Elena Barnaeva MS, MAc, DiplAc

A Short Introduction

I was always interested in how the human body works, especially how everything functions together as a whole rather than as isolated parts. I trained extensively in human physiology, I felt drawn to a more integrative understanding of health — one that looks at the person, not just the condition.

After moving to the United States, a personal health crisis led me to realize that conventional medicine often doesn’t treat the reasons why you have these underlying conditions. I began searching for answers and for a way to care for the body before illness develops, rather than responding only after something goes wrong. Acupuncture offered that path.

My Education in Acupuncture

I originally studied biology and human physiology , earning a master’s degree after five years of study in Russia and moved to the U.S as a biomedical researcher in 2001. After a personal crisis upon my arrival to the US, I started to look for alternatives in health care as I was not satisfied with just surgeries and drugs options, and acupuncture helped me tremendously to get better and opened a different perspective on health.

I completed my acupuncture training at the Tai Sophia Institute (now The School of Integrative Health at NMDU) between 2006 and 2009. During this time, I balanced my clinical studies with a full-time career as a scientist at the NIH, working in the drug discovery field. Although the work was intellectually challenging, it ultimately reinforced my desire to practice medicine that focuses on prevention and root-cause healing.

I am licensed to practice acupuncture in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. I also hold certification in a five-needle auricular protocol commonly used to support detoxification and PTSD symptoms.

My Patients

My approach is to educate people and empower them. I help patients understand their bodies better and learn to pay attention to small signs and symptoms so they can become more aware of what’s happening within them. I believe people should take an active role in their own healing, not simply relying on doctors or anybody else. With the right guidance, they can get more aware of their own well-being and feel better.

Listening is crucial to my approach to patient care. A lot of people suffer because they don’t have someone to talk to, and they need to feel heard. Sometimes, having the space to express frustration or be fully heard helps even more than needles.

I Would Like to Specialize In…

I am especially drawn to supporting women’s health, including concerns such as amenorrhea, menopause, and other gynecological, as well as emotional or hormonal imbalances. I also have a strong interest in working with neurological conditions, an area where many people feel underserved by conventional care. I find this work meaningful because it offers hope and support where options often feel limited.

My Passion and Training in Chinese Herbal Medicine

While I do not hold formal certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine, I incorporate herbal knowledge thoughtfully into my practice and often work with both Chinese herbs and Western supplements. My background in physiology and pharmacology informs a careful integrative approach, allowing me to support patients with herbal and nutritional strategies that complement their acupuncture treatments.

My Favorite Herb Is…

Cinnamon is my favorite herb—it’s a true multitasker. I love it for its warming nature and its ability to support blood sugar regulation, metabolism, immune health, and overall vitality. Cinnamon is especially helpful during colder months and at the onset of illness, making it a simple yet powerful ally in everyday wellness.