I visited b4 COVID yet, the excellent service still resonates with me. Highly recommend.

I've already scheduled my next 4 appointments. I can't wait to go back. I had my first visit yesterday and I'm so glad that I went. The atmosphere was very quiet and relaxing. Sara, was amazing. She was very through during our consult about what I wanted to achieve during my sessions. She explained the course of action and what I should expect. I was in nirvana for a little over an hour. I'll definitely bring my headphones next time, and maybe stay a little longer next time. read more

Little Bird Community Acupuncture - Knee-ed this!!! - Acupuncture Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Excellent excelling excellence. I used to go to a community acupuncture center in Oakland ca while I lived there. I searched the DMV and found nothing, so on a trip back to the Bay Area I visited my old acupuncturist and he recommended this place. What a Gem! First its inexpensive, you pay a rate of your choosing (donation based) the scale is from $20-$40. Second the acupuncturist that is always working is a kind soft spoken, yet knowledgeable lady. Third the atmosphere is relaxing and inviting. And most of all I find that it works for my ailments. Once you go and have your intake all the rest of the appointments are simple. They recommend making an online appointment, the system is very user friendly. But I believe if you walk in during hours that aren't busy, you will have luck as well. I always make an online appointment usually the day of, and have no issues. So I recommend this place if you are into community and health. read more

I understand LBCA has undergone a good many changes with losing two acupuncturists over the last year or so. I'm sure it's no easy feat for one acupuncturist to run the show and can't say I blame them for reducing their hours for better work/life balance. I wish, however, they had kept at least one day of morning-time hours. I've watched consistently as they have taken away every day with a 9am option, and my own daytime job prohibits me from any other option - to the extent that I've not been in nearly a year. This is obviously a personal feeling and I may be the only customer expressing this disappointment; nonetheless, it reflects on my rating - thus the four stars and not five. I can only hope one day they'll return to having two acupuncturists and enable more folks to partake in their wonderful healing services. read more

Things to know about me: This is the only place I've ever gotten acupuncture. On the spectrum of skeptic to believer, I'm a 7. I am terrified of needles. Things to know about Little Bird: Getting acupuncture at Little Bird is akin to going to a yoga session - there are a lot of people around, but you're not there for them; you're there for you. It's acupuncture the way it was intended: quiet, contemplative, comfortable and surrounded by others. It is incredibly relaxing and calming. As someone who sleeps like an eggbeater and can't fall asleep in cars, trains or planes, I've fallen asleep at every session I've attended, and the staff lets you stay as long as you want. I wasn't sure what to expect my first time, but I look forward to it every week now, and the staff at Little Bird is a big part of that. The women at the front desk are friendly, even when you're (always) late, and Sarah asks compelling, careful questions in a soothing way. I've heard a number of patients say Suzanne is a little more brusque and unfriendly, but I'm not sure I agree. I've only seen her once, but I thought she was merely direct, efficient and even a little bit funny. I can see how some people might prefer Sarah's soft-spokenness, so know there is a difference when you set up your appointment. Their sliding scale program ($20-$40) makes it affordable, the location is awesome and the people are wonderful. What else is there to say? read more

I had never had acupuncture before coming here, but was recommended to this place by a friend. It seems that they are normally quite busy and so it took me a week to get in. I think if you can make it during 9-5 weekday hours you can probably be seen quicker (they also announce openings on their facebook and twitter pages). I wasn't really sure what to expect. I ended up getting there, filling out some paperwork (with a long and well documented set of questions and answers that people might have about doing acupuncture) and then getting set up maybe 15 minutes after my appointment time. Sara was great, very nice and helpful. You sit in a lounge chair in a room with other people (there are maybe 10 chairs in the room but while I was there there were never more than 5 people in the room) while you're getting treated. I told Sara some basic reasons why I was there and she put in maybe 10 needles and then left the room. What I felt is kinda hard to describe, some sensations/waves in my body and a general sense of relaxation. I guess a lot of people fall asleep but I stayed awake, albeit in a very zen-ed out state. At a point about an hour and a half later (which definitely did not feel that long, I was shocked when I looked at the time!) I felt "done" so Sara removed my needles and I was free to go. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time they can wake you up. I felt very relaxed and blissed out for the rest of the day, like I do after a particularly good yoga class. Some points to mention: 1. The room you're in is generally pretty quiet (I think they have white noise machines) but if you think you are going to be bothered by any noise (there is some coughing, shuffling of chairs, maybe snoring) I suggest bringing headphones (maybe an eye mask, though the lights are kept out except for some decorative twinkle lights). 2. I came after work so was wearing work clothes which were kinda uncomfortable for lying in for an hour - I would suggest wearing something comfier like sweatpants. And though I was warm at the beginning of the treatment by the end I was cold, so maybe take a blanket when they offer even if you don't think you'll need it. I wouldn't say there was any immediate relief of my problems but I enjoyed the experience and will go back regularly (especially since the price is so reasonable). The acupuncturists there share records so you don't necessarily have to go back and see the same person everytime. They also keep receipts on your online account so you can use them for FSA reimbursement. read more

I thought I'd try Little Bird after reading all the wonderful reviews about Suzzanne, but when I got there Frank was my acupuncturist so I was skeptical. I went in very scared and tense because my first acupuncture experience (which I went to Canada for) was not pleasant, but Frank was great! He was very thorough in my assessment to find out what was ailing me. I was very expressive about my fear of the needles hurting me and he was very compassionate and reassuring. I'd also never done the "community" experience, but was told that Little Bird did offer a private table. The community room was just fine, the chairs are comfortable and the room is very calming. I'm hoping to go back this week for another positive experience. read more

I have been a patient of Suzzanne for over a year now and without raving too intensely, let me be the first to say the she is not only an incredible practitioner, but an extremely warm and caring person who makes treatment sessions something to look forward to. I initially came to Suzzanne because of some pretty bad back pain I had been having for a number of years. I say initially because after a short period I stopped having back pain on a regular basis. But I mostly continue because sessions with Suzzanne give me an opportunity to center myself and relax, in addition to physically aiding me with whatever I had put my poor body through, be it illnesses or over indulgences. Her method is 100% pain free and not at all threatening. Of her variety of treatments she offers, I most often receive needle treatments, but others such as cupping, guashan are among my favorite just for the interesting sensations if not the health benefit. She also offers an arsenal of herbal supplements for those who are are curious or don't like the western medicines too much (I personally supplement western meds with the herbs). Suzzanne's sessions are very reasonably priced and an hour long- but usually neither she or I are checking out the clock- sessions just kind of start and end naturally. I was skeptical about acupuncture. Very skeptical to start. I tried it mainly to debunk it if anything else. A year later and Suzzanne has proved my initial skepticism wrong and helped turn me into a more relaxed, happy and healthy person. Sure, acupuncture doesn't work for everyone and you'll never know til you try, but once you know- Suzzanne is simply the best. I would recommend her to anyone, anytime, no questions asked. read more

I had wanted to try acupuncture for years to see if it would help at all with my migraines. I heard about this place via Yelp and decided to try it out. For some reason, I didn't expect for it to be as relaxing an experience as it was. I thought it would be more like donating plasma than having a meditative and restful experience. I was wrong! Yes, you have to be in a communal room (there are 8-9 other chairs), but the room isn't full at all times. It's quiet, everyone basically just rests or hangs out with their eyes closed. You're free to stay as long as you want, so many people end up napping for an hour or two. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I was able to sign up immediately as a new patient without being on a waiting list as others have described. The evening appointments fill up fast, so I don't go as often as I would like, but they have Saturday hours which is perfect for me. read more

I love Little Bird. The waiting list is worth it. Both Ana and Suzanne are such nice people, as well as the receptionist. I always feel so comfortable there. It's a very serene and relaxed place. I appreciate the sliding scale. It makes it possible to have regular sessions. read more

When I started coming to Little Bird Community Acupuncture in May 2012, I was willing to give anything a shot. Little did I know that I would be a weekly client who cannot rave enough about the impact to my life that acupuncture and Little Bird have made in my life. How it Works - Unlike acupuncture in more traditional settings, when you arrive you see the receptionist, make your payment ($20-40 based on what you think your ability to pay is), and then you enter the room and sit in a chair. The acupuncture room has 8 chairs with an assortment of other clients resting (generally sweetly sleeping). You take your seat and shortly thereafter Suzanne the acupuncturist enters and performs your treatment. Not only did the needles not hurt, they give me t he best nap I get all weeklong. I wake up, generally an hour later, rested and ready to tackle my day. I came to Little Bird to work on stress, anxiety, and to help me get to sleep at a healthy time regularly. Prior to acupuncture, I have taken prescription sleep aids for years. Since acupuncture, I sleep soundly, feel better equipped to deal with stress in my life, and I feel better about life. I cannot rave enough (ask my friends) about this "crazy new-age" medicine I now fully subscribe to. As a health researcher, I rarely commit so strongly to anything. With acupuncture (and Little Bird), I'm there. read more

I've only been going to Little bird for a few weeks, but I'm already in love. I signed up on the waiting list a few months ago and finally was notified of an opening and I'm so glad I'm making the long trek for it (It takes me over an hour by bus/metro to get here) several times a week. My time is precious, but I do make the time for it because its definitely worth it. Suzzanne is wonderful. She really cares about my health and my pain and wants to help. She genuinely wants to know how I'm feeling and even remembers to ask about things I mentioned for two seconds what I was doing over the weekend. I have some pretty serious chronic pain and acupuncture helps tremendously. Not to mention I sometimes can actually take a nap while I'm laying in the chair and I need all the sleep I can get (says the woman writing a yelp review at 2:30am). Anyway, this isn't your traditional acupuncture place, and I suppose there would be some things hard to treat fully in this kind of setting, but it seems to be helping me even without being needled in my stomach or my back anymore. I do love that you can spend a decent amount of time with needles in you. Gives you a lot of time to run through several Qi cycles :) read more

I'm a little skeptic of acupuncture but I went because I have a droopy eye and chronic back pain. During my first session, I settled down to relax in the chair in a perfectly good mood. All of a sudden, things I had been keeping bottled up floated to the surface of my mind and a few tears streamed down my cheeks. Afterwards I felt more refreshed and recharged than I had in a long time, like acupuncture had somehow triggered a letting go process that I needed to do. I was pretty amazed as a skeptic to have such a strong reaction my first time. Unfortunately, Suzanne works 9-5 Monday-Friday and I can no longer make that so I've stopped going after half a year. My back pain significantly decreased while I went to her and is now (after a few months without going) is beginning to increase again. So I think it was working. I brought my iPod with meditation music, incredibly relaxing. Suzanne is very sweet and nice, it's a lovely atmosphere. read more

Having now been twice and seen both Ana Paula and Suzanne I can truly recommend this place as ALL GOOD. Chill, affordable and relaxing with quality service from two lovely ladies that clearly care. They care AND they know what they are doing. I don't even really understand what acupuncture is all about but I will continue to come back. They are worth the wait list y'all! read more

Best. Acupuncturist. Ever. I've been visiting Suzzanne for almost 2 years and through the techniques of acunpuncture, herbal remedies, dietary recommendations and cupping, not to mention good old fashioned listening and compassion, she has helped me deal with various physical and mental ailments in a natural, holistic way. Suzzanne is extremely supportive, offering advice, suggesting books and making dietary and excercise suggestions to supplement the work done on the table. For those out there looking for a more natural way to treat their issues but concerned about the assumed pain of acupuncture, have no fear. Suzzanne is painless and fully explains why she places the needles where she does and what it will do for your particular concerns. She is extremely knowledgeable about Oriental medicine and also always seems to know exactly what you need that day. On top of being warm and giving, Suzzanne is very professional and discreet. read more

I've been seeing Suzzanne for acupuncture for about a year and a half now. My review might be less than objective because I have never seen another acupuncturist, but I love everything about Little Bird. First, the logistical stuff. You can easily make appointments online, which is great, and the system sends you an email reminder a couple of days before the appointment. There are 4 (maybe 5) chairs in the office, plus a private table the is behind a curtain. Suzzanne has put me on the table when I needed to do something to my back or when all the chairs are full. The chairs are just your basic patio-type reclining chairs with sheets draped over them. They are very comfortable, and Suzzanne will arrange pillows or give you blankets to make sure you can completely relax. When you chat with Suzzanne about your health issues, you will do it within ear shot of the other patients. Everyone's eyes are usually closed and mostly people sleep, but this is something to keep in mind if you have privacy concerns. After checking in with you, Suzzanne will put you in a chair, feel your pulses, maybe check your tongue, and then stick you like a pincushion. Mostly you can't even feel the needles. The worst are the ones she puts in the bottoms of my feet, but even those only hurt for a second. If a particular needle is uncomfortable, Suzzanne will adjust it for you. Once the needles are in you just rest or sleep for however long you want. Suzzanne will wake you up at a particular time if you ask. Otherwise you and she will know when you're "done" which for me is usually about 45 minutes or an hour. It's kind of spooky, but you can just feel it when you're done. Suzzanne can provide you with Chinese herbs in addition to your acupuncture treatments, and I have a custom blend that is shipped to me from a pharmacy. The herbs aren't cheap, but mine have lasted a long time, and they do make a difference. Suzzanne allows patients to pay on a sliding scale from $20-$40 per session. You put your money in an envelope in a drop box, and she will give you a signed receipt. I have never felt any pressure to pay at the higher end of the scale, and in fact, when I was spending a lot on herbs, Suzzanne even suggested I pay less for sessions to help defray the cost. The best part about Little Bird is Suzzanne herself. She is a gentle caring person, and I swear there is something healing about just being around her. She always remembers me, my health issues, and what's going on in my life, even if I haven't been in for months. And best of all, she really knows what she's doing. I have a chronic medical condition for which traditional Western medicine has absolutely no effective remedies. I have found acupuncture, coupled with the herbs, to be a complete lifesaver. Sometimes I get busy and don't go for a while, and I can really tell a difference when I don't get my acupuncture in. My condition isn't cured, but it does become manageable with Suzzanne's help. My only complaint about Little Bird is that Suzzanne is so wonderful, it can be tough to get an appointment. You have to remember to book a few weeks in advance. To help with the workload, she has recently added a new practitioner, Frank, to the office. I haven't tried him out yet, but if he has the Suzzanne seal of approval, I'm sure he will be great. I love acupuncture, and I'm so glad I found Little Bird, which has made it financially accessible and extremely pleasant. read more

Wholeheartedly, one of the most sincere and compassionate care giving professionals, one will come across within a lifetime. Her knowledge of herbal medicine is first-rate. Our zhenjiu sessions were intense. Within a nine-month time, I shed 40 pounds, ' a dragon', and enough grief to fill a water bed. If you are looking for an industrious worker who cares and journeys with you, then look no further. She is way too awesome and sweet. She can be demanding, too, in a good way. read more

If other health practitioners had a quarter of the amount of bedside manner that Suzanne does, I'd likely hate going to doctors marginally less. I went to Little Bird when beginning fertility treatment, but also highlighted issues with migraines, anxiety, and allergies. During the initial consultation with Suzanne, I was sure to let her know that I have a deep fear of needles (and, well, all things medical, really). This isn't just an "I don't like them" thing... this is a medical condition in itself that makes me prone to fainting easily. Suzanne was very sensitive and gentle, and despite barely getting through my first treatment (we had to stop right away, actually), she was extremely encouraging that I try again, and just as understanding and sympathetic about my condition. Truly, only with her guidance and compassion have I been able to make acupuncture a weekly part of my life the past few months, and am so much better for it! I was a bit skeptical of the community room, laying next to strangers. I bring eye patches and headphones, and that allows me to zone out. That said, everyone is in the same boat - quiet, in a meditative state, eyes closed. Somehow despite being in a room with other people, you can still feel like you're alone (in a good way). read more

I can't speak highly enough of Suzzanne. She has a gentle touch and is very intuitive when it comes to my health. She has worked little miracles with me in terms of pain management (back pain, arthritis, dental work) and recently with allergy relief. My insurance plan doesn;t cover acupuncture but some do and she can work with you on that. I have referred a number of colleagues and friends to her and all have become quick converts. read more

Amazing as this was my first time getting this done. It is true what is said about how beneficial it is for a range of issues. It's taken away my migraines, face pain, leg, knee and feet pain- healing plantar fasciitis, and helping to release old emotional pain. One time I had a huge release; it felt like a ball welled up on the left side of my foot, it was very hot and then a hot energy force went up my leg and then entire body- even after I left and I now feel more peaceful and relaxed. I have been going 3x per week for one month and will continue for another month, then reduce down to 2x per month, then monthly. At $20 per session, its a STEAL of a deal and worth it! Go for a couple of times in a week to get the most benefits. Namaste. read more

Just had an awful customer experience with Little Bird while on the phone with their employee Sharlene. I was expressing concern over a cancellation fee vs rescheduling an appointment and Sharlene was extremely rude with me. At one point she stopped talking altogether, to where I had to say "hello?" Her response was "I didn't hear a question." I seek to acupuncture for healing, comfort and love and the treatment I was given only raised my frustration and made me more stressed and tense; the exact opposite of what I'm looking to accomplish with them! For this reason, I would recommend going to another center for your community acupuncture. Its not worth being treated like that! read more

Although I moved to Atlanta in 2012, I'm still one of Suzanne's and will always be one of Suzanne's. She's been a light for those who need to see their way around in a city that represents many coming out of the dark... read more

Suzanne is absolutely fantastic. I have to say, I'm kind of scared of needles. She did a great job at explaining the treatment to me and answered all my question in a very kind manner. I have had two acupuncture sessions so far for various problems including neck and lower back pain. Before seeing Suzanne, I probably never would have considered acupuncture to treat some of my chronic pain issues. I'm already sold! I really enjoyed the treatment in a group setting it was comforting and therapeutic to be around others working on healing our bodies. Looking forward to my next session. read more

Love Little Bird, Love Suzzanne (haven't met Frank yet!). I'd been going to another acupuncturist for years to treat anxiety (and then, later on, for fertility issues). When my acupuncturist moved out of town, she recommended I try Suzzanne, and it couldn't have been a better fit. Suzzanne's just got that warm, peaceful vibe about her that makes me feel calm and warm and at peace with the world. I drive in from Arlington to see her! read more

Suzanne is great, a real rarity -- both competent (truly, I think I gave the most thorough medical history in years) and nice. She supportive, offers advice (e.g., supplements, dietary suggestions) and compassionate. For first timers: she practices a "less intense" version of acupuncture; that is, she uses the smallest gauge needles and they only go in 1-2 milimeters. read more

Suzzanne is a miracle worker, so knowledgeable about acupuncture and has a natural compassion for her patients. She has created a wonderful community at Little Bird, and it is such a service to the neighborhood. It is absolutely worth the waiting list. I try to go every week for general wellness, but if I have a sniffle or an ache, she can usually stop it before it gets worse. One of DC's finest and a hidden gem. read more

Affordable, therapeutic, and eye opening. If your insurance doesn't cover acupuncture, but you need multiple sessions, this is the place for you. I have never had a bad experience here. read more

I agree with the other reviewers who find Suzzanne the BEST acupuncturist ever. I moved to DC in June 2010 just as Suzzanne created Little Bird Community Acupuncture. I loved my community acupuncturists back home and was nervous about starting with someone new. From the first session, Suzzanne made me feel welcome. Her personality is friendly and radiates confidence. The Little Bird was new but she is an experienced acupuncturist. I love community acupuncture and Suzzanne is the best. Little Bird charges $20-40 sliding scale per session. And YOU decide what to pay on that scale. It's so affordable, sometimes I go twice in one week. I love that I can get Suzzanne's undivided attention when I get my treatment (that part takes about 10 minutes). Then I lie back in the recliner and gently doze off listening to my iPod. The acupuncture does its magic and after about an hour I feel pain-free and refreshed. So for a small amount of money I get pain relief from a skilled professional. My daughter has cerebral palsy and her legs get very tight, which causes her pain. We've tried medicine, surgery, massage, and other treatments but nothing really helped. She finally decided to come and let Suzzanne treat her. After one hour of treatment and resting, she had no pain in her calves for the first time in over 2 years. If you are thinking about getting rid of your pain and you are interested in acupuncture, I highly recommend Suzzanne at Little Bird Community Acupuncture. read more

I loved this community acupuncture. I live outside the DC area and really needed some help. I really appreciate the sliding scale since I am a student. read more

Today was my first visit with Suzzanne and it was so amazing - I'm definitely going back! It was my first time ever with acupuncture and Suzzanne made it comfortable, relaxing, and even fun. :) LOVE. read more

I love this place .. I came to this place after it was recommened to me from the place I used to go to in Chicago. The place is nice and the service is amazing. I LOVE it. Ana Paula and Suzanne have been amazing. I am going there on a weekly basis and love the impact it has in my life. The pricing is affordable and I like the fact that they have a sliding scale. read more

I've never had any other acupuncture to compare them to, but I think this place is great. Sara and Suzanne are both incredibly kind and listen to what is ailing you and adjust your treatment accordingly. It took a few sessions before I started noticing the benefits, but my body and mind are starting to feel better after my sessions. Before my first session, I sat down with Sara and talked about why I had come to them for help. I was nervous about the needles, but she was very compassionate and gentle. The needles don't hurt at all - maybe a tiny pinch. There are about 8 chairs in the room where they do the acupuncture. Most people are sleeping or resting the whole time. You can stay as long as you want. It's a very peaceful and comfortable experience. Scheduling is easy online and office staff are very helpful and friendly. read more

This was my first experience with acupuncture and it was great. Both the woman at the front desk (Karen, I think) and Suzzanne were warm and welcoming. Making me feel at ease right away. The first session really helped ease my pain and I hope that it continues to into the next sessions. I am very grateful to be able to participate in this wonderful community experience! read more

I started going to Suzzanne for chronic back pain in November of 07. Almost 3 years later I still go every week but not for the back pain; for the sheer fact that this woman has changed my life. With her honest, caring and nurturing personality i have learned more about myself and what I need in life. She instintively knows what treatment I need without even having to tell her. She is THE most amazing person I know and if you have ever thought about acupuncture she is the one to go to. read more

This is the only place I've ever gone for acupuncture, so I'm not sure if it's the best, but it is hard to imagine any place being better. I've gone for about 6 sessions over the past 2 months with Suzanne, have my first appt with Frank next week, and she is great. She is very knowledgeable and has a very soothing demeanor. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you have been thinking about trying acupuncture- do it here! Bring your ipod, disc-man, Walkman, or earplugs though. It is community acupuncture, which means its just one room and you do hear some whispers and other noise that can be a little distracting without earplugs or music. I now have an acupuncture mix on my ipod that I turn on after getting into the chair, which solves the problem! read more

This is a fantastic option for affordable acupuncture in DC. The staff is knowledgeable and skilled, and the setting is quiet and relaxing. I was apprehensive about community acupuncture before I visited Little Bird, but I'm 100% sold now. read more

In honor of Little Bird's second birthday I am writing a review. When I lived in DC I went to Little Bird all the time. I actually followed Suzzanne from her private practice to her community clinic and it was awesome to watch and experience the transition. I cannot believe that it has already been two years. Suzzanne is an amazing practitioner. She cares so much for her patients and clearly loves what she does.Suzzanne was great at knowing exactly what type of treatment I needed and always made sure I walked away with a good experience. She has a great collection of herbs on hand she can send you home with for immediate use and you can also get personalized prescribed herbs for more long term issues. I'm sad that I moved and can no longer go to Little Bird but Suzzanne gave me a great recommendation for a community acupuncture clinic in Brooklyn. read more

After paying nearly $100 per session for acupuncture in New York -- a price I can no longer accommodate -- I was absolutely thrilled to find Suzzanne once I settled in DC. She has been a godsend for me and my ailments: caring, professional, kind, attentive, and just really, really good at what she does! Not only has she been able to help with my long term pain management, but she's also used her tricks to help alleviate immediate discomfort. I also love that she operates in the traditional acupuncture community style, just like the treatments I had while I was traveling throughout Asia. I couldn't recommend Suzzanne and LBCA more highly to anyone who is even the slightest bit interested. With her around, there is absolutely no reason not to go and experience the magic of acupuncture treatments done right. read more

I had never had acupuncture before I went to see Suzzanne. She, first of all, is probably the most charming, endearing, caring people I've ever met. Immediately she makes you feel at ease and safe. The acupunture itself isn't painful, in fact, it's very relaxing. The fact that it's community means that there will be other people there at the same time (you're fully clothed and everyone minds their own business) and it's more accessible as far as pricing goes. She's able to charge on a sliding scale instead of a private session which can be quite cost-prohibitive. 10 stars! read more

This is a great value and such a special neighborhood spot. The staff is very supportive and calming-- it was a great experience. I felt totally relaxed. I won't say that acupuncture solved all my issues (sore shoulders and just general body tension), but it definitely left me feeling refreshed. read more