Alternative medicine has become a viable treatment option for many people dealing with chronic pain and other conditions. Luckily, Philadelphia has some of the best acupuncture clinics for first-timers and enthusiasts alike.
The Rise of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a practice that generally involves stimulating different energy channels of the body to promote natural healing. It stems from traditional Chinese medicine but has since spread to other parts of the world.
More and more people are accepting or even favoring alternative medicine. A recent survey found that 21% of respondents in the U.S. preferred it over conventional medicine, making alternative medicine more popular in the U.S. than in most European countries. Some people prefer to mix the two methods by using acupuncture, massages, herbal medicine and more alongside conventional medical treatment.
Philadelphia’s Top-Rated Acupuncture Clinics
There are many talented acupuncturists and welcoming facilities that you can try out. Discover the best acupuncture clinics in the greater Philadelphia area.
1. Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine
| Address | 1608 Walnut St, Suite 1700, Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Chinese Herbal Medicine Acupressure, Moxibustion, Cupping, Facial Acupuncture |
| Review | “I’ve had a great experience with my acupuncture treatment with Dr. Shen. She has helped me so much with chronic pain and migraines I was having after shingles and also improved my energy levels and decreased my anxiety. Between the acupuncture, the prescribed herbs, and the self-care/diet tips, I am in much better health than before I started. All of the staff here are friendly and it is a calm comfortable setting.” |
Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine is a compassionate acupuncture clinic that combines advanced technology and modern medicine with ancient healing arts and alternative methodologies. It prioritizes providing noninvasive and non-drug-based approaches to promote natural healing when possible. The team has used acupuncture to help clients struggling with chronic pain, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, and more.
2. Summit Acupuncture Philadelphia
| Address | 421 N 7th St, Suite 205, Philadelphia, PA 19123 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Dry Needling, Electro-Acupuncture, Orthopedic Acupuncture |
| Review | “My acupuncture session with Dr. Krantz was amazing. The deep tissue pain I experience was diagnosed with confidence and expertise! Dr. Krantz was a great listener and I felt very comfortable receiving my first Motor Point Electro-Acupuncture treatment. I highly recommend Summit Acupuncture.” |
Summit Acupuncture Philadelphia is a trusted acupuncture clinic in the Greater Philadelphia area. It is best known for its relaxing sessions, which leave clients feeling at ease. The clinic specializes in musculoskeletal disorders, migraines, anxiety, depression and insomnia. It also has experience with digestive disorders, gynecological disorders and more.
3. South Philadelphia Community Acupuncture
| Address | 1532 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Acupuncture with Herbal Prescription |
| Review | “I had a great experience yesterday with Lauren! I pulled my neck/shoulder on Sunday and was able to get an appointment on Monday after work. She was immediately able to identify the problem and we did acupuncture, infrared heat, and cupping. She also recommended products to help. I am feeling MUCH better today and will definitely be returning! Thanks Lauren!!!” |
South Philadelphia Community Acupuncture is a pioneer of alternative medicine in Philly. It is a female-owned and operated business in the East Passyunk Avenue Business District. Many visitors report feeling significantly better after treatment, whether they receive acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine therapy or both. Community Acupuncture offers semi-private spaces with three other patients, but you can upgrade to private acupuncture.
4. Rittenhouse Acupuncture
| Address | 1601 Walnut St, #1326, Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Acupressure, 5 Element Acupuncture, Indirect Moxibustion, Auricular Acupuncture, Magnets, Cupping and Gua Sha |
| Review | “Chris Hudson is an exceptional acupuncturist. His attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable approach makes him the best at addressing the root of ailments. I’ve been consulting with Chris for over ten years, and he’s made a tremendous difference in improving my feminine health, allergies, and mental well-being. Rittenhouse Acupuncture truly embodies the essence of self-care.” |
Rittenhouse Acupuncture incorporates various styles of acupuncture to improve people’s lives. You can have a phone consultation before meeting in person to talk with the clinic’s experienced experts. Rittenhouse Acupuncture accepts Health Savings Accounts, Flex Spending Account Debit Cards and major credit cards for payment.
5. Philadelphia Mind-Body Acupuncture
| Address | 1740 South St, #503, Philadelphia, PA 19146 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Ear or Auricular, 5 Element, Electric Stimulation, Trigger Point |
| Review | “I have received acupuncture for over 20 years from several different places. Mind-Body is a clean peaceful environment. Dr. Mary has helped me with pain and for the first time, I find acupuncture relaxing. I look forward to every visit. Plus, she takes my insurance.” |
Philadelphia Mind-Body Acupuncture aims to effectively meet every individual’s health needs and goals with alternative medicine. It specializes in pain relief, holistic healing, and women’s health and fertility. While numerous acupuncture techniques are involved, you can rest easy knowing they are all implemented with as much gentleness as possible.
6. Acupuncture Off Broad
| Address | 1315 Federal St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Acupuncture, Cupping, Moxibustion, Facial Rejuvenation |
| Review | “Eva did amazing work and unlocked my back that wouldn’t relax! I felt amazing the days following my first appointment – something months of stretching and yoga didn’t help with! Highly recommend coming here, even for first-time users of Acupuncture!” |
Known for unlocking tension and providing relief, Acupuncture Off Broad is one of the best acupuncture clinics in the Philadelphia area. Schedule an appointment for a semi-private or private acupuncture session. You can also explore other health and wellness procedures like microneedling, nano needling and nutritional counseling.
7. Alma Acupuncture
| Address | 1856 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Cupping, Gua Sha, Electric Stimulation |
| Review | “Bec is always fantastic, I’ve been seeing her for years now, and she’s an important part of managing my various chronic conditions. In addition to the healing acupuncture, I appreciate all the empathy and encouragement she’s thrown my way throughout our time together. I always leave feeling better and would recommend the practice to anyone!” |
Alma Acupuncture is a champion of East Asian medicine in Philadelphia and uses it to help support people’s overall health and well-being. Clients report experiencing immediate relief, especially for shoulder tension. Explore more advanced acupuncture techniques and make regular visits for the best results. Herbal medicine and saunas are available on-site to improve the relaxation experience.
8. Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture
| Address | 2308 Grays Ferry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Cupping Acupuncture, Moxibustion, E-Stim |
| Review | “Six Fishes offers a quiet, caring, and nurturing place of healing. I go regularly for acupuncture as needed. Sul is fantastic—very attentive, skillful, and kind. I always leave feeling like I’ve done something very good for my body and soul. I highly recommend Six Fishes, whether you are new to Chinese medicine or experienced.” |
Six Fishes Neighborhood Acupuncture is one of the leading acupuncture practices in Philadelphia. Its service helps with physical ailments and mental clarity to help individuals live a fulfilling life. Book a consultation to work with an acupuncturist who will develop a wellness plan tailored to you.
9. Wong Acupuncture Center LLC
| Address | 1108 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Review | “Shu and Lisa are great. Best acupuncturist in the Philadelphia area. She treats the whole body and is very thorough. Shu’s treatment is personalized and she really takes the time to understand what’s going on and give the best, most comprehensive treatment possible. I cannot recommend Wong Acupuncture enough. Changed my life!” |
Wong Acupuncture Center LLC is a trusted clinic that provides great results. It addresses the nervous system, muscular diseases, digestive system disorders, respiratory disorders and more. Most conditions may require multiple appointments to treat the root of the problem. Set an appointment to get expert guidance on figuring out and resolving your blockage.
10. WellPoint Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
| Address | 2014 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130 |
| Types of Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Review | “I love Theresa so much. This place is the best. She absolutely knows what she is doing … she’ll go right to the spots that there’s a problem at. This lady is a God-send. The whole place is serene and calm the people at the front desk are always really nice and helpful. If you’re debating on coming here this is your sign to set up an appointment!!!!!” |
WellPoint Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine was founded in 2005 to spread knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. Its many reputable and licensed acupuncturists are ready to help you achieve energetic and physiological balance. You can treat sports injuries, chronic pain, digestive problems, fertility issues, anxiety and much more.
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Choosing the Best Acupuncture Clinics in the Greater Philadelphia Area
Determining the best clinics for acupuncture and other forms of alternative medicine hinges on a number of factors. Here are the criteria for determining the best acupuncture clinics in the greater Philadelphia area:
| Qualified practitioners | Acupuncture is a delicate process — some processes feel relatively invasive for new patients. You want to ensure you have an expert set of hands guiding you. The ideal acupuncturist is trained, accredited and licensed. |
| Transparency | Whether you have had personal experience with acupuncture or it is your first time, you want a clinic that is open about procedures and medicines. You should be fully informed about why they are prodding specific points or what is in their herbal mix. |
| Sanitation | Sanitation is essential in an acupuncture facility, especially if the appointment is in a shared space. Inquire about acupuncturists’ cleaning practices when changing between client appointments. |
| Reputability | It is best to visit an acupuncture clinic that is reputable in the community and vetted by numerous people. A great reputation signals trustworthiness and effective services. |
Tips for Trying a New Acupuncture Clinic
Whether you have done acupuncture before or are trying it for the first time, going to a new clinic can feel unfamiliar. Use these tips for an enjoyable experience:
- Vet the ambience: Some acupuncture clinics have a shared space where multiple clients publicly undergo treatment. Others have semi-private or private cubicles that you can inquire about for your appointment. Either way, the ambience should be clean and relaxing. If you prefer a private space, make sure you request this prior to your appointment.
- Check your insurance: Discuss payment methods with the front desk staff. Some insurance plans are open to covering alternative medicine, but others may only consider it if it is medically necessary. Learn about your policies and see if your insurance will cover most of the cost.
- Have a consultation: Your initial appointment at an acupuncture clinic will involve a comprehensive consultation of your physical and spiritual health history. After discussing symptoms, you will set up different treatment goals, and your acupuncturist will explain the best techniques to fulfill them.
- Discuss preparation: Take the time to ask and coordinate how to prepare for the acupuncture session. Generally, it helps to wear comfortable and loose clothing. A moderate and balanced diet with good hydration is key. You also want to prepare your body and mind for the actual treatment.
The Best Kinds of Acupuncture
Many acupuncture techniques have grown more advanced. Here are some of the best ones to inquire about at your clinic:
- Acupressure: Acupressure involves applying gentle and firm pressure to the skin to activate specific energy channels. It is similar to traditional acupuncture without the needles, making it perfect for beginners.
- Dry needling: Dry needling is a traditional technique in alternative medicine that involves inserting thinner needles into a muscle. It is usually used to target muscle trigger points and relieve pain.
- Moxibustion: Moxibustion involves burning mugwort leaves to stimulate acupuncture points. While some acupuncturists use it alone, it can also be combined with other traditional acupuncture techniques.
- Electric stimulation: Also known as e-stim and electro-acupuncture, electric stimulation applies a small electrical current to needles that are then inserted into the body. This method is meant to help with muscle relaxation.
Visit the Best Acupuncture Clinics
Trying out different healing methods can open doors to improving your health and wellness. Become open-minded and set an appointment at the best acupuncture clinics in the greater Philadelphia area to start your alternative medicine journey.
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