main * schedule * descriptions & prices *  book an appointment acupuncture Specific points in the body are stimulated by a variety of methods, including sterile stainless steel needles, acupressure, micro-electrical current, moxabustion (Artemesia 'incense'), and cupping, in order to propagate the body's natural healing. acupressure This age-old technique within the pantheon of practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a manual therapy where pressure is applied along the meridians and at individual acupuncture points, either singly or in groups . The practitioner uses finger, palm, elbow and/or other tools to apply pressure as well as light stretching to enhance the free movement of energy throughout  the body.  Traditionally part of martial arts in China. TuiNa thai bodywork A Signature treatment that has been carefully adapted to combine the invogorating yet relaxing flow of Thai and Chinese acupressure (TuiNa: "push/pull") that  enhances the free movement of energy throughout  the meridian pathways; including gentle stretching techniques and manual therapy from both traditions  tailored to individual needs.    60-minute $95;  75-minute $115; 90-minute $130     Specific acupuncture/acupressure treatments include: facial rejuvenation, including chinese herbal face mask, cleanse, tone, moisture, jade roller acupressure, body points or hands/feet reflexology weight-loss program, including custom diet smoke cessation, including guided imagery xerostomia/xerophthalmia (dry mouth/dry eyes), requires visits on two consecutive days pain management resolve insomnia symptoms depression & anxiety addiction allergies support fertility women's health       main * schedule * descriptions & prices * book an appointment

what to expect There are several hundred acupuncture points which connect the surface of the body to deeper structures internally. The points are arranged along meridians or an energy matrix that organizes the flow of vitality through the body much like the vascular, nervous, or lymphatic systems are specialized. These points can be stimulated by a variety of methods including sterile stainless steel needles, acupressure, micro-electrical current, moxabustion (Artemesia 'incense'), and cupping.  The strategic stimulation of these points effectively propagates the natural healing of the body.   FAQ  Q. What conditions are recommended for treatment by acupuncture? A.  The World Health Organization states that acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions, and also provides the following list: Respiratory Diseases such as acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, common cold, and acute tonsillitis; Bronchopulmonary diseases such as acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and eye Disorders; Acute conjuctivitis such as cataract (without complications), myopia, and central retinitis; Disorders of the mouth cavity such as toothache, pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis, pharyngitis Orthopedic Disorders such as [\periarthritis humeroscapularis, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis Gastrointestinal Disorders such as, spasm of the esophagus and cardia, hiccups, gastroptosis, aute and chronic gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer, acute and chronic colitis, acute bacterial dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, paralytic ileus Neurologic disorders such as headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, paralysis after apoplectic fit, peripheral neuropathy, paralysis caused by poliomyelitis, Meniere's syndrome, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, intercostal neuralgia Women's health and fertility   Q. How many treatments will I need? A.  The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.  For general health maintenance, two treatments in a one month period then once a month or once per quarter are sufficient for a 'tune up' and highly recommended for optimal health. Q. Are there any side effects to the treatment? A.  Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.   Q. What is it like to experience acupuncture?  Does it hurt? A. Most patients feel only minor pin prick when the needle is inserted and often never feel the needle insertion.  Acupuncture needles are very thin filaments made of sterile stainless steel. The point is smooth, designed for minimizing pain. The needles are used once only and then destroyed, therefore there is no risk of infection from the treatments. A variety of sensations may be present as the acupoint is stimulated, such as: heaviness, light tingling, subtle sensations of movement or 'flow of Qi'.   Q. Does acupuncture really work? A. Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Acupuncture is currently practiced widely in Asia, Russia, and in Europe. Acupuncture treatment is continually growing in popularity in the US as well. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine.   Q. Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work? A.  No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. Animal patients do not have the capacity to discern whether or not a process is helpful. Maintaining a positive attitude and a clear intent toward wellness enhance the effects of the treatment since the mind is a powerful component of our well-being. A negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if it will really help me") will not block the treatment results. Q.  Is acupuncture covered by heath insurance? A.  Some insurance companies do currently cover acupuncture costs. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for acupuncture services, so check your policy. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.    Q. Are there any "do's and don'ts" for me on the day of a treatment? A. Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important: Be sure to eat something before your treatment. It is okay to get a massage before or after your treatment. Do not over-exercise or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment. Get some rest, or at least do not work a full schedule after treatment. This is especially important for the first few visits. Continue to take any regular prescription medicines. If you start to feel better or relief from your symptoms, schedule a review of your medications with the prescribing physician. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture reatments. Take a few notes of changes or responses to your treatments. This is important for you and your acupuncturist to track your progress, especially since many changes may be nuanced and gradual. Your notes will also help in the design of your follow-up treatments.

therapists Bronwyn Clark received her Master of Acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute, where she was grounded in the tradition of Five Element Acupuncture.  This tradition concentrates on an individual’s unique constitution within a Five Phase paradigm, and it recognizes that the health of a person's body, mind and spirit must be considered in order to assess both wellness and “dis-ease.”   Bronwyn also completed a two year apprenticeship with an accomplished practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  She blends the concepts and philosophies of each tradition when creating treatments catered to the specific needs of each patient.  Bronwyn offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) * Five Element Acupuncture (resolve insomnia, pain management, fertility support, allergies, addiction, depression/anxiety)* Acupressure * Guided Imagery/Relaxation * TCM Nutritional Counseling on Tuesdays from 2:30pm-10pm and Saturdays from 7:30am-2:30pm.  Reach her at 202-321-2923 or visit her at www.dcacupuncture.net.   Tracy L. Hackett, MTCM, L.Ac., NCCAOM Dipl.Acu., is a Licensed Acupuncturist in Washington DC and Florida. She has studied in California, China, India, Ladakh, Nepal, and Thailand. She has been practicing acupuncture and herbal medicine for five years. She has taught yoga for eleven years and infuses a passionate understanding of the unitive field of consciousness in every modality that she offers.  Tracy believes that a constellation of approaches is the best path toward achieving and maintaining optimal health. There is always more than one solution to every problem, let’s find a joyful path into longevity through whole-foods and natural medicine.   Tracy offers Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Botanicals) * TuiNaThai Bodywork * Her specialties include: Xerostomia/Xerophthalmia * Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation * Weight Management * Smoke Cessation * Golden Needle Pain Managment * Women's Health * Longevity Enhancement; Nutritional Counseling * Meditation & Private Yoga Instruction * Energy Work * Shamanic Guided Journeywork* Acupressure * Thai Massage *  on Wednesdays from 7am - 2:30pm. Beginning in July, Tracy will be available on Thursdays &  Fridays from 7am - 2:30pm.  Reach her at 202-651-0884 or tracy.hackett@gmail.com

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