private Acupuncture sessions

sessions will take place at VITAL QI on 6 South Robinson Street

Experience personalized, one-on-one care with licensed acupuncturist Ali Warters, L.Ac. During a private acupuncture session, Ali will take the time to understand your unique health concerns and goals, crafting a treatment tailored specifically to your needs.

These sessions are conducted in a quiet, private setting and include the use of thin, sterile needles placed at precise points on the body to promote healing and balance. Depending on your needs, additional therapies such as bodywork, cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion may be incorporated to enhance your results.

Private sessions are deeply restorative and are safe for individuals of all life stages, including during pregnancy. This offering is perfect for those seeking focused, individualized care in a calm and serene environment.

SERVICE RATES

Ali Warters is an acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist and painter from Newport News, VA. She holds a BS in Health Sciences and a MS in Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese Herbs. 

Ms. Warters’ intuitive eye for the human condition first drew her to portraiture and anatomical drawing. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing from the Maryland Institute College of Art and remained in Baltimore, painting professional portraits for years. Her portraits and images captured the quiet need for healing in her subjects, an awareness that drew her to hands-on healing approaches in massage therapy and Eastern medicine. 

Ali is a compassionate and nurturing person, and Eastern medicine is a perfect tool to express her passion and tenderness for people.  Where she once held the paint brush to reveal a need for healing, she now works to resolve those needs in her community and in her patients. Ali’s treatments are intuitive and relaxing, but most importantly, productive in healing.  She takes time and care to ensure a safe space for all folks and all bodies.  You will find yourself welcome and safe in her hands!

how acupuncture works

The patient must be assessed first, noting the physical characteristics (such as the tongue, face and eyes quality); and, overt presenting symptoms like aches and their locations, chills, fever, and sleep patterns. Next, the needles are inserted into the skin; possibly the practitioner will apply heated herbal substances on the end of the needles. They may use special herbs, mild pressure, micro-currents of electricity, or may simply leave the needles inserted. The needles remain inserted for 15-40 minutes, allowing the energy within the body to circulate and rebalance.

Acupuncture facilitates opening elimination pathways. Applying mildly heated moxa (moxibustion) has shown benefit as it expands the pores on the skin to facilitate toxin release with natural perspiration. As a compliment, applying a mild electrical current through the meridians also helps to clear the neural messaging routes.

A standard meridian system known as the Twelve Primary Pathways is what most practitioners of acupuncture follow. The pathways represent conduits to the major organs, the Bladder, Gall Bladder, Heart, Kidney, Large Intestine, Pericardium, Lungs, Small Intestine, San Jiao (or abdominal cavity), Stomach, Liver, and the Spleen. Each point is further classified as a Yin (female) or Yang (male) meridian, and is manipulated with the needles in an effort to affect change of its respective organ.

experience community acupuncture with

 
 

Vitality’s private acupuncture sessions are held at Vital Qi, an acupuncture clinic located on 6 South Robinson Street.

About Vital Qi

Founded in 2023 as a sister business to Vitality Float Spa by Kenzie Barrett and Elizabeth Fuqua, Vital Qi's mission is to break down barriers to acupuncture and Eastern medicine by offering affordable, convenient, and inclusive care.

Vital Qi specializes in small-group community acupuncture, where up to 4 individuals share a peaceful, semi-private space. This model allows for high-quality treatments at lower costs while maintaining a relaxing and restorative experience.

All treatments are provided in recliners with optional blankets and heating elements for added comfort. Sessions focus on face-up treatments, ensuring a gentle and effective approach.

Vital Qi offers a supportive, community-centered environment where acupuncture is made accessible through sliding-scale pricing and payment assistance options.

FAQs

1. What is a private acupuncture session?
A private acupuncture session is a one-on-one appointment with an acupuncturist in a quiet, private treatment room. This setting allows for a more personalized experience, with treatments tailored specifically to your unique needs and preferences.

2. How long does a private acupuncture session last?
Private acupuncture sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time for a consultation with the acupuncturist, the treatment itself, and post-treatment care or recommendations.

3. What can I expect during a private session?
Your session will begin with a consultation to discuss your health concerns, goals, and any relevant medical history. The acupuncturist will then create a treatment plan and place thin, sterile needles at specific points on your body. Sessions may also include additional therapies such as cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion, depending on your needs.

4. Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is generally a gentle and relaxing experience. While you may feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted, most people find the treatment comfortable and even soothing.

5. What should I wear to an acupuncture session?
It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas like your arms, legs, and abdomen. You may also be provided with a sheet or blanket for added comfort and coverage during the session.

6. How should I prepare for an acupuncture session?
Make sure to eat a light meal or snack a few hours before your appointment and stay hydrated. Please limit coffee or other high-caffeine foods or drinks and completely avoid alcohol or intoxicating substances in the immediate hours before and after your treatment. Drinking plenty of water on treatment days (and always!) is also beneficial to the healing process.

7. What activities should I avoid on treatment days?
It’s best to avoid intensely strenuous exercise or activities on the day of your treatment. Light exercise such as yoga, stretching, or walking can be supportive alternatives to promote healing.

8. How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your specific goals and condition. Some people notice improvements after just one session, while others may require a series of treatments for more lasting results. Your acupuncturist will help you create a personalized treatment plan.

9. How is a private session different from a group acupuncture session?
A private session provides a fully individualized experience in a quiet, private setting, with treatments tailored specifically to your needs. Group acupuncture, on the other hand, takes place in a semi-private setting with a few other individuals and focuses on a more cost-effective, community-centered approach.

10. Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is a safe and supportive treatment during pregnancy when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. It can help address common pregnancy-related concerns such as nausea, fatigue, back pain, and stress. Be sure to inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant so they can tailor the treatment accordingly.