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Invest in your long-term health and happiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about acupuncture, massage, or other services at our Virginia practice? Explore our FAQ to discover all you need to know about our offerings, appointments, and more. Get quick answers and valuable insights to guide you on your journey to enhanced health and wellness.

The frequency of acupuncture visits varies depending on your individual needs and condition. Many patients start with weekly or monthly sessions, and the duration can range from a few months to longer, depending on the complexity of the issue. Your practitioner will develop a personalized treatment plan and advise you on the optimal frequency based on your specific situation. While some patients experience immediate relief from certain symptoms, addressing the root causes may require ongoing treatments. Your practitioner will guide you on what to expect and how best to achieve your wellness goals.

How often will I need to come in for acupuncture before I see results?

Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas being treated. If necessary, your practitioner will guide you on how to adjust your clothing privately and will provide appropriate coverings for your comfort.

What should I wear for my acupuncture or massage treatment?

Acupuncture is a versatile treatment used to address a wide range of issues. It is particularly effective for chronic conditions, including pain management, stress relief, and digestive disorders. For complex cases, we recommend consulting with one of our acupuncturists to discuss how acupuncture and/or herbs might benefit you.

What can acupuncture be used to treat?

You don’t need to bring anything specific, but if you have any relevant bloodwork or test results, please bring them along. Before your in-clinic visit, you’ll complete some basic information and consent forms. We will also conduct a virtual Chinese medicine intake to tailor your treatment.

Should I bring anything with me to my appointment?

Yes, we do accept insurance for acupuncture. Please check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and benefits before your appointment.

Do you accept insurance for acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncture is a personalized treatment that can benefit many people. During your initial consultation, your acupuncturist will assess your health and discuss your goals to determine if acupuncture is a suitable option for you.

How do I know if acupuncture is right for me?

During your first visit, your acupuncturist will conduct a thorough assessment of your health history and current concerns. They will then develop a treatment plan and insert needles at specific points to address your needs.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture visit?

It is advisable to always inform your physician about any treatment that you are seeking and it is also very important to have a list of medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first consultation with your acupuncturist. Some physicians will also refer acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners to patients.

Should I consult with a physician?

Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. In addition, young children or those apprehensive of the use of acupuncture needles may be treated without needles using Asian bodywork and/or electrical probes. In addition, herbal formulas are usually prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments as well.

Can children be treated with acupuncture?

Herbal medicine, also known as Herbology is one of the primary modalities within the scope of Oriental medicine. Herbology includes treatment with substances such as plants, roots, minerals and more. Like acupuncture, Herbology has evolved as an integral part of Oriental medicine and is used to reharmonize imbalances in the body.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines herbal medicines to include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations. Formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be delicately composed for the purpose of achieving balance in each disharmonious state of being. Even small deviations in dosage or herb composition can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results.

Can you tell me more about herbal treatment?

Usually, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Each case and condition is treated individually. A consultation is required to determine requirements. Treatments can be between 45 to 90 minutes in length with the first consultation usually lasting longer. It is best to consult with an NCCAOM certified practitioner for more details about your specific treatment plan.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients have stated that there is little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Treatments are available without the use of needles through Asian Bodywork Therapy.

Does acupuncture treatment hurt?

Give the gift of better health with a VUIM Clinic gift card. Ideal for friends and loved ones, our gift cards can be used at our Vienna, Virginia location for any of our transformative services – including acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and herbal medicine. It’s a thoughtful gesture to support their journey towards optimal health and a more balanced life.

Give the Gift of Wellness: Unlock Healing

Meet The Team

The skilled team of acupuncturists, massage therapists, and holistic health experts at our Virginia practice seamlessly blends traditional medicine with modern care. Committed and insightful, we design rejuvenating treatments that balance, align, and energize your life, promoting overall wellness and vitality.

Yu Cheng

Yu Cheng

Dr. Yona Lee

Dr. Yona Lee

Dr. Lixing Lao

Dr. Lixing Lao

Dr. Haley Parker

Dr. Haley Parker

The Science Behind Acupuncture

Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve-rich areas. This stimulation enhances blood flow, activates the body's natural painkillers, and promotes the release of endorphins, leading to improved physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture needles target nerve-rich areas, triggering responses in the nervous system. This activation can help modulate pain signals, reduce inflammation, and improve overall nerve function.

The insertion of needles at specific points increases local blood circulation. This boost in blood flow brings essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues, aiding in healing and reducing muscle tension.

Acupuncture activates the central nervous and immune systems, triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. These endorphins not only help alleviate pain but also promote a sense of relaxation and well-being, reducing stress and anxiety.

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At our Virginia clinic, acupuncture practitioners apply time-honored principles of Chinese medicine to address a range of conditions, from pain and stress to fertility support. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture helps restore balance and stimulate your body’s natural healing processes, supporting your journey to optimal well-being.

Acupuncture

Virginia

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Improved Sleep Quality

Acupuncture can help treat insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. The practice is thought to increase the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. By addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, stress, and chronic pain, acupuncture can help promote deeper, more restorative sleep.

Enhanced Immune Function

Regular acupuncture sessions can help strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and illnesses. Acupuncture is believed to boost the immune system by stimulating the body's natural healing processes and promoting the production of immune cells. This can be particularly beneficial during cold and flu season or for individuals with weakened immune systems.

Stress Reduction

One of the most common uses of acupuncture is to reduce stress. By balancing the body's energy (known as Qi), acupuncture can help lower stress hormones and moderate mood to reduce anxiety and improve overall feelings of happiness. It is often used to address the physical symptoms associated with stress, such as muscle tension and headaches.

Pain Relief

Acupuncture is widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving various types of pain. This includes chronic pain such as back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and headaches. The practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which is believed to stimulate the nervous system, releasing endorphins and other natural painkillers, and improving blood flow to the area.

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