Frequently Asked Questions for AAT
How soon will I see results?
Many cases respond quickly to the treatment and achieve long-term results within the first few treatments. However, each case is different and some patients require additional treatment.
What are the most common symptoms addressed in the clinic?
Bloating, cramping, reflux, heartburn, gas, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose, sneezing, congestion, post-nasal drip, itchy watery eyes, coughs, wheezing, shortness of breath, red, scaly or itchy rashes, blisters with oozing and crusting, dry leathery skin areas, hives, itchy skin, hyperactivity, mood swings, headaches, fatigue, tiredness, chemical sensitivities, reactions to the sun, any negative reaction to harmless substances.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions required depends on the number of items causing a reaction. For example, a patient who reacts to five families of substances (dairy, wheat, corn, animal dander and pollen) may require between 5 to 12 sessions to relieve the symptoms or resolve a condition.
Do you have testimonials?
Yes, please visit our Reviews or Testimonial page for patient results with AAT.
Is there an age restriction for the treatments?
No. All ages may be treated, including infants.
How long do I have to wait before I can have contact with the items that were addressed in my session?
Following a session, a patient should avoid the substance that was treated for 2 hours, if possible. Depending on the item addressed, avoidance is not always possible. It is recommended that the patient not have excessive contact with the item until the following day.
Do I need to do anything before my appointment?
Yes, your forms can be downloaded and filled out ahead of time. The forms can be found at the bottom of the website or you can download them here.
Please do not smoke or wear perfume or fragrances prior to coming in to the clinic. This is a courtesy to other patients who may be sensitive to those substances.
Please bring any allergy tests from medical doctors to the Initial Session.
Prescription or over-the-counter medications will not affect the treatment.
Patients who have other therapies (massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc.) scheduled on the same day as the AAT treatment should schedule those therapies PRIOR to the AAT treatment, if possible.
If experiencing an acute stage of illness, including an elevated temperature, the patient should contact the clinic to reschedule the appointment.
Striving for Health DOES NOT treat anaphylaxis or any life-threatening symptoms. Strict avoidance is always advised.
Please review the COVID policies before coming to the clinic. It can be found at the bottom of the website.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
The Initial Session is $175, which includes an assessment and one treatment. Follow-up treatments are $105.
Can I have more than one treatment in a day?
Yes. Two treatments can be completed in one day. However, there must be at least 2 hours between sessions.
How long are the sessions?
The Initial Session takes approximately an hour and includes a full assessment and one treatment. Follow-Up Sessions take about 20 to 30 minutes and includes one treatment.
Do you take health insurance for the treatments?
No. We do not take health insurance. However, most Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) and/or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used.
Do I need to stop taking any of my medications before the treatment?
No, patients do not need to stop taking medication that has been prescribed by a medical doctor without his/her authorization. You may continue taking over the counter medication to control current symptoms, as this will not affect the treatment.
Can you treat for anaphylactic symptoms?
No. We do not treat conditions involving anaphylactic reactions. However, patients with an anaphylactic reaction may be treated for other sensitivities that are not life threatening.
Are any traditional medical allergy tests offered in the clinic?
We do not offer any conventional allergy testing. Patients are encouraged to bring in allergy tests from their physicians.
Are there any guarantees that my symptoms will be relieved?
Unfortunately, we can offer no guarantees; however, the majority of our patients respond favorably to the AAT treatment on a long-term basis. We cannot guarantee that new symptoms will not develop in the future.
What qualifications do the practitioners have?
All practitioners at Striving for Heath are fully credentialed acupuncturists, are Nationally Board Certified (NCCAOM) and licensed through the Board of Medicine to practice in the state of Virginia.
Can a food intolerance be treated?
No. A food intolerance is different from an allergy or sensitivity in that there may be an enzyme deficiency, which inhibits the body from properly digesting the substance. Such cases are not affected by the treatment.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment online by going to the BOOKINGS Button at the top of this website or by calling the clinic directly at 703.707.7777. You do not need a doctor’s referral.