Areas served: Lexington, VA and surrounding Rockbridge County
Lexington's acupuncture landscape includes practitioners serving the city's 7,000 residents and the broader Rockbridge County community. The local provider network consists primarily of licensed acupuncturists with training in Traditional Chinese Medicine, sports injury treatment, and chronic pain management. Many practitioners in the area integrate acupuncture with complementary modalities including herbal medicine and cupping therapy.
Core Chiropractic and Wellness Center, owned by Dr. Daryl Rich, DC, CSCS, provides comprehensive chiropractic care and wellness services to patients of all ages in downtown Roanoke. The practice combines spinal adjustments with a holistic wellness approach, offering guidance on nutrition, sleep optimization, and injury prevention to help patients achieve optimal health and performance. Dr. Rich's background in strength and conditioning coaching (CSCS certification) sets the practice apart in treating athletes and active individuals.
“Friendly and knowledgeable front desk staff. Dr. Rich has over 20 years of chiropractic practice and over 15 years of acupuncture practice. Dr. Rich listens and executes. Thankful I was referred!”
— Julie Shelnutt, Google Review · 4.9 ★ avg from 163 reviewsAppalachian Integrative Health is a holistic medicine clinic in Roanoke led by Dr. Zachary Hurt, specializing in acupuncture, IV therapy, therapeutic bodywork, and root-cause treatment of chronic conditions including Lyme disease, mold toxicity, long-COVID, and fibromyalgia. They offer a comprehensive range of services from traditional acupuncture and cupping to medication-assisted weight loss, detox support, and massage therapy. Dr. Hurt takes a personalized, whole-person approach that addresses physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Qianhui Acupuncture Clinic specializes in acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion to address pain management, sleep issues, and other health concerns. Led by an experienced practitioner, the clinic takes a comprehensive approach—listening to all patient concerns during intake and treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. They accept insurance and are known for delivering measurable results across multiple conditions simultaneously.
“My lower back pain has been bothering me for years due to injury of playing soccer when I was younger. I have been visiting different acupuncturists, chiropractors and massagers in Virginia, I have to say Dr. Zhang really helped me to relieve and LBP and took good care of me. My close friend refers Dr. Zhang to me since he got good experience from Dr. Zhang. I was not sure whether is worthy it to drive all the way to see him (it is a bit far from where I live), till one day my back pain just flared up and I could not make urgent appointment with my regular go-to acupuncturist because their schedule has booked up. Instead, I gave a try and visit Dr. Zhang. I barely drove to the clinic and he first gave me a full detailed consultation, he pointed out the causes of my LBP, discussed the treatment plan, and tild me where do I need to know to prevent that from happening, he also mentioned several other underlying health issues I have, such as insomnia, gained weight in short-term, and heart burn. The treatment was very successful, Dr. Zhang was very gentle and patient, I did not feel the needle insertion and feel comfortable during the entire treatment. The office is warm and seems very friendly. He also helped me to book my next appointment based my schedule. It was a fantastic treatment, definitely a supreme acupuncture experience. I have received my treatment for 3 days, and so far, my back does not bother me at all, Dr. Zhang definitely has the knowledge of enthusiasm of taking care his patient.”
— Pukai Jin, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 24 reviewsAcupuncture Medical Center in Harrisonburg, VA specializes in treating complex, difficult-to-manage pain conditions and health issues through acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and advanced therapies like O3 Advanced Oxygen Therapy and Cellular Renewal Therapy. The practice is solution-oriented and result-driven, focusing on cases that haven't responded to conventional treatments. Their comprehensive approach addresses pain management, fertility support, hormonal balance, anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and numerous other health concerns—helping patients move from surviving to thriving.
Waynesboro Chiropractic, Acupuncture, & Massage Clinic is a full-service wellness center led by Dr. Roxana Karimianpour, who combines chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, and therapeutic massage. Dr. Karimianpour offers spinal adjustments, acupuncture with electrical stimulation, myofascial release, and specialized treatment for sports injuries, car accident injuries, chronic pain conditions, and joint problems. The clinic takes a holistic approach to healing, accepting multiple insurance plans and providing no-charge nutritional evaluations as part of comprehensive care.
Acupuncture Works LLC is an independent acupuncture practice in Lynchburg, VA offering traditional Chinese medicine services including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and facial acupuncture. Led by experienced practitioners, the clinic specializes in treating pain conditions, stress, fertility issues, and other chronic health concerns using evidence-based acupuncture techniques. They accept most insurance plans and focus on creating personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Moon River Acupuncture is an integrated health clinic run by Ashlee Manos, a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist, yoga teacher, and holistic birth doula with over 20 years of experience. The practice specializes in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care, while also treating autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, stress, sleep issues, and general wellness using Classical Chinese Medicine combined with functional medicine principles. Beyond acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Moon River offers cupping therapy, massage add-ons, holistic birth doula support, yoga classes, and integrated telehealth services through their Moonstone Path platform.
East West Acupuncture is run by Dr. Matthew Miller and Dr. Wang Yao, a husband-wife team of doctors of Chinese medicine trained in China for over 9 years. They offer acupuncture treatment for pain management, headaches, sleep issues, and other conditions, and also teach Tai Chi classes. The practice specializes in helping patients reduce or eliminate pain without relying on strong pain medications, and has received multiple awards including Best of Lynchburg Gold Award and OurHealth Best Bedside Manner Winner.
Acupuncture Wellness Center, led by Dr. Yueling Li, provides traditional Chinese medicine services including acupuncture and herbal medicine to the Greater Lynchburg and Roanoke areas. Dr. Li brings over a decade of clinical experience and a commitment to continuing education, combining ancient healing techniques with modern wellness practices. The practice specializes in treating a wide range of health concerns through a holistic approach to optimize physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
Shen Dao Clinic, founded by Jason Heller in 2008, offers acupuncture and integrative therapies to treat a wide range of conditions including pain, digestive issues, neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, anxiety, and fertility concerns. The clinic combines traditional acupuncture with herbal medicine, therapeutic modalities, and qi gong/martial arts training to support both physical and mental well-being. Jason empowers patients with at-home exercises and natural remedies to take an active role in their health management.
Needle in a Haystack Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services in North Garden, VA. Founded on the principle of combining traditional acupuncture with herbal remedies, the practice helps patients address pain, stress, and various health concerns through integrated traditional Chinese medicine approaches. Their experienced practitioners work with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans.
The Harbour Clinic specializes in acupuncture, medical massage, and Chinese herbal medicine for complex health conditions, with particular expertise in treating alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme disease, allergies, and pain management. Run by Ken and Diana Harbour—both Virginia Board of Medicine licensed acupuncturists and the area's first certified SAAT (Soliman's Auricular Allergy Treatment) practitioners—the clinic serves patients across 28 Virginia counties and six states. They combine classical acupuncture training with advanced shallow needle techniques and offer medical massage therapy focused on structural alignment and joint pain relief.
Ohr Acupuncture and Wellness, PLLC is run by Suzanne Phillips, a Functional Pharmacist and Master of Acupuncture specializing in Classical Five-Element Acupuncture. She combines Western pharmaceutical science with Eastern medicine to treat the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—addressing root causes of imbalance rather than just symptoms. Her integrative approach helps clients manage chronic pain, stress, hormone shifts, gut health issues, and other conditions through personalized acupuncture treatments and functional medicine guidance.
“I have known Suzanne Phillips as a talented pharmacist and someone willing to look at the bigger picture within the medical field for many years. Having received acupuncture since my teenage years and becoming a doctor of Tibetan medicine myself, I wholeheartedly recommend Suzanne's work. Based on over three decades of personal experience with acupuncture, both as a patient and as a practitioner of Eastern medicine, I know Suzanne is worth her weight in gold! As one of the few highly trained Tibetan doctors in the USA, I receive requests from patients all over the country. I was thrilled to see Suzanne open her practice in Virginia, offering her skilled services to a community that was previously unable to access the kinds of detailed services she provides. I have sent people her clinic information, knowing that they will not just be in capable hands, but held with a deep reverence and compassionate respect for all forms of healing. Her years of clinical experience in functional medicine and pharmacy only serve to make her a more careful, detailed, and open-minded practitioner of integrative Chinese Classical Five Element healing. Regular seasonal acupuncture treatments are a MUST if you live within reach of her. I indeed reach out to her for treatment whenever I am in the neighborhood!”
— Menpa Nyinda, Google Review · 5 ★ avg from 5 reviewsMorganne Ashlie Acupuncture, operating as Your Body Balanced, offers acupuncture rooted in Chinese medicine combined with complementary energy healing techniques including BodyTalk, Theta Healing, and Dowsing. Located in Crozet, the practice specializes in addressing stress, migraines, and adrenal fatigue by identifying and treating energetic blocks that contribute to physical and emotional imbalances. Morganne provides both in-person and telehealth sessions, making holistic care accessible to clients seeking transformation across multiple dimensions of wellness.
Acupuncture Center of Roanoke, led by Dr. Alexander Davis (DAOM, LAc), offers a comprehensive approach to Oriental Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Services include acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medical, Five Element, and Japanese-style), Chinese herbology, and therapeutic bodywork including Tuina, Shiatsu, deep-tissue massage, and Structural Integrative bodywork. Dr. Davis specializes in preventive medicine, chronic disorders, immune system illnesses, and musculoskeletal problems, treating patients on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine PLC provides comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine services in Troutville, including acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments. They specialize in addressing pain management, stress relief, and overall wellness using evidence-based acupuncture techniques combined with customized herbal formulations. The practice is dedicated to helping patients achieve lasting health improvements through personalized treatment plans.
Healing Spring Acupuncture, PLLC is an independent acupuncture practice located in New Castle, VA, offering traditional Chinese medicine treatments to address pain, stress, and overall wellness. The practice provides personalized acupuncture care in a welcoming clinical setting on Main Street.
Classical Chinese Medicine of Virginia, run by Sam Weinberg, offers acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic wellness care with a specialization in women's health across the childbearing continuum—from fertility and conception through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Sam uses pulse and tongue diagnosis, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, food medicine, and astrological insights to address physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances, helping patients identify and shift patterns that contribute to dis-ease. Her practice emphasizes empowering patients on their own healing journey while tending to all aspects of life—nutrition, rest, relationships, spiritual practice, and emotional expression.
Core Chiropractic and Wellness Center ranks #1 in Lexington with a Lantern Score of 90.26/100 and 4.9 stars from 163 reviews. Led by Dr. Daryl Rich, DC, CSCS, this clinic specializes in performance optimization and is particularly well-suited for athletes, active individuals recovering from sports injuries, and office workers managing chronic back or neck pain. While it's technically a chiropractic center, it offers comprehensive wellness services including acupuncture.
Five acupuncture clinics in the Lexington area offer weekend hours. Qianhui Acupuncture Clinic is open Saturdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Waynesboro Chiropractic, Acupuncture, & Massage Clinic operates Saturdays 8:00 AM–2:00 PM. Acupuncture Wellness Center has Saturday hours from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Acupuncture Center of Roanoke is available Saturdays 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Healing Spring Acupuncture offers limited Saturday hours from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Nine clinics in the Lexington area hold perfect 5.0-star ratings: Qianhui Acupuncture Clinic (24 reviews), Acupuncture Medical Center (79 reviews), Appalachian Integrative Health (56 reviews), Moon River Acupuncture (23 reviews), Acupuncture Wellness Center (13 reviews), Needle in a Haystack (10 reviews), Ohr Acupuncture and Wellness (5 reviews), Morganne Ashlie Acupuncture (4 reviews), and Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (3 reviews). Among these, Acupuncture Medical Center has the most reviews, providing the strongest verification of consistent quality.
For fertility support, Moon River Acupuncture (ranked #7, 5.0 stars, 23 reviews) is particularly specialized, run by Ashlee Manos who is not only a licensed acupuncturist but also a holistic birth doula with over 20 years of experience. Acupuncture Medical Center (ranked #3, 5.0 stars, 79 reviews) also specifically lists fertility treatment among their specialties. Classical Chinese Medicine of Virginia specializes in women's health across the childbearing continuum, though they have fewer reviews (2 reviews, 5.0 stars).
Acupuncture Medical Center (ranked #3, 5.0 stars, 79 reviews) explicitly specializes in treating complex, difficult-to-manage pain conditions through acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and advanced therapies. The clinic is specifically described as ideal for patients with chronic pain conditions. Additionally, Waynesboro Chiropractic, Acupuncture, & Massage Clinic (ranked #5, 4.9 stars, 137 reviews) combines multiple modalities led by Dr. Roxana Karimianpour and is excellent for individuals with chronic pain or sports injuries.
Several clinics offer comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine including herbal treatments. Acupuncture Works LLC (ranked #6, 4.8 stars, 130 reviews) provides herbal medicine alongside acupuncture services. Moon River Acupuncture (ranked #7) is run by a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. Needle in a Haystack Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine is specifically founded on combining traditional acupuncture with herbal medicine. The Harbour Clinic specializes in Chinese herbal medicine particularly for complex conditions like alpha-gal syndrome and Lyme disease. East West Acupuncture is operated by doctors of Chinese medicine trained in China who incorporate traditional herbal approaches.
Acupuncture relieves pain through multiple mechanisms. It stimulates specific points on the body to release endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, which can provide immediate relief. The practice also modulates pain signals traveling to the brain by activating nerve fibers that inhibit pain transmission. Additionally, acupuncture reduces inflammation by improving blood circulation and promoting the release of anti-inflammatory compounds. Research shows it can be particularly effective for chronic conditions like back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and migraines. Many patients experience cumulative benefits over a series of treatments as the body's healing responses become more robust.
Acupuncture addresses a remarkably wide range of conditions beyond pain management. It's extensively used for stress, anxiety, and depression by regulating neurotransmitters and the stress response system. Many patients seek acupuncture for sleep disorders, as it can help rebalance the body's circadian rhythms. Digestive issues including IBS, nausea, and acid reflux often respond well to treatment. Acupuncture is increasingly recognized for fertility support and hormonal balance in both men and women. It can also help with allergies, autoimmune conditions, neurological disorders, and recovery from addiction. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as effective for over 100 different conditions.
The number of sessions needed varies considerably based on your condition's severity, chronicity, and your individual response. For acute conditions like a recent injury or sudden pain, you might experience significant relief within 3-5 sessions. Chronic conditions that have persisted for months or years typically require 8-12 sessions before substantial improvement, with some patients needing ongoing maintenance care. Most practitioners recommend starting with treatments 1-2 times per week, then spacing them out as symptoms improve. Some patients notice changes immediately after the first session, while others require several treatments before benefits become apparent. It's important to commit to an initial treatment plan and communicate openly with your practitioner about your progress.
Acupuncture is remarkably safe when performed by licensed practitioners using sterile, single-use needles. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with most studies showing rates lower than many conventional medications. The needles used are much thinner than hypodermic needles—about the width of a human hair—so most people feel minimal to no pain during insertion. You may experience a brief pinch, tingling, or dull ache as the needle reaches the therapeutic depth, which practitioners call 'de qi' sensation and consider a positive sign. Most patients find the treatment relaxing, with many falling asleep during sessions. Minor side effects like slight bruising, temporary soreness, or lightheadedness occasionally occur but resolve quickly.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture is based on ancient theories of qi (energy) flow through meridians and emphasizes treating the whole person, identifying patterns of imbalance through detailed diagnosis including pulse and tongue examination. Modern medical acupuncture, often practiced by physicians, focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms and trigger point therapy, using anatomical and evidence-based approaches. Five-Element acupuncture is a classical style that treats constitutional imbalances affecting emotional and spiritual health. Electroacupuncture adds electrical stimulation to needles for enhanced pain relief and muscle stimulation. While approaches differ philosophically, research shows various styles can be effective. Many practitioners integrate multiple approaches, and the best choice depends on your condition and personal preferences.
Acupuncture is highly effective for stress and anxiety management, with substantial research supporting its use. It works by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls your stress response, and by modulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine that affect mood. Studies show acupuncture can lower cortisol levels and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting the 'rest and digest' state. Many patients report feeling calmer, sleeping better, and coping more effectively with daily stressors after regular treatments. Unlike anti-anxiety medications, acupuncture has no dependency risk and often provides additional benefits like improved energy and digestion. For best results with chronic anxiety, most practitioners recommend an initial series of weekly treatments combined with lifestyle modifications.
Your first acupuncture appointment typically lasts 60-90 minutes and begins with a comprehensive health history review covering your main concerns, medical history, lifestyle, diet, sleep patterns, and stress levels. The practitioner will examine your tongue and feel your pulse at multiple positions, which provides diagnostic information in Chinese medicine. They'll explain their assessment and treatment plan before beginning. You'll lie on a comfortable treatment table, and the practitioner will insert very thin needles at specific points—usually 6-20 needles depending on your condition. Needles typically remain in place for 20-40 minutes while you rest quietly. Many patients find this deeply relaxing. Afterward, the practitioner may provide lifestyle recommendations or suggest a treatment schedule. It's helpful to eat a light meal beforehand, wear loose comfortable clothing, and avoid alcohol or intense exercise immediately after treatment.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture in Virginia has expanded significantly in recent years, though it varies considerably by plan. Many major insurance companies now offer some acupuncture coverage, particularly for chronic pain conditions. Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain with specific limitations. To determine your coverage, contact your insurance provider and ask specifically about acupuncture benefits, including how many sessions are covered annually, whether pre-authorization is required, what conditions are covered, and whether you need a physician referral. Most acupuncture clinics can verify your benefits before your first appointment. Even without insurance coverage, many practitioners offer package deals or sliding-scale fees to make treatment more affordable. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) typically cover acupuncture expenses.
Acupuncture integrates exceptionally well with conventional medical treatments and is increasingly used in integrative medicine settings. It can enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Many patients use acupuncture alongside Western medical treatments for chronic conditions, often reducing their need for pain medications or managing medication side effects. It's commonly combined with fertility treatments to improve success rates. Acupuncture can support cancer patients by reducing chemotherapy side effects like nausea and fatigue. However, it's essential to inform both your acupuncturist and physician about all treatments you're receiving. Licensed acupuncturists are trained to recognize when conditions require medical referral and can coordinate care with your healthcare team. Some clinics, like those offering both chiropractic and acupuncture services, provide built-in integrative care under one roof.