Ancient Practice,
Modern Science

A beige and white natural illustration as a logo for Elemental Med

Acupuncture can treat all health concerns

Commonly treated conditions include:

asthma and allergy • chronic pain and fatigue • cigarette, alcohol and drug addiction • digestive issues • headaches • infertility and women’s health issues • insomnia, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress • sport injuries, joint pain and muscle pain

Acupuncture is a time-honored healing practice that has been used for centuries to promote health, relieve pain, and support the body's natural healing processes.

A growing body of research supports its use for a wide range of conditions, and both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have identified numerous conditions for which acupuncture may be beneficial.

Studies suggest that acupuncture can influence multiple physiologic systems, including the nervous, immune, and pain-modulation pathways, helping to restore balance and support overall well-being.

Japanese acupuncture meridian chart at ElementalMed with Maryclaire O'Neill
Acupuncture Meridian chart at ElementalMed with Maryclaire O'Neill DO in Hendersonville NC

ElementalMed offers physician-delivered acupuncture in a private, one-on-one setting. As the only patient in the clinic during your appointment time, you receive individualized assessment and treatment tailored to your unique needs.

To enhance therapeutic benefit, acupuncture may be combined with complementary techniques such as electroacupuncture, gentle trigger point needling, cupping, osteopathic myofascial release, thermotherapy, microsystem acupuncture, and health counseling. Following treatment, patients relax in a private healing space while Dr. O'Neill remains nearby should additional support or treatment adjustments be needed.

Dr. O'Neill completed her physician acupuncture training through Harvard Medical School in 2012 and serves as an instructor for the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine's physician acupuncture program. She continues advanced study with renowned Japanese acupuncture teacher Kiiko Matsumoto and is among a small number of practitioners in the region offering Japanese palpation-based acupuncture.

A hallmark of Japanese acupuncture is the use of detailed hands-on assessment to identify the most effective treatment points. This palpation-based approach provides real-time feedback and allows treatments to be precisely tailored at each visit. Dr. O'Neill is also trained in the German Very Point technique of precision needling for both physical and emotional concerns.

Drawing from conventional medicine, osteopathic medicine, functional medicine, and traditional Chinese and Japanese acupuncture, Dr. O'Neill integrates multiple perspectives to provide thoughtful, individualized care in a dedicated healing environment.

Kimono hanging on wall of treatment room at ElementalMed with Dr. Maryclaire O'Neill in Hendersonville NC
Woman receiving acupuncture, ElementalMed, Dr Maryclaire O'Neill, Hendersonville, NC

  • Points

    Over 400 points are recognized in acupuncture theories. In Japanese acupuncture, point location is fine-tuned by palpation and treatment generally involves more superficial needling with thinner needles, making insertion often imperceptible.

    Acupuncture meridian model at ElementalMed in Hendersonville NC with Maryclaire O'Neill

  • Pattern

    The combination of points used is based on imbalances found in the five elements of: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. From a western medicine standpoint, these elements correspond to organ functions and emotional states.

    Fire, wood, and metal elements at ElementalMed Acupuncture Clinic

  • Palpation

    This key approach for locating imbalances and identifying the best treatment point location is unique to Japanese structural acupuncture. Gentle palpation of body structures is used to diagnose the root dysfunctions underlying symptoms. Palpating the “Hara” (the Japanese translation includes both “belly” and “inner nature”) reveals five element imbalances to direct best treatment.

    Hara diagnosis at ElementalMed Acupuncture clinic in Hendersonville NC

  • Electro-acupuncture

    An electrical current with variable frequency and intensity is applied to acupuncture needles to assist in stimulating the muscle/fascia and associated meridian points. Electro-acupuncture effects gene expression, stem cell activity and has antioxidant properties. It is often used for sports injury and musculoskeletal pain conditions.

    Electroacupuncture leads at ElementalMed acupuncture in Hendersonville NC

  • Auricular Therapy

    Microsystem acupuncture is a 20th century discovery. The entire body can be mapped out and treated on small well-defined areas — hand, foot, face, scalp and ear. Auricular (ear) points can be utilized as stand alone treatments or to augment full body acupuncture. Pain and addiction protocols are the more commonly known use of ear points, but any imbalance can be treated with auricular therapy.

    Auricular (ear) acupuncture at ElementalMed in Hendersonville NC

  • Thermotherapy

    Far infrared radiation (FIR) is the wavelength of energy emitted from the sun and the human body. Medical application of FIR heat improves lymph and blood circulation, increases cell oxygenation and energy production, and reduces inflammation to improve health.

    Far infrared heat lamp at ElementalMed in Hendersonville NC

  • Trigger Point Needling

    Acupuncture needles are used to “dry needle” tight muscles to release tension. This can be especially helpful for sports and musculoskeletal injuries as well as chronic muscle holding patterns that contribute to whole body dysfunction and pain.

    Trigger point needling at ElementalMed Acupuncture clinic in Hendersonville NC

  • Cupping

    This technique uses small glass cups placed on the skin (often the back) to relieve muscle tension and stagnation in the body. Cupping has been used for thousands of years in several healing traditions, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.

    Cupping at ElementalMed Acupuncture Clinic in Hendersonville NC

  • Myofascial Therapy

    Soft tissue techniques guided by osteopathic principles return balance to the interconnected fascia that courses all body structures to improve form and function at micro and macro levels. This approach relaxes the nervous system, reduces inflammation and increases cellular energy production, putting the body in position to heal.

    Woman receiving cranial osteopathy at ElementalMed clinic in Hendersonville NC

TESTIMONIALS

  • SR

    “ I came to Dr.O’Neill with pain— my activities sidelined by chronic piriformis spasm impacting walking, sitting, and standing. Pain that often brought me to the point of tears. This pain accompanied my ever present bilateral bone-on-bone knee pain. I didn’t have unrealistic hopes of being “cured”, I just hoped for some relief.

    Amazingly, with her tiny needles, her gentle touch that reads your body’s blockages and her wisdom of how to treat your specific issues, Dr.O’Neill diminished my pain and restored me to pursue my everyday activities. I garden, I walk greater distances, I stand for long periods (cooking) and can sit for five hours on long trips. At 74 I am once again my active self! I am so very thankful for Dr. O’Neill!”

  • TR

    “My words cannot express the experience of acupuncture with Dr. O’Neill. My entire body hurt, I was extremely fatigued, and I had not slept for several days due to insomnia.

    In one 90-minute session with her unique, gentle, and personal approach she found and treated places where my energy was blocked, using fine needles that were almost pain-free. I left the session feeling pain free and excited. I slept well that night and was able to walk and garden the next day. I highly recommend Dr. O’Neill.”

  • MF

    “Today was my fourth in an ongoing series of appointments approximately 10 days apart and I must say I’ve never experienced such a dramatic difference – I feel significantly better and more pain free in my overall daily activities! And I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my ability to “swing freely” and play a high level of golf, the game I have played for some 59 years; at 67 years of age that is a real virtue!

    You have a more detailed regimen in defining the treatment than any doctor I’ve ever been a regular patient of, and I thank you for your professionalism! You have made a significant difference in my daily life.”

  • HP

    “I had never tried acupuncture before, and I was intrigued by its benefits for reducing stress and anxiety both physically and mentally. After Dr. O’Neill and I had our first session, I was amazed at the improvement in my anxiety and had the best night of sleep in years.

    Her sessions have helped me process grief and address areas of physical and emotional healing. Over the last few months, I’ve noticed positive changes in my digestion, a deeper connection to my body, and a greater ability to manage stress in my life.”

  • CB

    “After months of trying to conceive our second child I became discouraged and worried it might not happen; we conceived our first easily. Seven months into the process both my husband and I received treatment from Dr. O’Neill and the following month, I found out I was pregnant. We were overjoyed and were so grateful for Dr. O’Neill’s knowledge! Since then, I use acupuncture regularly to assist with various ailments and bring greater balance to my body.”

  • ME

    “My first words to my husband after a treatment were ‘Dr. O’Neill is a wonder worker!’. One acupuncture session with her calmed my pain flare considerably.”

  • MO

    “I first sought acupuncture as localized treatment for chronic back and shoulder issues. I would soon learn that, while acupuncture can help specific areas or health issues, it also restores health to the entire body, even to areas that I as a patient was unaware of needed healing. I now schedule regular appointments whether I’m experiencing discomfort or not to keep feeling my best.”

  • PM

    “Dr. O'Neill, let me say it's obvious you have a passion for your work and compassion for your patients. Simply put, you’re the best. Thank you for taking care of me!”