Overview

Overview

For more than 3,500 years, acupuncture has been providing relief to people around the world. Originally developed and practiced in China, this soothing therapy is today embraced by patients who seek to alleviate symptoms caused by ailments that range from arthritis to migraines to the aftereffects of chemotherapy. It is even effective in helping people quit smoking.

The Eastern medicine philosophy of acupuncture draws on the belief that an energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) circulates throughout our body, from the top of our head to the soles of our feet. When we experience good health, this energy flows unobstructed along pathways in the body called meridians. Each meridian is believed to be connected to a specific organ system, and when an energy flow is disrupted by a disease or an injury, illness or pain occurs. Acupuncture is then used to balance the flow of Qi and stimulate our body’s natural ability to heal.

Ongoing modern research in the field of acupuncture has provided insights into how acupuncture works. Functional MRIs point to specific brain activity in addition to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemical, when acupuncture treatment is performed. Research has also shown acupuncture’s ability to release muscular trigger points which can cause myofascial pain, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect.

Acupuncture is one of the most utilized services offered at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine, and is most effective with regular and frequent treatments.

What We Treat

What We Treat

Acupuncture Helps Treat Numerous Diseases and Conditions

The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture, and clinical studies have shown it to be a beneficial treatment for many conditions, including:

What Can I Expect?

What Can I Expect?

Acupuncture treatments involve placing hair-thin needles of varying lengths into certain areas of the skin. The number of slender needles – as few as three, as many as 20 – and the length of time they are kept in place depends on the ailment being treated. During the treatment, the needles may be twirled, warmed or electrically energized to intensify healing effects. Some patients may feel a tiny prick when the needle is inserted. Others feel a tickle. But many patients don’t feel a thing.

Acupuncture sessions generally run for 45 to 60 minutes in total, with needles being retained in the body for about 30 minutes. Patients lie on a padded table with and soothing music playing in the background. Some patients say they feel an electrical sensation during a treatment, or a sense of heaviness, which is all typical. Most people end up falling asleep on the table, feeling peaceful, yet energized after the treatment.

Acupuncture Complements Conventional Medicine

Acupuncture works nicely as an adjunct to your conventional treatment plan. For example, many patients undergoing chemotherapy also use acupuncture as a way to lessen the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Acupuncture has also been used as a complementary therapy in the treatment of allergies, asthma, sinusitis, pain, hot flashes, insomnia, irritable bowel and infertility, and is used in conjunction with physical therapy for rehabilitation from serious injury. A full course of treatment can range from 3 to 10 visits.

In Ohio, acupuncture practitioners must be licensed, possess at a minimum a master’s degree. Additionally, all licensed acupuncturists must pass board exams in Eastern medicine.

You can also visit your state’s medical board website to be sure that the acupuncturist has a valid medical license with no disciplinary actions.

Shared Appointments

Shared Appointments

Shared Acupuncture Medical Appointments, or group acupuncture appointments, are provided in a group setting to increase accessibility for patients and to address the concerns over the costs of treatment. This method allows a group of patients to receive treatment at the same time in single suite with social distance requirements in place. Treatments are performed fully clothed with patients’ pants and shirts rolled up while sitting comfortably in zero gravity chairs or leather recliners (depending on campus location). 

The acupuncturist will assess and discuss with the patient whether they are a good candidate for group acupuncture appointments at the initial visit based on the patient’s specific therapeutic needs. All initial acupuncture visits are done in a private setting where a history will be taken, medical conditions to be treated will be discussed, and a follow-up treatment plan will be formulated that is specific to each patient. For example, if a patient needs to have a face-down treatment for low back pain with concomitant use of electro-stimulation therapy, then group acupuncture appointments would not be appropriate; a private room session would be more conducive.

Are group treatments less effective than private ones?

No. No matter what style of acupuncture you receive or with whom, the treatment will be targeted to treat your specific condition. However, not every condition is best suited for group acupuncture.

One-on-one private acupuncture treatments are best utilized for complex cases, or for those needing more extensive treatment or applications of various therapeutic measures such as cupping, electro-acupuncture, etc.

The cost of each group acupuncture appointment is $40 per session, and is not billed to insurance. The length of treatment times are typically similar to private room treatments.

Appointments & Locations

Appointments & Locations

Acupuncture treatments are offered at multiple locations, call 216.448.4325 to schedule.

Private & Shared Acupuncture Treatments

Lyndhurst Campus
1950 Richmond Road
Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Private Acupuncture Treatments

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44195

Amherst Family Health Center
5172 Leavitt Road 
Lorain, OH 44053

Broadview Heights Medical Center
2001 East Royalton Road
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Lakewood Family Health Center
14601 Detroit Ave. 
Lakewood , Ohio 44107

Strongsville Family Health and Surgery Center
16761 South Park Center
Strongsville, Ohio 44136

Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center
8701 Darrow Road
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Shared Acupuncture Treatments

Avon - Richard E. Jacobs Health Center
33100 Cleveland Clinic Boulevard
Avon, Ohio 44011