Acupuncture in Philadelphia, PA

Natural Relief for Pain, Stress, Recovery, and Whole-Body Wellness

Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy used to help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve recovery, and support overall health.

At Summit Spine & Wellness, our acupuncture services combine the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a modern understanding of how the body heals and functions. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, headaches, stress, hormonal changes, sports injuries, or general wellness concerns, acupuncture may help restore balance and improve your quality of life.

Many patients choose acupuncture because it is gentle, drug-free, and can be integrated with chiropractic care, massage therapy, rehabilitation, and other treatment approaches.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a healthcare practice that involves inserting extremely thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body.

Originating thousands of years ago within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is based on the concept that health depends on the balanced flow of energy throughout the body.

Today, acupuncture is also understood through modern physiological research, which suggests that treatment may influence

The nervous system
Blood circulation
Muscle function
Connective tissue health
Inflammatory responses
Pain signaling pathways
By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help the body regulate itself more effectively and support natural healing processes.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is frequently used to help manage a wide range of health concerns, including

Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions

Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
Joint pain
Sciatica
Arthritis-related discomfort
Sports injuries
Tendonitis
Muscle tension and tightness

Headaches and Stress-Related Conditions

Tension headaches
Migraines
Stress-related muscle tension
Jaw tension and TMJ discomfort

Women’s Health

Acupuncture is commonly used to support women experiencing

Perimenopause
Menopause symptoms
Hormonal fluctuations
Stress-related symptoms
Sleep disturbances

General Wellness Support

Many patients also seek acupuncture to help improve

Sleep quality
Relaxation
Energy levels
Recovery after exercise
Overall well-being

How Acupuncture Works

During treatment, ultra-fine sterile needles are gently inserted into carefully selected acupuncture points.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process feels. The needles are approximately the width of a human hair and are significantly thinner than those used for injections or blood draws.

Once the needles are in place, patients typically rest comfortably for approximately 20–30 minutes.

Many people experience

Deep relaxation
Reduced muscle tension
A calming effect on the nervous system
Improved sense of well-being
Some patients even fall asleep during treatment.

The Modern Science of Acupuncture

Research suggests acupuncture may produce several physiological effects that contribute to pain relief and recovery.

Potential mechanisms include

Stimulating the release of endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals
Influencing neurotransmitters involved in mood and stress regulation
Improving circulation
Supporting tissue healing
Reducing inflammation
Activating the parasympathetic (“rest and recover”) nervous system
These responses may help explain why acupuncture is commonly used for both pain management and overall wellness support.

Meet Our Acupuncturist

Misook Lee, Licensed Acupuncturist

Misook Lee is a licensed acupuncturist in Pennsylvania and earned her Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Won Institute.

Her clinical interests include

Acute and chronic pain conditions
Sports and musculoskeletal injuries
Women’s health
Perimenopause and menopause support
Hormonal balance
Facial rejuvenation
Some patients even fall asleep during treatment.
In addition to acupuncture, she incorporates complementary therapies when appropriate, including
Cupping
Gua Sha
Moxibustion
Tuina
Kinesiology taping
Electrical stimulation
Eastern nutrition principles
Her personalized approach allows treatment plans to be tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.

Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care

One of the unique advantages of receiving care at Summit Spine & Wellness is the ability to combine acupuncture with chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation services.

Many patients find that these therapies complement one another by addressing different aspects of recovery and wellness.

Combined treatment plans may help

Reduce pain
Improve mobility
Support injury recovery
Reduce muscle tension
Improve stress management
Enhance overall physical function

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Your initial appointment includes

Health history review
Discussion of symptoms and goals
Evaluation and treatment planning
Acupuncture treatment when appropriate
Every treatment plan is customized to your specific condition and wellness objectives.

Schedule an Acupuncture Consultation

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, support for women’s health concerns, help managing stress, or a natural approach to wellness, acupuncture may be an excellent addition to your care plan.

Contact Summit Spine & Wellness today to schedule your acupuncture consultation in Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. The needles are extremely thin, and many patients find treatment deeply relaxing.
What conditions can acupuncture help treat?
Acupuncture is commonly used for pain management, headaches, stress, muscle tension, sports injuries, sleep concerns, and women’s health conditions.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
Treatment recommendations vary based on your condition, goals, and response to care. Some patients experience improvement quickly, while others benefit from a series of treatments.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.
Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?
Absolutely. Many patients receive both acupuncture and chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can acupuncture help with menopause symptoms?
Many women use acupuncture to help manage symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, including stress, sleep disturbances, and overall well-being.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended so that treatment areas can be easily accessed if necessary.