Frequently Asked Questions

Because our office is considered by Virginia State to be a healthcare setting, masks are required inside the office. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you. You must wear your mask for the entire treatment.

(This may change depending on Covid-19 protocols)

COVID-19 FAQ

Prescreening

Pre-screening via email: Patients will receive a pre-screening email 24 hours before their appointment. The email will ask about COVID symptoms and exposure.

Please Come Alone

Please come alone to any appointments unless you require assistance. You and anyone who accompanies you must undergo screening before entering the office. (we ask you to not bring children to your appointment)

Temperature Check

When arriving for your appointment, there will be a brief screening before entering the treatment space.
Alexandra is fully vaccinated.
We disinfect and sanitize the room before each session to ensure a clean space for your treatment.

Do I take off my mask during Facials?

Our office will be following best practices as we return to cosmetic acupuncture and facials.

Cosmetic acupuncture and facials are open to vaccinated patients.
Our acupuncturist will be wearing a KN95 face mask and a face shield while working on a patient’s face
The patient may remove their mask for acupuncture and facial services
Masks should be worn in the office up until the point that we’re ready to begin acupuncture or facials on the face.

Facial Questions

What is a Facial?

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.

Contraindications for Facials

Contraindications that PREVENT a facial treatment: Viruses such as colds, FLU, fever, cold sores, warts, Bacterial infections such as impetigo, boils, conjunctivitis, styes, Fungal infections such as ringworm, blepharitis,

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

Are there things Facials cannot do for the skin?

Yes! A facial cannot:
Eliminate acne
Permanently fade discoloration
Treat Rosacea
Lift sagging skin
Eliminate dark circles and puffy eyes
Replace cosmetic corrective procedures such as Botox

Are you getting ready for a big event?

Are you getting your skin ready for a big event? If you've never had a facial before and don't know how your skin will respond, our licensed estheticians recommend scheduling an appointment about six weeks in advance with a follow-up appointment closer to your event date.

This way you have time to address any negative skin reactions and get the maximum results from your service. Don't have that much time? That's okay. Our experienced staff can recommend a service that will help you put your best face forward.

Do you treat all skin types?

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.
The questionnaire will let the aesthetician know such things as; medications you are taking, the products you use on your skin, recent procedures (e.g. injections, peels, laser) you have had on your face, and what your biggest concern is with your skin. The information you provide will be discussed with the aesthetician.

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.

What should I do before getting a facial?

Wear clothing that is comfortable. We recommend wearing clothing that is easy to change in and out of.
Wear your make-up. Or don't. Either way your esthetician will cleanse your skin as part of any of our facial treaments.
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 escpecially before your service.

Energetic Healing FAQ

What kind of Energetic Healing do you use in the session?

Alexandra typically uses many modalities during the healing session. The treatment is based on what is showing up that day and what the client needs. She has been healing for many years and communicates with the client about what they are feeling during the session. Some healing modalities included are Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Zero Balancing, Singing Bowl Tuning, Chakra balance, and more.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy, also called cranial osteopathy and cranial therapy, is a manual, non-invasive therapy using gentle hand pressure to manipulate the skeleton and connective tissues, typically the head, skull, and sacrum (the large triangular bone at the base of the spinal column). The purpose is to release tensions deep in the body in order to relieve pain and dysfunction.

CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it’s effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction (Upledger Institute International).

CST is a therapy stemming from osteopathy. Osteopaths use manual techniques to manipulate and strengthen the musculoskeletal framework. Osteopaths focus on muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and the spine.

Weil, Andrew MD. WEIL/Cranial Osteopathy. Retrieved from: https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/cranial-osteopathy/

Upledger Institute International/CST FAQs. Retrieved from: https://www.upledger.com/therapies/faq.php

What can I expect DURING the session?

You will be asked to lay down on a massage table, fully clothed except for your shoes. You must still be wearing a mask during the session. You may also be asked to remove or loosen your belt so that your breathing is not restricted in any way. It is best to choose loose-fitting garments to wear on the day of your appointment. You may be asked to remove any jewelry (rings, bracelets, pendants, etc) prior to the session.

During the sessions, some people experience energy moving, heat, tingles, visual images, colors, auditory messages, and many other sensations. Some people don't pick up on any sensations.

What can I expect AFTER the session?

Immediate healing
Healing that occurs over the next few days after the session
Accelerated healing, can temporarily increase pain, or the severity of the issue. Also known as a "healing crisis or law of cure". This is always good news as it is a sign that you are healing. This generally does not last long and improvement is seen quickly.
Feeling "my hands" on you during distance sessions
Fatigue after the session. Give yourself time to rest if you need it. The healing of the body can make you feel tired and some people may need to rest for a couple of days depending on their health issues.

Acupuncture Questions

How does Acupuncture work?

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.

According to research by neurophysiologist Bruce Pomeranz from the University of Toronto, the needles trigger the nervous system in releasing painkilling and inflammation-reducing substances enabling the person to heal themselves.

Will Acupuncture work for me?

Most patients coming to Alexandra Healing Spa use acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to enhance the health care they are receiving or because standard therapies, medication, and treatments have been ineffective.

Others seek a more natural treatment as a way to regain control of their own health. Whatever your reason might be, your case will be approached with care and respect.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

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 our acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, individually packaged , and disposable needles are used eliminating the risk of infection.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

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, electric sensation traveling along the meridian.

These certain sensations are associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture called “de qi” (pronounced “day chee”). The acupuncture needles are very very thin in comparison to hypodermic needles used to give injections.

They are solid and do not have a blunt tip creating less discomfort and pain with insertion. You can fit 40 acupuncture needle for one 18 gauge hypodermic needle. If there is any discomfort that is experienced it is usually mild.

Do you take Insurance?

More and more insurance companies will reimburse acupuncture treatments. Check your provider for details. Full payment is due at each treatment and a receipt will be given to you to turn into insurance for reimbursement.

Chinese Herbs & Supplements

Herbal medicine and supplements are often recommended to facilitate the results of treatment. We will be sending you to supplement suggestions through “FULLSCRIPT”

Herbs are an essential part of Chinese medicine and often in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Herbal formulas are designed specifically for each patient’s health concerns, and unlike western medicine which primarily treats symptoms, formulas work to treat the whole body system.

Hair Oil Treatment FAQ

Do I wash my hair before my Hair Oil treatment session? NO. Please allow a day or two of not washing your hair to help the oil absorb better during the hair oil treatment. We do recommend showering 30 min to 1 hour after the session (you may also leave the hair oils overnight for a more intense treatment.)

Can you do hair oil treatment for textured natural hair or locs? 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 email for any specific questions here)

Do you have NUT FREE oils?

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.

Can Hair Oil Treatment Damage Hair?

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.

What do I need before my 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.

Do you treat Men?

Yes. If you do not have hair on the head, we can still do the acupressure head massage and focus more on an acupressure session vs hair oil treatment. We can also target beard/facial hair for the oil treatment portion.