Acupuncture
Fine needles to restore balance and ease pain.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most studied therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Very fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points on the body to encourage your system to settle, recover, and self-regulate.
At MeridianHealth it is delivered by a TCM-trained practitioner and offered alongside — not instead of — your medical care, so the whole picture is considered.
Why it matters in TCM
In TCM, health is the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) through channels called meridians. Pain, tension, and many everyday complaints are understood as that flow becoming blocked or imbalanced.
Stimulating the right points is believed to release those blockages and prompt the body’s own healing response. Many patients use it for pain, stress, sleep, and general recovery.
What to expect
- ✓A short consultation about your history and goals.
- ✓Needles are placed gently; most people feel only a small pinch, then deep relaxation.
- ✓You rest for around 20–30 minutes before the needles are removed.
Good for
Good to know
Most people feel calm and a little sleepy right after — give yourself a few quiet minutes before heading back into a busy day if you can. A small number notice mild tiredness or slight soreness at the needle sites; this is usually temporary and settles within a day. Many patients use acupuncture as part of an ongoing plan rather than a single visit — your practitioner can advise on a sensible schedule during your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel only a small pinch when the needle is placed, then a deep sense of relaxation. Needles are placed gently, and you rest for around 20–30 minutes before they’re removed.
What is acupuncture supposed to help with?
In TCM, health is understood as the smooth flow of qi (vital energy) through the body’s meridians, and discomfort is understood as that flow becoming blocked. Stimulating specific points is believed to help release those blockages. Many patients use acupuncture for pain, stress, sleep, and general recovery — always alongside your regular medical care.
Is TCM a replacement for my regular doctor or medication?
No. TCM at MeridianHealth is offered as a traditional, complementary approach alongside your medical care — never as a substitute for it. Our TCM specialist is also a family-medicine doctor, so your visit blends modern medical judgment with traditional options where they genuinely help.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Your doctor will recommend what’s appropriate for you during a consultation.