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.
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.
“Elaine’s kindness, compassion and warmth often includes a “dose” of common sense, subtle humor and straight talk; her no-nonsense, get it done approach is refreshing…” ~ Craig K.
“She GIVES herself completely to her patients in the treatment room, in a way that I have only seen from those who have years and years of clinical experience. It is extraordinary, in my eyes. There is a wisdom belying her presence that pours forth in everything that she does, a wisdom that comes from a place of love." ~ Robert P.
“Elaine’s demeanor as she greeted me in the waiting room was warm, welcoming and relaxed… I left each treatment feeling more serene, peaceful, validated and more connected with all that surrounded me… Elaine cultivated a greater awareness of my ability to more closely listen to my body, to nature and all that nature encompasses.” ~ Joan D.
"Each visit is a treat for me… Elaine always helps me to see more clearly how valuable I am and deserve to be in good health. She encourages me and has chosen treatments that have helped to relieve the pain and stress in my body and life." ~ Debbie K.
“Elaine has been not only treating the physical ailments of my body but provided me with tools that helped me participate and take responsibility for my healing… Through her treatments, I was able to increase my awareness, examine my assumptions, choose a different approach and reframe my personal thinking and subsequently, improving my overall health.” ~ TS
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating an individual is to restore the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the whole person. By inserting fine needles into acupuncture points found along the pathways, the body’s own healing response is stimulated to restore its natural balance.
Specially designed glass cups are heated in such a way that when they are applied to the body a vacuum is created and the skin is gently pulled up into the cup. Cupping is used to relieve back and neck pains, stiff muscles, anxiety, fatigue, migraines, rheumatism. Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue therapies available. It is thought to affect tissues up to four inches deep from the external skin. Toxins can be released, blockages can be cleared, and veins and arteries can be refreshed within these four inches of affected materials.
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy using dried plant materials called "moxa" made from the dried leafy material of Chinese mugwort (Artemesia vlugaris) that are tightly bundled in the shape of a cone or stick. The cones are placed on acupuncture points and burned from the top to affect warmth or in the case of a moxa stick, waived near the surface of the skin along the channels. Moxibustion warms and nourishes the flow of Qi to invigorate the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about acupuncture treatment. If you have additional questions please contact me.
• 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
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.)
23-Oct / 0 COMMENTS
A recent email advice from a preferred website touts feng shui for the home with the suggestion to use all of the burners on the stove top in regular rotation. Feng shui is the ancient practice of spatial design to optimize the energetic flow of nature in one’s home or ...
READ MOREElaine practices at two Rockville, MD locations: A1 Acupuncture and Body + Beyond Wellness. She is available by appointment, Monday through Saturday.
Email: acupuncturelaine@gmail.com
Phone: 301.351.1595