Back to Balance Acupuncture - Your Path to Wellness

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of one-time use sterile, thin needles on specific parts of the body to release energy blockages, increase circulation and promote healing.

A typical treatment begins with an intake to determine the patient’s condition.  After completing paperwork,  we will have a thorough conversation about your health and your goals for treatment. We will develop a treatment plan together. After that, you’ll receive a treatment. 

The needles used are fine, hair-thin, sterile and placed at specific points along acupuncture meridians. During insertion, the patient may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth, but the pain is limited since the needles are extremely thin, nothing close to the size of a needle used to draw blood. I always check in with patients to monitor how they are feeling during the session and make changes as needed. 

First treatments usually take about 75 minutes. Follow-up treatments are between 30 and 60 minutes long, and overall they feel quite relaxing to patients.

Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner using sterile needles. It is important to disclose any medical conditions or medications you are taking to your practitioner before beginning treatment.

Yes. Sterile, disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately after use. It is mandatory to use the Clean Needle Technique (CNT) during an acupuncture treatment.

You’ve made a great decision to invest in your health. Now, make sure you eat something beforehand. Wear comfortable clothes. Something comfortable, easy to roll up - shirt sleeves that can roll up above your elbow, or pants that can roll up just above the knees. You can also change clothes upon arriving for your session. 

That depends on your condition. If you are sick with a cold, or have an acute condition, then you might need two or three appointments only a few days apart. If you are treating long-term, chronic concerns, whether emotionally or physiologically, then I will ask you to come regularly over several weeks to months until your symptoms begin to change. It generally takes longer to transform a chronic condition. Your healing journey will be clearer after a few sessions and observing your response to treatments. 

Acupuncture is also highly recommended as maintenance, for preventive purposes to release daily stressors and help your energy flow in alignment with the changing seasons. In such cases, you might come for 1-2 treatments only at the beginning of a season, just to tune up.

I am able to provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance company, to be reimbursed directly. 

I am in-network with Aetna, CarefirstBCBS, UHC and Veterans Healthcare.

Please be aware that not all acupuncture related services are covered by insurance. Cosmetic acupuncture is not covered by any insurance.

Consult your insurer for the terms of coverage on your policy. 

FSA/HSA/HRA: Acupuncture may be an eligible expense with Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, etc. Please check with your benefits administrator if you need additional documentation to substantiate the expense. 

Payment is due in full at the time of service. I accept cash, Venmo, Zelle and credit card.   

For any insurances accepted, insurance coverage must be provided and verified 48 hours before a scheduled appointment.  If insurance coverage cannot be verified within 48 hours of scheduled service, Patient is responsible for payment at time of service.  Patient is responsible for any Co-Payment at time of service.   

Herndon location:

75- 90 min Initial Consultation with Treatment – $145

45 min Follow Up  – $95

Vienna location:

Please see the East West MD website for pricing details. 

Original Medicare is accepted in this location. Medicare covers acupuncture for low back pain up to 12 times a year, when it's provided under the supervision of an MD.