Conditions We Treat | Shanghai Acupuncture Clinic in Cumming, GA
Now offering free consultations for new patients. Call (404) 728-8896 to book
Home/Conditions
What We Treat

The conditions we help with.

From chronic pain to fertility to supportive cancer care - forty years of clinical focus.

Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization as effective for over 40 conditions, and in our clinic we've seen many more. Below is a practical guide to what we treat most, how we think about your specific condition, and what to expect from a course of care.

40+WHO-recognized conditions
8Clinical focus areas
40+Years of practice
How We See It

The same stomach pain can be six different conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In the West, two patients with the same diagnosis receive largely the same treatment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, two patients with the same diagnosis often need two completely different treatments - because TCM doesn't just see the disease, it sees the pattern.

Western Lens
One disease, one protocol
Identify the underlying entity (virus, tumor, blockage) and apply a targeted treatment. Same diagnosis, similar prescription.
vs.
TCM Lens
One disease, many patterns
Look at the whole person - pulse, tongue, constitution, emotion, sleep, digestion - and identify the specific pattern of disharmony driving their symptoms.

Two people walk in with the same "stomach pain." One has a full, forceful pulse, a greasy yellow tongue, and dark urine - a pattern of Damp Heat affecting the Spleen. The other is thin and thirsty, with a dry red tongue and a rapid pulse - a pattern of Deficient Yin affecting the Stomach. Same symptom, entirely different treatment plans, because the underlying imbalance is different.

This is why your first visit begins with a long conversation and two careful exams - pulse and tongue - before a single needle is placed. The diagnosis is what makes the treatment work.

Clinical Focus Areas

Eight categories we see most.

These are the areas where Dr. Qiao has accumulated the deepest clinical experience across forty years of practice. This list isn't exhaustive - if your condition isn't listed, call us for an honest answer about whether acupuncture can help.

Pain & Musculoskeletal

  • Back and neck pain
  • Sciatica & lumbago
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Tennis elbow
  • TMJ and jaw pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sports injuries

Headaches & Neurological

  • Migraine & tension headaches
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Bell's palsy & facial paralysis
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Vertigo & Meniere's syndrome
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Post-stroke rehabilitation

Digestive & Internal

  • IBS & functional bowel issues
  • Acid reflux & GERD
  • Acute & chronic gastritis
  • Chronic duodenal ulcer
  • Constipation & diarrhea
  • Acute & chronic colitis
  • Gallbladder issues (cholelithiasis)
  • Persistent hiccups

Respiratory & Immune

  • Bronchial asthma
  • Acute nasal sinusitis
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Chronic pharyngitis
  • Acute tonsillitis
  • Influenza & common cold
  • Acute tracheitis & bronchitis
  • Frequent respiratory infections

Women's Health & Fertility

  • Dysmenorrhea & PMS
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Fertility & IVF support
  • Menopausal syndrome
  • PCOS support
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Morning sickness

Stress, Anxiety & Sleep

  • Anxiety & panic symptoms
  • Depression support
  • Chronic stress
  • Insomnia & poor sleep
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Neurasthenia
  • Emotional regulation

Supportive Cancer Care

  • Chemotherapy-related nausea
  • Low white cell count support
  • Treatment-related fatigue
  • Appetite & digestion
  • Pain management alongside care
  • Sleep & emotional wellbeing
  • Immune system support

Maintenance & Circulatory

  • Hypertension
  • Coronary heart disease support
  • Parkinson's disease support
  • Seasonal "tune-ups"
  • Sub-health & low vitality
  • Smoking cessation
  • Preventive wellness care
Globally Recognized

Conditions formally recognized by the WHO.

The World Health Organization has specifically recognized acupuncture as effective for the conditions listed below. Dr. Qiao has treated patients across all of them.

WHO-recommended & popularized
Acute nasal sinusitisInfluenza & common coldHeadacheMigraineAcute tonsillitisAcute tracheitisBronchial asthmaProsopalgia (facial pain)Chronic pharyngitisPersistent hiccupAcute & chronic gastritisChronic duodenal ulcerAcute & chronic colitisConstipationDiarrheaEnuresis (bedwetting)Facial paralysisLumbago (low back pain)Apoplexy (stroke)SciaticaMeniere's syndromeFrozen shoulderTennis elbowOsteoarthritis
Verified effective in long clinical practice
Coronary heart diseaseHypertensionCholelithiasis (gallstones)NeurastheniaParkinson's diseaseDysmenorrheaMenopausal syndromeSmoking cessationSupportive cancer careMaintenance & preventive care

The WHO list reflects decades of international research. Individual responses vary, and acupuncture is rarely a stand-alone treatment for serious disease - we work alongside your primary care provider, oncologist, or specialist whenever that's appropriate.

Our Approach

How we look at your condition.

The same diagnosis can be many different patterns. These four steps are how we move from what you came in with to a treatment plan that matches your body.

~20 min
01

Intake & history

A thorough conversation about your main concern, medical history, sleep, digestion, stress, and lifestyle. The goal is to see the full picture, not just the symptom.

~10 min
02

Pulse & tongue diagnosis

Twelve pulse positions across both wrists; careful observation of the tongue's color, shape, cracks, and coating. Two of TCM's oldest and most refined diagnostic tools.

Together
03

Pattern identification

We synthesize everything into a TCM pattern - not "migraine," but Liver Yang rising or Blood deficiency with wind. This is the piece that decides the treatment.

Same visit
04

Treatment & plan

You receive your first treatment the same day, and leave with a realistic care plan - session frequency, duration, and any herbal formulas or home-care guidance.

An Honest Timeline

How many sessions will I need?

Chronic conditions take longer to resolve than acute ones. A condition you've had for ten years won't usually turn around in a single visit - but many patients feel meaningful relief early in the course of care, and the plan gets adjusted as your body responds.

At your first visit we'll give you a realistic, honest estimate based on what's going on - no hidden plans, no upsell. The schedule below is the general pattern.

Acute · Recent Onset

3 to 6 treatments

A fresh injury, a recent flare-up, a seasonal issue - these often turn around quickly, with sessions usually spaced a few days apart.

Chronic · Long-Standing

6 to 20+ treatments

Chronic pain, long-running digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, stubborn insomnia - expect a course of care, usually weekly then tapering down. Monthly maintenance is common for long-term stability.

Don't see your condition?

This list covers the conditions we see most often, but it's not exhaustive. If you're not sure whether acupuncture can help with what you're dealing with, call us - we'll give you an honest answer.

Start With a Conversation

Your first visit is on us.

Bring your questions, your history, and whatever isn't feeling right. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether acupuncture is a good fit - no commitment, no pressure.