 Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which utilizes the insertion of very thin needles, heat, pressure and other treatments to certain locations (acupuncture points) on the body. These points on the body are connected to networks or pathways called meridians through which qi (vital energy) flows. TCM is a whole medical system, which has been in use for thousands of years to treat, prevent and diagnose disease. Other forms of TCM include Qigong (which incorporates movement, breath, stretching), Chinese herbal medicine, massage and meditation.
In Washington State, a practitioner who has passed a national certification process after completion of an accredited program (usually four years of post-graduate study) can become licensed as an acupuncturist (LAc). Medical acupuncturists are medical doctors (M.D.s) or doctors of osteopathy (D.O.s) who do acupuncture only. Acupuncture has been shown to help with nausea, pain, fatigue, anxiety and stress. Lacey Location Therapist Bio:
 Dennis Clarin (MTCM, LAc, Dipl.Ac,) holds a Master's degree of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MTCM) from The Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NIAOM). He is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Washington and is certified as a Diplomat in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Dennis operates a general practice with interest on treating patients looking for an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment. His work is focused on stimulating and supporting the body's inherent healing mechanisms. Dennis has studied and practiced complementary therapies including Taiji Chuan, Qigong and meditation. He sees patients of all ages for acute and chronic conditions as well as preventative medicine. Time: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Providence Western Washington Oncology's Lacey office
Price: $80 first visit, $65 repeat visits. Most major health plans accepted.
To Schedule: Call 360-754-3934, ext. 1083
Centralia Location Therapist Bio:
James Stegenga, LAc, has been in private practice as an acupuncturist for more than 20 years. He has always been interested in working within an integrative setting (and was a pre-med student at UC Berkeley) with a strong background in western sciences and respect for scientific method. Jim has a special interest in healing and the mind. He has taught Tai Chi and other stress reduction modalities. He will be collaborating with Dennis Clarin, LAc, to build on his extensive knowledge base to include acupuncture techniques which are beneficial to the cancer patient. Time: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Providence Western Washington Oncology's Centralia office
Price: $80 first visit, $65 repeat visits. Most major health plans accepted.
To schedule: Call 360-754-3934, ext.1083 or 1-800-883-8990, ext. 1083 
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