Acupuncture

We are pleased to offer access to some of the most progressive acupuncture services in Alexandria (and perhaps all of Northern Virginia). If you are new to acupuncture, you probably have many questions. We invite to you read through all the material on this page and to contact us directly with additional questions. Even if you have had acupuncture treatments before, we encourage you to read how our approach, philosophy, and services may differ from your past experience.

Meet Casey Corridan - Alexandria VA Acupuncturist

Casey Corridan is an experienced and licensed Acupuncturist, certified herbalist and Nutritional Health Coach who loves what she does for a living.

I became interested in Acupuncture through my studies and background in psychology. I knew that whatever I would do in this world, it would be working with and helping others. I discovered Chinese and Holistic Medicine through my own need for it and was amazed by the results. In my practice today I am constantly impressed to see how a patients well being and health is improved by combining the art of TCM theory and knowledge with a passion for what I do. Nutrition, herbs and counseling are also strong components of helping each patient feel better and become healthier.

Casey recently moved to Virginia from New York City where she had a very successful practice and looks forward to working with her patients here at Bodnar Chiropractic Center.

What is Acupuncture and How Can it Help Me?

Acupuncture is a technique used by the Chinese medical practitioner to influence, change, or manipulate the physical and energetic aspects of the body. People are usually hesitant about the usage of needles in acupuncture, however, there is no 'stabbing' sensation. Due to the thinness of the needle, patients typically feel a pinch as it is inserted and a dull, heavy sensation once in the body. Some needles create a strong sensation and some are not felt at all. All needling is very safe, clean, relaxing and designed to relieve stressors and ailments.All needles are single use disposable stainless steel.

The acupuncturist uses acupuncture points along the meridians, or channels of the body in order to increase, decrease or move the body's energetics. The meridians run on the exterior and interior of the body reaching all parts of the body. Therefore, the practitioner can effect external musculoskeletal problems as well as internal disharmonies, and even influence the organs themselves.

What to Expect from Your Acupuncture Visit

The first step is a thorough individual assessment during which Casey, our acupuncturist, will devise a recommended treatment plan. Casey will explain her observations and recommendations to you and give you plenty of chances to ask questions. We want to be sure you are an active, informed participant in your treatment plan.

Treatment consists of acupuncture and/or herbal prescriptions based on the findings from your individual assessment. Treatments typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. The number of treatments needed depends on your condition, your goals and your body's response to the treatments. Some people need only 2 or 3 treatments, others need 8 or 10. Some people continue maintenance sessions just for preventative health and relaxation.

You may experience almost immediate relief, or require several treatments to resolve your complaint. Casey does an excellent job explaining the whole process and answering your questions openly and honestly along the way.
 

Common Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

The list of conditions that respond to acupuncture is long and varied. To many people, the list is unbelievable. Rather than provide our own list of conditions here, we'd like to draw your attention to the list complied and published by the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA). Although written for doctors in technical language, the following article entitled "Medical Acupuncture Review: Safety, Efficacy, And Treatment Practices" by Steven E. Braverman, MD and published in the Medical Acupuncture journal is excellent reading.

Acupuncture Indications According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)

Table 1. Acupuncture Indications According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) Acute and chronic pain control* Posttraumatic and postoperative ileus * Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures* Paresthesias * Anxiety, fright, panic* Drug detoxification * Neuralgias (trigeminal, herpes zoster, postherpetic pain, other) Seventh nerve palsy sequelae of stroke syndrome (aphasia, hemiplegia)* Certain functional gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel) * Headache, vertigo (Meniere disease), tinnitus * Phantom pain Frozen shoulder * Cervical and lumbar spine syndromes* Plantar fasciitis* Arthritis/arthrosis * Bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome* Sprains and contusions * In fractures, assisting in pain control, edema, and enhancing healing process Temporo-mandibular joint derangement, bruxism * Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain * Insomnia * Anorexia Atypical chest pain (negative workup) Idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachycardia allergic sinusitis * Persistent hiccups* Selected dermatoses (urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis) Constipation, diarrhea * Urinary incontinence, retention (neurogenic, spastic, adverse drug effect)* Abdominal distention/flatulence* Severe hyperthermia Cough with contraindications for narcotics Anesthesia for high-risk patients or patients with previous adverse responses to anesthetics Adapted from Conditions for which Medical Acupuncture May Be Indicated in a Hospital Setting, Los Angeles, CA: American Academy of Medical Acupuncture; 2001 *Also included in the World Health Organization list of acupuncture indications.

How to Get More Information

The best way to get answers to your questions is to ask Alexandria VA Acupuncturist Casey Corridan. You can learn more about Casey on this website and on her companion site at www.acupuncture-alexandria.com

How to Make an Appointment

Casey sees her acupuncture patients at Bodnar Chiropractic Center. To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at 703-721-0500. You can also email or call her directly with questions 617-821-1951 or [email protected]

Learn About Other Integrated Services at Bodnar Chiropractic Center

• Alexandria Chiropractic
• Alexandria Chinese Medicine
• Alexandria Massage Therapy