What happens in an Acupuncture Treatment?
Your first visit is for you to come to understand the process, and for your acupuncture physician to understand you and learn how you respond to the needles and treatment.
After we chat and thoroughly discuss your medical and symptom history, we will get to the treatment. Subsequent visits will be all about the treatment. We will check in, and then you’ll spend the majority of your session time in treatment on the cozy, comfy treatment table resting.
Treatment begins with consultation!
*We will look at your tongue, which is a wonderful microcosmic display of what is happening within your entire body. It’s the only internal organ we can look at without cutting you open, it tells us a lot about the conditions inside your body.
*We’ll “listen” to your pulses on each wrist. We analyze pulse rate, size, depth, and shape of the vessel in 6 spots, which gives information about how best to treat your body.
Finally, we move to the insertion of the threadlike, filiform needles into the special healing constellation, designed for your unique presentation and Self. You’ll rest for 20-30 minutes while the needles do their work!
The duration of the effect increases with the number of serial treatments provided, so a treatment plan will be discussed and we’ll move forward together toward your healthier, brighter future.
How Should I Arrive?
We are located in Herndon, VA about .5 mi. from Reston Town Center, on our private drive in Sugar Oak Retreat, 485 B. The Acupuncture clinic is on the the second floor, about 15 steps. **With advance notice Special accommodation may be able to be made if stairs aren’t accessible to you.**
Regardless of your chief complaint, please arrive in comfortable clothes that will give your physician access to your legs above your knees, your belly, and arms.
We will provide treatment to areas we can reach, so if you’re coming directly from work please bring a good set of “acupuncture clothes,” like a long stretchy skirt or shorts, or flowing, stretchy pants.
* Your tongue should be unbrushed when you arrive, too! The appearance of the coating of your tongue tells us a LOT about what’s going on inside your body; you do not need to brush it and will receive much better diagnostics if you abstain.
*Please arrive having eaten with in the last 4 hours, ideally uncaffeinated.
How does it work?
Acupuncture is an entire system of medicine that is clinically proven to be effective for myriad physical and mental health conditions and patterns. We’ve spent a lot of time with modern research, investigating questions like: Is it based on nerves? Is it the fascia? Is it stimulation of neurotransmitters? Is it from the resultant increased blood flow?
Yes. It is all of those things.
Acupuncture is time tested (through thousands of years of study and observational science, we know how to affect the body and Being with this medicine, delivered in the form of our thread-like filiform needles.
Treatment Frequency
If my neck doesn’t hurt and I’m not sad or having digestive issues, why would I get acupuncture?
People who receive regular acupuncture tend not to develop internal problems and stave off inflammation, resolve pain, and curb chronic systemic disorders. Folks tend to get healthy and stay healthy with holistic care and a wellness-oriented lifestyle. Benefits of anything we do are cumulative, right? From chiropractic care (3X/week for the initial 4-8 weeks), to physical therapy or going to the gym to get fit or eating well to stay healthy and nourished or getting regular good sleep… It is also true of acupuncture. And studies back this up. The more you do up front the more robust, long-lasting and profound the results are
Channels?
Acupuncture is an adaptive form of medicine: acupuncture helps the body adapt to and cope with any kind of stress it encounters including physical, psychological, emotional stress.
There are 66 “channels” in the body that we use in acupuncture:
- 12 channel called the sinew channels that are used for injury and musculoskeletal problems
- 12 channels called the divergent channels that are used for treat chronic, degenerative disease, like arthritis and vision issues
- 8 channels that treat issues that arose in childhood or are inherited
- 16 channels that treat emotional disturbances
- 12 channels which are used for cultivating the 24/7 operation of the organs
If you are a person who has no complaints, acupuncture can still be of tremendous use to you. The treatment of those 12 primary channels ensures smooth function of those organs, keeping pathology away and ensuring the healthy flow of energy through them.
Insurance Coverage
We participate with BCBS insurance directly and many of our patients successfully receive reimbursement by submitting the “superbill” we can supply—a detailed invoice with the necessary insurance codes—directly to their provider.
To find out what your insurance may cover, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following:
- Do I have out-of-network coverage for acupuncture, physical therapy, or nutrition services?
- What percentage of each visit is covered?
- Is there a limit to the number of visits covered per year?
- Do I need to meet an out-of-network deductible first?
- What specific diagnoses are covered?
- What is the process for submitting superbills?
We also recommend using your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) debit cards for our services. These pre-tax accounts are a fantastic way to help offset the out-of-pocket costs for your health care.
Download our handy insurance guide for any and all questions about getting payment assistance or having your treatments completely covered by insurance!
Needles? Ack!
Acupuncture needles are flexible, can be thinner than a strand of hair and are often inserted painlessly. We aim for a sensation of warmth, pressure, aliveness, and maybe a twinge or muscle twitch, but that’s usually it.
Each of the sensations we’re after are positive signs that your body is receptive to the therapy and that change is afoot.
Check out our videos to see just how flimsy and gentle these powerfully effective tools of the trade really are. Most patients don’t feel a thing until the endorphins kick in, and then it’s ahhhhh, needle nap time.
The Experience
Many patients share experiences of emerging from sessions feeling “needle drunk,” a term we affectionately use to describe the profound relaxation and disconnection from immediate worries that acupuncture can induce. Despite typical sessions lasting around 20 minutes, the depth of relaxation can make it feel as though hours have passed. This “time distortion” is a testament to the deep state of relaxation and meditative calm that acupuncture facilitates.”
Other Modalities:
for needle shy patients there a many modalities within the scope of Acupuncture Medicine that may be incorporated into your session as supplementation to, or if need be, replacement of needle therapy. These modalities can include:
cupping, electroacupuncture (E-Stim), manual therapy, gua sha, LED light therapy, moxibustion (moxa), Reiki (a beautiful complement to acupuncture)
Facial Rejuvenation: Collagen Induction Microneedling
What is Microneedling Collagen Induction Therapy?
Microneedling, also known as percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a medical-grade micro needling device with fine needles to create tiny channels into your skin. These controlled micro-injuries activate your body’s natural repair process, stimulating collagen and elastin production- both essential for firm and youthful skin.
How Does Microneedling Work?
Think of microneedling as a sophisticated treatment for skin renewal. First, your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and a numbing cream is applied to ensure comfort. The medical-grade microneedling device then creates precise micro-punctures or “channels”. This process kickstarts your skin’s healing and remodeling response, enhancing collagen and elastin production. The result is improved skin texture, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and minimized appearance of scars and hyperpigmentation.
Scientific Evidence:
Numerous studies back the efficacy of microneedling in skin remodeling and damage correction. Research published in the “Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology” found significant improvements in skin texture, wrinkles, and scars following microneedling treatments. Another study in the “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” highlighted microneedling’s effectiveness in treating acne scars and inducing collagen production.
Benefits of Microneedling:
- Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
- Enhances skin texture and tone
- Reduces acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Improves the absorption of skincare products
- Increases collagen and elastin production
- Suitable for various skin types and concerns
Cost of Microneedling:
Microneedling is more than a treatment; it’s an investment in the long-term health and beauty of your skin. Typically, prices range from $300 to $500 per session, depending on the provider and the scope of the treatment, which may include serum infusions, LED light therapy, and home care kits. For optimal results, we recommend a series of treatments tailored to your age. For example, if you’re 50 years old, a series of five treatments would be the typical recommended treatments. Significant improvements are usually observed around the third or fourth treatment, with sessions spaced 28 to 30 days apart to allow for optimal collagen production and skin recovery.
But why wait for your next session to see results? To supercharge your skin’s transformation, consider incorporating our rejuvenating nanofacials (microchanneling) into your treatment plan. These can be done every two weeks between your microneedling sessions to enhance both turnaround time and the quality of your results.
Consider an Elite membership to save 15% or a Package and Series (expires in one year):
- Single Session: $350 per session
- Package of 3 Sessions: $995 (save $55)
- Package of 5 Sessions: $1488, (save $262)
- Package of 8 Sessions: $2240 (save $560)
For an extra touch of luxury and holistic change, you can also incorporate Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture during the LED application for an elevated experience and elevated results.
Maintenance:
To maintain the stunning benefits of microneedling, we recommend maintenance treatments every 6 to 12 months, tailored to your skin’s unique needs and goals because regular treatments help sustain collagen production and keep your skin looking its absolute best.
Downtime and Recovery:
Post-treatment, your skin might look a bit red, similar to a mild sunburn, for 1-3 days and some swelling and slight bruising might occur, but this usually subside within 1-3 days. Following post-treatment care instructions—such as avoiding sun exposure, strenuous activities, and certain skincare products—is crucial for optimal recovery. Your skin will start to show a radiant glow within days, with continued improvements as collagen production ramps up.
Conclusion:
Microneedling offers a powerful, non-surgical solution to various skin concerns with minimal downtime and long-lasting results. It’s a sophisticated approach to skin rejuvenation, making your skin look and feel refreshed.
A minimum of 3–8 sessions are required for a significant improvement which is easily maintained with a single session once every quarter once optimal results are achieved.
Evidenced Based Medicine
microneedling results before and after, Herndon VA
microneedling before and after – acne Herndon, VA
44 year old woman before and after microneedling for 11s lines
Studies:
Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
1. Study: “Efficacy and Tolerability of a Microneedling device for Treating Wrinkles on the Neck.”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35640251/
2. Study: Efficacy and tolerability of a Microneedling device for treating wrinkles on the face
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656167/
3 Study: Tolerability of Four Microneedling Treatments on Fine Lines
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656167/
Surgery & Body Scars
1. Study: “Microneedling of Scars: A Large Prospective Study with Long-Term
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31985622/
2. Study: “Microneedling in the treatment of atrophic scars: A systematic
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33538106/
3. Study: “Clinical Evaluation of Microneedling Therapy FacialRejuv
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31624439/
Acne Scars:
1. Study: Effect of Microneedling and for the Treatment of Acne Scars
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35237616/
2. Study: Combined Effect of Microneedling for the Treatment of Acne Scars
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35237616/
3. Study: A Comparative Study of Microneedling with in Acne Scars
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34084010/
2-6 treatments
Acne
1. Study: “Study to determine the safety and efficacy of microneedling as an effective treatment for
acne vulgaris”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37799356/
2. Study: “Evaluation of the efficacy of microneedling and oral isotretinoin in comparison with oral isotretinoin alone in the treatment of acne vulgaris”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36909913/
3. Study: “Efficiency and safety of microneedling in the treatment of Chinese atrophic acne scars:
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36217740/
Age Spots, Melasma, & Vitiligo:
1. Study: “A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Microneedling in the Treatment of
Melasma”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28657378/
2. Study: “Microneedling as an adjuvant to topical therapies for melasma: A systematic review”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33857549/
3. Study: “The efficacy and safety of microneedling with topical tranexamic acid for melasma
treatment
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37584240/
Neck & Jaw Lift
1. Study: Efficacy of Microneedling on Facial and Neck Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656167/
2. Study: Efficacy and Tolerability of Four Microneedling Treatments on Fine Lines and Wrinkles of
Facial and Neck Skin”:
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656167/
3. Study: “Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review”:
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27755171/
Stretch Marks
1. Study: “Comparative study between the effectiveness of plasma skin regeneration versus
micro-needling in the treatment of striae distensae”
• :Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35037365/
2. Study: Microneedling and Ascorbic Acid is Effective for Treating Stretch Marks”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37171578/
3. Study: “Stretch Mark Treatment by Tattooing and Microneedling”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37263224/
Hair Loss
1. Study: “Microneedling in androgenetic alopecia; comparing two different depths of microneedles”:
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32897622/
2. Study: “Microneedling for Hair Loss”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29194786/
3. Study: “Favorable effects of microneedling on long-standing androgenetic alopecia in an
elderly man
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32500595/
Under Eye Bags
1. Study: microneedle for under-eye wrinkles”
• Link:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35871464/
2. Study: “Microneedling: A Review and Practical Guide”
• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796657/