Licensed Acupuncturist | Cupping | Gua Sha | Moxibustion | Herbal Prescriptions

Chronic Pain & Aches | Sports Injury

Pain Management

Treat the pain for wellness gain

Wave Health and Wellness offers Pain Management treatments for pain or injury. We offer Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Moxa and more. We are a licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in the state of Virginia. The information we share on this page will hopefully answer questions or concerns you may have. If you have any questions that are left unanswered, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are happy to help in any way we can.

Your Questions Answered

WAVE Health & Wellness

Our Pain Management treatments

WAVE Health & Wellness

We offer an array of Pain Management treatments for our patients. As you read through this page, you will find helpful answers to commonly asked questions.

Treatments for Pain:

  • Acupuncture
  • Cupping
  • Gua Sha
  • Moxibustion (Moxa)
  • Herbal Prescriptions
Relief

Acupuncture Treatment

Questions & Answers

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Acupuncture

01

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is the strategic placement of tiny needles inserted into points along channels in the body. These needles stimulate “qi” (pronounced “chee”), which is the abundant force that fuels our bodies and can help rehabilitate imbalances in the body. When there is an imbalance in qi and other fluids, our whole body can be affected leading to pain and illness. Acupuncture helps stimulate your body’s qi to restore it back to a perfect balance.

02

HOW big are the needles?

We use small, disposable, stainless steel needles for each treatment (think even smaller than the width of one piece of hair).

03

Will it hurt?

The short answer is no, and it is actually quite relaxing. Generally, acupuncture is a very gentle medicine, and works better if the patient is relaxed, so we strive to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed the entire time. I know some people may be bit uneasy when it comes to the word “needles,” but many of our patients are so comfortable and relaxed that they fall asleep during treatment. 

04

How many treatments will I need?

Acupuncture works cumulatively, which means each treatment builds on the previous one. In general, a few treatments will address the initial complaint and from there we will assess your future treatment, as regular maintenance is recommended to restore the body to perfect balance. 

05

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS AFTER MY TREATMENT?

Occasionally, there may be some soreness the next day, much like when you go to the gym and workout really hard, as your body readjusts back to equilibrium. To make sure you are getting the most benefit from your treatment, we will make sure to let you know if we recommend that you inhibit any behaviors post treatment.

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Cupping Treatment

Questions & Answers

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CUPPING

01

How does Cupping work?

Cupping is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine used to release the deep muscle and fascial layers. Cupping is quite relaxing and you can expect to feel some tightness with the cup at first, and then much relaxation as the muscles relax and loosen up. Cupping is used to reduce pain and tension in the muscles, as well as, for many other ailments, such as colds and flu, fever and even Facial Rejuvenation.

02

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL?

You may feel some slight tightness or suctioning, and when it’s released, you should feel a nice release.

03

How long will it take the "red circles" to go away?

Typically, there will be some slight bruising (in the form of red circles you’ve seen on many athletes). This can last anywhere from 3 days to up to a week, however, you will not be sensitive later.

04

Do the "red circles" mean anything?

There are many contradicting opinions on this, and they cause a lot of unnecessary confusion. Some of those thoughts may be that it actually matters how dark the marks should be and why they form. However, those opinions are coming from non-professionals and should not be taken as medical advice.

Professional View

We will just cut right through all of that. The fact is, sometimes you get dark circles, and sometimes you don’t. Every “body” is different, so there are no “rules” that apply to Chinese medicine. For example, some people bruise easily, so they may be more prone to a darker bruise. Sometimes, if the cups need to be left on longer for a particular patient’s needs, the bruises may be darker as a result. Once again, this is not always the case.

Tailored to your needs

We treat YOU on that specific day of your treatment. That could mean that one day, we recommend Cupping and the next appointment we may not. One treatment you may bruise and the next treatment you don’t. So much goes into how you feel on any given day because your body is ever-changing. Every treatment we offer is done to each individual patient’s comfort level. We strive to provide a comfortable environment and take great care in the treatment of our patients. Our main goal is to help you feel better.
05

How many treatments will I need?

You may need just one treatment of Cupping, however, depending on your issues, it may take more. We will assess your care and your needs at every treatment to make sure you are getting the best care available.

06

Are there any limitations after my treatment?

There are really no limitations after a treatment. Generally, if it feels okay doing it, it’s okay to do. However, just like everything, there are exceptions. To make sure you are getting the most benefit from your treatment, we will make sure to let you know if we recommend that you inhibit any behaviors post treatment. You will generally feel quite relaxed and will sleep well that night. Typically you’ll feel some results the next day. That usually lasts about 1-2 days. With more treatments, more relief time is realized and eventually treatments can be spaced out to once a month or even once a season. It is our goal to help you realize optimal health and help you attain your wellness goals.

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Moxibustion (Moxa)

Questions & Answers

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Moxibustion

01

How does Moxibustion work?

Moxibustion (or Moxa) is a form of Chinese Medicine, where a dried herb, called Chinese mugwort, is rolled into a stick. This stick is then burned and held close to the skin to warm and penetrate the layers beneath the skin. Moxa helps with muscle relaxation, as well as, fevers, infertility, digestive issues, headaches, pregnancy issues, and many, many more.

02

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL?

The stick never touches the skin, however, your skin will feel a bit warm to the touch, as the muscle begins to loosen and the deep layers are penetrated. 

03

How many treatments will I need?

We may only use Moxa occasionally, however, depending on your issues, we may use it several times. We will assess your care and your needs at every treatment to make sure you are getting the best care available.

04

Are there any limitations after my treatment?

There are really no limitations after a treatment. Generally, if it feels okay doing it, it’s okay to do. However, just like everything, there are exceptions. To make sure you are getting the most benefit from your treatment, we will make sure to let you know if we recommend that you inhibit any behaviors post treatment.

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Gua Sha

Questions & Answers

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Gua Sha

01

How does Gua Sha work?

Gua Sha is another ancient form of Chinese Medicine used to stimulate and detoxify the underlying issues of the skin and muscle layers. A small rounded tool is used to rub the skin in order to address the issue at hand.

02

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL?

It feels much like a massage and will help to release the deep muscle layers. There may be some slight bruising, however, you will not be sensitive later.

03

How many treatments will I need?

We may do Gua Sha just once, however, depending on your issues, it may take a few or more treatments. We will assess your care and your needs at every treatment to make sure you are getting the best care available.

04

Are there any limitations after my treatment?

There are really no limitations after a treatment. Generally, if it feels okay doing it, it’s okay to do. However, just like everything, there are exceptions. To make sure you are getting the most benefit from your treatment, we will make sure to let you know if we recommend that you inhibit any behaviors post treatment. 

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Herbal Prescriptions

Questions & Answers

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Prescriptions

01

Are you a licensed prescriber?

Yes. Dr. Sarah Pigeon, DACM, LAC is a licensed Herbalist in the state of Virginia.

02

How do herbal prescriptions compare to prescription drugs?

Our herbal formulas are all natural and only the highest quality, organic herbs are used. They are usually in pill form, and come with explicit directions for suggested usage.

03

Why would I need an herbal prescription?

I may prescribe an herbal formula to help further your treatment. I examine each pateint’s needs and provide professional and thoughtful care accordingly to each individual. 

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