Dr. Sarah Faggert Alemi, DAc, LAc

12/15/2025

Hi everyone,

As we head into the final weeks of the year, schedules tend to fill quickly — between holiday travel, weather changes, and end‑of‑year responsibilities. If you’ve been thinking about coming in, this is a gentle reminder to plan ahead while there’s still some availability.

**Why this time of year matters for your health**

Winter often brings more tension, fatigue, flare‑ups of pain, sleep disruption, and lowered immunity. Acupuncture and supportive care can help keep your system regulated, resilient, and better able to handle the seasonal shifts — especially when routines are already off balance.

**Important insurance reminder**

If you have insurance benefits with a **deductible or coinsurance,** please remember that these typically **reset on January 1st**. That means any deductible you’ve already met this year starts over again in the new year before coverage applies. Using remaining benefits now can help you make the most of what you’ve already paid into.

**Current appointment availability**

Below is what I have still have open over the next two weeks. These spots may change quickly, so I encourage booking sooner rather than later.

**This week:**

Monday, December 15th (Today!): 4:45 OR 5:30
Tuesday, December 16th: 10:30, 3:00, 3:30 OR 4:15
Thursday, December 17th: 12:45

**Next week:**
Monday, December 22nd: 4:30 OR 5:00, 5:30
Tuesday, December 23rd: 10:00, 11:45, 2:15

You can book online or reach out if you’re unsure what would be most helpful for you right now.

Wishing you steadiness, warmth, and good health as we close out the year.

Warmly,
Dr. Sarah
703-848-1980
info@easternrootswellness.com
easternrootswellness.com

Click here for an update from Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC!

12/13/2025

✨ The blog is live. ✨

After recent headlines about a professional athlete being hospitalized following dry needling, I wanted to take the opportunity to educate — not alarm — and clarify some important differences many patients don’t realize.

Acupuncture and dry needling may look similar, but they differ significantly in:
• Training and education
• Scope of practice
• Regulation (especially here in Virginia)
• How safety and risk are managed

In this blog, I break down:
✔️ Acupuncture vs dry needling — what’s the same and what isn’t
✔️ How rare complications like pneumothorax actually are
✔️ Why practitioner training matters
✔️ Virginia-specific laws that protect patients

My goal is always informed, empowered care — because who you see matters.

📖 Read the full article here: https://wix.to/fGh30cK

A timely reminder: these things are rare — but realThis week, a high-profile athlete was hospitalized after a routine dry-needling session. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt underwent surgery for a partially collapsed lung (pneumothorax) following dry needling and is currently recovering. T...

12/12/2025

You may have seen today’s ESPN article about a professional football player who was hospitalized after a routine dry-needling session resulted in a collapsed lung.

While events like this are rare, they are real — and they highlight an important truth in healthcare:

👉 Who you go to matters.

Acupuncture and dry needling may look similar from the outside — both use thin needles — but they differ greatly in training, regulation, and scope of care. Depth of anatomical education, clinical hours, and experience become especially important when working near sensitive areas like the neck, chest, and upper back.

This isn’t meant to create fear — it’s meant to empower patients to ask better questions and make informed decisions about their care.

📖 I’ll be sharing a detailed blog tomorrow breaking down:
• Acupuncture vs dry needling
• Safety and risk (including how rare complications really are)
• Virginia-specific regulations
• Why practitioner training matters
🔗 For now, you can read the ESPN article linked below.

Stay tuned — education is one of the best tools we have.

12/11/2025

As the holidays approach, here’s an important update on our December schedule:

This Friday, Dec 13 & Saturday, Dec 14: Last chance to schedule appointments for a Friday or Saturday before the holiday break. We encourage you to book now!

Next week (Dec 15–18): Limited treatments that are available only on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Saturday, Dec 20: We will be closed. I will be enjoying a lovely, stress-free day of travel to and from Richmond that day for family ;)

Wednesday, Dec 24 through Friday, Dec 26: Closed for the holidays.

Saturday, Dec 27: Limited appointments available; I may ultimately be taking this day off. Confirmation will be sent by Monday, Dec 16.

Week of New Year's: I will be open with normal office hours!

Winter Health Tip:
A stomach virus (“winter vomiting bug”) is circulating now. To help reduce risk and recover at home:

* Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face.
* Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and faucets.
* Stay hydrated—small sips of water or electrolyte drinks are best if you feel unwell. I rather you feel like you're constantly needing to use the bathroom then not be hydrated enough.
* Make sure you're getting enough zinc.
* Rest and avoid spreading germs to others if symptoms arise.

We encourage you to schedule your appointment **this Friday or Saturday** to stay on track before the holidays.

Best,
Dr. Sarah
703-848-1980
info@easternrootswellness.com
easternrootswellness.com

Click here for an update from Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC!

12/08/2025

A quick update as we head into the colder season! Oh, wait...we're already there!

I still have evening appointments available this week—today and Thursday—for anyone needing a little reset, immune support, or stress relief. So if you find yourself unexpectedly without a mile long list of things to do after work today, I got you.

Now for the PSA:

New Hours Starting Next Week

We’re adjusting our schedule to better match patient flow (the current setup just isn’t working!). Beginning next week:

Mondays & Tuesdays: 10:00am–6:30pm

Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00am–5:00pm

Saturdays: 8:00am–1:00pm

We will be limiting the number of Saturday appointments, so please book early.

Please note:
We will be closed on Saturday, December 20, but will be open the Saturday after Christmas. IN FACT, we will be open 12/22 and 12/23 as well as 12/27 on, through New Year's!

With schedules shifting and the holidays approaching, now is a great time to reserve your appointments and use any remaining insurance benefits before they reset.

Best,
Dr. Sarah
703-848-1980
info@easternrootswellness.com
easternrootswellness.com

Click here for an update from Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC!

12/02/2025

Winter is tough on our skin! ❄️ Stress, irregular routines, and holiday treats can lead to dryness and dullness. Learn how cosmetic acupuncture can restore your glow this season: https://wix.to/5gdWtTG

As the cold months settle in and the holiday season ramps up, many of us notice a familiar pattern:❄️ Dry, dull skin😫 Heightened stress and inflammation🎉 Late nights and irregular routines🍷 More sugar and holiday treats🔥 Indoor heat that dehydrates the skin barrierThis time of year c...

12/01/2025

Good Evening!

I hope you’re staying warm as this cold snap settles in!

Just a quick update on this week’s schedule — as well as some TCM tips for keeping your body healthy during winter weather!

For the rest of this week, I have:

* **A few openings tomorrow (Tuesday)** 8:15, 8:45 and 3:45
* **Some availability Wednesday afternoon** 1:45, 2:30, 3:00, 4:15
* **No openings Thursday or Friday**
* **Only *one* slot left this Saturday** 8:00

If you know you need a tune-up before the weekend, grab that Saturday spot ASAP — it always goes quickly!

Insurance Reminder:

For those of you using insurance benefits, most policies **reset in just about a month**. If you still have sessions available for 2025, now is the perfect time to use them before they expire.
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❄️ Staying Healthy in the Cold: A TCM Tip

Winter cold can sneak into the body and weaken our defenses if we’re not careful. In TCM, this is the season to **tonify, warm, and protect** — especially your Kidneys and Lung qi.

Here are some easy, accessible teas and foods you can add in this week:
✨ Warming (Yang-supporting) Teas & Foods
Great for feeling cold, low energy, stiff joints, or that deep “winter chill.”
* **Ginger tea** (fresh slices or tea bags)
* **Cinnamon tea**
* **Chai (unsweetened if possible)**
* **Bone broth**
* **Miso soup**
* **Warm cooked foods:** roasted root veggies, stews, winter squash, black beans

✨ If You’re Feeling More Dry (throat, nose, skin, eyes):**
This is common with indoor heating + windy days.
* **Pear tea** or **pear + ginger simmer water**
* **Licorice root tea**
* **Rooibos**
* **Oolong** (moistens without being overly cooling)
* **Moistening foods:** pears, apples, sesame seeds, walnuts, cooked leafy greens, congee with a drizzle of honey

If you’re not sure which category you fall into, please do not hesitate to reach out — I’m happy to guide you.

Stay warm, stay well, and I hope to see you this week!

Best,
Dr. Sarah
703-848-1980
info@easternrootswellness.com
easternrootswellness.com

Click here for an update from Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC!

12/01/2025

Discover the benefits of Gua Sha therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine! 🌿 This powerful technique goes beyond beauty trends, helping to release tension and promote healing. Ready to transform your wellness journey? Read more: https://wix.to/BiJQwj4

If you’ve been searching for Gua Sha therapy in Arlington, VA, or you’ve seen those beautiful jade tools trending online, you might be wondering what Gua Sha really is—and how it differs when used on the face versus the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Gua Sha is much more than a b...

11/30/2025

🎉 LAST DAY FOR SAVINGS! 🎉
Tomorrow is your FINAL chance to grab crystal goodies at a discount!
✨ Online (Etsy): 25% off most products
✨ In-Store:
• 25% off items $51+
• 15% off items $50 & under
Includes our crystal jewelry! Sale ends tomorrow at close of business — stock up on magic while it lasts! ✨🔮 No appointment necessary ☺️

11/28/2025

Happy Friday! Hoping that everyone slept well and had a fully belly last night!

Just a quick heads up that I do have a few appointment openings tomorrow (Saturday morning) if you’ve been thinking about squeezing in some last-minute support before the winter holidays swirl truly begins.

✨ Don’t forget — our holiday crystal specials are still happening! Beautiful pieces for self-care, gifting, or to anchor a little extra calm this season.

Next week’s schedule note:
We will be open on Wednesday, but closed Thursday & Friday.
While we do have a good amount of availability for the week, our Saturday next week is starting to look full.

If your body has been whispering for a reset… this might be your sign 😉

You can book online or reach out directly. We are IN and open today.

Best,
Dr. Sarah
703-848-1980
info@easternrootswellness.com
easternrootswellness.com

Click here for an update from Eastern Roots Wellness, PLC!