What It Is
A complementary medical practice with a long history
Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice consisting of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in alleviating pain or treating various health conditions. It is one of the oldest and most widely studied forms of traditional medicine in the world.
In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) documented and publicised acupuncture's safety and efficacy for treating a wide range of conditions — marking a significant moment in its recognition by Western medicine.
How It Works
Qi, meridians, and the balance of yin and yang
Traditional Chinese Medicine holds that health is maintained by the free flow of a vital energy called Qi through a network of pathways called meridians. When that flow is blocked or imbalanced — by injury, stress, diet, or environment — symptoms appear.
Acupuncture needles inserted at specific points along these meridians work to restore balance between yin and yang, unblock stagnant Qi, and reactivate the body's own healing processes. The needles used are fine, sterile, and single-use — most patients report little to no discomfort during insertion.
Dr. Xiong combines this traditional Chinese-medicine understanding with her Western medical training — reading the body through both frameworks in a single consult, and treating the root cause rather than just the presenting symptom.
Treatment Course
How many sessions will you need?
The number of treatments depends on the condition, its severity, and how long it has been present. For acute conditions — a recent injury, sudden onset pain — around six to ten treatments is a typical initial course. Chronic or long-standing conditions often require a longer commitment.
Dr. Xiong assesses each patient individually. After an initial consultation, she will give you a clear sense of what to expect and how frequently she recommends attending. There are no set packages or fixed-price bundles — treatment is guided by your response.
Conditions Treated
A wide range of concerns, one considered approach
Acupuncture can support the treatment of many conditions. Dr. Xiong has particular experience in the following areas:
Muscular-Skeletal
Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, joint stiffness, and related musculoskeletal complaints.
Sporting Injuries
Sprains, strains, repetitive-strain injuries, and support for recovery from physical activity.
Neurological
Headaches, migraines, nerve pain, and related neurological conditions.
Psychological
Stress, anxiety, insomnia, and the physical symptoms they produce.
Cognitive
Mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and conditions that affect clarity and focus.
Gynaecological & Obstetric
Menstrual disorders, fertility support, IVF preparation and support, and pregnancy-related conditions.
Immune Function
Recurring illness, low energy, and conditions associated with a suppressed or overactive immune system.
Skin
Eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin conditions that respond to internal imbalance.
Weight Management
Supporting healthy weight management through metabolic and lifestyle approaches.
What you may feel after treatment
After your acupuncture treatment
Responses vary from person to person. Some patients feel immediate relief or a pleasant sense of relaxation. Others may notice a mild, temporary soreness or heaviness at needle sites — this is normal and usually settles within a day.
You may feel unusually calm or even a little tired after a session — this is a sign that your body is responding. It is advisable to rest if you can, drink water, and avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
The cumulative benefit of acupuncture often builds across sessions. Many patients notice the greatest improvement not after the first treatment, but after a course of them.
