ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is one of the most extensively researched forms of integrative medicine — with decades of clinical trials, neuroimaging studies, and systematic reviews confirming its effects on pain, inflammation, hormonal regulation, and nervous system function.
At South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, we don't practice acupuncture as an alternative to modern medicine. We practice it as modern medicine — using evidence-based protocols that target specific nerve pathways, tissue structures, and physiological mechanisms to achieve measurable clinical outcomes.
An initial consultation with a licensed provider is required to determine if acupuncture is right for you. If you're a candidate, your first treatment can happen the same day.
How Acupuncture Works
When acupuncture needles are inserted at specific anatomical points, they stimulate sensory nerve fibers that send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This triggers a cascade of physiological responses:
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Endorphin and enkephalin release — the body's natural pain-relieving compounds
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Reduction of inflammatory cytokines — measurable decreases in pro-inflammatory markers like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α
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Increased local microcirculation — improved blood flow to injured or restricted tissues
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Vagus-adrenal axis activation — producing systemic anti-inflammatory effects
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Central nervous system modulation — functional MRI studies show acupuncture changes activity in brain regions associated with pain processing, emotional regulation, and stress response
This is why acupuncture is effective not just for pain, but for a broad range of conditions rooted in nervous system dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalance.
What to Expect at South Slope
Your first visit lasts 60–90 minutes and includes a comprehensive health history, physical examination, and your first treatment — all in the same appointment. We'll review your chief complaint, relevant medical history, lifestyle factors, and wellness goals before developing a personalized treatment plan with realistic timelines.
Treatment frequency is typically 1–2 times per week initially, tapering as your condition improves. Acute injuries may respond in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require 8–12 sessions for significant improvement. Many patients experience meaningful relief within the first few visits.
Maintenance care — once maximum improvement is reached, many patients continue monthly or bimonthly treatments to prevent recurrence and maintain optimal function. Acupuncture frequently results in complete resolution of symptoms, even in complex pain conditions that have been present for years.
Does it hurt? The needles we use are hair-thin — far finer than anything used for injections or blood draws. Most patients feel a brief sensation at insertion followed by warmth, tingling, or a dull ache indicating nerve pathway activation. Many patients fall asleep on the table.
Conditions We Treat with Acupuncture
Musculoskeletal & Pain Conditions Low back pain, sciatica, disc herniations and bulges, neck pain, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, knee pain, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, rib neuritis, tennis elbow, tendinitis, and acute and chronic sports injuries
Neurological Conditions Headaches and migraines, peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, Bell's palsy, post-stroke recovery, facial tics, macular degeneration, and shinglesDigestive ConditionsIBS, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea
Respiratory Conditions Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections, and allergies
Hormonal & Reproductive Health Fertility support, irregular cycles, PMS, perimenopause, menopause symptoms, PCOS, and endometriosis
Mental & Emotional Health Anxiety, depression, chronic stress, insomnia, and burnout
Other Conditions Fibromyalgia, long COVID, autoimmune conditions, and complex chronic illness
Not sure if acupuncture is right for your condition?
Book a Meet & Greet → or call (828) 575-5904 — we'll have a quick conversation about your condition
Our Approach — What Makes South Slope Different
South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness is an integrative medicine clinic, not a traditional acupuncture-only practice. Our providers hold graduate and doctoral-level degrees and are trained in orthopedic assessment, Sports Medicine Acupuncture®, dry needling, and functional medicine — allowing us to identify not just where you're hurting, but why.
Dr. Autum Kirgan is the only provider in the Asheville area with advanced training in both Sports Medicine Acupuncture® and Dry Needling — meaning we can integrate both systems in a single treatment session when appropriate for your condition.We also coordinate with your existing healthcare providers.
Acupuncture works best as part of a complete care picture, and we're committed to making sure our work complements — not conflicts with — what your physicians are doing.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. When performed by a licensed professional using sterile, single-use disposable needles, acupuncture has an excellent safety record. Side effects are minimal — mild bruising or temporary soreness at needle sites is the most common.
Acupuncture carries significantly fewer risks than most pharmaceutical or surgical interventions for the conditions it treats. All South Slope practitioners are board-certified through the NCCAOM and licensed in the state of North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are about the width of a human hair — far finer than needles used for injections or blood draws. You may feel a brief sensation at insertion, followed by tingling, warmth, or a dull ache, which indicates the needles are activating nerve pathways and triggering therapeutic responses. Many patients fall asleep during treatment.
How does acupuncture work scientifically?
Acupuncture stimulates sensory nerve fibers that signal the brain and spinal cord, triggering endorphin release, cytokine reduction, increased circulation, and nervous system modulation. Functional MRI studies demonstrate measurable changes in brain activity in regions associated with pain processing and stress response. At South Slope, we use evidence-based protocols targeting specific nerve pathways and tissue structures to achieve measurable clinical outcomes.
Is there scientific research supporting acupuncture?
Yes — extensively. A landmark 2012 meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed 29 trials with 17,922 patients and found acupuncture significantly outperformed both placebo and no-treatment controls for chronic pain. Multiple randomized controlled trials support acupuncture for migraines, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and anxiety. Neuroimaging studies using fMRI and PET confirm acupuncture produces measurable, reproducible changes in brain activity and neurotransmitter levels.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need in Asheville?
It depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your overall health. Acute conditions may resolve in 3–6 sessions. Chronic conditions typically require 8–12 sessions for significant improvement. Your provider will give you a realistic evidence-based treatment estimate at your initial consultation. But if you have questions before committing to an Initial Consultation, you can schedule a complimentary Meet & Greet.
What should I wear to my acupuncture appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and lower back. Avoid tight jeans or restrictive clothing. Come well-hydrated and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
Do you accept insurance for acupuncture in Asheville?
Yes. We accept insurance, HSA, and FSA. Coverage varies by plan — submit your insurance information to verify your acupuncture benefits, or call our office at (828) 575-5904 and we'll help you check.
SUCCESS STORIES
AH
Autum is fantastic at working with her patients to help them eliminate any pain they are having. I have struggled with chronic neck pain and headaches for about 10 years. During the summer of 2017 I decided to give acupuncture a try. With Autum's knowledge and expertise of Chinese medicine, I no longer have neck pain or daily headaches. I continue to see Autumn once a month for acupuncture, guasha (which is amazing and my most favorite part), and cupping because of the positive effects it has had for my body.
RF
I've been seeing Parris for acupuncture and herbs for over eight years. She is the embodiment of a healer - warm, caring, empathetic, inquisitive, calm yet eager to discover what she can do to alleviate your pain and support healing. Her treatments have helped me through times of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as address physical ailments, sometimes in acute stages. She is also an expert in the field of herbal treatments. While I was skeptical at first, I'm now a believer in the power of herbs and using them to gently encourage the body to shift toward a healthier state. The herbs I've taken have helped me sleep better, given me more consistent energy, helped regulate my hormones, and overall lead to feeling more robust and healthy. I highly recommend Parris as an expert in her field who will support you with your health goals to achieve excellent results.
LM
I was incredibly impressed with Dr. Britta's knowledge and ability to convey that to someone who doesn't have as deep of an understanding of this tradition and practice. Having someone who listens and hears you when you speak of your health is rare and priceless. She has followed up with me about herb formulas and has really made this experience of working to balance my health quite positive.
CH
I'm a veteran and suffer from a lot of back and neck pain. Michael is so knowledgeable and he has helped me so much with my pain. I am able to enjoy doing the things I love doing again. Definitely recommend seeing him! He is AMAZING
CL
Autum is so professionally open with me about my treatment plan, and always considerate of my concerns. For the first time in YEARS, I am experience relief from chronic pain! The staff is always so kind and cheerful and sets the tone every visit for an enjoyable and relaxing experience. I will always recommend Autum and her clinic to anyone who will listen!
MS
Evan listened carefully to my symptoms and seemed very knowledgeable about how the immune system works. I felt noticeable improvement with my first acupuncture treatment and will definitely return for follow-up. I haven't tried the herbs he prescribed yet, in order to give me a chance to determine the effect of the acupuncture alone (as Evan suggested). I loved the ambiance here - very friendly and low-key - no hard sell here unlike another place I tried.