Dion M. Blackmon, DACHM, L.Ac

Education:

Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine; Virginia University of Integrative Medicine
Master of Science in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine; Virginia University of Integrative Medicine
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Minor Forensic Science; George Mason University

Certifications/Licenses:

Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM); National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Clean Needle Technique; Council of Colleges of Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Licensed by Virginia Board of Medicine (0121001177)
Licensed by Maryland Board of Acupuncture (U03052)
Oncology Acupuncture Certification; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Korean Integrative Medicine Certification; Kyung Hee University Medical Center

Specialties:

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Integrative Pain Management

Stroke & Neurological Rehabilitation

About Me

What To Expect

Personalized Consultation

We take the time to deeply understand your main concern, health history, and wellness goals. Healing begins with listening.

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Comprehensive Assessment

A blend of Eastern and Western diagnostic tools such as orthopedic tests, neurological evaluation, tongue and pulse diagnosis helps us get the full picture of what’s going on inside your body.

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Integrative Acupuncture Session

Ultra-fine needles are gently placed to stimulate healing, reduce pain, balance your nervous system, and restore Qi (energy) flow. Most patients find this experience deeply relaxing.

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Cupping Therapy

Suction cups help release tight muscles, detoxify tissue, and improve blood and lymphatic circulation. A favorite among athletes and chronic pain sufferers.

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Custom Herbal Medicine & Nutrition Planning

You’ll receive a customized herbal formula and food recommendations tailored to your diagnosis supporting healing from the inside out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is an ancient art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been practiced for thousands of years. TCM practitioners believe that disease occurs when the energetic balance of yin and yang in the body is disrupted. This imbalance blocks the flow of qi (“chee”), which is a vital energy that regulates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.

Inserting needles along specific pathways (meridians) in the body unblocks the flow of qi, and restores the energetic balance of yin and yang, therefore, healing the body.

Modern-day science explains acupuncture as the practice of penetrating the fascial layers of the skin with thin, hairlike, needles to stimulate the central nervous system into releasing anti-inflammatory neurotransmitters to help the body maintain homeostasis.

In basic terms, acupuncture forces the body to release natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals that calm the nervous system and increases oxygen circulation in the blood.

Does acupuncture hurt?

No, generally most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the hair-thin needles are gently inserted.

You may feel sensations such as a pinch, warmth, coldness, numbness, pulsation, or tingling but it should not last more than a second.

Acupuncture needles are so thin that 25 acupuncture needles can fit inside your typical hospital syringe.

What conditions does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses including:

Upper Respiratory System
- Acute sinusitis
- Acute rhinitis
- Common Cold and Flu
- Acute tonsillitis

Respiratory System
- Acute bronchitis
- Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions).

Eye Disorders
- Acute conjunctivitis
- Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)
- Cataracts (without complications)

Mouth Disorders
- Toothache
- Post Extraction Pain
- Gingivitis
- Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Spasms of esophagus
- Hiccough
- Gastroptosis
- Acute and Chronic Gastritis
- Gastric Hyperacidity
- Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
- Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
- Acute and Chronic Colitis
- Acute Bacillary Dysentery
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Paralytic Ileus

Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Headache and Migraine
- Trigeminal Neuralgias
- Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
- Pareses Following a Stroke
- Peripheral Neuropathies
- Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
- Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
- Intercostal Neuralgia
- Cervicobrachial Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder
- Sciatica
- Low Back Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Back and Knee Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Sports Injuries and Pains

Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
- Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
- Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Incontinence
- Prostatis

Mental Emotional Problems
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia

How do I prepare for my first acupuncture treatment?

1. Set Aside Time Before and After Your Appointment (1-1.5 hours)

Make sure that when you are scheduling your acupuncture appointment that you are not engaged in too stressful an activity before or afterward. In addition, do not overbook yourself on the day of your appointment, as you want to be relaxed during the actual acupuncture treatment.

2. Bring a List of All Your Current Medications and Supplements

As a precaution, it is important to bring a list of all your current medications and supplements, particularly if herbs are a component of your treatment. This is because there are certain herb-drug interactions that can have harmful effects. MAOI’s or blood thinning medications, including Warfarin, may fall into this category.

3. Eat an Appropriate Amount Before Your Appointment

Another rule to follow is to eat before your appointment. Most experts recommend that you eat something approximately two hours prior to your treatment. However, make sure this isn’t a big meal, as this may cause you to feel uncomfortable during your appointment. The other extreme should be avoided as well. You risk feeling lightheaded or worst-case scenario fainting, if you go to your appointment on an empty stomach.

4. Opt for Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothing

It is also important to wear loose-fitting clothes on the day of your appointment. This will make it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the right places. If you cannot, it is perfectly fine as we have drapes and gowns for you.

5. Avoid Caffeine Before Your Appointment

Do not drink coffee for at least two hours before your acupuncture treatment. Because it is a stimulant, coffee increases your body’s fight-or-flight response, something which acupuncture seeks to lessen.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

First, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history. Then, he or she will examine your tongue’s shape, color, and coating, feel your pulse, and possibly perform some additional physical examinations depending on your individual health needs.

Using these unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address the root cause of your condition.

To begin the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of your body.

The sterile, single-use needles are usually retained for approximately 20-30 minutes, during this time most patients fall asleep and wake up very relaxed and rejuvenated.

In total, your acupuncture treatment may last between 45-60 minutes depending on if your are a new patient or a returning patient.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, 1-2 treatments per week for several weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually 6 to 10 visits in total. An individualized treatment plan will be discussed during your initial visit.

How much does acupuncture cost?

Cash Fee Schedule

New Patient Consultation: $50
Integrative Acupuncture Treatment: $150

Special Rate for GMU Students & Alumni

As a part of our commitment to the George Mason University community, we offer a limited number of exclusive, reduced-rate private sessions for students, faculty, and alumni.

Valid Patriot ID or alumni verification required. Limited availability each week.

Do you accept insurance?

We accept all insurance plans. Please note that coverage for acupuncture varies by plan, and not all services may be covered. We are in-network with Aetna, Carefirst BCBS, and Anthem BCBS. We’re happy to help verify your benefits and guide you through any requirements, such as referrals or pre-authorizations.

How does the reimbursement process work if I have out-of-network benefits?

If you have out-of-network benefits and choose to use them, here’s how it works:

You will make payment at the time of your service.
Upon request, we will provide you with a superbill, which is a detailed receipt of services rendered.
You submit this superbill to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
If approved, your insurance company will reimburse you directly according to their out-of-network policies.

What payment methods do you accept?

At our clinic, payment is due at the time of service. We aim to make this as convenient as possible for our patients by accepting a variety of payment methods, including:

Credit cards
Bitcoin
Apple Pay
Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) cards

Jaguar Integrative

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia

Meet Your Doctor

Dion M. Blackmon, DACHM, L.Ac

Education:

Certifications/Licenses:

Specialties:

What To Expect

Personalized Consultation

Comprehensive Assessment

Integrative Acupuncture Session

Cupping Therapy

Custom Herbal Medicine & Nutrition Planning

Your body heals itself, we just create the environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Testimonials

Schedule Appointment

No Walk-In Appointments

Jaguar Integrative

Hours

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in Old Town Fairfax, Virginia

Meet Your Doctor

Dion M. Blackmon, DACHM, L.Ac

Education:

Certifications/Licenses:

Specialties:

What To Expect

Personalized Consultation

Comprehensive Assessment

Integrative Acupuncture Session

Cupping Therapy

Custom Herbal Medicine & Nutrition Planning

Your body heals itself, we just create the environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Patient Testimonials

Schedule Appointment

No Walk-In Appointments

Jaguar Integrative

Hours

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