Dana Scarton (she/her/hers) is a licensed acupuncturist and owner of The Zen Point in Bethesda. She studied acupuncture at Maryland University of Integrative Health, graduating with a master's degree and going on to attain a national certification. She loves helping patients experience relief from physical and emotional pain and establish healthy routines.
Dana studied facial rejuvenation, which involves the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles with thin acupuncture needles placed manually. Her interest in facial work deepened when she began training in motorized microneedling and found teachers who employ a holistic approach, especially Diana Horowitz and Amelia Vargas of East West Microneedling.
Her newest passion is Electro-Acupuncture Medicine, which she introduced to her patients in 2024. EAM not only helps to balance the body (like traditional acupuncture), it also helps to restore it. It's more gentle and powerful than many other forms of electro-acupuncture and tends to produce more reliable and longer-lasting results. The theory behind EAM is that all disease is the result of a breakdown of terrain. By supplying a form of electric charge or e-qi similar to the body's own natural electricity, the body is able to repair its terrain. Dana continues to study the latest advances in EAM with Dr. Jeremy Steiner, who has a world-wide following. She regularly receives EAM to boost immunity and health.
The holistic approach is front and center at The Zen Point. Dana believes that one of the biggest changes you make to your skin -- and your being as a whole -- comes from how your care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are feeling sleep-deprived, overworked, depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed, it’s likely going to show on your face. When you are treated for these underlying conditions your energy and attitude change. You feel renewed and it shows…in how you carry yourself, in the sparkle in your eyes, and the glow on your face! This attention to overall health combined with the amazing science of microneedling can help to create your best skin for your age, medical history, and genetic factors. At the same time, your overall health benefits with the evolution of a more balanced version of you!
Other tools that Dana brings to her patients include the Balance Method, which allows acupuncturists to treat muscular and joint pain without having to needle into the painful area but rather into a region distant from the pain. She also employs Acutonics, the practice of using tuning forks and vibrations on acupuncture points. This calming technique is an exceptional treatment for anxiety, stress, and sleep issues.
Dana treats people of all ages. She is experienced in working with children as young as four. She has helped children and teens who have presented with migraines, anxiety, and GI issues. Acupuncture for anxiety can be quite helpful. As you are probably aware, many children, teens, and adults are struggling with anxiety right now.
High school and college athletes as well as middle-age and older adults have seen Dana to deal with sports injuries and muscular pain, including back, neck, hip, knee, and shoulder issues.
Before beginning her acupuncture career, Dana worked as a journalist specializing in health and medical reporting. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, Salon.com, Washingtonian Magazine, and other publications. She was introduced to acupuncture in 2013, when her primary care physician suggested it may help in treating autoimmune hypothyroidism and chronic fatigue. Several months of regular acupuncture treatments combined with nutrition therapy resulted in enhanced energy, symptom relief, and a renewed zest for life.
Dana is eager to share the healing benefits of acupuncture and smart health practices with her patients and to promote the integration of eastern and western medicines.
Let's start your health journey today!
"Dana is an outstanding practitioner! Our paths crossed when I was in a season of transition and tremendous overwhelm. In every session with Dana, I was met with compassion, grace, and active listening. Beyond her intuitive understanding of mood and emotions, she has a wealth of knowledge that guides her practice. I felt relief after just the first few sessions. Dana was able to cater treatments to not only reduce my anxiety, but to also help with headaches, menstrual cramps, and other symptoms I was having. I am forever grateful for my time with her! " -- Sierra S.
"Dana is an excellent practitioner, both knowledgeable and nurturing. I had several physical/emotional 'a-ha' moments in her presence that helped me connect to my deeper spiritual intuition and left me feeling overall both more connected and whole." -- Isabelle D.
"I have been suffering with osteoarthritis of the hip for several years. I tried acupuncture off and on with no real improvement until I found Dana. After a few sessions, I was able to walk with less pain." -- Sandra B.
"I cannot say enough about the personalized and compassionate acupuncture care Dana provides. She takes the time to listen and to address your individual needs - even when they change from week to week or month to month. Her knowledge and professionalism are top notch - she answers questions and explains things so that you know what to expect during your treatment. I have been to a variety of acupuncturists throughout my wellness journey, and she is by far the one I would only recommend to others." -- Terrie H.
Please reach us at info@thezenpoint.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Acupuncture involves the placement of hair-thin, single-use needles at specific points on the body to help restore the smooth flow of energy, or QI (pronounced "Chee"). Disruption of qi creates physical and emotional pain and is thought to lead to disease.
Acupuncture treats a wide range of conditions, including gastrointestinal pain, muscular and joint pain, headaches, migraines, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, back and neck pain, sinus pressure, and so much more! It treats both chronic illness and acute conditions.
Studies show that placement of a needle in an acupuncture point triggers biological and chemical changes in the brain. Some of these changes reduce pain and help to regulate physical and emotional function and restore the body's overall balance.
People describe the insertion of an acupuncture needle in many ways -- a dull sensation, a momentary pinch, or a mild pressure. Frequently, patients feel nothing at all. Most find the treatments to be ultra-relaxing. Some people fall asleep! If the insertion of needles on certain points is uncomfortable, other points can be needled or sticker-like press needles can be applied.
Every patient is unique. Therefore, every treatment schedule is individualized. On average, expect to undergo eight to 12 sessions before noticing significant change. Chronic conditions or longstanding pain or injury may require extended treatment plans and the addition of other modalities such as cupping or gua sha.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.