Little Bird Community Acupuncture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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?

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 Unilocal 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.

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.

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.

I’ve only been going for a few weeks, but I already love Little Bird & look forward all week to my acunaps. Suzzanne is wonderful — caring and warm — and I can’t recommend LBCA enough!

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…

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.

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!

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 Unilocal 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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.