About
Dr. Ashley Amas
Dr. Ashley Amas, DACM, LAc, is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and clinical herbalist. Her work focuses on individualized treatments that combine acupuncture, herbal medicine and lifestyle modifications to achieve optimal health. Her specialties include dermatology and women’s health and she has success in treating many common health concerns including digestive disorders, stress and anxiety, pain and weight management.
Dr. Ashley’s academic background includes a Doctorate and four-year graduate degree from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from University of Washington.
At the beginning of her studies in TCM, Dr. Ashley was fortunate to meet the brilliant and kind Dr. Nikki Fancher who lovingly took her on as an apprentice during her graduate training. Dr. Ashley also studied at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University in Hangzhou, China, where she received clinical experience in dermatology and women’s health. She is trained in both eastern and western herbalism including a certificate from the California School for Herbal Studies.
What to Expect
The first appointment will take between 75-90min. It includes a comprehensive health history and consultation, a treatment and a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Treatment strategies may include a combination of acupuncture, cupping, e-stim, herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle adjustments that leave you empowered to meet your health goals.
Follow-up appointments will take about 60 min. These appointments will include a short consultation and will focus on treatment including acupuncture, cupping and/or e-stim as determined by Dr. Ashley. Modifications to herbal formulas may also be made at this time.
Every body responds in its own way. Results depend on the condition being treated, how long the condition has persisted, frequency of acupuncture and compliance to the recommended treatment plan. In general, acute pain may take 4-6 treatments to resolve while you can expect more chronic or longstanding concerns to take 10-20 treatments. Once the initial concern is alleviated It is common for patients to return once or twice a month for health maintenance.
Each person is unique and so is their response to acupuncture. Some people will feel a pleasant moving or heavy sensation, others feel nothing, and some may experience slight discomfort. Dr. Amas is highly trained in gentle needling techniques and specializes in working with acupuncture newbies.
We are a fee-for-service practice; payment in full is due at the time of service and we accept cash, all major credit cards, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Spending Accounts.
For patients with PPO insurance plans, FSA or HSA’s we are happy to provide you with Superbill invoices or submit Superbill’s on your behalf as requested. A Superbill is a medical invoice that uses standardized treatment and diagnostic codes that you submit directly to your insurance company. Please call your insurance carrier to find out the details of your plan’s Acupuncture coverage and to confirm reimbursement rates.
Areas of Focus
Women’s Health
Chinese medicine is recognized as an effective tool in supporting fertility, alleviating pain associated menstruation and balancing hormones. In fact, studies suggest that acupuncture does this by improving uterine arterial blood flow.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, pain, PMS, and irregular periods do not need to be suffered through and can be corrected for optimal health. Likewise, during menopause the goal is to bring balance to the body so it can go through this transition with ease.
We’ve had success in treating patients with the following woman’s health issues:
- Pain and cramps associated with menstruation
- Irregular periods
- Heavy or light periods
- PMS
- Infertility
- Endometriosis and PCOS
- Menopause
Skin Care
You care about what you put IN your body but what about what you put ON it?
Research has shown that Chinese Herbs can increase circulation to improve immune function of the skin, accelerate healing to restore healthy tissue, and increase collagen formation to maintain firm skin.
Whether you have eczema, psoriasis, acne, or aging skin, Chinese Medicine treatments involve treating the root of the disease by taking the health of the whole body into account. Treatments include a combination of taking Chinese herbal formulas, topical herbal creams or salves to target problem areas, and acupuncture to reduce inflammation. Because of the individualized nature of our treatments, we’re able to heal skin without the toxic side effects of common allopathic treatments.
Skin Care
You care about what you put IN your body but what about what you put ON it?
Research has shown that Chinese Herbs can increase circulation to improve immune function of the skin, accelerate healing to restore healthy tissue, and increase collagen formation to maintain firm skin.
Whether you have eczema, psoriasis, acne, or aging skin, Chinese Medicine treatments involve treating the root of the disease by taking the health of the whole body into account. Treatments include a combination of taking Chinese herbal formulas, topical herbal creams or salves to target problem areas, and acupuncture to reduce inflammation. Because of the individualized nature of our treatments, we’re able to heal skin without the toxic side effects of common allopathic treatments.
Digestion
Chinese Medicine is widely regarded as effective for alleviating nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Research shows it may also be effective for treating constipation, diarrhea, IBS, Crohn’s.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, we view healthy digestion as the foundation of wellness. The food we eat, our ability to digest it, and absorb nutrients all play a part in healthy digestion. This process gives our body the building blocks it needs to provide us with energy, to repair itself and defend against disease. If any of these parts aren’t functioning properly it can lead to an imbalance that could cause nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, IBS, etc. These building blocks are also what is needed for skin to repair and regenerate, and that’s why we say a “healthy gut leads to glowing skin!”
We offer a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and Chinese Medicine based nutrition plans to create individualized treatments that support your goals.
Stress / Anxiety
In Chinese medical theory, strong emotions like stress interrupt the body’s energy flowing smoothly. When these strong emotions are present for long periods of time they create a blockage in the body’s road system creating an energetic traffic jam. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood and oxygenates the tissues throughout the body while cycling out cortisol and releasing natural pain-killers called endorphins. Other benefits of acupuncture include decreasing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and relaxing the muscles to help the body feel less stressed. A combination of acupuncture, physical activity, diet therapy and Chinese herbal medicine are generally combined to treat stress.
Stress / Anxiety
In Chinese medical theory, strong emotions like stress interrupt the body’s energy flowing smoothly. When these strong emotions are present for long periods of time they create a blockage in the body’s road system creating an energetic traffic jam. Acupuncture increases the circulation of blood and oxygenates the tissues throughout the body while cycling out cortisol and releasing natural pain-killers called endorphins. Other benefits of acupuncture include decreasing the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and relaxing the muscles to help the body feel less stressed. A combination of acupuncture, physical activity, diet therapy and Chinese herbal medicine are generally combined to treat stress.
Modalities
Acupuncture
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Insertion of sterile stainless-steel needles into points along the channels of the body to reduce inflammation and stimulate your body’s intrinsic ability to heal itself.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
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Also known as an acupuncture facial, this is a natural way to restore and rejuvenate the skin by moving blood and stimulating the production of collagen.
Electro Acupucture
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More commonly known as e-stim, this is a form of acupuncture where acupuncture needles are stimulated with light electric current. E-stim is especially beneficial for treating pain but may also be used for neurological diseases and for treating injuries such as sprains and broken bones.
Cupping
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Using suction cups on congested areas of the body to alleviate tension and pain, and to promote relaxation and well-being.
Gua Sha
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Deep tissue stimulation using a smooth edged tool to clear heat and stimulate blood and lymph circulation.
Herbal Medicine
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A combination of high quality, lab tested herbs that may be ingested as a tea or applied topically to treat a variety of health conditions. Herbal formulas are modified based on the disease presentation and your goals for treatment.
Nutrition
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Based on a balance of flavors and temperatures, nutrition plans are prescribed to nourish the body and support your individual needs.
Essential Oils
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External application of Western and Chinese plant oils diluted in carrier oil. Oil is applied to acupuncture points to create the intended therapeutic effect.