Jess was the literal best Had severe back pain that was debilitating and she spent extra time and effort to ensure not only was I comfortable and cared for but that she saved an appointment for me the next day just in case! Will absolutely make this a weekly appointment for self care and cannot give enough thanks read more

This clinic is excellent! I've been seen for migraines, knee pain and hormone issues. Julie the owner is wonderful, she is great at listening, caring and what really matters.. getting results. I was happily surprised that I can book with any acupuncturist there and get the same treatment and results. I've been seen by most of them and they were all great, which helps incredibly for scheduling. I highly recommend the pin cushion for their: Quality of care and ability to give you results. Ease of scheduling. Generally can get in same day to a day or 2 out. (pretty much unheard of right now in medical care. Cost, the community style keeps pricing affordable so you can get the care you need. **even if you have insurance (which i do) and decide to go here surprisingly its almost the same cost as the amount you would have to pay coinsurance no deductible ( i do medical billing), its a much more efficient style. In short go here for the results, ease of being seen when you need it, cost is great. read more

I am having significant health issues while managing a very stressful career transition and other things. Jess has been encouraging and supportive to bring my baseline health to stable while I receive western medicine treatments at the same time. Thank you to the team & Jess for adding this support to my tool box of self care. read more

Professional, clean and a dignified shop!! Obviously, a business full of WOMEN!!! GREAT ATMOSPHERE, very calming!! I didn't even get a little bit of anxiety about getting a crazy piercing!! I totally recommend the Pin Cushion to anyone who might be a "newbie" to piercings or someone who has several! THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!!! read more

What a great service to have in the community. Completely affordable and helped with the pain of my three compressed discs in my neck.

Best place to get acupuncture!! Love the relaxing atmosphere and very kind staff. Very affordable too!!

I can't tell you how much better I feel and how my body is working better on a daily basis because of the acupuncture I received from Julie. No pain, just fantastic results! read more

I have been to several other acupuncturists to help with my carpal tunnel and tightness in my neck but I only had temporary to very little relief. Bruce was AMAZING! I was at the point of not being able to hold my toothbrush but after a couple of weeks of seeing him I was back to normal. He's a miracle healer! Cori is so friendly and helpful too up front there when you check in. Great people here and I'm so glad I found somewhere I can go regularly, love the sliding scale, that actually makes me better! read more

These folks have helped me with my occipital & trigeminal neuralgia and a variety of anxiety issues for 6 years now. I am so grateful to them and owe my life to them. Chronic issues are truly a challenge but Pin Cushion has helped me regain my quality of life back. It is 100% effective and is SO affordable. If you are struggling with pain, anxiety, depression definitely try them out. You don't have to suffer. read more

I've been going to acupuncturists for more than 25 years, and I can say that this place is just as good- if not better- than many of the more traditional office settings. I've been sick for what seems like months, with some spring cold that just wouldn't quit, with my regular acupuncturist out on maternity leave, it was time to find another option. I called and made a same day appointment, went in, filled out the paperwork and was in a comfortable room in a cozy recliner with needles in me in no time. My practitioner was very well skilled, her 'chairside' manner was excellent, her needling was outstanding, and less than an hour later, I'm feeling like I'm seeing the end of what's been a long road of illness. The office has moved, so note this, it's now just east of the B&O, around the corner from Online Coffee. The cost was a sliding scale - from $20-$40 with an additional $10 fee for the first visit. They also only accept checks and/or cash so credit cards need not apply. I'm going back next week just to 'kick out the jams' with this thing to see another practitioner, I'll do an update if there's any news on the different providers. read more

Who would've thought being poked with needles would feel amazing? I had been feeling like crap. I was dealing with stress, a cold, headaches and just over all sore-ness. I decided that it was time to do something about it. I found Julie through Yelp and decided to make an appointment immediately after reading the wonderful reviews. I got on the website and discovered that all appointments were made through the interwebs - and lucky for me, she had a couple openings that very day. Once I found the place (it's across the street from the liquor store on 12th by the way) - I was buzzed in and found myself walking into a room with a sign that said to have a seat. There was no receptionist. No frills. Just a room with a computer which felt more like a home than an office. I took a seat and after a few minutes Julie came out and greeted me. We sat down and discussed the issues we needed to work on. After I paid at the pay station (you stick cash in an envelope and drop it in a hole - it's totally on the honor system - which is really cool), she led me into a dimly lit room playing relaxing music. I took a seat in one of the recliners. I had read on the website that it was a "community acupuncture" type of place so I wasn't surprised when I walked in and saw a guy laying in the chair with needles in his body! Julie made me feel at ease - even though I was a bit nervous to be poked all over with needles (especially in the face and ears)! But, Julie is so kind and caring and made sure that I was doing ok the whole time. She even gave me some tea afterwards to help fight off my cold. After the acupuncture session I could immediately tell a difference. I had so much more energy and my cold went away that very night. I've been back once already and plan to keep going as much as I can - and because she offers her treatments on a sliding scale of $20-40, you can probably imagine how often I'll be going. read more

Totally love it and felt 10x better walking out. Julie recommended that I come in once a week for two months to help get a handle on my central neuropathic pain and dynamic mechanical allodynia (clothing can be painful). I love that I can schedule all of my appointments online and I actually scheduled a month out! read more

I reluctantly went to The Pin Cushion, seeking help with chronic back pain and the usual sleep/stress issues. I walked in, and immediately felt the peaceful energy. Still skeptical, but willing to try anything, I filled out the paperwork and met my practitioner, Julie. Being stuck with needles, although tiny, was a tough concept for me to accept. I am an RN, and have worked in surgery for many years. While I embrace many alternative approaches to life, the idea that inserting tiny needles in specific areas of my body could help other areas seemed counter intuitive. I have been getting periodic treatments at The Pin Cushion now for about six months. Julie is a true healer. I can't explain how it works, or why it works. All I know is that it works. I will always, surely, have back issues. It's my thing; my opportunity to practice gratitude for all that I have and love, in spite of living with pain. Since seeing Julie, however, my pain is more controlled and sometimes absent. My sleep has improved, and my stress lowered significantly. My husband suddenly experienced terrible neck pain. I insisted he see Julie, and she cured his neck pain. Is it magic? Who knows. I live and work in the world of data and studies and science. All I can share is that the style of "community" acupuncture practiced at The Pin Cushion is not only healing, it is also empowering. I cannot recommend The Pin Cushion more highly. They live what they practice. We are lucky to have them in Capitol Hill, and Seattle. read more

At first I was hesitant about doing acupuncture. I am hesitant about alternative medicines, period. However, it worked. I have been struggling with Anxiety and Depression for a long time. I decided to turn to Acupuncture, hesitantly. I saw Julie at the Pin Cushiom. She is awesome. After just one session, I already feel better. I am a believer for sure! The staff is really nice and it is so relaxing. The needle insertion doesn't even hurt! I really like it a lot. I will be starting a regular regimen next week. It is a sliding scale fee between 20 and 50 bucks. You pay what you can in that range. It's cool. If you are looking for great and affordable acupuncture, look no further! Go here! read more

I've been going to The Pin Cushion twice a week for the last 3 weeks. I have been very happy with the results thus far. The staff are all very nice. I appreciate the sliding scale price. The customers are, for the most part, pretty respectiful of the community enviroment and stay quiet so others can relax and enjoy their experience. I've never been pressured to buy additional suppliments/herbs, though they are available at the front desk if you wanted to buy them. The only reason I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars is the inconsitancies between the 3 different practitioners I've seen. Some of them use a lot of needles. Some of them use very few needles. Some of them put the needles in loose on the surface. Some of them put them in pretty deep and I've had a bruise on certain points afterward. I've only had 1 person check my tongue and only on the first of the 6 appointments I've had so far. Only twice has my pulse been checked. With Chinese medicine I would imagine those would be standard practice with every appointment to see how the patient is progressing/healing. Despite the incosistancies, I have found the person I enjoy seeing the most and am pleased with the progress we are making with my pain management. Thankfully their online booking system allows you to chose the person you want to see based on the time/day you choose for your appointment. read more

This place is simply AMAZING! I suffer from shoulder, neck, and back pain and get headaches in a daily basis. I have a really high pain tolerance and seldom seek alternative cures for my aches and pains. Today I couldn't ignore them anymore. I've been dealing with a headache that causes me to feel nauseated, my neck and shoulders are so stiff that even muscle relaxants aren't working anymore, and I haven had a decent sleep in days. Getting an appointment was very easy! I went to their website and created an account. You can then book your own appointment online. It was fast and easy to do! I believe you can also do walk-ins? I'm not so sure. Front desk lady was very polite and it took less than 10 minutes to do history form. Bruce came to greet me right away and assessed my main problems. He brought me to the treating room which includes 2 beds and at least 6 recliner chairs, it's a community based type of practice so everyone is treated in the same room. Don't be alarm, it is actually pretty relaxing and soothing! The transition from front desk to the treatment room took less than 15 minutes which is the fastest service I've gotten before. Bruce was right on point! He was very gentle and listened to my every need. He gave me more than an hour to enjoy my treatment and even asked me if I want more time! He was caring and polite. I paid $35 dollars overall which include the $10 paperwork fee. You can't beat that price anywhere! No wonder this place has the best review! It's easy to make an appointment, front desk gives you the simplest forms, treated right away and are generous with treatment time. AND finally, my headache is gone and my body feels lighter! ^_^ read more

So this place is beyond excellent for someone who is nervous about acupuncture or for people that may have done it before but cannot afford treatments at a doctors office. Community acupuncture is the idea behind the pin cushion which means that you are in a room getting acupuncture with others. But it feels even more peaceful, much like group meditation seeing others so relaxed helps you relax too. Not to mention the staffing here is incredibly warm and knowledgeable. Every time I come in I am confident that they are listening to my needs and giving me the best possible treatment. After 3 treatments I noticed vast improvements with pain in my lower back and the prices make this place a remarkable while affordable clinic to have in the community. Thank you pin cushion! read more

I started going to The Pin Cushion about two years ago. I had just started a job, as a Massage Therapist, and for some reason I developed a frozen shoulder on the right side. Within a couple of days, as it got worse, i became unable to move my right arm at all. Needless to say, it made working increasingly difficult, and eventually impossible. So, within a month of starting a new job, I suddenly had to take two days off, on short notice. Not a good start. I had never tried acupuncture before, but the pain killers I was taking were totally ineffective, and i was ready to do something different. Short version, it worked. Within a day, my symptoms were vastly reduced. And after just one follow up appointment, my arm was fully functional again, and I was back to work. I have since gone back, many times. I cannot recommend the Pin Cushion highly enough. read more

I pulled my neck in yoga. Yes, it is embarrassing thankyouverymuch. I called Julie at The Pin Cushion at 12:40 on Thursday even though website said she closed at 1pm. She returned my call in like five minutes and STAYED OPEN for me!!!!!! Granted, I sounded pretty desperate on the phone. My head wasn't moving. That's stressful. I was in severe pain when I arrived, and seriously had next-to-zero mobility. Moderate/dull pain when I left and a bit more functional operation with my neck. It was my first time getting acupuncture but the percentage of people who told me to seek it out when my neck went haywire was too great to ignore. Now, a day later, I woke up feeling as good as I did when I left the Pin Cushion, so it wasn't a superficial fix. Plus I'm icing and heating all day per Julie's instructions, and sure enough my head moves a lot more in every direction just 24 hours after the initial injury. Yay! You don't have to be in pain to go get acupuncture. But if you are in pain, you totally should. Plus Julie is drop dead gorgeous and smart and terrific, and the space is funky and relaxing, so it's really a nice way to spend an hour no matter how you slice it. And, I'm taking a year off from work (well, from hard work, anyway) and I can afford it, which means you can afford it too. Pin Cushion for pain! For pleasure! For life! read more

I'm not sure how reliable a treatment acupuncture is for more serious ailments, aches, and pains, but I went in yesterday for my chronic allergies (and anxiety) and 24 hours later still feel like a new person. (Last night, I slept better than I ever have since I was a little kid, and I just feel fantastic) The poking process took about 30 seconds in total, and I only felt the first needle going in. Even that was nothing like getting a shot at the doctor's office and more like a sudden burst of heat at the place of insertion. The recliners were so comfortable I considered inquiring where I could obtain one for my own apartment, Julie was fantastic and someone I trusted immediately (which, in general, is a huge deal for me), and the space itself was very zen- I felt comfortable right away, even with my background in biology and emergency medicine. The location of the clinic is convenient if the clinic itself is somewhat hard to find (use the same buzzer as the one for the Pine Street Apartments), and appointment scheduling is done online. There's a sliding scale that makes treatments extremely affordable, and payment is done entirely on the honor system: you tuck the payment into an envelope with your name and date written on it and drop said envelope into the payment slot. In short: go to Julie. You won't regret it. After an hour, I felt more at peace, and "zen" than after any medication, meditation, or other form of treatment I ever tried before. read more

I am so happy with my experience here at the Pin Cushion. First of all, I am cheap, and this place is so affordable. If it was more expensive, I would not go, and then would not feel as good as I do now! Julie is the best and super nice. She really knows what she is doing and is honest about things without being jerky. She will make suggestions about things you can do to improve your health, but not force them. I love that! My health has improved so much since coming here for the past six or so months. My energy level is way up and the original issue I came for (severe eczema) is almost completely cleared up. Whenever I hear anyone complain about a health problem I'm just like "Yeah, go get acupuncture." And I'm serious. It has changed my life. And having a great place to go like the Pin Cushion makes me want to continue going...forever, probably. read more

Granted, I've never been to any other community acupuncture place, but this spot is great. A friend recommended I head to the Pin Cushion Clinic when I mentioned a lot of back pain and not a lot of money. I think that friend may have changed my life. Julie Johnson is the one-woman show at the Pin Cushion Clinic, and you can't not love her. Seriously. She's welcoming, warm, genuine, knowledgeable. There's just something about her. You can tell she is a healer. The office is great, too. Amazingly tranquil for being tucked right into the hill. Her prices are SO affordable. And I know that once I do have insurance again, I'll still be headed to her clinic for my needling. read more

I've suffered from really bad/nasty seasonal allergies my entire life. I've tried every medication under the sun, including a few experimental ones. I've done shots. I've done some sort of Chinese herbal thing that came in tea form and just tasted funny but did little else. So when someone told me that acupuncture was the next logical step for me (my primary care physician, to be exact), I said "sure". Bonus: this place costs less than my monthly prescription of Allegra. As an acupuncture virgin, I wasn't sure what to expect. Julie was wonderful and empathetic and extremely caring. The office is homey and darling - it felt like hanging out at a friend's place. The treatment rooms were beautifully decorated (in a minimalistic, zen sort of way) and the armchairs were incredibly comfortable. It's a surreal experience, to be stuck with needles. I genuinely didn't feel the majority of them go in (except for one in my left hand, which I felt for a few days after, even) and was surprised by how relaxing the whole situation turned out to be. I pride myself in being a tightly-wound individual, so you can only imagine my surprise when I say that I actually fell asleep. The charge is based on a sliding scale (what you can afford) and the only thing that doesn't have me going back as often as possible is the hours - my work hours are pretty set-in-stone. I do hope to go back when I can, but I wish I could go back often. Also, being able to set up appointments online is awesome. I love the convienence of that. read more

Few things that make a visit or two so worthwhile to The Pin Cushion: 1.The pain goes away.Yes, it does. I've been suffering from some serious shoulder/back pain and I have tried every trick in the book, but nothing worked the way this place worked for me. I'm a fan for life. 2. You pay what you can and nobody will ask you twice ! They have a pay-scale which makes it very economical and you can visit them weekly without hurting your pocket one bit. 3. Julie is more than fabulous. She is super nice ,super sweet and amazing at her job. I'm confident that all of the other acupuncturists are as nice and good at their job as she is, but I like booking all my appointments with her. Book in advance and book a few. You won't be disappointed. :) read more

I've been going to Susie for acupuncture at The Pin Cushion for a year now, and it has completely improved my quality of life. This place is fabulous - you pay what you can (they accept credit cards now), you can schedule your appointments online, and they're even open late so that you can go after work. When I first met Susie I had been sick for three months straight with various sinus infections, ear infections, and bronchitis. After helping me get through a couple more bouts of sore throats and coughing, she started working on strengthening my immune system. It has now been six months since I've been sick in any meaningful way and there are times when my sessions seem downright magical. For example, two weeks ago I went in with the beginnings of a sore throat and by the time I left, my throat felt fine. AMAZING! Now that I'm not struggling with the infections anymore, I still keep going once a week because Susie can address whatever "issue" I throw her way....knots in my back, seasonal allergies, stress...she really knows her stuff. Plus, she's got a background in Chinese herbal medicine, so she can supplement the acupuncture treatments with herbs when needed. The only downside to this place is that you'll become a total acupuncture junkie. The Pin Cushion is awesome. read more

I had heard so many good things about this place and decided to give it a try. I had been suffering from intense neck/shoulder pain (which I think is stress induced) and my boyfriend was having problems sleeping at night. The BF made an appointment first and had nothing but amazing things to say, including that he had never slept better after that appointment. Once I went, the woman who helped me (Jennifer) was great, she explained the process, discussed my problems and continuously checked in to make sure everything was ok. She made me feel very comfortable about the whole process and I too, was pleased with the outcome of my first visit. As an Acupuncture newb, I was unsure where to start but I would HIGHLY recommend this place read more

This place is a gem- as good as it gets. I love that this place specializes in community acupuncture, a program that facilitates affordable healing for everyone- on any budget. Everyone is super nice. My favorite practitioner is Gabrielle Andersone. She is a very talented and kind professional. She really goes the extra mile in her sessions and makes you feel relaxed. I have been receiving treatments from Ms. Anderson for months now, and I feel so lucky to have found her! She is extremely intuitive and good at what she does. I definitely feel like my overall health and well being has improved this year - and it has a lot to do with my regular visits to the Pin Cushion clinic to see Gabrielle. The acupuncture helps me prevent the onset of colds, as it boosts my immune system. In addition to immune support, Gabrielle has treated me for many different ailments : accute injuries, emotional turmoil, stress and digestion to name a few. Besides being a very talented acupuncturist, Gabrielle is just a super person. She is always smiling and kind. She really puts you at ease, and that alone helps facilitate the healing process. If you have every wanted to try acupuncture, definitely pop into the pin cushion! read more

I've had a lot of acupuncture over the years and Julie is truly the best. She's kind, understanding and an amazing practitioner. My problems with energy, sports injuries and various other maladies (that are so far gone now I can't remember what they are) really quieted down and in most cases went away all together. Top that with the whole concept of community acupuncture AND her skill with needles and I'm truly sorry that I had to move out of Seattle. read more

Acupuncture is something I've been wanting to try for ages, never got around to it. Always discouraged over prices, lack of health coverage and just being totally lazy. Last week I slid (this is not unusual for alot of us in Seattle, especially me) on the wet sidewalk in my traction-less and very fashionable boots. On my way down I must have pulled something important in my neck, giving me constant pain while sleeping and just trying to look around or jam out. Friends and coworkers advised me to go to the chiropractor or get a massage. I'm sorry, but there is just something about the chiropractor that just scares the crap out of me. Like they are going to twist me all around, break my bones and force me into an addiction. So after doing some research and making some phone calls, I came across the reviews for The Pin Cushion. DUH! Always wanted to try acupuncture, what better time? I was a little worried about the money issue, but alas, they have a sliding pay scale based on income! I thought that was a great idea, giving healing alternative care to anyone who needs it at an affordable price! Being barely insured and tight on money, you usually miss out on these wonderful things. The facility is great, kept perfectly warm and cozy. The staff is extremely friendly, and you can tell they love and really back what they are doing. It made me comfortable. I was able to book an appointment online the same day, show up, filled out some basic paperwork and was consulted on areas I'd like to focus on. She explained the process, the placement of the needles then took me up to the shared treatment room (I actually like the shared idea). The process itself was quick, then I was left to lounge for about an hour and let the needles do their thing. What a relaxing experience! I was immediately refreshed and feeling light as air. I HIGHLY recommend trying it at least once. I already cannot wait for my next appointment! read more

The absolute best. I have had acupuncture before (at spendy 1:1 clinics) and gotten some pain relief. I've suffered from headaches...actually one headache that had continued for over 3 years. My doctor has run out of ideas, and I am sick of taking pills that don't work or pills that work but knock me out entirely. I decided to give this place a try, just to see. After a few visits I noticed an improvement. You cannot imagine what it is like to wake up and NOT have a pain you've had for so long. The practitioners are super nice and extremely competent. I cannot recommend this place highly enough. If there was a sixth star, they'd have it. read more

After one positive experience with acupuncture several years ago, I have been waiting to fit acupuncture into my budget - and the Pin Cushion helped me do just that. I am going to sessions for my allergies - which are flaring since I recently brought a cat into my house! I highly recommend The Pin Cushion for someone who is comfortable putting trust in others and wants help to find practical results for problems that can be addressed by acupuncture. Since the clinic is community based and offers affordable prices, you should be comfortable doing research about acupuncture and bringing specific questions to your sessions, rather than expecting a full explanation of acupuncture from the clinicians. The atmosphere is soothing, friendly, and healing. I find peace every time I sit in the community room and have not been disrupted by the entrance and departure of the clinician or other patients. I have been to about 5-6 sessions thus far and am seeing meaningful progress - my allergic reactions are significantly more mild and when combined with practical steps (e.g. frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from my eyes), I have days when I have no symptoms at all. I am grateful for the women who run this business and hope others will adopt the community based model - to make acupuncture more widely available. read more

So, I really only get acupuncture because it feels SO GOOD. For a few years, I had massages once or twice a week...they never brought me to the level of calm and restoration that acupuncture does. I wasn't sure I'd love the community aspect of it...shockingly it added to the experience. The collective chill energy was palpable. Best 25$ I've spent. read more

This community clinic is wonderful...I've received acupuncture services for 40 years and at least from different 15 therapists...hands down, Ron is among the handful who have made a difference in my health...I had a bad knee injury when I was visiting my daughter in Seattle and after 1 treatment my knee was 75% improved...and after my 2nd, it was 90% improved...it was a miracle...I feel Ron has an extraordinary gift of healing which partnered well with my physical and energetic systems...I recommend you give him a try...and they make quality acupuncture affordable which is so needed these days...thank you, Ron read more

Honest praise for a terrific clinic! I've been to see Julie and Susie at the Pin Cushion 3 times so far and I am always pleased and satisfied with their service. Aside from being a patient, I'm an acupuncturist too, so it's like one chef eating at another's restaurant (ya know what goes on in the kitchen). And I have to tell you that Julie and Susie do some great cooking! The Pin Cushion is a comfortable place and treatment is relaxing and effective. What more could you ask for? Did I mention the totally affordable rates!? If you care about your health (and your checking account), check this place out. Steve K. read more

Julia is amazing! Very attentive and caring. Relaxing environment great for healing. Highly recommend!

I've been going to the Pin Cushion since 2010, and I don't know how it's taken me this long to write a review. This is by far the best acupuncture clinic I've ever been to -- and I've been to several in three different cities. Even though I don't come regularly, Julie and Cori always remember me and are super friendly. Julie has such a calming presence, and she has helped me work through numerous issues over the years that western medicine wasn't helping with. I fall asleep in the chair every time and feel so calm and zen afterwards. Thanks Pin Cushion for all you do! read more

I tell anyone who will listen about how great The Pin Cushion is, and how affordable. Maybe some people are put off by the idea of sharing a "treatment" room with strangers, but it really is a wonderful atmosphere. It's always perfectly warm and dimly lit and the chairs are comfy and it smells really good in there! I've been seeing Susie once a week for about a month now and she's really great, always easy to talk to, very considerate, and helpful in making your treatment as comfortable as possible. I always leave feeling relaxed, yet full of quiet energy. If you ever wanted to try acupuncture, I think this is a really great way to go, and if you've done acupuncture before but find regular treatments financially burdensome, this is The Way to Go. read more

I've been to several accupuncturists for various ailments over the years. The practitioners at the Pin Cushion are by far the most skilled and produce the best and fastest results. AND they're the least expensive. Doesn't get much better! They are a part of my health care regime. Katie E. Hypnotist read more

This place is awesome! Great staff, great naps, and great results. Dont be afraid to try it.

Terrific! My pain went away that same day! I just have time to write a quick blurb, for I am scheduling my next Pin Cushion appointment! Outstanding! Breathe, get "pinned," and prosper. The website is great, easy breezy feeling good sneezy! A xoxoxo read more