info@spruce-cove-acupuncture.com

907-512-5411

1315 Mill Bay Rd, Ste B, Kodiak, AK 99615

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How Can Acupuncture Help You?

Whether you're dealing with pain that's been bothering you for years or a new health concern that's affecting your daily life, acupuncture may be able to help.

Chinese Medicine is a complete system of healthcare that looks beyond a diagnosis or where symptoms are felt. Treatment begins by understanding why symptoms are happening—not simply where they hurt. Every treatment is tailored to the individual, with the goal of improving the underlying pattern that's contributing to pain and other symptoms.

Your first visit begins with a detailed health history and conversation about your concerns, goals, lifestyle, and overall health. Together, your intake paperwork and our discussion help identify the pattern behind your symptoms so your treatment can be individualized to your needs.

Many patients are surprised by how relaxing acupuncture treatments can be. Visits include acupuncture and may also incorporate therapies such as cupping, heat therapy, gua sha, herbal medicine, or other techniques when appropriate. You'll have time to rest comfortably while the treatment works.

Before you leave, we'll discuss your personalized treatment plan. This will include recommended treatment frequency, lifestyle and self-care suggestions, herbal recommendations when appropriate, and referrals if another healthcare provider can also support your care. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what I recommend and why.

Most people notice measurable improvement during their very first treatment—even when they've been dealing with a condition for months or years. Additional improvements continue gradually over a series of visits as your body responds to treatment. Throughout your care, we'll continue to evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as your health changes.

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Spruce Cove Acupuncture Clinic

Patients love the feel of the treatment room. My clinic is designed to be a peaceful retreat from the demands of daily life, offering a quiet, comfortable space where you can slow down, relax, and focus on healing.

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What Can Chinese Medicine Help With?

Pain & Musculoskeletal

  • Neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand pain

  • Back pain

  • Hip, knee, ankle, foot pain

  • Arthritis

  • Chronic pain

  • Fibromyalgia

Headaches & Neurological

  • Migraines

  • Bell’s Palsy

  • Post-concussion symptoms

  • Dizziness & vertigo

Stress, Sleep & Emotional Well-being

  • Stress, anxiety

  • Insomnia

  • Fatigue

  • Depression

  • Burnout

Gynecological

  • Painful periods

  • Irregular cycles

  • Endometriosis support

  • PCOS / PMOS support

  • Fertility, pregnancy, postpartum recovery

  • Menopause

Digestive Health

  • IBS

  • Constipation, diarrhea, bloating

  • Reflux

  • Nausea

  • Gastritis

Respiratory & Immune Health

  • Seasonal allergies

  • Sinus cogestion, recurrent infections

  • Asthma support

  • Auto-immune conditions

This list is not exhaustive. Chinese Medicine is used to support many acute and chronic health concerns. If you're wondering whether acupuncture may be a good fit, I'd be happy to discuss your individual situation. It never hurts to ask.

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Meet Your Practitioner

Mary Ann Gates, MSOM, Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM), L.Ac.

Hello, I'm Mary Ann. I'm a licensed acupuncturist with advanced doctoral training in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, and I love helping people feel better through thoughtful, individualized care.

Whether you're dealing with pain, migraines, stress, sleep concerns, digestive issues, or something that just hasn't responded the way you'd hoped, my goal is to understand the whole picture—not simply treat a symptom. Chinese Medicine is a complete system of healthcare, and I enjoy the process of uncovering patterns that help guide treatment. I see healing as both science and art, guided by curiosity and compassion.

I know trying acupuncture for the first time can feel unfamiliar. I take time to listen carefully, answer your questions, and explain what I'm doing so you can feel comfortable throughout your visit. Every treatment is tailored to you, and we'll work together to create a plan that fits your goals and adapts as your health changes.

I'm honored to care for the Kodiak community and believe the best healthcare is built on careful listening, genuine partnership, and a commitment to lifelong learning. My practice is rooted in the rich tradition of Chinese Medicine while informed by modern research and patient-centered care. I continue to study through advanced coursework, mentorship, and collaboration to bring thoughtfulness to every treatment.

Training & Credentials

I earned my Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine and recently completed my doctoral training in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at Pacific College of Health and Science.

I'm nationally board certified by the NCCAOM as a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, licensed to practice acupuncture in Alaska, and certified in Clean Needle Technique.

My continuing education includes advanced study in Master Tung Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, fertility support, musculoskeletal pain, internal medicine, and other specialized areas. Ongoing study is an important part of my practice, allowing me to continue refining my skills and providing the best care I can for my patients.

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Patient Experiences

  • “Mary Ann is a dedicated and skilled practitioner. She is both practical and kind. When I started with Mary Ann, I was struggling and attempting to recover from a long bout of chronic illness. Mary Ann developed a treatment plan and adjusted it to meet my needs for every session. Her services helped reset my system, bolster my immune system, and reduced my pain. She really helped me move through my physical and emotional ailments; and was an essential part of my care team. In many ways, she gave me my life back. I moved away, but I would travel to see her, if I could!”

    -N. Wicklund

  • “12/10! Mary Ann welcomed my issues without judgement and with curiosity. She has a brilliant understanding of how to treat each problem presented. She is cautious, informative, and effective with her communication and education of the care she provides. She provided prescriptions for herbs, recipes and exercises for me to do between visits that worked. Mary Ann is excellent at what she does!”

    -B. Logan

  • “Mary Ann changed my life. I really had only heard of acupuncture treating pain, so when I threw out my back for the first time and felt completely helpless, acupuncture came to mind. I found Mary Ann's clinic and was able to get an appointment. I left my appointment with almost no back pain, and with a new healthcare provider firmly in my corner. Mary Ann asked so many questions about me, things I'd never even thought about before, and then explained how acupuncture could help with those, too. And she was right!! My sleep is better, my digestion is better, my stress levels are better. All thanks to Mary Ann. 10/10.”

    -T. Davis

  • “Mary Ann is an incredible acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her around some ongoing chronic issues and her skilled care always provides relief. She is very diligent and will spend time making sure she understands what brings you in and what your goals are for treatment.”

    -A. Graf

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most people are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles are much thinner than those used for injections. You may notice a brief sensation as a needle is placed, followed by feelings of heaviness, warmth, tingling, or a gentle pulling sensation. As the treatment continues, most people experience a deep sense of relaxation, and it's not uncommon for patients to fall asleep.

  • Your first visit includes plenty of time to talk about your health concerns, medical history, and goals. After an evaluation, I'll explain the treatment before it begins. Depending on your needs, your treatment may also include therapies such as cupping, herbal medicine, moxibustion, or gua sha.

  • That depends on your condition, how long you've been experiencing it, and your treatment goals. Most people notice measurable improvement after their very first treatment, even when they've been dealing with a condition for months or years. Additional improvement continues gradually over a series of visits as your body responds to treatment.

    During your first appointment, we'll discuss a personalized treatment plan, including the recommended treatment frequency and what you can realistically expect based on your individual situation.

  • Chinese Medicine offers a different way of understanding health. While Western medicine often focuses on diagnosing and treating specific diseases or injuries, Chinese Medicine looks at patterns across the whole person—considering how symptoms, sleep, digestion, stress, energy, and other aspects of health may be connected.

    These approaches aren't competitors—they're complementary. Most people benefit from both. Western medicine excels at emergency care, imaging, surgery, and many medications, while Chinese Medicine can be an excellent addition for many chronic conditions, pain, recovery, and supporting overall health. My goal is to work alongside your existing healthcare, not replace it.

  • Dry needling typically focuses on treating tight muscles and trigger points, often using stronger stimulation. Acupuncture, as practiced within Chinese Medicine, is part of a complete system of healthcare that considers the whole person rather than an isolated symptom or muscle. While relieving pain is often one goal of treatment, the focus is on identifying and improving the patterns contributing to your symptoms.

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Insurance & Pricing

Insurance

Spruce Cove Acupuncture is currently in-network with:

  • Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • VA Community Care (with an approved referral)

If you're using a participating insurance plan, I'm happy to verify your acupuncture benefits before your visit. For out-of-network plans, I can provide a superbill for possible reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so I also recommend contacting your insurance company to confirm your benefits.

Time of Service Rates

New Patient Visit (90 minutes): $225

Follow-up Visit (50 minutes): $150

Treatment recommendations are based on your individual needs. We'll discuss a plan together that supports your health goals while respecting your time and budget.

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Finding the Clinic

Spruce Cove Acupuncture is located on Mill Bay Road, in the front of the KVOK building. The clinic is the middle suite on the first floor, facing the road.

Please note that some GPS apps may direct you to the back of the building, which is a residential area. If that happens, simply drive around to the front of the building on Mill Bay Road.

When you arrive, the treatment room curtains may be closed. This usually means I'm finishing up with my previous patient. Because the clinic entrance opens directly into the treatment room, please wait until the curtains open before coming in. Many patients simply wait in their vehicle until it's time for their appointment. When it’s time for your appointment, I'll open the curtains to welcome you in.

If you have any trouble finding the clinic, feel free to call or text me.

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