State suspends license of Bellingham acupuncturist accused of sex crimes
A Bellingham acupuncturist is under investigation by police for alleged sex crimes committed against a patient, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The state suspended the license of Timothy Baglio, owner of Birchwood Acupuncture and Bellingham Chinese Herbs, in September. The department said that between September 2024 and March 2025, Baglio allegedly made sexual comments to a patient and engaged in sexual misconduct.
An amended statement of charges issued in October included allegations from a second patient, who reported that Baglio sexually assaulted them “under the premise of providing ‘internal massaging.’”
The charges also included text messages that Baglio sent to the second patient in February asking them not to report him, apologizing and saying that he loved them.
“Please give me a chance to make things right with you, and please don’t report me, please,” he wrote in one text.
In suspending Baglio’s license, the presiding officer for the secretary of health said that “under the weight of these allegations, an unrestricted acupuncture license constitutes an immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare.”
Baglio’s license expired shortly after it was suspended.
Health care providers charged with unprofessional conduct have 20 days to respond to the Department of Health in writing. The case then enters the settlement process. If no disciplinary agreement can be reached, the case will go to a hearing.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 11:23 AM.