Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

For most people, acupuncture is surprisingly comfortable. The needles we use are hair-thin — nothing like a syringe — and many patients barely feel them being inserted. You may notice a brief sensation of pressure, warmth, or a mild ache as the needle reaches the acupuncture point, which is actually a sign that it's working. Once the needles are in place, most people relax deeply and many fall asleep.

It depends on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute issues (a recent injury, a cold) may resolve in just one to three sessions. Chronic conditions — pain that's been present for years, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances — typically benefit from a series of weekly treatments at first, then taper to monthly maintenance as you improve. Your practitioner will give you a realistic sense of what to expect at your first visit.

GWCIM is an out-of-network practice and does not bill insurance directly. However, many patients are able to use HSA/FSA funds for acupuncture, and some insurance plans offer out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance provider. We can provide you with a superbill to submit for potential reimbursement.

Eat a light meal beforehand (don't come on an empty stomach), avoid caffeine a few hours before if possible, and try to leave yourself some buffer time after the appointment so you don't have to rush. It's also helpful to come with a clear sense of your current health concerns and any questions you want to ask.

Yes — and in fact, this is one of the most valuable ways to use acupuncture. It is an excellent complement to conventional care for conditions ranging from cancer (helping manage chemotherapy side effects) to orthopedic issues (supporting recovery from surgery) to chronic disease management. Please let your acupuncturist know all the medications and treatments you're currently receiving so they can tailor your care appropriately.

All of our acupuncturists are experienced, compassionate, and skilled. If you have a specific condition or prefer a particular style of acupuncture, we're happy to help match you with the provider whose background is the best fit. You're also welcome to call our office at 202-833-5055 and speak with our team — we love helping new patients find the right starting point.

Yes. Some patients benefit most from a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas; others do well with herbs alone. Dr. Tiffany Hoyt holds a Master's degree in Chinese Herbal Medicine and specializes in herbal prescribing. Your practitioner will discuss whether herbs are a good fit for your health picture.

Moxibustion is a two-thousand-year-old (or more!) therapy that applies heat from burning mugwort herb to acupuncture points to improve Qi flow, warm the body, and relieve pain or fatigue. Backed by clinical evidence, it's safe and effective for conditions like arthritis and breech pregnancies. Moxibustion is often a part of acupuncture treatment. Your provider will explain and demonstrate this treatment before offering it to you.

Acupuncture, moxibustion, and other modalities are safe and beneficial when performed by a licensed acupuncturist trained in prenatal care. It's widely used for nausea, back pain, and labor prep (e.g., 75% breech turn rate with moxibustion combo).

Yes, children can safely receive acupuncture, adapted with gentle, age-appropriate techniques like shallow needling, laser stimulation (no needles), shonishin (Japanese pediatric tools), or acupressure—especially effective for colic, ADHD, asthma, and pain. Pediatric acupuncturists use fewer points and shorter sessions (5-15 min).