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 Christopher Grodski - Alexandria VA Acupuncturist

Christopher Grodski is an exceptionally well-qualified and experienced acupuncturist. He has extensive schooling in all traditional Chinese medicine methods, including acupuncture, has apprenticed with several internationally recognized acupuncture leaders, and used to own his own Chinese medicine clinic in New York.

We are extremely excited to have him join our Alexandria team. Read more about Christopher Grodski and his approach to acupuncture on his bio page.

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.

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.

Our acupuncturist practices a very unique style of acupuncture in Alexandria. In most cases he treats both the back and front sides of the patient in a single session which creates a thorough, holistic and efficient therapeutic experience with optimal results.

What to Expect from Your Acupuncture Visit

The first step is a through individual assessment during which Christopher, our acupuncturist, will devise a recommended treatment plan. Chris will explain his observations and recommendation to you and give you plenty of chances to ask question. 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.

You may experience almost immediate relief, or require several treatments to resolve your complaint. Christopher 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 condition 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 Christopher Grodski. You can learn more about Christopher on this website and on his companion site at www.acupuncture-alexandria.com

How to Make an Appointment

Christopher sees his acupuncture patients at Bodnar Chiropractic Center. To make an appointment, call the main office phone number at 703-721-0500.

Learn About Other Integrated Services at Bodnar Chiropractic Center

• Alexandria Chiropractic
• Alexandria Chinese Medicine
• Alexandria Massage Therapy