Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body – called acupoints – usually with very thin, sterile needles. From a Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture stimulates certain points along the body’s meridians – energy pathways through which Qi (vital energy) flows – to restore balance, promote the flow of Qi, and support the body’s natural healing process.

Scientific research has found that acupuncture works in several ways: by triggering signals to the spinal cord and brain to modulate pain perception, release endorphins, and influence stress, mood, and emotion regulation; by improving blood flow to reduce inflammation and help tissue repair; by promoting the release of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters; and by regulating the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a "fight-or-flight" mode to a more relaxed "rest-and-digest" mode, supporting relaxation and recovery.

Yes. Since the mid-1970s when the practice of acupuncture first became popular in the United States, there have been over 10,000 scientific studies investigating acupuncture for the treatment of a wide range of diseases., Many of which show that acupuncture produces beneficial effects for many conditions, and when combined with conventional treatments, such as pharmaceuticals or physical therapy, it greatly enhances their effectiveness as well.

Today, many of the of the most highly rated healthcare institutions in the country including Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Mayo Clinic have added acupuncture to their treatment centers.

Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, but contemporary acupuncture treatment is also equally informed by modern medicine. Acupuncturists are licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine, have four years of conventional medical training, and have passed a series of rigorous national board exams in both acupuncture and conventional medicine.

In addition to conventional medicine, acupuncturists are trained in alternative medicine theories that give a more holistic perspective on health, disease, and the human being. Our training teaches us to see the complete individual, to understand not only their physical complaints, but also how they think and feel, so that we can assemble a complete picture of the “pattern of disharmony” that is negatively affecting their health. By looking beyond a page of test results, we can see the underlying causes of their disease. Having an accurate picture of the individual is the most important factor in making an accurate diagnosis, which leads to effective treatment to achieve lasting results.

For most patients, significant improvement can likely be achieved within 8 to 12 treatments. There are a number of factors, however, that can affect recovery time including the length of time the health complaint has been affecting the patient, the complexity of the disease, and a patient’s overall health and age.

Most major health insurance including Medicare supplemental plans and Veteran’s Affairs plans offer coverage for acupuncture. The specific level of coverage, the qualifying conditions, and the member deductibles and copayment/coinsurance depend on the details of each individual plan.

For those who do not have health insurance or have high deductibles, we offer affordable cash rates when paid at time of service.

While acupuncture is generally not considered painful, it should not be considered absolutely painless either. For many conditions, especially musculoskeletal pain, acupuncture works best when the patient experiences some sensation at the local needling site, which is often experienced as tingling, numbness, heaviness, and other feelings of moving energy. This is an indication that the needle has been put in the correct location and will produce the optimum healing effect.

If you are sensitive to acupuncture, we can use very thin gauge needles or small, non-penetrating needles held in place with adhesive tape. These can reduce your sensitivity to allow you to receive a full acupuncture treatment and will still produce a healing effect for your condition.

If done following established safety protocols by a licensed acupuncturist, the risks of acupuncture are very minimal. At Alleva Acupuncture, we follow established safety protocols with regards to needle placement and only use sterile, single-use, disposable needles. We also practice clean needle technique, cleaning the skin of the selected acupuncture points with alcohol to eliminate the risk of infection.

Occasionally, there may be minor bruising at an acupuncture needle location or minor soreness the day after treatment. Both of these conditions typically resolve within a day or two and do not require any additional medical care.

Some healthcare professionals consider dry needling to be different from acupuncture, but in reality, dry needling is just a specific needling technique that has been part of acupuncture for thousands of years. Over the past decade, dry needling performed by physical therapists or chiropractors to treat muscle pain, has become quite popular, as they have recognized the benefits that acupuncture can provide. Acupuncture provides the same level of pain relief as offered by dry needling.