Healing Through Acupuncture and Natural Medicine

Back Pain and Sciatica

“After years of back pain, I can finally move again.”

I had been dealing with low back pain for over two years. It got worse after my move to North Carolina, and nothing—PT, medications, even cortisone shots—seemed to help. I couldn’t sit or lie down without pain, and getting up from a chair was almost impossible. After just a few acupuncture treatments, I noticed a real change. I started walking more easily and needed fewer medications. Now, I can get through my day without constant pain. I only wish I had started sooner.

“My sciatica started after giving birth 24 years ago. Acupuncture helped more than anything else I’ve tried.”

My sciatica would flare up now and then, but after a recent hike, it got much worse. I had pain down the back of my leg and couldn’t sit still without discomfort. I’d tried PT and chiropractic care in the past, but it never lasted. With acupuncture, the relief came quicker and has been more consistent. I’m finally getting back to doing what I love.

“My back pain started when I was 12—and never really went away.”

I fractured my low back doing gymnastics as a kid. Since then, pain has been part of my daily life. I tried everything: chiropractic, massage, even nerve ablation. It helped some, but the tenderness and stiffness always came back. With Dr. Xiong’s treatments, I’ve finally felt lasting change. My muscles are looser, my posture is better, and I can stay active without flaring up.

“Even after back surgery, the pain came back. Acupuncture helped me stay on track.”

I had surgery on my lower back about five years ago to relieve nerve compression. It worked—for a while. Then the pain crept back into my lower back and hip, and I couldn’t figure out why. I’d get these sharp, sudden pains that made it hard to move. My chiropractor thought it might be tightness in my neck or hip throwing things off.

That’s when I came to Dr. Xiong. He looked at the whole picture and started treating more than just the spot that hurt. The flare-ups started to ease, and now I can move through my day without those sudden jolts. I’m finally learning how to manage my back instead of chasing symptoms.

“My back pain felt like a bruise that never went away—until now.”

I’ve seen every kind of specialist you can think of. X-rays, MRIs, cortisone injections… nothing really gave me relief. My lower back constantly felt sore, like a deep bruise that never healed, and I had pain that traveled into my leg and thigh. Daily movements were difficult, and even resting didn’t offer much relief.

Acupuncture was the first thing that actually made a noticeable difference. The pain is no longer constant, and I’m more comfortable moving through the day. It’s not just about masking symptoms—it’s helping my body heal and reset.

Neck/Shoulder Pain

“I was skeptical about acupuncture, but it helped my neck and stress better than anything.”

After falling down a flight of stairs, my neck pain came back with a vengeance. I had trouble turning my head and sleeping. I also had a lot of emotional stress—my parents are both very sick, and it was taking a toll on me physically. Dr. Xiong really listened. His acupuncture treatments didn’t just ease the pain—they helped my blood pressure, my anxiety, and the tightness in my shoulders. I feel calmer and more in control now.

“I’m a hairstylist and my back and shoulders were always tight. Acupuncture helps me stay on my feet.”

Working long hours on my feet caused neck and shoulder tension that got worse with stress. Massage helped temporarily, but the relief didn’t last. Acupuncture, especially with cupping, has made a big difference. I can rotate my neck better, sleep more comfortably, and keep doing what I love.

“My shoulder pain started after a massage and never went away—until now.”

A deep tissue massage left me with unbearable shoulder pain. I tried physical therapy and even steroid shots. The pain would shoot down my arm, and I couldn’t lift anything. Dr. Xiong’s treatment reduced the pain gradually, and now I’m regaining strength and range of motion.

“I couldn’t lift with my left arm, now I can.”

I lift weights a lot, but one day I noticed my left shoulder was weaker and tighter. I couldn’t keep up with the right side, and lying on it hurt like hell. Muscle therapy didn’t help much. Dr. Xiong pinpointed the issue and started working on the muscle groups involved. It took a few sessions, but now I’m lifting with confidence again.

Female Reproductive Health

“I couldn’t find relief from endometriosis and disc pain until I came here.”

I’ve lived with endometriosis, insomnia, and low back pain for years. A herniated disc made it worse, and even chiropractic care was too painful. I found Dr. Xiong after moving here, and his acupuncture approach is gentle but incredibly effective. My sleep has improved, and I’m not relying on pain meds like before. His care has been a lifeline.

“The joint pain, rash, and menopause symptoms were overwhelming. Now they’re under control.”

I’ve dealt with rheumatoid arthritis, menopause, and an itchy rash for months. Doctors gave me creams and prescriptions that didn’t work. Dr. Xiong treated the whole picture—my hormones, my immune system, even my stress. I feel more balanced now and in control of my health.

“Nothing helped my hormones or digestion—until this.”

I’ve struggled with skin issues, unwanted hair growth, and constant digestive problems. I was never officially diagnosed, but with my mom having PCOS and all the symptoms lining up, I was pretty sure that’s what I was dealing with too.

I also had horrible acid reflux. I tried three different prescription PPIs and even herbal teas like ginger and marshmallow root, but nothing really helped. Burping all day and that burning feeling in my chest became my norm—especially during times of stress.

I came to Dr. Xiong as a last resort, hoping acupuncture might help at least a little. I was surprised how much better I felt after just a few treatments. My digestion started to calm down, the bloating eased, and I began sleeping better. Dr. Xiong also helped me understand how stress and hormones were connected—and for the first time, I felt like someone actually looked at the full picture. I still have work to do, but I finally feel like I’m moving in the right direction with my body.

Numbness/Tingling

“The tingling in my hands used to wake me up. Acupuncture made a huge difference.”

I started having tingling in my hands, mostly in my ring and pinky fingers, and it slowly got worse over time. PT helped with some arm weakness, but the tingling never really went away. I was told it might be nerve entrapment in my elbow, and I even got a steroid injection, but it didn’t help. I was frustrated and tired of feeling like nothing worked. Dr. Xiong listened carefully and treated not just my elbow, but my neck and whole system. I started noticing less tingling during the day, and now, it barely flares up at all. I feel like I finally have a way forward without relying on meds or invasive procedures.

“My toes were numb and stiff for years. Now I’m walking with more ease.”

I had back surgery over a decade ago for spinal stenosis, but years later I developed numbness in three of my toes. I was told to take Gabapentin, but I didn’t want to be stuck on medication long term. My back was still stiff, and everything—standing, walking, even stretching—felt like a chore. I came to Dr. Xiong hoping for some pain relief, but I ended up getting so much more. Acupuncture helped loosen my lower back, reduce my stiffness, and even decrease the numbness. Mornings are easier now—I can stretch, walk, and move without as much discomfort or hesitation. It feels like a reset for my nervous system.

Your Story Could Be Next

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, or stress, your body has the capacity to heal—with the right support. At BalanceNDLAc, we treat people, not just symptoms.

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