Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine in Columbus, OH
If you're looking for exceptional acupuncture in Columbus, OH, our spa-inspired clinic offers a calming retreat where personalized care meets the time-tested success of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Conveniently located in Gahanna/New Albany and serving patients throughout the surrounding communities. We take pride in providing results focused services to help you feel your best long term.
Acupuncture is one of the primary therapies used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a comprehensive medical system that has supported health and wellness for thousands of years. Rather than focusing on symptoms alone, TCM seeks to identify and address the underlying patterns contributing to imbalance, promoting long-term vitality for the body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, stress, headaches, digestive concerns, fertility challenges, or simply want to support your overall well-being, every treatment is tailored to your unique health goals. Our peaceful environment, attentive care, and holistic approach create an experience that goes beyond symptom relief, helping you reconnect with your health in a space designed for healing.
Acupuncture and TCM Services in Columbus, Ohio
Acupuncture is a key part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a holistic system of care that has been used for thousands of years to support health and balance. It involves the use of very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, relieve pain, and promote the body’s natural healing response.
While “Licensed Acupuncturist” is the common title, our training goes far beyond needling alone. TCM views the body as an interconnected system, and care is focused on identifying and treating the root cause of imbalance, not just symptoms.
Each session begins with a comprehensive assessment using traditional diagnostic methods, such as tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis, and your health history to gather information about your overall health. Then you receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Your session may also include a combination of therapies alongside acupuncture, such as cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, or electroacupuncture. These modalities are thoughtfully selected to enhance your treatment and provide a more complete, individualized approach to care. Each session provides deep relaxation as your body regulates.
What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Session
A comprehensive acupuncture session at Nu Wave Acupuncture provides a full intake, assessment, treatment, and personalized recommendations—including herbal or supplemental support—so we can create a plan tailored specifically to your needs to help you reach your health goals. Patients tend to feel deeply relaxed during and after their session as your nervous system resets and rejuvenates.
Full Intake and Assessment
Before your treatment begins, we go through your health history, relevant health information, and assess your tongue, pulse, and other diagnostic elements through the lens of TCM. We then discuss the treatment and begin.
Comfortable, Tranquil Setting
Relax in a private, soothing treatment room with dim lighting and calming music, designed to help your nervous system ease into a state of relaxation and healing.Heat Therapy
Warmth is key in TCM. A gently warmed treatment table supports you throughout your session. Optional TDP mineral lamp or red light therapy over the abdomen or low back may be applied to enhance circulation, release tension, and deepen the healing response.Gentle, Mostly Painless Needling
Ultra-fine, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted with care. Most placements are painless or barely noticeable, often bringing a sense of calm or lightness. Any sensation typically dissipates after a few deep breaths.Restorative Healing Time
Once the needles are in place, you’ll rest undisturbed for 25–30 minutes, as this is how long it takes for Qi to cycle through the body. This allows your body to move into a parasympathetic state and maximize the therapeutic benefits of treatment. During the session, you may feel heavy on the table, experience twitches, fall asleep, or enter a deep meditative state. This is all normal and helps the body heal naturally through relaxation during treatments.Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care
Sasha provides a safe, grounded, and supportive environment for your healing. She explains as much—or as little—as you’d like, meeting you where you are and empowering you in your health journey.Custom Treatment Plan
Recommended treatment plan will be discussed during your first visit. Other services and options may be recommended as well.
Sessions are typically recommended once per week for 4-6 weeks for best results. Session frequency is reevaluated as progress begins to show. Checkout our blog for more information.
Acupuncture and TCM Services
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Fire Cupping
Fire cupping involves placing glass cups on the skin to create gentle suction. This technique helps increase circulation, release muscle tension, and promote the movement of stagnant blood and qi.
Cupping is commonly used for:
- Muscle tightness and pain
- Respiratory support (such as colds or congestion)
- Stress and tension relief
You may notice temporary circular marks on the skin, which are normal and typically fade within a few days.
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Gua Sha
Gua Sha is a technique that uses a smooth tool to gently scrape the skin, stimulating circulation and promoting healing. It is often used on the neck, shoulders, and back.
Benefits of gua sha may include:
- Relief from muscle pain and tightness
- Improved circulation
- Reduction of inflammation
- Support for immune function
Like cupping, gua sha may leave temporary redness or marks that fade over time.
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Moxibustion (Moxa)
Moxibustion involves the use of a warming herbal therapy made from mugwort (moxa), which is burned near or on acupuncture points to gently heat and stimulate them.
This therapy is especially helpful for:
- Improving circulation
- Supporting digestion
- Reducing pain
- Addressing patterns of cold or deficiency in the body
Moxa provides a deeply relaxing, warming sensation and is often used to enhance the effects of acupuncture.
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Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture involves the application of a gentle electrical current to acupuncture needles. This enhances stimulation of the points and can be especially effective for certain conditions.
It is commonly used for:
- Pain management
- Muscle tension or injury
- Neurological conditions
- Promoting nerve and muscle activation
The sensation is typically mild and rhythmic, and the intensity is always adjusted for your comfort.
Acupuncture Add Ons Available
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Auriculotherapy Ear Seeds
Auriculotherapy, also known as ear seed therapy, is a gentle, non-invasive technique that stimulates specific points on the ear to support the body and mind. At Nu Wave Acupuncture, we use press magnets (ear seeds) on one ear at carefully selected points to promote relaxation, emotional balance, and overall wellness.
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Cosmetic Acupuncture
Cosmetic acupuncture is a therapy that uses fine acupuncture needles to stimulate circulation, collagen production, and cellular regeneration in the face. With consistent treatments, it helps to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone, heal acne scars, and achieve a refreshed, natural glow—without surgery or botox.
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Custom Loose Leaf Herbal Tea
Using principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your pulse, tongue, and health goals are carefully assessed to craft a blend designed to support your body’s natural balance. These personalized teas work alongside acupuncture treatments to enhance results, helping with digestion, stress relief, energy, immunity, and overall wellness—naturally and effectively.
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Temporary Tattoo
We offer custom temporary tattoos designed to adorn cupping or Gua Sha marks. Created by the founder and Acupuncturist, Sasha Bruno, these tattoos are a way to celebrate your body’s natural healing and share the story of what wellness and recovery look like. Perfect for anyone receiving acupuncture, cupping, or Gua Sha treatments.
Testimonials