We Tried It: Azalea Acupuncture
BY EMMA GEARY - AUGUST 8, 2024
Meaghan Moakely of Azalea Acupuncture
If you’re like me, you’ve always been curious about acupuncture but aren’t sure what to expect. As a healing technique honed from thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I’d always wondered how much power a few skillfully placed needles could have on your overall health, so I reached out to Collective member Meaghan Moakely of Azalea Acupuncture to learn more and have my first treatment.
From the moment I stepped into Meaghan’s serene Linden Hills space, I knew I was in good hands. Her studio sits above Sloane’s Beauty Bar, and is just a few steps away from Linden Hills staples like Cafe Ceres, France 44, and Foxwell, making it the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a coffee and wander around the neighborhood before or after your appointment.
Meaghan has always been interested in exploring health and healing from a holistic point of view and is passionate about the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With a master's degree in Acupuncture and TCM and over 2000+ treatments under her belt, she has seen just about any ailment and has a balancing solution for it all.
The Principles of Chinese Medicine
TCM is based on the belief that the body's vital energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flows through pathways called meridians. When this flow is disrupted, it can lead to illness. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the balance of qi and promote natural healing.
TCM views the body as an interconnected system and focuses on treating the root cause of health issues rather than just alleviating symptoms. TCM includes various practices such as herbal medicine, tai chi, qigong, and dietary therapy, all aimed at maintaining balance and harmony within the body.
Meaghan explained, “The holistic nature of Chinese Medicine means that every aspect of a person’s life is considered during treatment. This approach allows us to address not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental well-being of the individual.”
Acupuncture is known to help with a host of conditions, and Meaghan specializes in working with patients experiencing chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, digestive issues, symptoms of anxiety and depression, women’s health, coughs, colds, and flu-like symptoms, prenatal health, skin health, aging, and more.
A Holistic Approach
Before every appointment, Meaghan sends over an extensive questionnaire reviewing everything from family medical history to a patient’s daily routine.
“I know it’s quite detailed, but I take all of this into consideration when we’re creating a treatment plan. The cornerstone of Chinese Medicine is using a holistic approach to solve the problem, and every part of our life interacts with the other.”
Meaghan explained that acupuncture works by targeting the fascia system, the connective tissue that holds the muscles together, and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to signal our body that we are safe and ready to heal ourselves.
“The human body is incredible at healing itself,” she explained, “and sometimes we just need to create the right conditions to let it go to work. We’re not changing the stressors in our lives through acupuncture, but instead changing our body’s reaction to them.”
But I’m afraid of needles!
Worry not - these acupuncture needles are the highest quality Japanese needles that are smaller than a human hair, and I didn’t feel many of them at all when she placed them. The ones I did feel were similar to a mosquito bite.
Meaghan explained that sometimes once a needle is placed, I might feel a dull ache in the area, which is actually our body activating its ability to heal. I only felt this in one or two places, and it was dull enough that it didn’t bother me.
After the placement, Meaghan left me alone in the room for about half an hour to simply lie down, close my eyes, and let the treatment wash over me. I didn’t fall asleep (many patients do, and it’s encouraged!), but instead lingered in a calm, meditative state where I almost felt like I was floating. It was so serene and like nothing I’d ever experienced before.
Lasting Effects
When Meaghan returned, it felt like I was coming back down to earth. She had me slowly sit up and take my time before getting ready to head out the door.
“Afterward, I like to give people as much time as they like to simply talk. The most rewarding part of my job has been becoming a part of my patients’ lives, working with them through some of their biggest life transitions, from caring for aging parents to parenting struggles to relationship changes. Oftentimes, people will cry after their treatment, which to me, means they are processing through the treatment.”
She encouraged me to pause in the coming days and take notice of how I felt each day, especially at times when I’d usually feel tired, stressed, or anxious. “I like my patients to sit with their treatment for about a week before I check-in. For some, they can receive treatment every six weeks and feel great, and others prefer to visit more frequently.
Overall, my experience at Azalea Acupuncture was transformative. I moved through the week with more energy and felt less anxious about daily stressors that would usually bother me. The holistic approach, combined with Meaghan’s expertise and genuine care, made for a healing experience that went beyond the physical. If you’re curious about acupuncture or seeking a new way to address your health concerns, I highly recommend giving Azalea Acupuncture a try!
Emma Geary
Emma is the one writing it all down. She's been with LAB since 2021 and is finishing her MFA in Creative Writing in her spare time. Her favorite color right now is cobalt blue.
