Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQs & Contraindications

GENERAL QUESTIONS

  • We offer Acupuncture, Fertility Acupuncture, Dry Cupping for 12 and up, Teen and Adult Acne skincare, Custom Facials, Microneedling, Chemical Peels and Anti-Aging treatments. We also offer Energetic Healing, CST/Reiki sessions and Head/Hair Oil Acupressure treatments.

  • We highly suggest that you book your appointment online right here. Or you can give us a call at (703) 254-9599.

    When you book online we do ask for credit card information as we have a $35 late cancellation fee.

    We do not charge your credit card when you book online.

    You may also pay for the session ahead of time if you like.

  • We are located in Sterling, VA

    Our Office Address:

    21155 Whiftfield Place

    Suite 105

    Sterling, VA 20165

    (Handicap Accessible)

  • We have ample FREE parking around the office building.

    Our office is located on the second floor and we do have an elevator for handicap use.

  • If you are immune-compromised and coming for an acupuncture, energetic healing, or cupping treatment, we still suggest wearing a mask at all times.

    If you are getting any skincare treatments you must remove the mask in order to get a treatment. If you are feeling any symptoms please reschedule your appointment.

    Our staff do wear masks at all times.

  • Please arrive a bit early for your first appointment. We do send out an intake form by email that should be filled out ahead of time.

    Please wait in the lobby for your practitioner to come out and greet you.

    Please wear comfortable clothing for all treatments.

    Feel free to email Alexandra any time before your first session with any questions here.

  • We suggest coming in at least 5-10 minutes before your appointment time. This can help you relax and if necessary fill out any paperwork that was not already completed. If you do not see your practitioner they are probably finishing up the appointment so please be patient and they will get to you at your appointment time.

  • Our spa has a 24-hour cancellation policy so if you need to cancel, make sure to notify us through email or phone in advance, otherwise, you will be charged a $35 cancellation fee.

  • Our policy doesn’t allow unattended children under 12, and that includes a child with a client receiving a service and unable to tend to the child.

    Your child’s safety and well-being are important to us. If you bring a child into an esthetics room, for instance, there are many machines that are potentially dangerous. We also cannot have the child unattended in the waiting area.

    Please look for child care before coming to your appointment.

  • As a courtesy to all our guests, late arrivals will only receive the remaining available appointment time and will be charged the full-service fee.

  • We do have online gift cards available for purchase and is a great gift to give loved ones!

    We also have physical gift certificates available in the office to purchase as well.

  • Please wear comfortable clothing. We do offer robes or can put a towel over your clothes but we recommend wearing more casual clothing items for all treatments. We also do recommend removing jewelry, especially on the ears if you are getting head acupressure or skincare treatment.

  • Please put your phone away. We highly suggest silencing your phone while getting any of the services. This is a sacred time of relaxation and healing.

  • Yes. We treat men, women, and children 12 + for all services.

  • We offer Healing packages that include One First VISIT Acupuncture Session, One Healing Energetic Treatment, and One 55-minute Custom Facial.

    We also offer discounted packages for all kinds of treatments.

    You can purchase a package right here.

 Skincare Treatment FAQs

Common Skincare Questions

  • A facial stimulates and hydrates the collagen in your skin and gives back a youthful glow. A facial diminishes wrinkles, lines, closes pores, softens scars, enhances beauty, and keeps skin young and healthy, recommended 3-6 weeks apart. Monthly sessions will definitely make a difference in your skin's overall health and texture.

  • Yes. Before any facial is performed the aesthetician should have you fill out paperwork online before your session. No matter what facial service you choose, all facials are curated to each individual's skin type.

    Before the facial begins the aesthetician will perform a skin assessment to determine your skin type. After your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive, mature, dehydrated) has been determined the products used in your facial will be appropriate for your skin type.

  • Skip any strong at-home facial treatments the week before your appointment and any exfoliation treatments a few days prior. Your esthetician will be providing this crucial step as part of your facial treatment.

    Stay out of the sun and away from tanning for five days before your facial. Sun damage and skin do not mix and should always be avoided; but especially before your service.

  • Wear your make-up. Or don't. Either way, your esthetician will cleanse your skin as part of any of our facial treatments. We will be removing any makeup left during the facial.

  • If you have any of the following please reschedule your appointment:

    Viruses such as colds, flu, fever, cold sores, warts, Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes, and Fungal infections such as ringworm, and blepharitis.

    Undiagnosed lumps or swelling, Broken bones, known sensitivity or allergy to products.

    Please contact your medical provider before coming into get a skincare treatment

  • Please wear comfortable clothing. We do offer robes or can put a towel over your clothes but we recommend wearing more casual clothing items for all treatments. We also do recommend removing jewelry, especially on the ears if you are getting head acupressure or skincare treatment.

  • We use numbing cream to numb the face before the treatment begins.

    The most common sensation during the procedure is a warm, scratching feeling as the tool is moved around the face. You may also notice some pain in the “bonier” areas of your face, such as your hairline, forehead, and jawline.

    The application of the topical anesthetic makes this procedure relatively pain-free.

  • The most common side effects of microneedling are mild and include redness, bruising, swelling, and inflammation. The side effects usually go away after two or three days but may persist for up to two weeks.

  • It doesn't grow back thicker, darker, or sharp. Its blunt tips only feel that way for a short time. Vellous hair never changes to thicker hair. However, if you already have thick hair, the presence of the blunt tip may look darker after dermplaning.

    CAUTION: If you have hirsutism or PCOS it is not a permanent hair removal treatment

  • LED treatment is a non-invasive therapy that exposes your skin to light energy (blue, red, yellow) which promotes cellular growth and repair.

  • If you are suffering from acne, we highly recommend you do the acne boot camp sessions. However, if you are just seeking one facial you can book a custom facial and we will treat your skin based on your skintype.

 Acupuncture Treatment FAQs

Common Acupuncture Questions

  • Acupuncture needles are inserted into the body's specific points along the meridians or pathways. This stimulates the body’s healing energy or qi (chee). Electromagnetic research confirms that the body has approximately 1000 acupuncture points.

  • Acupuncture is an extremely safe therapeutic procedure. Our experience, extensive training for over 10 years, and remaining current ensure you are being given the best care possible.

    In Alexandra Healing Spa our acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable needles, eliminating the risk of infection.

  • Acupuncture needles are very thin, about the size of a thick strand of hair. Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people may feel a slight pinch sensation and others don’t feel anything at all.

    Frequently patients have mentioned feeling sensations of warmth, tingling, heaviness, and electric sensation traveling along the meridian.

  • You can fit 40 acupuncture needle for one 18 gauge hypodermic needle. If there is any discomfort that is experienced it is usually mild.

  • We currently do not take insurance Full payment is due at each treatment and a receipt will be given to you to turn into insurance for reimbursement.

    More and more insurance companies will reimburse acupuncture treatments directly to you. Check your provider for details.

  • Herbal medicine and supplements are often recommended to facilitate the results of treatment. We will be sending you supplement suggestions through “FULLSCRIPT”. We also always recommend speaking to your medical provider before starting any herbs or supplements.

 Headspa & Oil Treatment FAQs

Common Head Oil Acupressure Questions

  • NO you do not need to wash your hair before your session.

    We actually recommend that your hair isn’t washed to help the products absorb better during the hair treatments.

    We do recommend showering 30 min to 1 hour after the head hair OIl session (you may also leave the hair oils overnight for a more intense treatment.)

    We do not recommend washing your hair AFTER the Japanese Headspa treatment

  • YES. Alexandra can treat textured hair or hair with locs. We do not do any braiding or hair design. The treatment is targeting the scalp. We use a wide-tooth comb or soft bristle brush. We also include a leave-in de-tangler for added moisture. (you can always contact us for any specific questions)

  • Our specialist is experienced with all types of hair from thin & fragile, thick & coarse, wavy, curly, porous, to even bald! However, the hair itself is actually not so much of a concern as we will be primarily focusing on the scalp during the Head Spa. At the end of the day, the Head Spa is a scalp treatment. As long as you have a scalp, we can give you a head spa.

    We only ask you to make sure that we have proper access to the scalp. We cannot perform services on customers with extensions, braids, or sew-ins as these obstruct access to the scalp and pores.

  • Yes, we carry nut/allergy-free oils for hair treatment. We do recommend calling ahead of time so that we can list out the ingredients to make sure there are no adverse reactions.

  • No, it does not. Oil hair treatment is a natural hair care method. Hair oils are completely safe. We also recommend normal hair washing after the session.

  • Please wear comfortable clothing. We do put a towel over your clothes but we recommend wearing more casual clothing items for this treatment. You do not take off any clothes for this session. We do recommend removing jewelry, especially on the ears to get the extra face/ear massage.

    If you wear a headscarf we do provide bonnets for under the scarf.

  • The Japanese Head Spa is a holistic treatment that focuses on the health of your scalp and hair. Originating from Japan and taking techniques from China and Korea, this luxurious treatment aims to cleanse, exfoliate, and massage the scalp, promoting healthy hair growth and a profound sense of relaxation. Alexandra uses specialized techniques to stimulate blood circulation, reduce stress, and revitalize your scalp with her acupuncture and holistic background. Please know that our Head Spa should not be confused with a massage. Our salon is not a massage parlor.

  • Recent Scalp Surgery - Individuals who have done recent scalp surgeries should discuss with their health practitioners before undergoing a Japanese Headspa treatment!

    Scalp Injuries- Recent scalp injuries such as cuts and burns may contraindicate treatment

    Extensions and Hair Enhancements- We cannot perform treatments on clients with extensions, braids or sew-ins as they block access to scalp and pore

    Expecting Mothers- We strongly advise you to ask your doctor before coming in to a headspa session as you will be laying flat for 60 minutes.

    Any kind of diseases/viruses-especially those related to the skin. Those with fungal scalp conditions, contagious skin disorders, open sores, or lice should consult a dermatologist for appropriate care. We will immediately stop treatment if we see any of the above.

    Please do not enter if you have head lice; if you suspect you may have lice, please get checked and treated before coming in.

  • Self-Service Hair Drying Station

    While our Japanese Head Spa treatment offers a comprehensive and deeply relaxing experience, please note that we do not include hair drying as part of the service. However, for your convenience, we have a fully equipped hair drying station available for self-use, ensuring you leave our spa looking and feeling your best.

Contraindication

  • Acupuncture Contraindications

    Acute stroke

    Patients with cancer (can still treat with doctor recommendation)

    Areas of poor skin condition

    Diabetic patients

    Patients with epilepsy

    Hemophilia or other clotting disorders [6]

    Special Precautions

    Bleeding tendency

    Immuno-suppression,

    Epilepsy

    Pregnancy

    Unclear diagnosis

    Abnormal physical structure

  • Microneedling Contraindications

    keloid or raised scarring; allergies;

    history of eczema, psoriasis, and other chronic conditions

    history of actinic (solar) keratosis

    history of Herpes Simplex infections

    history of diabetes

    presence of raised moles, warts, or any raised lesions on the targeted area (we will avoid raised moles during treatment).

    Absolute contraindications include:

    pregnancy

    scleroderma

    collagen vascular diseases or cardiac abnormalities

    Rosacea and blood clotting problems

    active bacterial or fungal infection

    immuno-suppression

    scars less than 6 months old

    facial fillers in the past 14 days.

    On Accutane (must be stopped for one year or with a doctor’s note)

  • Dermaplaning Contraindications

    Waxing/threading or use depilatory creams for 7 days prior.

    Cosmetic injections for 2 weeks before and after treatments.

    Refrain the use of Tretinoin, Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avage, EpiDuo, Ziana, and high-percentage AHA and BHA products for approximately 7 days prior to treatment. Consult your Physician before temporarily discontinuing the use of any prescription medications.

    Active Acne

    Eczema, dermatitis, malignant skin tumors, open lesions, lupus, active herpes infection, sunburn, and keratoses.

    Allergy to nickel

    Any Cancer therapy

    Blood thinners

    On Accutane (must be stopped for one year or with a doctor's note)

  • Dry Cupping Contraindications

    Bleeding disorders like hemophilia.

    Blood clotting problems, such as deep vein thrombosis or history of strokes.

    Skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis.

    Seizures (epilepsy).

    Generally not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy

  • Chemical Peel Contraindications

    Use of Accutane®, Retin-A®, or other medications that exfoliate or thin the skin within 6 months

    Recent cosmetic surgery, laser resurfacing, deep or medium depth chemical peels or dermabrasion

    Severe rosacea or acne

    Easily scars or has hyper-pigmentation tendencies

    Pregnancy – always consult with your obstetrician prior to receiving chemical peels

    Breast-feeding

    Sunburn or irritated skin

    Open sores or lesions

    Infectious disease

    Active Herpes simplex

    Diabetes

    High blood pressure

    Heart disease

    Deficient immune system

    Permanent cosmetics–wait 7 days then cover with occlusive barrier