, check out the other sessions at 5 lights. https://kathygorohoffyoga.com/ http://5lightswellness.com/yoga/ -Michelle read more

Amber brings a strong intuitive skill to her work. She practices in a way that incorporates my whole self: mind, body, spirit. I have had difficult to place physical, emotional, and mental symptoms for a number of years and have sought out many types of treatment including several types of acupuncture. Amber had been able to incorporate all that is occurring within me into my treatment during sessions and gives me concrete things to work on. Part of what makes her work so unique is that she treats her work as a healing relationship. This is something I had not experienced in any type of clinical setting until seeing her, and it is powerful and incredibly helpful to feel supported in-between appointments. More specifically, for the last several years I have have struggled with the emotional intensity of my work as a physician. Amber is giving me concrete ways to be more aware of my energy body and practices to make it intact and healthy. Her knowledge of our energetic systems is tremendous. She has helped me to be patient with the big shifts occurring within me. I have been told by several people that these shifts and and symptoms may be related to Kundalini energy awakening within me. Amber is the first clinician to help me work with this energy in more specific way. I have tremendous trust and confidence in her work. I have only seen Amber for 2 months now and already I am noticing shifts occurring within me. I highly recommend 5 Lights Acupuncture! read more

Although Yelp prompted me to select a Saki house Amber West is one of the best Acupuncturists west of the Pecos. If you have a fear of needles but want to be healthy? GO SEE HER!!! I can't stress that enough. I talked to her for a long time in the initial session when I suddenly realized the needles had been painlessly inserted. Amber is one of the most caring , intuitive healers in Seattle. I enjoyed the whole ambience of the experience. I initially went to have a back problem and an anxiety issue addressed that was covered by my insurance. I was having back problems and trouble breathing from anxiety and hyper ventilating. Over 12 sessions the problems became very manageable. It was actually a wonderful experience. I give her 5 light stars. There is still work to do. But I gained a lot of relief and confidence that I can pursue my life path more fully after being her patient. The office is on the 70 busline. Between the U-dist and Downtown. Lots of shopping and restaurants in the area also. And I believe this is the Roanoak exit on I-5 if you are driving. But seriously, if you want to fulfill your health opportunities you should see Amber at least once in your lifetime. Marshawn Lynch needs to see her so we can win the Superbowl. read more

I've been seeing Amber for almost two years now, and she is absolutely incredible. Her practice is energetic, enlivening, and extremely intuitive. She tailors her practice to each patient every time they come in, and often incorporates Moxa, tuning forks, and will sometimes guide my breath if it's off. Her needle application is intuitive and gentle, even with the in-and-out of 5E - some of the most painless acupuncture I have ever received. I've received both 5 Element Acupuncture from Amber and more recently began diving into a few Esoteric treatments - the Esoteric tend to last for a few weeks, and you can recall the patterns placed in your energetic field at will after sessions. The Esoteric sessions have been a wonderful supplement to my personal practice, and it was worth doing the emotional work of 5 E to get there. We still fluctuate between the two, depending on my body's needs. I owe her my sanity, well being, personal success, and spiritual connection. Cannot recommend her enough! read more

I have been seeing Amber for almost a month now and can't recommend her highly enough. My initial reason for seeking out acupuncture were low back/sciatic pain and from the moment I met her I knew I'd made the right choice. Just being in her presence I feel better. She is compassionate, intuitive, a gifted healer and a remarkable person overall. 5 Elements is a specific type of work, where the energy is moved without leaving the needles in. As far as acupuncture goes, there is no other way to go- it is an interactive form of acupuncture that takes into account the whole person and not just their symptoms. Amber has helped me both with emotional and physical pain. It's a collaborative effort, both of us on board to facilitate healing in my body. As a massage therapist I truly appreciate her touch, energy and caring demeanor. I always leave my sessions feeling lighter in my body and soul, looking forward to my next appointment. read more

I visited the 5 Lights community clinic for a seasonal "tune-up" and had a wonderful experience. The ambiance of the clinic space is warm and welcoming. What I liked most was the community feel, however, I also had my own private nook with a full bed. Amber West provided a powerful treatment with her usual caring presence, and really listened to me. I had some tears come up during my treatment session and Amber was there to hold my hand. It's apparent that Amber is passionate about her work, and is highly adept at her skill. This is the only 5 Element clinic that I know of, in which you can receive quality five element acupuncture treatment at an excellent out-of-pocket cost. I will recommend Amber's community clinic to many friends and colleagues. read more

I've had Traditional (TCM) acupuncture in the past and was underwhelmed by the results. I was referred to Amber and her practice by a friend who thought I'd get a lot more out of the 5 Element approach. They were so right! Amber is very intuitive and always tunes in to what is really going on. She has such a great energy about her and is very passionate about her practice. She genuinely wants to work with you as a whole person and not just a symptom. Amber addresses all the aspects of my health and my person. What an amazing experience! I leave her office feeling completely blissed out. Definitely worth it to have a few sessions (or many) with Amber to experience 5 Element acupuncture and her beautiful soul. read more

If everyone could see Amber, I honestly believe the world would be a better place. I went to her originally with knee pain that had been dogging me for almost two years and, within two treatments, no more knee pain...along with a noticeable difference in my overall demeanor, in that I felt somehow more peaceful in general. I make sure to see her at least once a month, and it seems there is no problem she cannot fix. Just this month, a strange stomach ailment that sent me to two different doctors with no resolution VANISHED after seeing Amber. She came highly recommended to me, and I now highly recommend her to everyone I know. She is magic -- do not hesitate -- make an appointment now! read more

I visited the 5 Lights Community clinic and received excellent treatment from Amber West and her staff. The space itself has a warm, healing ambiance. Unlike the other community clinic that I have visited, this clinic is a full-body treatment with a private nook and full treatment table, so I could lay down. Amber really listened to me during the intake and was fully present. I had some tears come up during the treatment, and Amber's calm presence helped me to move through it with grace. I felt a positive shift in my energy and emotional state. I will definitely recommend the 5 Lights community clinic to friends who want a quality 5 Element session for a very affordable price. read more

I am so glad I found Amber--she is a real healer. I 2014 a chronic fatigue condition had disrupted my normally active life. I felt that my "battery" was unplugged, but according to my doctor there was nothing wrong with me physically. After my first session with Amber I noticed a difference in my energy levels--as if my internal battery was plugged back in. I was back to my old self after a few months and now four years later, I am stronger than before and more in-tuned to the messages my body and mind are sending: Slow down, take care of yourself in all ways or it will catch up to you! I highly recommend Amber. The best money I've ever spent on health care! Thank you, Amber. read more

I attended Melissa's Restorative Yoga class and loved it! Anyone who carries stress and has trouble putting it down could benefit from the deeply nurturing environment Melissa creates. She is truly a gentle and healing soul, and skillfully tailors the class around what its participants are looking for - our group focused on our lower back pain. She has a way with words and in her guiding-meditations-like voice, grounds you in affirmations around worth, self-love, and presence. Her class is total medicine for someone like me that needs to take more time for self-care and relaxation. Strongly recommend it to anyone :) read more

I've been going to 5 Lights Wellness for nearly two years, Amber is amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable and is able to explain what is going on in language that I can understand. She has taken the time to get to know me and what my body needs. I leave feeling balanced and with positive energy, relaxed and dreamy at the same time. Her use of a variety of methods based on my needs at that visit are so helpful. I have also attended yoga and sound baths at 5 Lights. All of her offerings are wonderful and healthful. If you haven't attended a sound bath with Amber, do it! You will love it. read more

As Amber likes to say "let's do some magic". Amber is a true healer, and is uniquely set apart from other people I've worked with for acupuncture. Healing work starts the moment you step in the door of her space, and she is as much a spiritual advisor for me as she is an acupuncturist. She also helps me interpret my dreams and has offered holistic advice regarding nutrition and meditation that I have integrated into my life. She is highly intuitive, compassionate, wise, friendly, and deeply caring. I couldn't recommend her services more, go see her and get your own magic started! read more

Prior to seeing Amber, I suffered from persistent migraines. I had more headache days in a month than I had non headache days for over a year and a half, not to mention the neck and shoulder tense that would accompany the headaches. After trying many other options with no success, I was refereed to Amber. I am now headache free with no neck and shoulder tension. Amber is absolutely incredible! She is thorough, calming, genuine, knowledgeable and passionate. I have referred friends who have also had great results. I love the experience I receive and always look forward to going! read more

I came to know Amber when I had my very first MS attack. Since my then she has helped me become more calm and grounded. When it comes to the MS, I believe her techniques calmed down my nervous system. Every time I leave her practice I have a sense of peace about me. She is very focused on the whole person. She takes the time to really address every issue you have weather its physical, emotional or spiritual. She is very caring. You can tell she has a passion for helping people. She is a very important part of my care team, perhaps the MOST important. I highly recommend her. read more

I saw Amber West for acupuncture and massage after a car accident; she came highly recommended to me by two friends. Our sessions did not disappoint! Amber was warm, funny, thorough, and considerate. Her treatments were effective and to the point, addressing constitutional imbalances while relieving acute symptoms. Her 90-minute combo sessions were a steal at such a price -- the extra attention is well worth the investment! Modalities used: 5-element and esoteric acupuncture, moxibustion, tuning forks, and tuina massage. read more

Amber West helped me tremendously with pain I was experiencing in my wrists. I thought I was on the way to surgery for carpal tunnel but wanted to avoid it. A friend told me about Amber and her "magical powers" so I sought her out and the result has been amazing. This was my first experience with acupuncture. Amber's approach and understanding of the whole person is comforting and healing. I am grateful to her for getting me back in the garden. I will definitely visit her periodically for a tune up. read more

Restorative Yoga with Melissa was awesome! Melissa's yoga class was calming and centering, and I felt sooo relaxed, both during and for hours afterwards. Melissa uses a unique, holistic approach that is inclusive and welcoming. The small class size was also a plus because she was able to attend to everyone's needs. She took the time to make sure that each person was comfortable, and was happy to help modify poses. I would recommend this class to anyone who is dealing with stress of any kind. read more