A Better Way Massage & Acupuncture
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A Better Way Massage & Acupuncture
At A Better Way Massage and Acupuncture we are incredibly qualified to treat acute and chronic injuries that are ailing you, giving you a dramatic change in the way you feel and an upbeat spring to your step. We tailor massage therapy, acupuncture, and treatment specifically for each client and every injury, making sure to improve your overall well-being.

With top of the line Bellingham location, we are here to educate as many people as possible in their quest for optimum health and the benefits of Acupuncture and Massage Therapy. A Better Way Massage & Acupuncture would like to extend well wishes to our patients during this time. It is important to our community that we follow the guidelines regarding.
Services
Swedish Massage (relaxation of body with massage and breath work), Effleurage (rhythmic strokes to increase circulation), Petrissage (kneading of the muscles), Tapotement (percussion tapping on the body to create fast twitch muscle contractions), Direct Pressure (to release tension deep in muscle body), Deep Tissue (focusing on consistent pressure of 6-7 out of 10 through duration of massage), Vibration (break up muscle contractions), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (increase inertia of lymphatic system), and Cupping Therapy (using cups to lift the layers of skin to move toxins) to name a few.
Living a healthy, long life with grace is obtainable with the support of Acupuncture. At A Better Way Massage and Acupuncture our mission is to educate and offer patients alternative care and treatment for many difficult issues without adding drugs or narcotics so that you can face life challenges at your healthiest.
Prescriptions with treatment plans for Massage Therapy are required for all plans that require authorization. The following referral forms are available for referring providers. Naturopathic physicians, Podiatric physicians, Advanced registered nurse practitioners, Physician assistants, Dentists, and Optometrists.
Our office will accept and submit billing to in-network and out-of-network, primary and secondary insurance policies, that provide coverage for acupuncture and massage therapy. The following information may change without notice. There are many groups within an insurance program, so we ask that you contact your insurance company and use our Financial Responsibility Research tool to confirm provider status with your insurance plan and group.
Your patient has come to you and requested us for medical massage and medical acupuncture and requests that we bill his/her insurance. As a medical provider, we must meet insurance and legal requirements of medical necessity. Many insurance companies require a treatment plan for massage therapy. Washington State Labor and Industry require a medical referral for Acupuncture for Lower Back pain.
Reviews (15)
Kevin Pinnell
Kevin Pinnell
Nov 18, 2021
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I go into the office with considerable pain and come out with little if any pain.
I would recommend Shannon for acupuncture for everyone.
I hate needles and she relieves my pain almost instantly...without freaking me out about the needles.
It's hard for me to decide if I now enjoy a deep tissue massage more, or the acupuncture. I guess I will have to find a balance.
Thank you for the care and pain relief you bless me with.
Anika Stafford
Anika Stafford
Apr 19, 2021
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I was really surprised to find the receptionist not wearing a mask during a massive Covid outbreak. Health clinics especially need to follow health guidelines and not contribute to the spread of the virus.
Edit: The staff in question was not wearing a shield when talking with a client less than a foot away and was walking around the office without one as well. The research as to whether or not vaccinated people can carry the virus is inclusive making having fully vaccinated staff safer for staff but not for clients. If you respect the severity of the virus and do not want to put yourself at risk
Kristen Regan
Kristen Regan
Feb 23, 2021
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Exactly what I need with chronic neck and hip pain. Friendly, professional staff
Ruby Spring
Ruby Spring
Feb 03, 2021
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Positive: Quality
Shannon (acupuncturist) took really good care of my injured shoulder and Tammy (front desk) was always welcoming and fun to talk to. Even if you don't like needles very much (me!), you will feel comfortable, warm, and on your way to healing immediately. I fell asleep on the table every time haha. :)
Alexander A.
Alexander A.
Oct 08, 2019
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Shannon is amazing. I struggled for years with symptoms and just had to keep increasing my meds. After one treatment with Shannon it was 90% gone. Anything I get treatment for feels better after seeing her. And she's so nice and welcoming too.
Yolanda A.
Yolanda A.
Sep 13, 2019
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Great experience every time. Shannon is fantastic! Madeline is amazing! My shoulder felt so much better after the first time I went in!
Gerry Creighton The Bike Dork
Gerry Creighton The Bike Dork
Jun 19, 2019
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I've had a couple of massages from Madalin and I can't recommend her enough! Very professional and thorough. Also, great location and free parking!
Jordan Stambaugh
Jordan Stambaugh
Dec 11, 2018
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I have received acupuncture from Shannon and massage from Satori. Shannon is such a wonderful person, and she really understands holistic wellness. I always learn something new from her! Satori is a wonderful massage therapist and person as well. Also the location is awesome! Nothing beats walking into the treatment room with a panoramic view of Bellingham Bay. I recommend A Better Way Massage to anyone.
Craig C.
Craig C.
May 17, 2018
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We stayed at the Hotel Bellwether and my wife had previously made an appointment several days in advance for a massage on my 60th birthday. I got there and had a wonderful massage.
Sophie S.
Sophie S.
Mar 01, 2018
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Shannon is an amazing acupuncturist. Always helps my neck better than Chiropractor or massage therapy ever has Highly recommend.
Heather Poellot
Heather Poellot
Nov 01, 2017
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Called for massage and was told they were in my insurance network and I would only be responsible for my copay. When I came for my massage, the room was way too bright and the therapist was not very professional! My massage was awkward and not the least bit relaxing! Then to add insult to injury, I received a bill for unpaid services since the therapist was actually NOT in my network - information that would have been helpful that afternoon!!! I never would have scheduled if I had known that, but I ended up paying full price for the terrible massage as this business would not compromise on the
Holly P. Pai
Holly P. Pai
Sep 12, 2017
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I cannot say enough positive things about Shannon at A Better Way Acupuncture. Shannon worked with me through a IVF fertility cycle and I truly feel like the work she did positively affected my cycle and results. Shannon is knowledgeable, caring and impossible not to like. I trusted her immediately and that was really valuable during this stressful time. This was my first time as an acupuncture client and now I am hooked! Thank you to Shannon and staff!
Katie H.
Katie H.
Nov 19, 2016
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I have been a patient at A Better Way for over 5 years. The staff are amazing.
They offer massage, acupuncture and a few other services.

Shannon the owner is the practices acupuncturist. I have seen her a handful of times for acupuncture services. Shannon is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable in all the aspects of her craft.
As a side bonus. I have heard many of her employees talk about how great of boss Shannon is to work for and how well she treats them.

Over the past 3 yrs I have received weekly massages from Cethanie and Anna.
Both are well versed in many styles of massage
Chris Hughes
Chris Hughes
Oct 25, 2015
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I wasn't a believer in acupuncture but after being in pain and finding no relief elsewhere I decided to give it a try.
Worked really well for my injury.
The office of the Bellingham Clinic is absolutely beautiful and relaxing. The staff was great and did a good job explaining everything.
Nancy O.
Nancy O.
Feb 22, 2015
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I have been going to Shannon Freeman for a month now. She is simply amazing! She is professional, kindhearted, she listens and she has this sixth sense ability to target the area. I went to her for cupping only but she was able to get me to accept the needles (& from previous acupuncturist, that was impossible.) I have functioned with chronic pain for 8 years & thought I was doing really well. Now I realize the difference. Shannon has me starting to remember the old me before my injury. I am so grateful that I discovered Shannon through a serendipity moment!