Frequently Asked Questions - Red Earth Clinic

Your Questions, Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about our unique approach to healing, what to expect on your journey to independence, and why our methods succeed where others haven't.

Understanding Our Approach

How is your approach different from regular acupuncture? +

Our approach is fundamentally different in both philosophy and practice. While most acupuncture clinics operate on a dependency model - keeping you coming weekly for years - we measure success by how quickly we can help you NOT need us anymore.

"He knows once I'm all better, I won't be coming back. That's what I love about David - he's not trying to keep me as a patient forever."

— S.T., Red Earth Patient

We practice Ancient Asian Medicine through preserved classical methods, not the simplified versions taught in most schools. This includes:

  • The Dr. Bear Method from Japan - truly painless, no needle insertion
  • Classical Chinese herbalism from original texts
  • A graduation model: 6-12 months to independence vs lifetime weekly visits

"It's not just a temporary patch. David fixes WHY it happens, not just the symptoms."

— K.R., Graduated Patient
What is your "independence model" I keep hearing about? +

The independence model is our commitment to graduating you from needing treatment. We believe healthcare should create healthy, independent people - not lifetime customers.

1

Phase 1: Stabilization (Weeks 1-8)

Weekly visits to calm your system and establish healing momentum

2

Phase 2: Building Independence (Months 3-6)

Bi-weekly to monthly visits as your body strengthens

3

Phase 3: Graduation (Month 6+)

As-needed care, typically quarterly check-ins

"I started with weekly visits. Now I come every 6-8 weeks, and soon it'll be even less frequent. That's the goal - to not need constant treatment."

— D.S., Phase 3 Patient
What credentials and training do your practitioners have? +

Our practitioners have exceptional training that goes far beyond standard certifications:

David Toone, L.Ac., DCCM(R), FICEAM(R):

  • Direct training in Japan with Master Iwashina (Dr. Bear) - one of only 2 foreign students accepted
  • Diplomate of Canonical Chinese Medicine(TM) from ICEAM
  • Fellow of the Institute of Classics in East Asian Medicine(R)
  • Classical Chinese herbalism through Tian/Zeng lineage
  • Masters in Oriental Medicine + Juris Doctor

"My grandfather in Japan was amazed when he learned about David. He said, 'You found someone from the same school I graduated from!' Even across the ocean, he recognized the authentic training."

— M.J., Three-Generation Patient Family

Dr. Amanda Davis: Gentle chiropractic through CranioSacral Therapy integration, providing structural healing with minimal force.

Treatment Process

Does acupuncture hurt? +

Not with our methods. The Dr. Bear Method we use is truly painless - the needles don't even pierce the skin. They rest gently on the surface, creating healing responses without any discomfort.

This Japanese technique is especially effective for:

  • Sensitive patients who've had bad experiences elsewhere
  • Children and elderly patients
  • Anyone with needle phobia
  • Complex cases requiring gentle approaches

Most patients report feeling deeply relaxed, often falling asleep during treatment. The gentle nature doesn't mean less effective - quite the opposite. The body responds better when it's not in defensive mode.

How many treatments will I need? +

Unlike traditional approaches requiring indefinite weekly visits, our patients typically need:

  • Total visits: 15-25 over 6-12 months
  • Compare to: 52+ visits per year elsewhere, continuing indefinitely
  • Your investment: Decreases over time as you gain independence

"In just 2 sessions, my body completely reset. I went from barely functioning to having energy again. Now I come every 3 weeks and the intervals keep extending."

— K.W., Rapid Response Patient

Some see dramatic changes quickly (like Kobie), while others need more gradual support. Complex cases may benefit from our Clinical Intensive Week for concentrated treatment. We'll give you an honest assessment at your evaluation.

"I was going to the doctor 9 times a year. Now it's down to 2, and those are just check-ups. The number of visits keeps decreasing, which is exactly the goal."

— C.C., 78% Reduction in Doctor Visits
What should I expect at my first visit? +

Your initial comprehensive evaluation (90-120 minutes) includes:

  1. Deep Health History: We listen to your whole story, not just symptoms
  2. Classical Diagnosis: Pulse reading, tongue analysis, palpation
  3. Pattern Identification: Finding root causes, not just treating symptoms
  4. First Treatment: Gentle introduction to our methods
  5. Custom Treatment Plan: Your roadmap to independence
  6. Herbal Consultation: If appropriate for your condition

You'll leave understanding exactly why you feel the way you do and how we'll help you heal. No mysterious "energy talk" - we explain everything in terms that make sense.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to arms and legs. Bring any recent lab work or imaging. Most importantly, bring hope - even if you've tried everything else.

Conditions We Treat

Do you treat complex or "hopeless" cases? +

Complex cases are actually our specialty. We regularly see patients who've been told "nothing more can be done" or "you'll have to live with this."

"For decades, my bilirubin was dangerously elevated. Doctors just watched and waited. One year with David, and it's finally coming down. I went from 12+ bathroom trips before 10am to normal. Now I hike 20+ miles."

— E.D., Decades-Long Issue Resolved

We offer Clinical Intensive Week specifically for complex cases - 5-7 days of concentrated treatment when you need breakthrough results. Patients travel from across the country for this program.

"They said autoimmune conditions are incurable. But my leg lesions are gone, my digestive issues resolved, and I'm back to full activity. It's worth the trip from Kansas City because this actually works."

— C.S., Multiple Autoimmune Conditions

If you've been told your condition is chronic, incurable, or "all in your head," you're exactly who we're here to help.

Can you help with autoimmune conditions? +

Yes. While Western medicine says autoimmune conditions are incurable and only manageable, Ancient Asian Medicine sees them differently - as patterns of imbalance that can be corrected.

We've helped patients with:

  • Graves' Disease
  • Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis symptoms
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

We don't suppress your immune system - we help it remember how to function properly. This means addressing root causes: gut health, systemic inflammation, stress patterns, and constitutional weaknesses.

Results vary, but many patients achieve remission or significant improvement. Even "incurable" doesn't mean "untreatable" in our system.

What about chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments? +

Chronic pain often persists because treatments only address where it hurts, not why it hurts. We look for root patterns - sometimes pain in your shoulder stems from your liver, or back pain connects to kidney function.

"The orthopedist said my son needed surgery where they'd break his leg and reset it. Through David's treatment addressing the actual cause, he avoided surgery completely. He's now active and pain-free."

— L.E., Mother

Our approach works for:

  • Failed back surgery syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Neuropathy
  • Migraines
  • Joint pain
  • Mystery pain with "normal" test results

The Dr. Bear Method is especially effective for pain because it calms the nervous system while addressing structural issues. Combined with herbs and gentle chiropractic, we create lasting change.

Practical Information

Do you accept insurance? +

We're out-of-network providers, which means we don't bill insurance directly. However, many patients get partial reimbursement through:

  • Out-of-network benefits (often 40-80% coverage)
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)

We provide detailed receipts with all necessary codes for reimbursement. Our staff can help you understand your benefits and maximize reimbursement.

Why we chose this model: Insurance typically covers indefinite "management" but not true healing. By staying independent, we can focus on graduating you to health, not keeping you dependent.

How much do treatments cost? +

Our investment reflects the level of expertise and the goal of permanent resolution:

  • Initial Evaluation: $240 (90-120 minutes)
  • Regular Treatments: $67-120 depending on complexity
  • Clinical Intensive Week: Custom pricing based on needs

Consider the total investment: 15-25 visits with us versus 52+ visits yearly elsewhere, continuing indefinitely. Our patients graduate to independence, saving thousands long-term.

We offer payment plans for Clinical Intensive Week and package options for those committing to their healing journey. The question isn't "can you afford treatment?" but "can you afford not to get better?"

How far in advance do I need to book? +

Our calendar typically books 2-4 weeks out for regular appointments, though we hold some slots for urgent cases. Clinical Intensive Week requires 4-6 weeks advance planning.

Best booking strategy:

  • Schedule your next visit before leaving
  • Book morning appointments if you need the "first patient" time
  • Tuesday-Thursday have most availability
  • Ask about our cancellation list for sooner openings

New patients: Call rather than email for fastest scheduling. We prioritize complex cases and those traveling from distance.

Still Have Questions?

Every healing journey is unique. If you don't see your question answered, we're here to help. Schedule a consultation or reach out directly.