Alterna Wellness Centers was established in 2010 by Dr. Ji Yun Yu as a specialty clinic for patients with chronic illnesses seeking natural pain relief remedies; weight loss through acupuncture and other natural methods; post-surgical dermatalogical corrections through electro-acupuncture and natural herbal stimulation; and natural corrective therapies for symptoms that are often difficult to treat by traditional medicine.
Dr. Yu has extensive experience with acupuncture ranging from traditional Chinese Acupuncture (licensed and certified by NCCAOM) to Koryo Hand Therapy (certified by KHT in South Korea). Moreover, she is an expert user of Mitsui Thermal Therapy in her practice to combine traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medical advances in one treatment package.
Dr. Yu has extensive experience with acupuncture ranging from traditional Chinese Acupuncture (licensed and certified by NCCAOM) to Koryo Hand Therapy (certified by KHT in South Korea). Moreover, she is an expert user of Mitsui Thermal Therapy in her practice to combine traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese medical advances in one treatment package.
Services
Alterna Wellness Centers (former Annandale Acupuncture & Herbs) offers a wide array of natural skin therapy options that are alternatives to many procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Dr. Yu provides professional treatment for common symptoms that are best treated with Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Alterna Wellness Centers is a proud consumer and retailer of General Bio (http://generalbio.co.kr/en) products. General Bio is a Certified B-Corporation and aligns with our philosophy of corporate social and environmental responsibility standards. All products are natural, non-scented, and safe for patients of all skin types to apply and consume.
I don't write reviews, but felt the ABSOLUTE need to share my experience with the internet, especially if you are from the NoVA area. If you are looking for a quality acupuncture AND massage therapist, your search has ended here. Results: After 2-3 visits my back is back to normal. This is after an hour and half treatment, per visit.
Reviews (15)
Kasandi M.
Aug 20, 2020
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Patricia P.
Sep 21, 2019
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Alterna treated my son's health problems with great skill. He used the accupuncture to reduce stress and detoxing. The acupressure helped his digestive issues, getting the circulation going again. They showed me pictures of a diabetic's foot that was badly swollen and discolored, and their treatment returned it to a healthy pink state. Amazing.
K. Na
Aug 16, 2019
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I came here to get my shoulder treated and I was very impressed with how caring and genuine the acupuncturist and masseuse were. I dislocated my shoulder and I seriously felt better after two sessions! They are incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I have referred a few other people to Alterna and they all can see why I love it here! They all told me this is the best place they’ve been to so far. One time my brother twisted his ankle and got treated here. Now, most places would get greedy and advise you to come again but they told me that it was not necessary unless the pain doesn’t go
Phillip Im
Aug 06, 2019
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I don't write reviews, but felt the ABSOLUTE need to share my experience with the internet, especially if you are from the NoVA area. If you are looking for a quality acupuncture AND massage therapist, your search has ended here.
Reason for coming: Lower back pains (herniated disk)
Results: After 2-3 visits my back is back to normal. This is after an hour and half treatment, per visit.
Process: 30 min acupuncture treatment - 1 hr massage
Acupuncture: Dr. Yu is very kind and caring. You can sense that she genuinely cares about your issue and works efficiently to tackle the core issue that's
Reason for coming: Lower back pains (herniated disk)
Results: After 2-3 visits my back is back to normal. This is after an hour and half treatment, per visit.
Process: 30 min acupuncture treatment - 1 hr massage
Acupuncture: Dr. Yu is very kind and caring. You can sense that she genuinely cares about your issue and works efficiently to tackle the core issue that's
M. N.
May 18, 2019
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Amy C.
Jan 09, 2019
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I came to Alterna for treatment for my neck and back pain. I found this to be a clean, friendly and welcoming facility-- and the combination of the acupuncture (very relaxing) and the acupressure (a bit painful during the procedure, but relieved SO much strain and pressure) was extremely restorative! And the entire treatment was covered by my insurance (federal Blue Cross/Blue Shield). I highly recommend Alterna!
Maria K.
Dec 30, 2017
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I've had cold hands and feet for years. I mean cold even when wearing gloves or UGG boots... No one really knew what the reason was and I have tried everything. I routinely see the chiropractor and also workout to improve my blood circulation but it still didn't fix my cold hands and feet. My PCP told me to try acupuncture and based on the other reviews, decided to try this place. The heat therapy and acupuncture helped temporarily relieve the deep coldness for 1-2 days after each treatment. I also took 2 months worth of herbal tea supplements with the treatment. The coldness completely
Rachel Carter
Jul 17, 2017
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Not impressed. Told me my insurance would cover it and told me it didn't after service was complete. Used a third less of the amount of needles that my former acupuncturist used. Wasn't interested in hearing about physical symptoms like most health practitioners. For the price, you can find someone much better.
Yasmin Elhady
Jul 02, 2017
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Diderik F.
Oct 21, 2015
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Raina E.
Jul 15, 2015
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I've been going to Dr. Yu once a week for about three months now for acupuncture to help with my crohns disease and I've never felt better! In addition, anytime I have a little tweak or pain anywhere on my body Dr. Yu hits those points and I'm pain free within a few sessions (if not after the first!). I'm trying acupressure for my first time next week and can't wait. And the icing on the cake...it's all covered by insurance! I highly recommend Dr. Yu and Alterna Wellness to anyone with chronic or day-to-day pain.
Jill H.
Jan 15, 2015
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I love the acupressure therapy from Alterna Wellness! I've had many different types of massages, including Thai, hot stone, and deep tissue, and acupressure is by far my favorite. The treatment really gets to the core of my easing my tense muscles. I would highly recommend going for a massage here, especially if you have tense muscles.
Jordan S.
Aug 09, 2014
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I got the Amazon Local deal acupressure massage, and it was definitely the most dynamic massage I've had. This is NOT shiatsu! I'd say it's a cross between Thai and deep tissue, and acupressure (of course).
My boyfriend and I both had a deal, and they were able to book a back-to-back appointment for us on a Saturday. Not only this, but they got started on us early. The technician was very professional, but had a relaxed demeanor which put me at ease.
We both were delighted by the massage, the efficiency, and the personnel at the clinic, and would definitely recommend it to anyone
My boyfriend and I both had a deal, and they were able to book a back-to-back appointment for us on a Saturday. Not only this, but they got started on us early. The technician was very professional, but had a relaxed demeanor which put me at ease.
We both were delighted by the massage, the efficiency, and the personnel at the clinic, and would definitely recommend it to anyone
Maria Kim
Jul 24, 2014
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Tina U.
Nov 24, 2013
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I went to get acupressure because of the LivingSocial. I was curious about acupressure since I have done acupressure before. I had no expectation, but they are very professional and friendly. Korean native speakers, but they speak English. The specialist is well experience. He told me all necessary points to recharge energy and ease blood flow. The process was painful but it was because my body was super stiff and tense. my body suddenly feeling much lighter and relax. After, I received Mitsui heat treatment. Turned out I my body needed more heat. There was body temperature to proof that I need
