Contact me today
to begin your journey to wellness!
703-867-0190
FAQs
Acupuncture is a system of medicine that takes into account the marvelous complexity and uniqueness of each person.
It is based on the concept that as human beings, we are microcosms of the natural world. What happens outside in Nature also happens inside of us.
It is based on the concept that as human beings, we are microcosms of the natural world. What happens outside in Nature also happens inside of us.
Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Clients seek treatment for many reasons: to relieve pain in any area of the body. Headaches, back, leg, and knee pain are the most frequent kinds of pain I treat. Also clients seek treatment for women's health issues regarding menstruation, pregnancy, fertility, and menopausal symptoms. For more reasons, please see the page on this website entitled Conditions Treated.
Is acupuncture treatment covered by insurance?
An increasing number of companies pay for acupuncture treatments. You should consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. I don't accept insurance directly. I give you a receipt when you pay me that you can submit to your insurance company. It has all the information on it that they will need to reimburse you.
Do the acupuncture needles hurt when they are inserted?
The needles I use are more like wire filaments. They are very small, about the width of two human hairs. When they are inserted, you will feel a little pin prick, but then the sensation goes away. The needles don't usually continue to hurt during the whole treatment. If they do, you should tell me, and I'll remove them. Some areas are more sensitive than others, like fingers and toes, just because there is less padding there.
Are the needles safe?
Yes! I use only sterile, disposable needles. They are used only once and then discarded. Before I insert a needle, I swab the area with alcohol.
What other ways can I be treated instead of with needles?
Besides using needles, I can treat you with low-level Lasers, Microlight Electro-Acupuncture Therapy (MEA), and Electro Light Therapy (ELR). See the category called Treatment Needles or Not for more specific information on these therapies.
How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
Well, that depends on why you are coming and also your general state of health. Generally, for pain issues, sleep, anxiety, depression, those general kinds of issues-- you should plan on 6 to 8 treatments to be able to tell if acupuncture is serving you. It doesn't mean that you will be completely free of the issues, although sometimes you will be and even earlier. But you will be able to tell if it is helping you.
For fertility issues, it depends on the specific issues you're dealing with.
Regardless of the reason you are coming, please feel free to call me to discuss your individual concerns and a potential plan of treatment for you.
For fertility issues, it depends on the specific issues you're dealing with.
Regardless of the reason you are coming, please feel free to call me to discuss your individual concerns and a potential plan of treatment for you.
How do I get the most out of each treatment?
You should always have had something to eat during the day of your treatment. Don't come on an empty stomach. Avoid caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, and sodas) as well as alcohol on the day of treatment--at least the first 4 so I get to know your energy without these substances. You should avoid very intense physical activity before and directly after your first three treatments.
How does acupuncture work?
This highly effective system of care is based on natural laws that govern the movement of vital life-giving energy, called "chi" or "qi" in Chinese. This energy moves through the body in precise channels (sometimes called pathways or meridians) that support the various functions of the person's body, mind, and spirit. When the energy is not moving smoothing and a part of the person isn't getting exactly what it needs, symptoms may occur. The gentle insertion of thin needles at specific points (acupoints) along the channels of energy help to signal the body to move the energy in a certain way i.e., either to increase the energy to where it is needed or to decrease it if there is too much in a particular place. In this way, the energy becomes balanced. All the organ and systems of the body work as they are supposed to when they have the right amount of energy. In the presence of this subtle, yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and clients feel better.
If you have more questions and want to make an appointment, please contact me, Joanne, by phone, 703-867-0190, or use the Contact Form below.