I visited Arlington Acupuncture to see Dr. Kim, based on the outstanding reviews here, and was…read moresurprised (and a bit taken aback) when I arrived for my first appointment and discovered I was to be seen by a different acupuncturist. As it turns out, that acupuncturist, Stephen Semptimphelter (EAMP, LAc) has recently become the primary practitioner at this location, while Dr. Kim, the owner (who treated me one time and is also fantastic), primarily works at his Seattle office, keeping a few hours each week to tend to his Arlington patients. However unsure I was at the start of that first visit, my concerns were immediately eased. Having had both foot and shoulder surgeries several months before, I'd continued to suffer a frozen big toe joint and ongoing pain in my shoulder due to "guarding." My podiatrist had only days before told me, after several visits with my (exceptional) physical therapist, that it was possible the joint had simply recovered to the extent that it would on its own, and that I would either have to live with it or take any of a number of unattractive options in an attempt to free it, none of them guaranteed to work, nor free of risks to the joint. I was stunned and elated when after a single electroacupuncture treatment by Stephen, flexibility in the joint improved, albeit almost imperceptibly. Six visits later and with a lot of work at home to capitalize on every little bit of increased range of motion, I was able to wear some of my regular shoes for the first time since before surgery, 5 months before. Although he treated my shoulder in various ways at different visits, it was one particular visit when chose a different technique and also utilized cupping that changed the game. Coincidentally or not, things began to change that day, up and down for a couple of weeks, nothing but improvement since. I continued PT, and, just as with my foot, I took advantage of the improvement and advanced in strength and flexibility at home, through yoga, stretching, and gentle, careful use of weights. Now, with PT and intensive acupuncture treatment completed, after a year of acute pain before surgery and months of continued pain afterward (although recovery from the surgery itself was almost non-existent -- I hit the jackpot with an orthopedic surgeon as well), I continue to make gains every day. Just this one decision, to give acupuncture a try at this clinic, made all the difference in the world. Beyond my surgery recoveries, along the way I mentioned my case of mild but chronic (3-month) vertigo, for which he prescribed an herbal supplement that (I am not kidding) knocked it out in just a few days. (Even he expected it to possibly take several weeks.) Coincidence, you say? I thought so, too. But then, after maybe 10 days, I missed taking them for a few days and the vertigo returned. A few days of faithful dosing later, it was gone again. When my supply ran out and it took a few days to get back in to buy more, the same pattern repeated. I've since been able to reduce my dose significantly (from 8 per day to just 2) and remain symptom-free. Finally, during one of my last visits, I mentioned in passing that I was losing sleep due to repeat hot flashes. One treatment and for the first time in at least a couple of weeks, not a single one. I've had them off and on since, and haven't been back in for another treatment, so the jury's still out... but with my overall success with Stephen's treatments and recommendations, it's sure getting hard to be skeptical. :) I'd been a volunteer receptionist at a non-profit acupuncture clinic that predominately served seniors, and I'd seen regular treatments literally change lives. I knew it worked, but it had never done much for *me*. I couldn't have been more amazed by this experience -- by Stephen's expertise and my results. The exterior of the building housing the office is pretty unsightly, but the interior is not, and the office itself is attractive and peaceful. (The treatment rooms are so relaxing it's hard to leave!) Acupuncture -- and Chinese Medicine in general -- can gently and effectively treat a *staggering* array of symptoms and (most importantly) their root causes, and improve overall wellness and quality of life. If you're on the fence and suffering, do this for yourself. You'll likely come away wishing, like I had, that you'd done it much sooner.

They were deceptive in adding red light therapy to the intake form. Therefore I wasn't aware that I…read morewas charged each time I had an accupuncture treatment My insurance only covers accupuncture . The form reads if red light therapy or cupping is provided l, you are responsible if your insurance doesn't cover it. It does not state and option to check yes or no So it's very deceptive and covert in the agreement form. The accupuncturist never asked me if I wanted it. I gave her a 10.00 tip each time I had a treatment as well.

"Ms. Del Toro was thorough, professional, and friendly. I felt very at ease, and the entire…read moretreatment was much better than I expected. And, it didn't hurt! I definitely will utilize Essential Points again should I need any additional treatments."

Don't even want to leave a 5 star review and have everyone flocking here! Love this place. Great…read morepeople, awesome massages... can't ask for anything else! Have brought friends here and recommended them to coworkers. Thumbs up all around!

Definitely a 5 star business! Owned and run by a husband and wife team, who are both amazing…read moremassage therapists! Their pricing is the most reasonable you will find in the area. I always have a relaxing experience and great massage. Call ahead and book your massage. They have evening and weekend appointments, which is great too.

Janet really took time to listen to my problems. I had some terrible back and shoulder pain that…read moremade it too painful to even lay down on the table, so she made sure to accommodate me by using a massage chair and pillows to help me be comfortable enough to get through the needed treatment. I cannot say enough good things! I was very miserable and in pain but the Accupuncture treatments have been literally life changing. I tried everything for months (steroids, NSAIDS, PT, rest) with no relief and after 3 accupuncture visits I noticed a huge change in my ability to move without pain. I highly recommend Janet.

From the owner: Our business specializes in acupuncture and related traditional Chinese medicine services given…read morewith care and compassion. Treatment options are diverse - acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, electroacupuncture, cold laser acupuncture, acupressure, infrared light therapy, Celluma LED light therapy, Facial Acupuncture for Cosmetic Enhancement, moxibustion, cupping, Gua Sha, Qi Gong, NeuroAcupuncture. Also providing IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback treatments.

Update after a year: When I first moved to Seattle last year, I was looking for a small business…read moreowner style spa with reasonable prices, convenient location, and once I came here I haven't tried any other spa. Patti is super friendly and I love just chatting with her before and after my appointments too! I used a seasonal special my first visit, and if you book your next appointment right after, you get 10% off your next appointment. I just got a prepaid package that's buy 4, get the 5th free since I come so often and I'd save some money that way. I've done a body treatment that's left my body clean and refreshed, but I mainly come back for the hour long facials and massages. The massages are relaxing and she gets all my knots out without digging hard, and she also gave me some suggestions for exercises to do in order to prevent soreness in tight spots like my shoulders. I like to get a facial at least once a season with the changing temperatures and she always goes over the ingredients, oils, and lotions she's using, and you get a nice shoulder and arm massage too! I really like the products she sells as well, Sweet Sisters, which is a local Washington brand that uses natural, organic ingredients. I got the rose jojoba moisturizer and not only does it make my face smell delicious, it's extremely hydrating and a little goes a long way. Would definitely recommend Earthly Rituals for a go-to spa!

Patti is amazing. I can feel the effects of her practice while getting treatment and post…read moretreatment. Patti is intuitive, empathic and a lovely, calming presence.