Meet Dr. Esther Shu-Wei Lu, DAcCHM, L.Ac

Welcome to LifeinDC Acupuncture!

About Me

Hello! My name is Esther, and I am a passionate and dedicated acupuncturist committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. With over 10 years of clinical experience in the field, I have witnessed the profound healing effects of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, and I am excited to share this ancient practice with you.

My Journey

As a fourth-generation practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I was immersed in its traditions from an early age. I remember watching my grandfather carefully prepare herbal remedies for his patients and listening to stories of my great-grandfather’s medical practice in China. These experiences taught me to value the harmony between Eastern and Western approaches to health and planted the seeds for my lifelong connection to this ancient healing art.

Qualifications / Specialities

I hold a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – New York (now Pacific College of Health and Science), where I received comprehensive training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and various traditional healing modalities. I also earned a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM) from the Pacific College of Health and Science – San Diego, furthering my expertise in integrative case management, evidence-informed practice, and healthcare systems.

Additionally, I have specialized training in facial rejuvenation acupuncture and gained clinical experience at NYU Langone Hospital in acupuncture for labor and delivery, as well as at the Veterans Administration Hospital's Pain Management Center in New York City. I am licensed to practice acupuncture in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and I am accredited by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). I continuously update my knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of patients, each with their unique health challenges. Through this experience, I have developed expertise in treating various conditions, including but not limited to:

Pain management (back pain, migraines, arthritis)
Women's health (menstrual irregularities, fertility support)
Facial Rejuvenation
Stress and anxiety
Insomnia and sleep disorders
Digestive disorders
Respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies)

Credentials

Licensed acupuncturist in the District of Columbia
Diplomate of Oriental Medicine from the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), 2021
Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization, Pacific College of Health and Science - San Diego, CA, August 2024
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pacific College of Health and Science (formerly Pacific College of Oriental Medicine) - New York, August 2018
Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management, Baruch College Zicklin School of Business, New York

Completed Internships

Acupuncture for Labor and Delivery, NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, NY, August 2018
Acupuncture at the Veterans Administration Hospital/Pain Management Center, April 2018

Advanced trainings

Facial Acupuncture Techniques Certification, Pacific College of Oriental Medicine – DR. CHRYSSO NEOPHYTOU-TSIMIS, LAC, DACM, New York, April 2017
Microneedling For Acupuncturists Certification, AcuMicro, Jan 2022
Stroke-Acupuncture and Bodywork for Acute & Chronic Post-stroke Care Certification – Pacific College of Health and Science, Dr. Claudia Citkovitz, Ph.D., LAc, Sep. 2021

Other Professional Associations

Acupuncture Society of DC
American Acupuncture Council

My Approach

I believe in a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on treating the root cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms. In my practice, I combine the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific understanding to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. I work closely with you to understand your health goals and provide comprehensive care that addresses your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.