Listen first. We spend time understanding your goals, symptoms, and health history.
Create a personalized plan. Your treatment plan is individualized, practical, and grounded in both traditional wisdom and modern understanding. So it feels supportive, not overwhelming.
Adjust as you improve. Healing evolves. Your plan does too.
At Healing Journey Wellness, we take time to understand the full picture, physical symptoms, daily stressors, health history, and what your body has already been through. Care is personalized, paced, and grounded in both traditional wisdom and modern clinical insight.
Acupuncture and related therapies are used to support the body’s own regulatory systems and complement appropriate medical care. Patients often share that they feel truly listened to here in a way they haven’t experienced elsewhere.
Offering an empathetic, patient-centered approach, Healing Journey Acupuncture specializes in pain, digestive issues, women’s health, fertility, mental health, autoimmune, oncology support, and cosmetic acupuncture.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and guidance for patients. If you have a question, let us know.
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Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years and remains a primary form of healthcare throughout much of Asia. At its core, acupuncture is based on the understanding that health depends on the free and balanced circulation of blood, oxygen, nutrients, and vital substances throughout the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hundreds of specific points on the body have been identified where circulation and communication within the body can become disrupted due to stress, injury, illness, or imbalance. A trained acupuncturist uses these points to help restore healthy flow, supporting the body’s ability to heal and regulate itself.
Modern research helps explain these effects through a biomedical lens. Many acupuncture points are located near neuromuscular junctions, connective tissue planes, and small networks of nerves and blood vessels. Stimulating these areas can influence the nervous and immune systems, encourage blood flow, and activate the body’s natural pain-relieving and regulatory mechanisms.
An acupuncturist begins by assessing each patient’s unique pattern of imbalance through a detailed intake, observation, palpation, and discussion of symptoms and lifestyle factors. Based on this assessment, treatment is tailored to the individual rather than a diagnosis alone.
In addition to acupuncture (sometimes referred to as dry needling), treatment may include other therapeutic modalities such as electro-acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, acupressure, and gentle movement practices like Qigong or Tai Chi, as well as dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations when appropriate.
Together, these therapies work to support balance, resilience, and overall well-being.
Acupuncture supports overall wellness and can be helpful for a wide range of health concerns. While many people seek acupuncture for pain relief, it is also commonly used to support internal medicine, stress-related conditions, and preventive care. Acupuncture is appropriate for all ages, from children to older adults, and treatments are always tailored to the individual.
Organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture as a beneficial therapy for many common conditions. In clinical practice, acupuncture is frequently used to support care for:
Pain and musculoskeletal conditions Including back, neck, and shoulder pain, arthritis, migraines and headaches, joint pain, neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain syndromes.
Digestive health Such as indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, functional gastrointestinal discomfort, and general digestive weakness.
Women’s health and reproductive support Including irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, premenstrual symptoms, fertility support for women and men, and hormonal balance.
Urogenital concerns Such as stress incontinence, urinary discomfort, and sexual health concerns in both men and women.
Respiratory and immune-related conditions Including allergies, sinus congestion, asthma support, bronchial irritation, and recurring respiratory issues.
Stress, emotional, and nervous system support Including anxiety, depression, insomnia, dizziness, and stress-related symptoms.
Circulatory and systemic support Including support for blood flow, fatigue, and overall vitality.
Addiction and recovery support Including support for smoking cessation and substance use recovery as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Supportive care during medical treatment Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional care to help manage side effects associated with treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, including nausea, fatigue, and pain.
Acupuncture works best as part of an individualized treatment plan, and we will always discuss whether acupuncture is appropriate for your specific concerns and when referral or collaboration with another healthcare provider is recommended.
Acupuncture supports the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself. While rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, modern research helps explain its effects through the lens of Western physiology.
Acupuncture influences the nervous system. According to research summarized by the National Institutes of Health (NCCIH) and Harvard Health, acupuncture stimulates sensory nerves that send signals to the brain and spinal cord. These signals help regulate pain pathways and support communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body.
Acupuncture promotes circulation and tissue healing. Studies reviewed by the NIH and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) show that acupuncture can increase local blood flow and promote vasodilation. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune factors to tissues, supporting repair and recovery.
Acupuncture activates the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals. Research discussed by Harvard Health and AAMA indicates that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endogenous opioids such as endorphins and enkephalins — the body’s own natural painkillers — which can reduce pain and improve overall comfort.
Acupuncture helps regulate stress and restore balance. The NIH and Harvard Health also note acupuncture’s effect on the autonomic nervous system, helping shift the body out of a chronic “fight-or-flight” state and into a more restorative “rest-and-digest” response. This calming effect supports sleep, digestion, immune function, and emotional well-being.
Together, these effects help explain why acupuncture is commonly used for pain management, stress-related conditions, and overall wellness. Treatment works best over time, as the nervous system and tissues respond and adapt with consistent care.
For further reading, see sources from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Harvard Medical School, and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
NIH – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Acupuncture Effectiveness & Safety This page explains what research shows about acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, pain, and other health outcomes. Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety – NCCIH (NIH)
American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) An organization of medical doctors trained in acupuncture, providing educational resources and information about integrating acupuncture with conventional care. American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA)
Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very thin, sterile, disposable needles at specific points near the surface of the body. With a skilled, light touch, most people experience little to no discomfort, and needles are generally painless once they are in place. Occasionally, you may feel a brief pinch upon insertion, or sensations such as warmth, heaviness, or a mild tingling — all of which typically pass quickly.
Depending on your individual needs, other supportive therapies may be incorporated into your treatment. These can include heat lamps to warm an area and encourage circulation, cupping or Gua Sha to help release fascial tension and improve blood and oxygen flow to muscles, and ear seeds to gently extend the effects of treatment after you leave the office. Herbal liniments, supplements, and personalized lifestyle or dietary recommendations may also be suggested to support your overall health and vitality.
Many people find acupuncture sessions to be deeply relaxing and often report feeling calmer, more balanced, and refreshed both during and after treatment.
Acupuncture needles are very thin — about the width of a human hair. They are solid (not hollow like hypodermic needles) and are made from high-quality surgical stainless steel.
All needles used in treatment are pre-sterilized, single-use, and disposable. After each session, needles are safely discarded in a medical sharps container. This ensures the highest standards of cleanliness and patient safety at all times.
Licensed acupuncturists complete extensive graduate-level training and must meet rigorous state and national requirements to practice safely and ethically.
All licensed acupuncturists (L.Ac.) in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine. Licensure requires:
Graduation from an accredited Master’s degree program in Acupuncture
National board certification through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine)
Ongoing continuing education
Professional liability coverage
In addition to acupuncture techniques, licensed acupuncturists are trained in anatomy and physiology, biomedicine, safety and ethics, medical history intake, common pharmaceuticals and supplements, and recognizing when referral or collaboration with another healthcare provider is appropriate.
Megan Conover is a Pennsylvania-licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and NCCAOM-certified practitioner with a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies, where she completed comprehensive graduate-level training in both Eastern and Western medical sciences.
When practiced by a licensed and trained professional, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are considered extremely safe. Because treatments do not involve pharmaceutical drugs, adverse side effects are uncommon.
That said, it’s important that we have a full picture of your health. Certain conditions — such as hemophilia or having a pacemaker — should always be shared with your practitioner prior to treatment.
For this reason, we conduct a thorough intake during your first visit to identify any potential concerns and ensure your care is both safe and appropriate. Your comfort and safety are always our top priorities.
Yes. Acupuncture works best as part of an integrative approach to healthcare, and we value collaboration with Western medical providers. We regularly work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals to support your overall well-being.
While we do not make recommendations regarding prescription medications, there are times when a condition is best evaluated or treated through Western medicine. If we feel additional medical assessment or care would be helpful, we will always recommend that you consult with your physician or appropriate healthcare provider.
Our goal is to support your health safely and responsibly, ensuring you receive the care that is most appropriate for your needs.
Your first visit is designed to be relaxed, thorough, and supportive. Before your appointment, you’ll receive a consent to treatment and health history form through our booking system. These forms help us understand your personal health history, family background, lifestyle, and current concerns, so we can tailor your care to you. If you have copies of previous medical records, lab results, or a list of medications or supplements you’re currently taking, please feel free to bring those along.
On the day of your visit, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled up over the knees and elbows. Eating a light meal or snack about an hour before your appointment is also helpful to ensure you’re comfortable during treatment.
Your appointment will begin with approximately 40 minutes of conversation, where we’ll take the time to review your health history, discuss your goals, and answer any questions you may have. This is followed by a 50-minute acupuncture treatment, allowing you time to relax and begin the healing process.
Our goal is for you to feel heard, supported, and at ease from the moment you arrive. We look forward to being part of your healing journey.
Your initial visit is a little longer so we can take the time to fully understand your health and concerns. A new patient’s first appointment typically lasts about 90 minutes. We ask that all intake forms be completed ahead of time so our time together can be focused on your care, not paperwork.
Follow-up appointments are shorter and generally last 45–60 minutes, depending on your treatment plan and how your body is responding. Each visit is designed to support your ongoing healing while allowing space for check-ins and adjustments as needed.
Many people notice changes within the first few treatments, but research shows that meaningful and lasting results often develop over time with consistent care.
A 2020 peer-reviewed article in Integrative Medicine Research* explains that acupuncture benefits are often dose-dependent, meaning they improve with an appropriate number and frequency of treatments. The authors note that in many chronic conditions, several weeks of regular treatment may be needed before maximum benefit is reached, and that very short or infrequent treatment plans may underestimate acupuncture’s true effectiveness Atudyon6treatments.
For this reason, we typically recommend a series of treatments tailored to your condition, goals, and response to care. Your plan is always reassessed along the way to ensure you are improving and receiving appropriate care.
Megan has given me hope for improvement in my treatment of migraines , TMJ and a knee injury . Megan’s holistic approach and treatment protocol has been extremely beneficial in relieving my pain and anxiety. She explains acupuncture principles in a clear manner. The office is clean and the treatment rooms are quiet and peaceful. I am so happy I found her. My husband has his first appointment next week.
SUZANNE A.
I have been seeing Megan since the middle of July 2022, and I highly recommend her to everyone. She has helped treat my chronic Sciatica pain issues on my L Hip which radiates to my lower back, groin muscle and down to my L Knee. The Acupuncture and cupping treatment has help in reducing the pain level and regaining a good deal of mobility, which was quite restricted for over 6 weeks and has also help improve the overall quality of my daily life. Megan is very professional, compassionate in her approach, takes the time to listen and explain the treatments and answers tries to answer any questions that I may have. 😊👍👏
Rob M.
Conventional treatments (epidural steroid injections, PT, aqua therapy) have not been successful in relieving the pain. Acupuncture has made all the difference. Megan has been treating me for a little more than three months now, with a 30%-40% improvement in all three areas. That is more success in reducing pain than typical medical practices yet. I’ll continue to work with her.
Greg H.
Loved my first acupuncture experience! Megan was very thorough and took the time to listen to my concerns. She gave me many tips to try on my own. I look forward to seeing her again!
MOLLY
Megan took lots of time to ask questions about my situation. I never tried acupuncture before, and I don’t know how it works, but now I know it does work. She always spent time with me to discuss treatment and outcomes, and varied the treatment methods to get the best results. She was able to get me relief from some pretty severe sciatic pain. Highest possible recommendations!!!
STEVEN
How to Get Started
Schedule an Initial Visit Begin with a comprehensive first appointment focused on listening, understanding, and creating a care plan that fits your needs.
