Vital Qi, 6 South Robinson Street, Richmond, VA (2025)

10/25/2025

Feeling congested or sluggish as the temps start to drop? In Chinese medicine, mucus and brain fog are often signs of “Dampness” or “Phlegm”, patterns that respond well to warm, cooked foods and immune-supporting spices like ginger and garlic.

Fall is Lung season in TCM, and what we eat can make all the difference in staying clear and balanced. Read the full post in our journal (link in bio) for seasonal eating tips that support your body’s natural defenses.

10/24/2025

👉We have openings this Saturday for sliding-scale acupuncture with Ali!

Sliding-Scale Saturdays offer pay-what-you-can community acupuncture every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Sessions are $25–$55… you choose what works for your budget. The cost to reserve your spot is $25, and you can add more when you book or during your visit.

If you’re able to pay more, it helps support access to care for others in our community.

Treatments are about 45 minutes long in comfortable recliners. Whether you’re managing stress, pain, sleep troubles, or just need to reset, acupuncture can help.

Book your spot at vitalqi.com/sliding-scale ✨

08/28/2025

Last week, we announced our new Equinox Youth Clinic with Ali Warters, a dedicated space for teens ages 12-17 navigating the back-to-school transition and beyond. But why acupuncture for teens?

Recent clinical studies show some promising findings:

✨ Anxiety: Teens receiving acupuncture showed significantly lower anxiety scores compared to control groups

✨ Sleep: Research found acupuncture increases natural melatonin production and improves sleep quality in young people

✨ Depression: Multiple clinical trials are investigating acupuncture for adolescent depression, with early evidence showing it may help regulate mood-supporting neurotransmitters

✨ Pain: Studies involving pediatric and adolescent patients found significant pain reduction following acupuncture treatments

✨ Safety: Research confirms acupuncture is well-tolerated by teens with minimal side effects when performed by licensed practitioners

The teenage brain is still developing, making this a crucial time for supportive, natural care. Our Equinox Youth Clinic meets select Saturdays 2-5pm starting October 4th—all sessions just $65, no membership required.

For more detailed information about the research and how acupuncture can support your teen, check out our latest journal post (link in bio).

08/19/2025

✨ Introducing: Equinox Youth Clinic ✨
A seasonal reset for teens ages 12–17
With Ali Warters L.Ac. and Vital Qi

Back-to-school can feel overwhelming. Many teens struggle with anxiety, disrupted sleep, mood swings, or low energy as summer shifts into the school year.

That’s why we created the Equinox Youth Clinic, a safe space designed just for teens. Our treatments combine Chinese medicine with a deep understanding of adolescent development, helping your teen find balance, calm, and focus. 🍃

We support teens with:
    •    Anxiety, racing thoughts, and emotional overwhelm
    •    Trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted
    •    Mood swings and difficulty focusing
    •    Digestive issues, hormonal shifts, or headaches
    •    Sports recovery and physical strain

Why “Equinox”? 🌞
The equinox is a moment of balance between light and dark. For teens, it’s a reminder that balance is possible: Between rest and activity, independence and support, social life and self-care.

What to expect:
    •    A teen-friendly, welcoming environment
    •    Gentle acupuncture with sterile, single-use needles
    •    Sessions that about 30 minutes
    •    Focus on both immediate relief and long-term balance

Family support is part of the process too. Parents can relax with optional ear acupuncture, enjoy a quiet break, or book their own discounted treatment while their teen is cared for.

Fall 2025 Dates
Saturdays, 2–5 PM
Oct 4, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15, Dec 6, Dec 20

$65 per session (package options available)

Appointments required. Space is limited.

Check out the link in bio to learn more and book!

07/29/2025

Sliding-scale acupuncture dates are open for booking through the end of 2025 🎉

Treatments cost $25-$55 (pay what you can) and last 45 minutes. Bring a friend!

Spots fill quickly! Book at Vitalqi.com/sliding-scale

rva

07/06/2025

🖤 🐓Practitioner Spotlight: Dr. Nancy Talley, L.Ac.
Reiki master, Thai massage therapist, acupuncturist—and avid motorcyclist—Dr. Nancy Talley brings deep experience, sharp intuition, and a touch of edge to the treatment room.

What inspired you to become an acupuncturist?
As an energy worker trained in Reiki and Thai massage, acupuncture felt like a natural next step. I had no idea what I was signing up for—and was pleasantly surprised! I love the idea of using ancient healing in place of more invasive medical interventions, especially when it comes to supporting mental health.

What do you love most about working at Vital Qi?
It’s hard to pick just one thing. I love the variety of cases I get to treat and the diversity of the Richmond community. It’s a refreshing contrast to my work up north in the beauty and wellness industry.

How do you recharge outside the clinic?
I ride motorcycles! When you’re on two wheels, you have to stay in the moment and let everything else go. It keeps me grounded—and keeps my ADHD in check.

Favorite RVA food spot?
Since I live out of town, every good meal in Richmond feels like a treat.

Fun fact most people don’t know?
I’ve had a love for all things gothic since middle school… and I’m in my mid-50s now!

Come meet Nancy and experience her grounded, compassionate care—rooted in ancient medicine, energy work, and lived wisdom.

🖤 Read more → link in bio

06/30/2025

What is Blood Deficiency in Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, Blood isn’t just what flows through your veins - it’s your body’s nourishment, vitality, and grounding. When Blood becomes depleted, you might notice fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, anxiety, dry skin, or restless sleep.

It’s especially common postpartum, after stressful periods, or with heavy cycles.

One of the best ways to support Blood is through food. Think: slow-cooked meals, warming spices, and deeply nourishing ingredients.

✨ Blood-nourishing foods include:
• Oats, rice, lentils, black beans
• Beets, carrots, dark leafy greens
• Eggs, chicken, beef, liver, sardines
• Blackberries, cherries, goji berries
• Walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Nettles, miso, molasses

Building Blood is a slow, gentle process… and food is medicine.

You can read more (plus get a full food chart) in the latest blog post on our website. Link in bio.

06/23/2025

Let’s talk about stress ⚠️

We see it every day: someone walks in with shoulders up to their ears, mind racing, heart doing little tap dances… And after a treatment? Quiet eyes. A deeper breath. A body that finally lets go.

This isn’t magic. It’s acupuncture.

Let’s break down why this happens — and how it might help you, too.

So, What’s Actually Going On?

When those tiny needles go in, your body responds in a big way.

✔️ Your nervous system switches gears.
Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode that’s often completely overwhelmed in our go-go-go world.

✔️ Cortisol (your stress hormone) levels drop.
Studies show acupuncture can reduce circulating cortisol, your body’s built-in alarm bell, so your system stops shouting and starts softening.

✔️ Endorphins kick in.
These are your body’s natural painkillers and mood boosters. Think of them as your internal “ahhhh.”

✔️ Blood flow improves.
Increased circulation helps your brain and body get more oxygen and nutrients — helping you think clearer, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced overall.

Ready to Try It?

Whether you’re dealing with burnout, sleepless nights, tension headaches, or just that low-key anxious hum that never goes away — we’re here.

New & returning clients can book online by following the link in our bio.

Let’s get you grounded 🌿

06/10/2025

More kind words from our community 💛
We’re always honored to be part of your healing journey.

To learn more about how acupuncture can support you, visit vitalqi.com.

05/13/2025

🎨 Practitioner Spotlight: Ali Warters, L.Ac.

Acupuncturist, artist, gardener, and board game enthusiast, Ali brings creative calm and compassion to every session.

✨ Inspired by portraiture + the art of presence

💚 Loves the community and quiet
transformations at Vital Qi

🌿 Recharges with gardening, kayaking, and making things with her hands

🍜 Faves: Pho Tay Do, Balkan Restaurant, Little Nickel & Beijing on Grove

🎨 Fun fact: One of her paintings once hung next to a Warhol (!)

Read more → link in bio

05/01/2025

This month only, take 30% off your first month when you sign up for a Vital Qi acupuncture membership!

👉Visit vitalqi.com/memberships to sign up and use code MAY30 at checkout.

Acupuncture works best when it’s consistent. Whether you’re managing back pain, fertility, or just looking for more balance — regular sessions help the healing stick. 🌿

04/15/2025

Perimenopause & Acupuncture 🌷
with Ali Warters, L.Ac. ✨

Perimenopause is a time of change, and acupuncture can help smooth the transition by reducing symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings. By restoring balance and supporting your body’s natural rhythms, acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach to this new phase of life.

Ali Warters () offers holistic support for individuals navigating menopause, using acupuncture to ease the transition with clarity and care. Drawing on the wisdom of Chinese medicine, Ali addresses not only the physical symptoms—such as hot flashes, insomnia, and hormonal imbalance—but also the emotional and spiritual dimensions of menopause. With a steady and compassionate approach, each treatment aims to restore balance, ease discomfort, and support the body’s innate intelligence. For those seeking a holistic and complementary path through menopause, Ali provides an integrative experience rooted in both clinical skill and deep presence.

Vital Qi

10/25/2025

10/24/2025

08/28/2025

08/19/2025

07/29/2025

07/06/2025

06/30/2025

06/23/2025

06/10/2025

05/13/2025

05/01/2025

04/15/2025

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