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Acupuncture in Alexandria VA

our acupuncturist working on a patient's face

When pain is persistent, finding relief that lasts is what you want and need. Relief that’s natural and holistic is even better; you want a solution that doesn’t create unpleasant side effects.

Sometimes, it may take a combination of therapies to get great results. At Back to Health Center, we get it. We understand how a problem in one area of your body can affect another. Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Joanie Stewart, L.Ac, DOM, has the expert training to evaluate your health and well-being.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture works with the natural energy flowing through the body. When the energy flow is blocked, or disrupted, it affects the systems of your body. Organs and muscles don’t get the necessary flow of energy and nutrients, so they’re unable to properly function.

Using thin, hair-like needles, the doctor places them at specific points to stimulate the nervous system and release stress in the affected area. The body is now able to send signals to the muscles, spine, and brain, allowing the body’s natural healing abilities to kick in.

Benefits of Acupuncture

The results you’ll get from acupuncture depend on your unique situation. Some areas that can show improvement are

  • Better sleep
  • Fewer migraines and headaches
  • Improved immune health
  • Enhanced mood
  • Reduced lower back pain

Working Together

Chiropractic care and acupuncture both work to remove blockages in the nervous system, and relieve the stress that’s causing your problem. Using these therapies in conjunction enhances the benefit to the affected areas, reducing pain and encouraging better healing. Adjustments go deeper, and hold longer, after an acupuncture treatment.


Pain Management

Acupuncture works by stimulating acupuncture points located on the human body, to help increase blood and energy flow, relax muscles, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Acupuncture can help with a variety of painful conditions, including headaches, frozen shoulder, knee pain, hip problems, neck problems and back issues.

Acupuncture can also help to improve mood and emotional wellbeing, as it helps to reduce stress hormones in the body. By targeting specific areas of pain and discomfort, it can be a great way to manage chronic or acute pain, reducing the need for medication or surgery.


Breach Position

Acupuncture can be a powerful tool to support pregnancy and childbirth. It works by stimulating specific acupuncture points to help the baby move into the correct birth position, as well as encouraging proper energy flow throughout the body. The baby is encouraged to get into the correct position for childbirth, so that labor and delivery are smoother and less complicated for both mother and child. It can also reduce pain and stress during labor and delivery.


Labor Preparation

Acupuncture can assist women prepare for labor when they are approaching or are past their due date. Through focused, gentle needle placement, treatment may help encourage your body to produce the appropriate hormones to prepare for birth. The Acupuncturist will also use an herb called Moxa, which looks like incense, and is used to enhance the effect of the needles in helping your body to prepare for labor— but don’t worry, no one has ever gone into the labor on the table.


Cupping

In addition to needle work, we’re proud to offer patients gentle cupping sessions to help stimulate blood flow to areas that may be injured, tight, or congested. Cupping is a healing practice that involves placing small plastic cups on the skin, and using suction to create a vacuum within the cup. The resulting pressure helps to draw blood up to the surface of the skin, and can help relieve tension and congestion in tight muscle areas. It’s also believed to help stimulate the lymphatic system and promote detoxification. You may notice painless bruises after the session which will subside over the coming days.


Microneedling

Also known as “Collagen Induction Therapy”, microneedling helps to reduce wrinkles, tighten loose skin, lighten scars, or other surface issues. Microneedling, performed with a micro-pen device, uses very fine sterile needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process by producing new collagen and elastin, (the skin’s underlying building blocks) to help rejuvenate skin and improve problem areas. This can help reduce wrinkles or acne scars, as well as improve skin tone and texture–and even promote hair regrowth.


Cranio Sacral Therapy

We also offer Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST ™) to help with a variety of issues, including headaches, TMJ, and migraines. This gentle technique works by using light pressure on the head, neck and back in order to relieve tension and pain throughout the body. It can also be used to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, increase relaxation and general wellbeing.


MPS Microcurrent Point Stimulation / Dolphin Therapy

This advanced form of electro-acupuncture is designed to help relieve chronic and acute pain. It works by applying tiny electrical pulses through the skin at specific points to reduce inflammation, stimulate muscle and nerve tissue, and improve circulation. It is also highly effective in reducing scars.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a session last?

Our initial Acupuncture session lasts 60-90 minutes and involves a complete intake and treatment. Follow-up treatments last 45-60 minutes.

How will I feel after my session?

Most people experience various post-session feelings, which range from energized to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

How often will I need acupuncture?

There’s no right or wrong schedule for acupuncture. Some patients enjoy it weekly or monthly. We recommend listening to your body as to how often it may help you. We’ll also recommend a care plan once we know more about your goals.

Take the Next Step to Better Health

Acupuncture is a natural and holistic system of healing that, together with chiropractic care, can provide pain relief, increased function, and faster healing. When added to your care plan, you’ll feel better faster, and stay that way longer!
CONTACT US »

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Acupuncture Old Town Alexandria VA | (703) 683-7771