Does acupuncture hurt?

Most of my clients respond to a needle insertion with something like "gee, did you do it already?"  I use extremely thin needles (yes, they are sterile, single-use needles), insert them superficially, and do not do electro-acupuncture, so, no, it does not hurt.  If there is any discomfort it lasts for only a second or two.  There are many different styles of acupuncture and some practitioners use a stronger needle technique or thicker needles.  You may read or hear that acupuncture can feel like a bee sting.  I promise, that is not what my clients would say!

What conditions can be treated by acupuncture?

I've successfully treated clients with a wide variety of ailments -- migraines, chronic headaches, back pain, sciatica, infertility, hot flashes, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, IBS, colitis, morning sickness, reflux, hair loss, chronic fatigue, depression, fibromyalgia, neck pain, insomnia, stress, amenorrhrea, and many, many other conditions.  Traditionally, acupuncture is a preventative treatment, used to help an individual move smoothly and healthily through life so that illness does not occur.  Many of my clients sought treatment for a particular symptom but continue to come long after it is gone because they feel so much better when they do.

What is a visit to your office like?

I schedule a full hour for client visits.  (Actually, the first time you come I schedule two hours!)  The first part of your treatment, we'll sit down and talk.  I'll find out what brings you for treatment and take a complete health history.  Once that is done you'll lie on the treatment table while I take your pulses, look at your tongue, and do a few other non-invasive examination techniques.  When I have formulated a treatment plan I'll insert the needles, usually about six, and then give you time to rest.  Many people fall asleep or feel very relaxed while the needles are in.  After about fifteen minutes I'll remove the needles and take your pulses again.  Often I might need to quickly treat another few points.

How many treatments will I need?

Generally, I recommend that clients plan to come weekly for at least six weeks.  Once we have received a good response I recommend tapering treatments -- coming once every two weeks a few times, then going to once a month, and so on.  This is a general guideline and varies from person to person.  An acute, recent condition is likely to need fewer acupuncture treatments to resolve than a chronic illness which has been present for years.  Some conditions can greatly benefit from treatments twice a week for limited periods of time.  Your lifestyle -- nutrition, rest, amount of exercise, amount of stress, etc. will also have an impact on how quickly your system returns to and maintains healthy function.  Many clients chose to receive acupuncture every season, even when they are symptom free, to help maintain good health.

How much does it cost?

It is very important to me that acupuncture be available to those who need and want it, and that clients are able to get treatments as frequently as needed.  In order to facilitate that I currently offer a sliding scale.  My scale is $45.00 to $95.00.  ($100.00 to $200.00 for the initial visit.)  Please contact me if you have any questions about the sliding scale.  Because I believe that my clients and I should be in control of the treatment plan I am not a preferred provider with any insurance company.  Many of my clients are able to receive some reimbursement for my services.

Serving Northern Virginia