Acupuncture & Wellness Center is a clinic that is operated by Dr. Frank Ly and his family. The clinic operates locations in Nashville, Jackson, and Memphis in Tennessee as well as an additional location in Huntsville, Alabama. Acupuncture & Wellness Center offers a wide range of services including acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as moxibustion, cupping, and electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a Brentwood acupuncture clinic that is operated by Dr. Xiaomei Zhao. Dr. Zhao has been a licensed acupuncturist since 2000 and is also an accredited practitioner, researcher, and professor. She specializes her practice in pain relief, infertility, menopause, anti-aging, stress relief, anti-depression, weight loss, and dietetic therapy. Dr. Zhao’s services include Chinese acupuncture, herbology, Tui Na, light therapy, heat cupping, dietary therapy, thermal methods, magnet applications, laser and electric stimulation, and lifestyle and behavioral education.
Affinity Acupuncture is a Nashville acupuncture clinic that is operated by the husband and wife team of William and Cassie Alexander. The clinic also partners with Knead a Hand LMT to offer massage therapy services to its clients. Affinity Acupuncture offers a wide range of services including acupuncture, Mei Zen cosmetic acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, nutritional counseling, and a large number of massage therapy services.
Back in Touch Wellness Center is a Nashville clinic that has been in business for over 20 years. The clinic has a large and experienced staff that offers a wide range of wellness services. Back in Touch Wellness Center’s services include massage services, pre and postnatal massage, acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, hypnotherapy, essential oil consultation and application, life coaching, sound healing, and nutritional therapy.
Batson Chiropractic Group is a Nashville clinic with five doctors on staff who have over 85 years of combined industry experience. The clinic offers chiropractic, acupuncture, neurofeedback, rehabilitation, and wellness services such as spinal decompression, massage therapy, nutritional evaluation, personal training, and DOT physicals. Clients speak highly of the clinic staff’s friendliness, attentiveness, and welcoming nature, as well as the affordability of the clinic’s services.
Dr. Xu Natural Healing & Acupuncture is a Nashville acupuncture clinic that is operated by Dr. Mark Xu. Dr. Xu has over 20 years of experience incorporating both western and eastern traditional Chinese medicine in his practice. His services include acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, Medical Qigong, and Tai Chi for treating a wide range of medical issues including physical pain, emotional stress, and various other conditions and disorders.
East Nashville Community Acupuncture is a Nashville acupuncture clinic that was founded in 2010. The clinic is open seven days a week and provides group therapy sessions to allow friends and families to receive treatment together. East Nashville Community Acupuncture offers acupuncture services to treat a wide variety of conditions relating to cardiovascular disorders, dermatology, gastrointestinal and digestion, gynecology, mental health, musculoskeletal pain, respiratory, and neurological.
Green Hills Natural Health Clinic is a Nashville clinic with a staff that has over 30 years of combined industry experience. The clinic offers acupuncture treatments for a wide range of conditions relating to gastrointestinal disorders, urogenital disorders, gynecological disorders, respiratory disorders, circulatory disorders, emotional and psychological disorders, and addictions. Clients speak highly of the clinic staff’s caring nature as well as the effectiveness of their treatments.
HaLe Mind and Body is a Nashville wellness clinic offering acupuncture and other services. The clinic’s services include bodywork, yoga, acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness, psychotherapy, and nutritional counseling. HaLe Mind and Body also offers a wide range of workshops, events, classes, and retreats for its clients.
Integral Acupuncture is an acupuncture clinic that operates two offices in Nashville. The clinic specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers acupuncture, herbal consultation and prescription, Chinese medical massage, Moxa therapy, cupping, nutritional consultation, and prescriptive moment therapy. The clinic’s clients speak highly of owner Brian Wilson’s compassion and diligence for his clients as well as his professionalism and knowledge of the industry.
Middle Tennessee Chiropractic and Sports Injury is a Nashville clinic operated by Dr. Jon Elson who holds a Master’s degree in Sports Science and Rehabilitation. Dr. Elson provides a wide range of therapeutic services such as acupuncture, motion palpation, dry needling, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, post-isometric relaxation, graded joint mobilizations, kinesiology taping, and nutritional consultation.
Nashville Acupuncture & Herbs is a Nashville acupuncture clinic that is operated by Dr. Ning Wang. Dr. Wang has over 30 years of education and experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a certified acupuncturist and provides Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, and dietary therapy services for treating disorders such as pain, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological disorders, stress-related syndromes, gynecological disorders, heart disorders, additions, and more.
Nashville Brain and Body is a Nashville wellness clinic that is operated by Dr. Melissa brown. Dr. Brown is a board-certified functional neurologist and focuses her practice on pediatrics, pregnancy, and nutrition. She is also certified in acupuncture, musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy, and chiropractic neurology. Her services include chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, women’s health and pregnancy services, pediatrics, and functional neurology.
Nashville Center for Alternative Therapy is a Nashville wellness clinic that is operated by Ramona Reid. Ramona offers a wide range of services including massage, acupuncture, Reiki, medical Qigong, chiropractic services, counseling, coaching, and emotional freedom technique/tapping service. She offers private yoga or Qigong classes as well as various workshops, support groups, and additional events.
Sandalwood Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a Nashville wellness clinic that is operated by Dr. Gung-Li Chang. Dr. Chang has 10 years of experience in Chinese medicine and specializes in acupuncture, Chinese Tui-Na, acupressure, Chinese herbs, and fire cupping. He also offers additional services such as auricular acupuncture, personal training, food healing, and home visits for pain management, neck and shoulder pain, allergies, chronic fatigue, headaches and migraines, and a range of injuries.
Seven Directions Acupuncture is a Nashville acupuncture clinic that is open six days a week. The clinic offers acupuncture services as well as additional services such as TDM mineral lamps, cupping, Gua Sha, moxibustion, and electrostimulation acupuncture. Seven Directions Acupuncture focuses on providing community acupuncture treatments and operates a group treatment room at the clinic.
The Lotus Center is a Nashville wellness clinic with a staff that has decades of combined experience in the industry. The clinic offers a wide range of services including Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, clinical and consulting psychology, neurofeedback, physical therapy, Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, craniosacral therapy, Tai Chi, balance training, and more.
The Nesting Place is a Nashville wellness clinic that is operated by licensed acupuncturist Lyle Cates Harvey. Lyle holds a Master’s of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. She specializes in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum care. Lyle also offers general acupuncture services for all clients and is trained in both Chinese and Japanese styles of acupuncture.
Research hasn’t yet determined exactly how acupuncture works, but there are two main theories. One is that it operates on a neurological level by stimulating muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, triggering natural pain relief effects. Others believe acupuncture balances a person’s energies — chi — creating physical, emotional, and mental harmony, which relieves pain and improves health.
Medicare Part B covers acupuncture solely to treat low back pain. The condition must have no known cause and have lasted for at least 12 weeks. Only a doctor or properly licensed and trained medical provider may perform the acupuncture. Medicare initially approves up to 12 sessions over 90 days. With demonstrated improvement, up to eight more visits may be allowed.
Studies by the National Institute of Health confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture for addiction, nausea, headaches, asthma, some stroke rehabilitation, and pain management for various conditions. The NIH studies support the use of acupuncture alone and combined with traditional treatment methods. Additional research by other scientific and medical organizations demonstrates that acupuncture is typically successful in the treatment of pain.
Acupuncture should not be painful. The unfamiliar sensation may be uncomfortable at first, but that typically goes away after the first session. People with high sensitivity levels or low pain tolerance may experience heightened sensations. However, any discomfort should be minor and brief. Some common feelings at the acupuncture points are warmth, tingling, heaviness, or mild achiness.
Acupuncture prices vary greatly, ranging from $50 to $300 per session. Initial sessions usually cost more than follow-up appointments. Initial sessions on the high end of the pricing scale usually include a consultation and medical exam along with the acupuncture session. Some acupuncturists offer membership price breaks or discounts for prepaid multiple sessions. Shop around before deciding on an acupuncturist.
Some health care insurance carriers cover acupuncture for specific medical conditions. But it depends on the location, insurance provider, insurance plan, and reason for the treatments. Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, United Health Care, Health Net, Banner Health, and Humana are examples of some private insurers that may cover acupuncture with various restrictions. Contact your provider to learn more.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your first acupuncture appointment. Shorts or pants you can pull above your knees are a good idea. Short-sleeve tops are also preferable. Slip-on shoes are helpful. If your treatment involves back or torso needle placement, your acupuncturist likely provides gowns. After your first visit, you have a better idea of suitable clothing.
Acupuncture is very safe with a certified, reputable, and capable acupuncturist. When the practitioner follows the law using sterile, disposable, single-use needles, adverse effects are rare. The World Health Organization reported no major side effects and only 671 minor adverse events out of 10,000 treatments. Plus, acupuncture has none of the serious side effects of traditional pain medications.
Dry needling is also called intramuscular stimulation. The procedure involves the insertion of needles to treat muscular pain. Unlike the ancient practice of acupuncture, dry needling is relatively new. It’s not a well-regulated field either, while acupuncture is. Physical therapists and other providers can perform dry needling with no special training, licensing, or certifications.
Acupuncture can help relieve pain caused by many medical conditions. Some examples are migraines, menstrual cramps, back pain, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, postsurgical dental pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Many patients also experience improvement from acupuncture treatment for conditions, such as asthma, addiction, ADHD, and TMD. Plus, acupuncture may also help relieve nausea, stress, and anxiety.
Initial acupuncture appointments typically last longer than routine sessions. They may include an interview about your health issues and a medical exam. With the acupuncture session, the entire appointment may take one to two hours. Successive sessions typically last about 30 minutes to an hour. The needles will be in place for only about 10 to 30 minutes.
It’s best to discuss how many sessions you’ll need with your acupuncturist during your initial consultation. Most patients who seek acupuncture to help with a medical condition and related pain need several sessions. They may start treatment with one to three sessions per week for a few weeks. Once they see improvement, treatments may taper off to in-frequent maintenance sessions.
Metal filiform needles are the type commonly used for acupuncture today. These sterile, stainless-steel thread-like needles are available in varying diameters and lengths. The typical gauges range from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm. Japanese acupuncture calls for thinner needles than Chinese methods. Acupuncture needles are designed for one use before disposal. Some acupuncturists use gold or silver needles.
Washington D.C. and 47 states require some type of licensing to perform acupuncture. South Dakota, Oklahoma, and Alabama don’t regulate acupuncturists. Elsewhere, credentialing requirements and standards vary. Most states with acupuncture legal oversight require National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams or certification in compliance with the Acupuncture Practice Act. California has its own licensing exam.
