Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC., Acupuncturist
We verify the medical license of each FindaTopDoc Verified Doctor to ensure that their license is active and they are in good medical standing.

Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC.

Acupuncturist

2450 SE Belmont Ave Portland OR, 97214
Write A Review

About

Alfred Thieme is an acupuncturist practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. Thieme evaluates and treats patients based on the concepts of oriental medicine. Acupuncturists complete their evaluations by getting a patient history and looking at and touching the body. Then, they place very fine acupuncture needles into specific points on the body. Stimulating these points and nerves is how Dr. Thieme treats the patients condition. Many of the bodys systems respond to acupuncture, and it can treat physical pain as well as emotional stress.

Education and Training

Oregon College of Oriental Medicine MAOM 2007

University of Virginia MSEE 1993

Board Certification

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish
Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC.
Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC.'s Expert Contributions
  • When can I fly after acupuncture treatment?

    Hello, It would depend on what your flight itinerary indicates. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE Alfred Thieme, LAc Alchemy Functional Medicine alchemy-medicine.com 503-481-0283 READ MORE

  • Is acupuncture good for gastritis?

    Yes. The Asian medicine system treats all different types of diseases more effectively than biomedicine or Western medicine. Acupuncture is one part of the medical system. Herbal formulas made for you specifically may be necessary to bring you back=20 into balance. Also your history of antibiotic usage may play a part, and other remedies would be used to heal your gut and restore your flora. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE Alfred Thieme, LAc Alchemy Functional Medicine alchemy-medicine.com 503-481-0283 READ MORE

  • Is acupuncture good for hip pain?

    Yes. READ MORE

  • Is acupuncture good for sleep apnea?

    Hello, It depends on the cause of sleep apnea. If it is related to structural issues in the face and sinuses, then no. If it is related to phlegm in the sinuses or other constitutional issues, then yes, the Medical System from Asia or Chinese Medicine diagnosis would determine which treatment to provide through herbal medicine and acupuncture point treatment. For this condition, you will need an herbal formula in addition to acupuncture or either just the herbal formula and not acupuncture. READ MORE

  • How often should you do acupuncture for weight loss?

    There are good herbal formulas from trained holistic medical providers that should be specialized for the patient. It is best to also first treat the liver with biotherapeutic drainage as part of a weight loss protocol, as the liver is very much involved with the way that insulin is utilized in the body. Acupuncture alone would not be sufficient to deal with weight loss. READ MORE

  • How long does acupuncture take to work for sciatica?

    Hello, it depends on the patient and many other factors. If you are seeing an acupuncturist currently I would direct the question to your provider. READ MORE

  • Does acupuncture work for neck pain?

    Yes certainly. It works for all medical conditions as it is part of a whole intact diagnosis system. READ MORE

  • What pressure points get rid of headaches?

    Acupuncture is much more effective than pressure points for headaches. I would suggest that you schedule an appointment with your local acupuncturist. Be well. READ MORE

  • Is acupuncture good for swollen knees?

    Yes, as well as topical plasters. You may email alchemyfuncmed@gmail.com and our clinic can send you information about our specialized topical herbal plasters to resolve your condition. And possibly a referral to a skilled provider in your area. Be well, Alchemy Functional Medicine READ MORE

  • Can acupuncture help kidneys?

    Yes, acupuncture can benefit the kidneys immensely, and additionally the Prescription Herbal Formula that your Chinese Medicine Doctor can tailor specifically for you can be even more beneficial for the patient, as the patient can take the formula each day. Many times patients can only afford to come in 1 to 2 times a week for acupuncture, but they can take their Herbal Formula 3 times per day, hence getting a more regular therapeutic effect. In Asia, patients would come in 4 to 5 times per week for acupuncture, but in the US due to cost, lack of understanding of the patient, poor or inadequate insurance coverage, and work schedule interference with seeking appropriate regular care. The acupuncture points have very specific biochemical effects on the organs or viscera like the Liver, Kidney, Heart, Lungs, Spleen, etc. I am available for video telemedicine appointments and I can complete a diagnosis for you based upon ALL your symptoms, and then send you Prescription Herbal Formula. Contact me either by text, email, or phone and I can schedule you on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. I can also help you find a highly skilled Chinese Medicine Doctor in your area that can do the acupuncture treatments on you in conjunction with my Formulas. I have over 15 years of experience in Chinese Medicine. Be well. READ MORE

  • Can acupressure help with thyroid problems?

    No. You would need other remedies for thyroid issues such as acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional support. Generally speaking, acupressure is MUCH less effective than acupuncture since the biochemical reactions occur when the needles penetrate the skin. The needles are tiny and can almost not be felt at all. Americans in general tend to have an irrational fear of acupuncture needles due to the HUGE (100X larger and hollow) needles that are used in Western medicine for blood draws and injections. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • Can acupuncture help with knee problems?

    Yes definitely. READ MORE

  • Can acupuncture help with stomach issues?

    Yes, acupuncture is part of a holistic medical system. Acupuncture points exist on lines or channels on the surface of the body that correspond to different organ systems such as the stomach or the lungs for instance. The insertion of a thin acupuncture needle into the skin triggers the body to initiate biochemical reactions in that organ. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • What pressure point relieves shoulder pain?

    You will get more relief by receiving acupuncture from a practitioner than by self-prescribing acupressure. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • How long does acupressure take to work?

    I would forgo acupressure for acupuncture. Acupuncture is a much more effective treatment by far. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • How does acupuncture stop pain?

    Scientific Explanation of Acupuncture: Neurologic Aspects of Acupuncture for Pain: Chronic pain is a neuropathic problem, not a structural problem. Chronic pain exists due to a problem in the patient's nervous system. A delta nerve fibers are responsible for sharp burning pain. C nerve fibers are responsible for dull pain. In order to feel pain, 2 nerves are involved, the sensory pain nerves (nociceptor fibers: the A delta and C nerve fibers) and the proprioceptive. The sensory pain nerves send signals to L5, then up the spine, track of Lissaur, the same type of nociceptor nerve). So, there is a nerve signal to the midbrain to tell the brain to register the pain. Proprioceptive fibers are also firing continuously at the affected area. 20 m/second is how fast this conduction all this nerve travels. This signal travels up the spine to the midbrain, which tells the brain the location of the pain. To feel pain, signals from both the nociceptor and proprioceptor nerves are required. As a result of the signals from these nerves, the midbrain then releases endorphins, enkaphlins, and other pain-modulating substances to fill the pain receptor sites along the spine and at the location of the patient's pain. So, pain relief occurs as the nerve cannot signal the brain anymore to tell it it has pain because the pain receptors are filled with the enkaphlins and other pain-modulating substances. Patients with chronic pain have weak neurological proprioceptive signals. The midbrain is not receiving a strong proprioceptive signal. How do Acupuncture Needles function when they are placed distally to the site of pain?: The Distal acupuncture needles increase and stimulate the proprioceptive signal to the midbrain. By increasing the signal strength over a certain threshold level, acupuncture encourages the midbrain to instantly release the body's internal pain relieving substances. When the patients return home, within a few hours, the signals become weak again. The next day, the signal should be stimulated again with acupuncture. The acupuncture continues stimulating the nerve signals above the threshold level until the body "remembers" and reestablishes the normal threshold to signal the brain. There exists a relationship between the distal location of the needles and the location of the pain that is necessary to stimulate the nerve signals. Neurological Explanation of Acupuncture for Local needles: Mast cells located in the tissue, often found sequestered with fine blood vessels and intimately associated with nerve endings at the needle insertion site, are the primary proinflammatory agents that respond to tissue damage. (Kendall, 2002) When the acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, it bumps against mast cells, and they burst and release leukotrins (much stronger that histamines) and prostaglandins causes the sensory and proprioceptive nerves to fire. Leukotrins are powerful anti-inflammatory substances in the body that encourage vasodilation, and stimulate white blood cells (WBC) to assist with the inflammation. With local insertion of acupuncture needles, the healing of the injury occurs directly where the needles are placed. This process creates micro-inflammation at the site of the injury (site of the older inflammation from the brain's perspective), and the micro-inflammation encourages healing in the local area due to the release of chemicals, and stimulation of the immune system. How does acupuncture stimulate increased blood flow to the affected area?: The brain vasoconstricts the area where pain exists. Why? Because the brain makes the assumption that the injury needles to be isolated to assist with the healing for a variety of reasons. So, the brain reduces the supply of blood to that area in order to prevent it from spreading it to the other areas. So, in order to protect other parts of the body, generally speaking, it causes vasoconstriction. Until the pain is stopped, the brain typically will not vasodilate the area. So, we need to stop the pain first in order for the healing to begin. READ MORE

  • Does acupuncture help diabetic neuropathy?

    Yes, acupuncture can help with the maintenance and reduction of pain syndromes related to diabetic neuropathy. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • What are the pressure points to relieve migraines?

    Pressure points are not really effective at treating migraines. Acupuncture is much more effective both in the early stage of migraines to diminish symptoms, and then also to resolve the overall diagnosis for the individual patient. Additionally, most cases require a specific herbal formula based upon the diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Al Thieme, LAc, MAOM, MSEE READ MORE

  • Can you get acupuncture while sick?

    Yes, you may. READ MORE

  • How many acupuncture treatments are needed for sciatica?

    8 to 12 visits should be sufficient in most case unless there is a herniated disc. If there is a herniated discs then there are other topical plasters that are available for healing the disc without surgery. Thank you! READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Acupuncture; Traditional Herbal Formulas; Structural Adjustment

Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC.'s Practice location

Alfred Thieme III

2450 SE Belmont Ave -
Portland, OR 97214
Get Direction
New patients: 503-481-0283

1417 SE 34TH AVE -
PORTLAND, OR 97214
Get Direction
New patients: 503-481-0283
Fax: 503-536-6590

Mr. Alfred Thieme L.AC., DIPL. AC.'s reviews

(0)
Write Review

Recommended Articles

  • What Is Nighttime Back Pain?

    What Is Nighttime Back Pain?Nighttime back pain is a more painful and irritating type of back pain, unlike other types back pain that disappears after some posture adjustment. The nighttime back pain is more persistent, even present during the night. It is also known as nocturnal back pain....

  • How to Use Acupuncture to Treat IBS

    Irritable bowel syndrome is also referred to as mucous colitis or spastic colon. It’s labeled a syndrome since it involves multiple symptoms that vary from each person who is affected. It’s a mobility disorder of the large and small intestines. IBS-related symptoms include constipation,...

  • Acupuncture for Weight Loss

    Weight control is a multi-faceted problem and a functional program that involves stress reduction, diet, and exercise techniques. Chinese acupuncture and exercises for better digestion are also helpful means in the struggle with weight loss.Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that...

  • Alternative Treatments for Liver Cancer

    Alternative treatments for liver cancer refer to alternative medical procedures rather than the conventional and allopathic medications used to treat liver cancer. They include herbs, traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy among others. The alternative treatments require a certification and...

  • Acupuncture for Migraines

    Traditional Chinese medicines have an effective framework for pathophysiology, headache etiology, diagnosis or prognosis, and treatment. Acupuncture has always been used to treat migraines and the greatest benefit is that it doesn’t cause any harm. Unlike synthetic medications, acupuncture poses...

  • How to Prepare for Acupuncture

    There are no special or specific preparations before undergoing an acupuncture treatment. However, if you are thinking about having an acupuncture, there are some things you might want to consider first before going through it. You can start by:...

Nearby Providers

See all nearby providers

Nearest Hospitals

LEGACY EMANUEL MEDICAL CENTERl

2801 N GANTENBEIN AVENUE PORTLAND OR 97227

2452 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Head east on SE Belmont St toward SE 25th Ave
305 ft
Turn left onto SE 26th Ave
190 ft
Turn left onto SE Morrison StPass by KeyBank (on the left in 0.9 mi)
1.0 mi
Continue straight to stay on SE Morrison St
253 ft
Continue onto SE Morrison Bridge
0.2 mi
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Interstate 5 N/Seattle and merge onto I-5 N
1.1 mi
Take exit 302A for Weidler Street toward Rose Quarter/Broadway
0.1 mi
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for NE Victoria Ave
112 ft
Continue straight onto NE Victoria Ave
266 ft
Turn left onto NE Broadway St
266 ft
Turn right onto N Williams Ave
102 ft
Keep right to stay on N Williams Ave
0.5 mi
Keep right to stay on N Williams Ave
0.1 mi
Turn left onto N Stanton StDestination will be on the right
0.2 mi
282-298 N Stanton St, Portland, OR 97227, USA

3.4 miSee direction

PROVIDENCE PORTLAND MEDICAL CENTERl

4805 NE GLISAN STREET PORTLAND OR 97213

2452 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Head east on SE Belmont St toward SE 25th Ave
0.8 mi
Turn left onto NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd/SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd
0.7 mi
At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto NE Glisan St
0.5 mi
Turn left onto NE 49th Ave
151 ft
Turn right
207 ft
Gilsan Street Parking Garage, Portland, OR 97213, USA

2.1 miSee direction

SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN-PORTLANDl

3101 SW SAM JACKSON PARK ROAD PORTLAND OR 97239

2452 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214, USA
Head east on SE Belmont St toward SE 25th Ave
305 ft
Turn left onto SE 26th Ave
190 ft
Turn left onto SE Morrison StPass by KeyBank (on the left in 0.9 mi)
1.0 mi
Continue straight to stay on SE Morrison St
253 ft
Continue onto SE Morrison Bridge
0.2 mi
Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Interstate 5 N/Seattle and merge onto I-5 N
1.7 mi
Take exit 302B for US-30 W toward I-405 W/St Helens
0.6 mi
Continue onto I-405 S/US-30 W
0.5 mi
Keep left to continue on I-405 S, follow signs for US-26 W/Glisan St/Everett St/City Center/Beaverton
1.8 mi
Take exit 1C for U.S. 26 E toward 6th Avenue/Ross Is. Bridge
0.2 mi
Continue straight onto US-26 W/SW Broadway
453 ft
Turn right onto SW 6th Ave
0.1 mi
Continue onto SW Terwilliger Blvd
0.3 mi
Continue straight onto SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
0.7 mi
Turn rightDestination will be on the right
279 ft
3153 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97201, USA

7.4 miSee direction

LEGACY EMANUEL MEDICAL CENTERl

2801 N GANTENBEIN AVENUE PORTLAND OR 97227

Head north on Southeast 34th Avenue 1408 ft
Turn left onto Southeast Belmont Street 2866 ft
Continue left onto Southeast Morrison Street 5275 ft
Continue straight onto Morrison Bridge 1060 ft
Take the ramp on the right 1801 ft
Merge left onto Eastbank Freeway (I 5) 3747 ft
Take the ramp on the right towards Broadway-Weidler Street 745 ft
Keep straight at the fork onto Northeast Victoria Avenue 910 ft
Turn left onto Northeast Hancock Street 264 ft
Turn right onto North Williams Avenue 2116 ft
Keep left at the fork onto North Williams Avenue 541 ft
Turn left onto North Stanton Street 716 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the left

4.1 miSee direction

PROVIDENCE PORTLAND MEDICAL CENTERl

4805 NE GLISAN STREET PORTLAND OR 97213

Head north on Southeast 34th Avenue 2449 ft
Turn right onto Southeast Stark Street 1661 ft
Turn left onto Southeast César E. Chávez Boulevard 1546 ft
Continue straight onto Northeast César E. Chávez Boulevard 1000 ft
Enter Coe Circle and take the 1st exit onto Northeast Glisan Street 2557 ft
Turn left onto Northeast 49th Avenue 314 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the left

1.8 miSee direction

SHRINERS HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN-PORTLANDl

3101 SW SAM JACKSON PARK ROAD PORTLAND OR 97239

Head south on Southeast 34th Avenue 2318 ft
Turn right onto Southeast Sherman Street 1319 ft
Turn left onto Southeast 30th Avenue 990 ft
Turn right onto Southeast Clinton Street 1169 ft
Continue onto Southeast Clinton Street 867 ft
At the roundabout continue straight onto Southeast Clinton Street 823 ft
Turn left onto Southeast 20th Avenue 1376 ft
Turn right onto Southeast Powell Boulevard (US 26) 3871 ft
Continue straight onto Southwest Ross Island Bridge (US 26) 3584 ft
Keep right at the fork onto US 26 3232 ft
Make a slight left onto Southwest Caruthers Street 552 ft
Turn left onto Southwest 6th Avenue 260 ft
Continue straight onto Southwest Terwilliger Boulevard 1333 ft
Go straight onto Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road 3619 ft
Turn right 282 ft
You have arrived at your destination, on the right

4.8 miSee direction