Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Based Holistic Care in Columbus, Ohio

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient healing system originating thousands of years ago. It understands and treats the human body as a complete and interconnected whole—body, mind, and spirit. Through a range of time-honored modalities, including acupuncture, TCM seeks to restore internal balance and harmony by addressing the root cause of disharmony, rather than merely treating symptoms.

Acupuncture is the use of fine, sterile needles gently inserted at specific points along the body’s meridians to regulate the flow of Qi (vital life force), activating the body’s natural healing processes and supporting overall well-being. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to your unique needs based on assessment and treatment through the lens of Eastern Medicine/Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We specialize in women’s health, fertility, headaches and migraines, and pain management. Whether you're managing chronic conditions, navigating emotional challenges, hormonal challenges, fertility issues, pain, or seeking preventative care, TCM based acupuncture will surprise you.

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acupuncture and tcm columbus, ohio

Personalized, Integrative Care

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 observing the tongue, feeling the pulse, and gathering information about your overall health. These tools help guide 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.

More Than Needles: A Custom, Comprehensive TCM Approach

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

What to Expect During Your Comprehensive 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.

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Testimonials

  • PCOS, PMS, acid reflux & acu

    ‘After keeping regular appointments I started feeling results. Less PCOS pain, less PMS symptoms with easier cycles. With feeling better I could focus on GERD and that even started being less intense… I would say go for it! Just try it! …I was terrified, and it has been one of the two best things I've done for my body!’

    - Kelli S

  • chronic migraines

    ‘I came to Sasha for help with migraine treatment and I have been overwhelmed by the rapid and effective success of the treatments. I have had significant and sustained relief after only three treatments and have maintained the relief with weekly/biweekly treatments. I cannot recommend Sasha enough!’

    - Anna S

  • chronic pain

    ‘Nothing seemed to help for very long and I didn’t want to resort to strong arthritis medications forever. Each acupuncture session brought relief… The time spent in the treatment room was very calm and relaxing. Sasha was very thorough in her examination. Before the session I was hesitant and a little scared. After the session, I felt more relaxed and was eager to come back.’

    - Pam W

  • fertility post miscarriage

    ‘To Sasha, it wasn’t a matter of IF I’d get pregnant, but WHEN. Sure enough, three months of weekly treatments later, I was pregnant with my son. I will continue seeing Sasha well into the pregnancy and beyond. I had no expectations for what acupuncture would be like going in, but my mind, body and spirit were blown wide open.’

    - Emily L

  • shoulder pain

    ‘Sasha has been fantastic. I went the route through orthopedics and honestly it didn’t help at all… She’s been able to alleviate almost all of my shoulder pain (was told I would most likely need surgery from my orthopedic) and tendonitis in my wrists and forearms. I still go about once a month to keep everything from regressing and she always takes great care of me. I would and have recommended her to anyone I know.’

    - Rashid A

Acupuncture Add Ons Available

  • ear seeds

    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

    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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  • loose leaf tea

    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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  • tcm tattoo

    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.

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Services & Rates

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Acupuncture & TCM Services

  • Acupuncture

    A holistic therapy that stimulates specific points on the body to restore balance, alleviate pain, and promote overall physical and emotional well-being. Many service options available.

  • Fire Cupping

    Cupping therapy uses gentle, heat induced suction to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, improve immune system, and promote the body’s natural healing processes.

  • Gua Sha/Scraping

    Gua Sha is a traditional therapy that involves gentle scraping of the skin to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote healing and detoxification.

  • Electroacupuncture

    Electroacupuncture combines traditional acupuncture, similar to dry needling, with a mild electrical current to relieve pain, improve circulation, and stimulate nerve function for natural healing.

  • Moxibustion

    Moxibustion is a therapeutic technique that involves burning mugwort over the skin to warm and invigorate the body's source energy, enhance circulation, and support healing, especially for women’s health.

  • Auriculotherapy / Ear Seeds

    Auriculotherapy, or ear seeds, uses press magnets or needles to stimulate specific points on the ear to support physical and emotional well-being, enhance relaxation, and address various health concerns.

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