5 Things Worth the Money, According to an Acupuncturist in Herndon, VA

People ask us all the time where their wellness money actually goes furthest. So we asked Brian, our acupuncturist here at Catch a Fish Wellness in Herndon, to name his top five. He did it in about 14 seconds on camera. Watch it below, then read the longer version.

Brian's list: weekly acupuncture, weekly massage, herbal medicine, a great ramen place and good sushi. Yes, really.

1. Weekly Acupuncture

The key word is weekly. One session can feel great, but steady, regular care is where most people notice the bigger changes: better sleep, less tension, calmer moods and fewer flare-ups. In Chinese medicine, we're helping the body find a new rhythm, and rhythm takes repetition.

That's true whether you come in for back, neck or joint pain, stress, or fertility acupuncture, where we usually plan around weekly visits for about three months. New to it? Here's what to expect at your first acupuncture visit.

2. Weekly Massage

Massage isn't just a treat. A regular massage keeps muscles from locking up, helps circulation and gives your nervous system a real break from screens and deadlines.

At our Herndon office, massage is rooted in traditional Asian medical massage and acupressure. We use it to move blood and qi, release tension and support the work we do with acupuncture. You can read more about it on our Holistic Renewal page.

3. Herbal Medicine

Acupuncture works on the outside. Chinese herbal medicine keeps working on the inside between visits. A custom formula is matched to your pattern, so two people with the same complaint can get very different herbs.

If you're curious how we think about patterns, start with 3 common imbalances in Chinese medicine or blood building with Chinese medicine. Always tell us about any medications you take so we can choose herbs safely.

4. A Great Ramen Place

This one makes people laugh, but it's more Chinese medicine than it sounds. We're big fans of warm, cooked food, and a slow-simmered bone broth is about as warming and nourishing as it gets. On a cold Northern Virginia night, a good bowl of ramen is food as medicine.

Want his current favorite spot? Ask Brian at your next visit. He has opinions.

5. Good Sushi

Life is for enjoying, and good sushi is worth paying for. Quality fish matters. From a Chinese medicine view, raw food is cooling, so balance it with warming sides like miso soup, ginger and a cup of hot green tea, especially if you tend to run cold or have a sensitive stomach.

Trying to conceive or already expecting? Check with your doctor about raw fish, and see our tips on what to avoid when trying to get pregnant and acupuncture during pregnancy.

What the List Has in Common

Every item is something you come back to. Brian's point is that the things worth your money are the ones that support you week after week, not one-time fixes. Care for your body regularly, eat warm food you love, and enjoy the good stuff.

Acupuncture, Massage & Herbal Medicine in Herndon, VA

Catch a Fish Wellness is at 481 Carlisle Dr in Herndon, serving Herndon, Reston, McLean, Fairfax and Northern Virginia. Looking for the right fit? Here's how to choose an acupuncturist near you.