Total Health Systems

Acupuncture Services

Our licensed acupuncturists use traditional Chinese medicine techniques to restore balance and promote natural healing. This ancient practice has been proven effective for numerous conditions.

Acupuncture services at Total Health Systems

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy (qi) and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is now recognized by modern medicine as an effective treatment for various conditions.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncturists insert sterile, hair-thin needles into specific points along the body's meridians (energy pathways). This stimulation is believed to rebalance the flow of qi and trigger the body's natural healing responses, including the release of endorphins, improved blood circulation, and regulation of the nervous system. Treatments typically last 20-40 minutes.

Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture?

  • People with chronic pain conditions
  • Those suffering from headaches or migraines
  • Individuals with digestive disorders
  • People experiencing stress, anxiety, or insomnia
  • Those with arthritis or joint pain
  • Women with menstrual or fertility issues
  • Patients seeking drug-free pain management

Key Benefits of Acupuncture

  • Natural pain relief without medication
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Improved energy and sleep
  • Stress and anxiety reduction
  • Support for various health conditions
  • Minimal side effects

Benefits of Our Acupuncture Services

Natural pain relief

Experience effective pain relief without medications or side effects. Acupuncture stimulates your body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and reducing pain signals for lasting comfort.

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Improved sleep quality

Say goodbye to insomnia and restless nights. Acupuncture balances hormones that regulate sleep, calms your nervous system, and helps you achieve deep, restorative rest naturally.

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Better digestive health

Resolve digestive discomfort naturally. Acupuncture regulates gut function, reduces inflammation, and improves digestion by balancing the nervous system that controls your digestive tract.

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Enhanced immune function

Strengthen your body's defenses naturally. Acupuncture stimulates immune system function, increases white blood cell production, and helps your body fight illness and recover faster.

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Stress and anxiety reduction

Find calm in our stressful world. Acupuncture regulates your nervous system, reduces cortisol levels, and promotes relaxation, helping you manage stress and anxiety naturally without medication.

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Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture

Digestive issues

Digestive problems like IBS, bloating, and chronic nausea can significantly impact quality of life. Acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free approach to digestive health by regulating gut function, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system that controls digestion.

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Fertility support

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support reproductive health and is increasingly used alongside modern fertility treatments. By improving blood flow to reproductive organs, regulating hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture can support natural conception and enhance IVF outcomes.

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Anxiety and depression

Mental health is essential to overall wellness. Acupuncture offers a natural, complementary approach to managing anxiety and depression by regulating neurotransmitters, reducing stress hormones, and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

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Insomnia and sleep disorders

Quality sleep is essential for health and well-being. Acupuncture addresses the root causes of insomnia—whether stress, pain, hormonal imbalances, or other factors—to help restore natural, restorative sleep without the side effects of sleep medications.

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Pricing & Options

New patient acupuncture session

$125.00

Returning patient session

$80.00

10 sessions

$700.00

10 (1) hour sessions which includes new patient session if you sign up on 1st visit.

Have questions about pricing or insurance? We're here to help.

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What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Visit

Acupuncture at Total Health Systems is a relaxing experience that promotes your body's natural healing. Here's what to expect at your first session:

Please Note: The information below is a sample outline of a typical first visit. At Total Health Systems, we believe in a holistic, personalized approach—your experience may vary based on your unique needs, condition, and treatment goals. Every patient is different, and we tailor each visit accordingly.

New to integrative healthcare? Learn more about what to expect at your first visit →

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1

Comprehensive Consultation

Your acupuncturist will review your health history, discuss your symptoms, examine your tongue and pulse (traditional diagnostic methods), and understand your treatment goals.

2

Treatment Planning

Based on the consultation, your acupuncturist explains their findings from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective and outlines your personalized treatment approach.

3

Needle Insertion

You'll lie comfortably while thin, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted at specific points. Most patients feel minimal sensation—a slight pinch or tingling. The needles are much thinner than those used for injections.

4

Retention Period

Rest quietly while the needles remain in place. Many patients enter a deeply relaxed state or even fall asleep. Soft music and dim lighting enhance relaxation.

5

Needle Removal and Discussion

Needles are gently removed, and your acupuncturist discusses your response to treatment and recommendations for follow-up care.

After Your Visit

Rest after your session and avoid strenuous activity. Drink water and eat lightly. Some patients feel energized; others feel relaxed. Minor bruising at needle sites is normal and resolves quickly.

Ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture Available at 2 Locations

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture in Macomb County

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles used are extremely thin - about the width of a human hair - and insertion typically feels like a tiny pinch or nothing at all.

Once placed, you may feel a mild tingling, warmth, or heaviness at the needle sites, which is actually a sign the treatment is working. Many patients find the experience so relaxing that they fall asleep during sessions.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners. At Total Health Systems, our licensed acupuncturist uses sterile, single-use needles and creates a calm, comfortable environment.

Call us at (586) 228-0270 to discuss any concerns before your first visit.
Yes, acupuncture has substantial scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for chronic pain. A landmark study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from nearly 18,000 patients and found acupuncture to be effective for chronic back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headaches.

The treatment works by stimulating specific points that trigger your body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms and promote healing. Many patients who haven't found relief through conventional treatments experience significant improvement with acupuncture.

At Total Health Systems in Macomb County, Michigan, we take an integrative approach, often combining acupuncture with our chiropractic and physical therapy services for comprehensive pain management. Book an appointment at our Clinton Township or Chesterfield location to see if acupuncture is right for you.
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and NIH for treating a wide range of conditions. These include: chronic pain (back, neck, knee, shoulder), headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, allergies, menstrual irregularities, and nausea.

It's also commonly used to support fertility treatments and manage symptoms during cancer treatment. The treatment works by stimulating your body's natural healing processes and regulating the nervous system.

During your initial consultation at Total Health Systems, our acupuncturist will review your health history and create a personalized treatment plan. We're conveniently located in Macomb County with acupuncture services available Mondays at Clinton Township and 2nd & 4th Saturdays at Chesterfield.

Call (586) 228-0270 to schedule.
Acupuncture works through several scientifically-documented mechanisms. When needles are inserted at specific points, they stimulate nerve fibers that send signals to your brain and spinal cord.

This triggers the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that reduce pain and promote well-being. Research using fMRI imaging has shown that acupuncture affects areas of the brain associated with pain processing and emotional regulation.

The treatment also increases blood flow to treated areas, reduces inflammation, and can help regulate the autonomic nervous system. According to Harvard Medical School, these effects explain why acupuncture is effective for such a wide range of conditions.

Our practitioners at Total Health Systems can explain exactly how acupuncture may help your specific condition during your consultation.
Your first acupuncture session at Total Health Systems typically lasts about 60-90 minutes. It begins with a comprehensive health intake where your acupuncturist will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

They may also examine your tongue and feel your pulse - traditional diagnostic methods in Chinese medicine. For the treatment itself, you'll lie comfortably on a padded table while thin needles are gently placed at specific points.

The needles remain in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax. Most patients feel deeply relaxed during treatment.

Afterward, you may feel calm and energized. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and eating a light meal beforehand.

Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise immediately before and after your session. Ready to experience acupuncture? Call (586) 228-0270 to book your first appointment.
The number of sessions needed varies based on your condition, its duration, and your overall health. For acute conditions, you might notice improvement within 1-3 sessions.

Chronic conditions that have persisted for months or years typically require 6-12 sessions for lasting results. Many patients experience some relief after their first session, though the effects are cumulative - each treatment builds on the previous one.

Your acupuncturist at Total Health Systems will create a personalized treatment plan and adjust it based on your progress. Initially, weekly sessions are often recommended, then spacing out to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance visits.

Research shows that consistent treatment produces better outcomes than sporadic sessions. We'll discuss realistic expectations and timeline during your initial consultation.
When performed by a trained, licensed practitioner using sterile needles, acupuncture is very safe. The most common side effects are minor and temporary: slight bruising at needle sites, mild soreness, or feeling lightheaded briefly after treatment.

Serious complications are extremely rare. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires they be sterile and single-use.

According to the NIH, acupuncture has fewer adverse effects than many conventional treatments for pain. Some people should take precautions: if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, have a pacemaker, or are pregnant, inform your acupuncturist beforehand so they can modify treatment accordingly.

At Total Health Systems, patient safety is our priority - our licensed acupuncturist follows strict protocols and maintains the highest standards of care.
Yes, acupuncture has shown promising results for anxiety, stress, and depression. Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture can reduce anxiety symptoms comparable to conventional treatments.

The treatment works by regulating the nervous system, reducing cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and promoting the release of endorphins and serotonin. Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed during sessions and experiencing improved sleep, better mood, and reduced anxiety between treatments.

Acupuncture can be used alongside other treatments you may be receiving for mental health. At Total Health Systems, we take a holistic approach to wellness, addressing both physical and emotional health.

Our calming treatment environment in Macomb County provides a peaceful escape where you can reset and restore balance.
Insurance coverage for acupuncture has expanded significantly in recent years. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, especially for chronic pain conditions.

Medicare began covering acupuncture for chronic low back pain in 2020. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling your insurance provider to verify your benefits.

Ask specifically about: acupuncture coverage, number of visits allowed, whether a referral is needed, and any out-of-pocket costs. At Total Health Systems, our staff can help verify your insurance benefits before your first appointment.

For patients without coverage, we offer competitive self-pay rates and can discuss payment options. Don't let cost concerns prevent you from exploring this effective treatment - call us at (586) 228-0270 to discuss your options.
Acupuncture is one of the most well-researched treatments for headaches and migraines. A Cochrane review analyzing 22 clinical trials found that acupuncture is effective for preventing migraines - patients receiving acupuncture had significantly fewer headache days than those receiving standard care or sham acupuncture.

The treatment works by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and modulating pain pathways. Many patients experience reduced frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches.

Some find they can reduce their reliance on pain medications. At Total Health Systems, we often see patients who have tried many treatments without success finally find relief through acupuncture.

Our integrative approach may also address contributing factors like neck tension or stress. Schedule a consultation to discuss how acupuncture might help your headaches.

Ready to Start Your Acupuncture Treatment?

Don't let pain hold you back. Our expert acupuncture team is ready to help you feel better today.

Common Questions

People Also Ask About Acupuncture in Macomb County

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture services

Acupuncture sessions typically range from $75 to $150 per session. At Total Health Systems, we offer acupuncture services at our Clinton Township (Mondays) and Chesterfield (2nd & 4th Saturdays) locations.

Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture for certain conditions. We recommend downloading our Acupuncture New Patient form before your first visit to streamline the process.
Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. Minor side effects may include slight bruising or soreness at needle sites, which typically resolves within a day.

Some patients feel lightheaded briefly after treatment. At Total Health Systems, our licensed acupuncturists use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols.

Most patients find acupuncture relaxing with minimal discomfort.
Many patients notice improvement after 3-6 sessions, though this varies by condition. Acute issues may respond faster, while chronic conditions typically require more sessions.

At Total Health Systems, we'll evaluate your progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Some patients experience relief after their first session, while others see cumulative benefits over time.
Acupuncture effectively treats many conditions including: chronic pain (back, neck, knee), headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture for over 100 conditions.

At Total Health Systems, our acupuncturists will evaluate your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.