WHY ACUPUNCTURE?

Einstein showed us that everything is made of, and radiates energy. According to traditional acupuncture theory, this intelligent energy is Qi (pronounced “chee.”) Qi flows as an invisible current throughout the body through a series of pathways or channels beneath the skin. These channels can be compared to the complex arterial system within our bodies that carries blood and delivers essential nutrients. Just as our blood vessels can get clogged from poor lifestyle choices and disease, potentially cutting off the blood and oxygen supply to our heart and brain, channels work in a similar fashion. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors including: poor nutrition, climatic conditions, infections, poisons, trauma, hereditary factors and emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief. Acupuncture, moxa and cupping are treatments that help Qi to flow properly through the body. 

ABOUT ELAINE

Elaine Warren, M.Ac., L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and has a practice located in the Washington DC area. She received a Master of Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2013, formerly the Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, MD, the first accredited acupuncture school in the country. Before becoming an acupuncturist, Elaine worked for FINRA, criss-crossing the country meeting with industry veterans to develop regulatory standards for securities brokers and dealers. Her experience with finding work life balance has given her a heightened appreciation for the wellness needs in today’s world.

After a long and productive career as a securities regulatory analyst, I reached a point where I began to feel stuck. The sense of “what next?” continued in me even as I’d left the corporate life and immersed myself in stay-at-home motherhood which eluded me while building my career. The short respite was a time that I cherish, being available to volunteer at my children’s school and practice being more present with my beloveds.

 

Then acupuncture showed up as a possibility for my next move. I knew acupuncture as an effective healing modality since I was a tomboy of 9 years old who fell from a fence post and sprained a shoulder. Before treatment, I couldn’t lift my arm and after, I left the clinic swinging my arm holding my dad’s hand. As an adult when my stress showed up as lower back pain, acupuncture kept me going. Practicing acupuncture, however, never entered my realm of possibility.

 

A volunteering opportunity at a clinic, however, provided an occasion where I saw and felt the glow of healing presence taking place in the treatment room. It was beyond the presence of a skilled practitioner and a patient who received good care. It was something, a presence that enveloped the two, creating a greater One. I knew in that moment that that was what kept showing up missing while I searched for my “what next.” I realized that what I desired most was to serve others through such a healing practice. Through acupuncture, I am remembering each moment to practice gratitude in everything. This moves me to deeply, joyfully bow to the great Oneness of life.

TREATMENTS

QUESTIONS

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about acupuncture treatment. If you have additional questions please contact me.

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body selected by a practitioner who has years of training based on holistic Chinese medicine. This process stimulates movement of vital energy, the Qi (pronounced “chee”) within the body, allowing natural healing to take place. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. Disease and illness arise when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Acupuncture works by: treating existing illnesses and injuries, preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness and improving overall health.

According to National Institute of Health and the World Health Organizations, acupuncture has proven effective in the treatment of many common conditions some of which are listed below:

•    Addictions
•    Anxiety & Depression
•    Arthritis, Tendonitis, & Joint pain
•    Asthma & Allergies
•    Cardiac Palpitations (Irregular Heartbeat)
•    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
•    Common Cold & Influenza
•    Degenerative Disk Disorders
•    Diet, Nutrition, & Weight Control
•    Fibromyalgia
•    Headaches & Migraines
•    Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
•    Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation
•    Insomnia
•    Low back pain, Sciatica
•    Menopause Symptoms
•    Musculoskeletal pain
•    Nausea
•    Orthopedic Conditions
•    PMS & Menstrual Irregularity
•    Sports Injuries
•    Tension/Stress Syndromes
•    Tinnitus

Your first acupuncture appointment will usually last about 90 minutes. We begin with an in-depth conversation about your health concerns, past health history, lifestyle, goals for treatment, and any questions you may have about acupuncture and the treatment process. This conversation is an important part of the diagnostic process, and allows me as your practitioner to get to know you and understand how best to address your health concerns. Acupuncture is a healing modality that considers the whole person, not just one isolated symptom. Although treatment will focus on your chief complaint, your whole being must be considered in order to develop the most appropriate course of treatment. This is a highly individualized medicine. I recognize that your condition might be common, but that your experience of it is unique and different from that of someone else.

 

 

Follow up visits typically last about one hour.  Your individual needs determine how often, and for how long, you will need to receive treatment (generally given once, occasionally twice, a week). As your condition improves, and your symptoms are alleviated, the frequency of your treatments may be slowly reduced – to every other week, monthly or even seasonally.
•    Make sure to eat something light an hour or two before arriving
•    Try to avoid the intake of caffeine or pain medications
•    Wear loose fitting clothes
•    Bring a list of medications you are taking

Please bring a list of current medications you are taking, including any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Please bring any lab or medical reports relevant to your condition.

Eat a light meal a few hours prior to your visit.  At the same time, please do not overeat or eat any foods that cause your stomach to be upset (e,g., rich, greasy, fried, or extremely spicy foods.)

 

 

Your relief may be immediate, delayed for a few hours, or even develop after one to three days. The relief may last for a few hours on the first visit and then last longer with each successive treatment, or relief may last from the first treatment until your next visit. Individual response to treatment varies.  Rarely, one may feel lightheaded, dizzy, sleepy, euphoria or experience slight bruising and or residual muscle aches. Any of these side effects will dissipate after a short time. Staying hydrated after your treatment will help to minimize these side effects, as will resting after your treatment.

 

 

Payment is due at the time of service. A 24-hours notice is requested if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment to avoid being charged the full fee for no show or late cancel. Emergency situations excepted.

 

 

We are preferred providers with Aetna, Cigna, CareFirst BC/BS, Bluechoice and United Healthcare. We can check your in-network benefits for acupuncture services.

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CONTACT

Elaine practices at two Rockville, MD locations: A1 Acupuncture and Body + Beyond Wellness. She is available by appointment, Monday through Saturday.