Acupuncture in Alexandria, VA

Acupuncture

Acupuncture in Alexandria, VA With Joanie Stewart, L.Ac., DOM Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 4000 year old branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM) used to relieve acute and chronic pain, promote natural healing, and maintain optimum health. It involves hair-fine needles inserted into specific Acupuncture points along energy channels in the body, called meridians.

How does Acupuncture work?

According to TCM, disease, pain, anxiety, infertility, and many other conditions are caused by an imbalance of energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Acupuncture helps to restore and maintain the balance of Qi on a physical, mental and emotional level.

Modern scientific theory behind Acupuncture's effectiveness is that the needles stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain, which may influence the body's own regulatory system.

Both East and West agree that the improved energy and biochemical balance produced by Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

How is Medical Acupuncture different from conventional Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

Who is qualified to practice Acupuncture?

The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) sets strict qualification standards for the more than 25,000 Acupuncturists practicing in the United States. In addition, each state has its own requirements for licensure. The Back to Health Center is proud to have Joanie Stewart, a Nationally Board Certified and Virginia State Licensed Acupuncturist, providing excellent care to patients in the Alexandria and greater DC area. For more information visit Our Staff and/or www.joaniestewart.com

What can Acupuncture treat?

While Acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner such as Dr. Joanie, it has much broader applications, either by itself or as an adjunct to other medical treatment forms.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of Acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, reflux, IBS, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, allergies
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck pain, neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
Addiction – smoking cessation

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Joanie also offers Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation (sometimes called an “Acupuncture Facelift”) using the finest gauge needles available. Call for details.

How many treatments will I need?

While treatment will vary from person to person, for complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, fewer visits are usually required.

Are there any side effects?

Usually there are minimal or no side effects to Acupuncture. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. It is quite common to experience a sense of deep relaxation during treatment.

Do the needles hurt? What are treatments like?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, and most people feel only minimal sensation or pressure as the needles are inserted. There is little or no risk of infection, as all needles are sterilized, used only once and then disposed of in a medical Sharps container.

Treatments take place on a heated massage table, with soft lighting and relaxing music. Patients are fully clothed (or discreetly draped when necessary). Treatments last about 45 minutes to an hour.

Do I have to "believe" in Acupuncture for it to work ?

No. In fact, Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals.

As with any medical treatment, a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce its effects. But a neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this") will not hinder your treatment. In the past 4,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with Acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined.