by urban-acupuncture | Jul 19, 2026 | Massage Therapy
You asked for more Massage Therapy availability, you got it! Starting on Sunday, July 19th, we will have Massage available 7 days a week!
Kari will be providing cupping and massage therapy at Urban Acupuncture Center on Sundays from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm AND Mondays from 2:45 pm – 6:45 pm. She has been a licensed massaged therapist since 2017. Read more about who she is and what shapes her work on our website: https://urbanacupuncturecenter.org/about-us-kari-rich/
Kari has trainings and certifications in the following disciplines:
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that focuses on releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Using light touch, practitioners help improve the body’s natural healing processes, reduce tension, and restore balance to the central nervous system. This therapy may help relieve headaches, neck and back pain, stress, TMJ dysfunction, migraines, and promote deep relaxation and overall well-being.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) is a specialized form of massage that targets trigger points, muscle imbalances, and areas of chronic pain. By applying precise pressure and advanced soft tissue techniques, NMT helps release tension, improve circulation, restore proper muscle function, and reduce pain caused by repetitive strain, injury, poor posture, or overuse. It is commonly used to address conditions such as sciatica, headaches, neck pain, shoulder dysfunction, and lower back pain.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a therapeutic technique that gently stretches and releases restrictions within the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, joints, and organs throughout the body. Tight fascia can contribute to pain, limited mobility, and chronic discomfort. Through sustained, gentle pressure, this therapy helps improve flexibility, reduce pain, increase range of motion, and promote healthier movement patterns while supporting the body’s natural healing abilities.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal Massage is a safe, therapeutic treatment specifically designed for the unique needs of expectant mothers. Using specialized positioning and gentle techniques, prenatal massage helps reduce back and hip pain, relieve muscle tension, decrease swelling, improve circulation, and promote relaxation during pregnancy. It can also help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and provide physical and emotional support throughout each stage of pregnancy when performed by a therapist trained in prenatal care.
Usui Reiki Level II
Usui Reiki Level II is an advanced energy healing practice that builds upon the traditional Japanese Reiki system developed by Mikao Usui. During a session, the practitioner channels universal life energy through gentle touch or hands held just above the body to help encourage energetic balance, relaxation, and emotional well-being. Level II practitioners use sacred Reiki symbols to enhance healing, support emotional release, and offer distance healing, creating a deeper level of energetic connection and restoration.
Multidimensional Healing
Multidimensional Healing is a holistic energy therapy that works to restore balance across the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the individual. Drawing from various energy healing modalities, this approach aims to identify and clear energetic blockages, release limiting patterns, and support personal transformation. Sessions are designed to promote deep relaxation, emotional clarity, increased self-awareness, and a greater sense of harmony and overall wellness.
Theta Healing Level I
Theta Healing® Level I is an energy-based healing modality that combines guided meditation with focused belief work to help identify and transform subconscious patterns that may influence physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. By accessing the theta brainwave state, practitioners work with clients to encourage positive mindset shifts, emotional healing, and personal growth. Many individuals seek Theta Healing to reduce stress, overcome limiting beliefs, enhance self-awareness, and support their overall wellness journey.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy is an ancient healing technique that uses specialized cups to create gentle suction on the skin, helping to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and promote the body’s natural healing response. Often combined with massage therapy, cupping can help relieve chronic pain, improve circulation, decrease inflammation, loosen tight muscles and fascia, and support recovery from physical activity. The treatment may leave temporary circular marks that typically fade within several days and are a normal result of the increased circulation.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy, electroacupuncture and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
by urban-acupuncture | Jul 5, 2026 | Acupuncture Columbus
Allergic rhinitis, commonly called seasonal or environmental allergies, affects millions of people each year. Triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander, symptoms can range from mild irritation to chronic sinus congestion and fatigue.
As research into integrative medicine grows, acupuncture is increasingly being studied as a supportive therapy that may help regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory comfort in people with allergies.
At the Urban Acupuncture Center, acupuncture treatments focus on how stimulation of specific neurological points may influence immune regulation, circulation, and inflammatory responses involved in allergic conditions.
Key Takeaways About Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis
- Acupuncture may help regulate immune system responses to allergens
- Research suggests it may help reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure
- Treatment may support inflammation control
- Acupuncture may help regulate the nervous system’s response to allergens
- It is typically used alongside conventional allergy care
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless environmental particles. When exposed to allergens, the body releases histamine and other inflammatory chemicals, which produce allergy symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Itchy eyes or throat
- Post-nasal drip
- Fatigue from chronic inflammation
Triggers may be seasonal or year-round depending on environmental exposure.
Common Allergy Triggers
Allergic rhinitis is commonly triggered by:
Pollen From Trees, Grasses, and Weeds
Seasonal pollen is one of the most common allergy triggers, especially during spring and fall. These microscopic particles can easily enter the respiratory system and activate immune responses.
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in bedding, carpeting, and upholstery. They are one of the most common indoor allergy triggers.
Mold
Mold spores can trigger respiratory symptoms, especially in humid environments or buildings with water damage.
Animal Dander
Proteins found in skin flakes, saliva, and fur from animals can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
How Acupuncture May Help Regulate Allergy Responses
Research suggests acupuncture may influence both the nervous system and immune system, which work together to control inflammatory responses.
Physiological effects being studied include:
- Regulation of inflammatory chemicals
- Modulation of immune system activity
- Improved sinus circulation
- Reduced muscle tension in respiratory structures
- Nervous system regulation of stress responses
These mechanisms may help explain improvements some patients report in symptom severity.
Acupuncture and Immune System Modulation
Allergies involve an exaggerated immune response. Some research suggests acupuncture may help regulate immune signaling rather than simply suppress symptoms.
Potential immune-related effects may include:
- Reduced inflammatory cytokine activity
- Improved immune balance
- Reduced histamine response
- Support for respiratory tissue health
While research is ongoing, these findings are encouraging for integrative allergy management.
Sinus and Respiratory Symptom Support
Acupuncture is also studied for its potential role in improving sinus drainage and reducing congestion through improved circulation and muscle relaxation.
Some patients report improvements such as:
- Reduced nasal congestion
- Reduced sinus pressure
- Easier breathing
- Reduced headache frequency
- Improved sleep due to better breathing
These improvements may be related to reduced inflammation and improved vascular regulation.
Stress and Allergies: An Important Connection
Stress can worsen allergy symptoms by increasing inflammatory responses and weakening immune regulation. Because acupuncture may help regulate the stress response, it may indirectly help allergy symptoms.
Research suggests acupuncture may support:
- Reduced stress hormone activity
- Improved parasympathetic nervous system activity
- Reduced inflammatory stress responses
- Improved sleep quality
Supporting stress recovery may help reduce symptom flare intensity in some individuals.
Who May Consider Acupuncture for Allergy Support?
Patients who may benefit from supportive acupuncture care include those experiencing:
- Seasonal allergies
- Chronic sinus congestion
- Environmental allergies
- Allergy-related headaches
- Sleep disruption from congestion
- Chronic inflammation symptoms
Treatment plans are typically customized based on symptom patterns and environmental triggers.
What Patients Should Know Before Starting Treatment
Patients considering acupuncture for allergy support should understand:
- It works best as part of a comprehensive allergy plan
- Results may improve with consistent treatments
- Environmental management is still important
- Treatment focuses on regulation rather than immediate suppression
- Coordination with healthcare providers may be recommended
Many patients begin treatment before peak allergy seasons as part of preventive care.
Supporting Allergy Relief Through Immune Regulation
Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact quality of life, especially during peak allergy seasons or with chronic environmental exposure. As research continues to explore integrative therapies, acupuncture is gaining recognition as a supportive treatment that may help regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation, and improve respiratory comfort.
When combined with appropriate medical care and environmental management, acupuncture may help patients better manage allergy symptoms and improve daily comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help seasonal allergies?
Some research suggests acupuncture may help reduce allergy symptoms and improve quality of life when used alongside standard care.
How many treatments are needed for allergy symptoms?
Treatment frequency varies, but some patients begin with weekly treatments during allergy season.
Can acupuncture replace allergy medication?
No. Acupuncture is considered complementary care and should not replace prescribed treatment without medical guidance.
Does acupuncture help sinus congestion?
Some patients report improvements in sinus pressure and congestion following treatment.
When should I start acupuncture for seasonal allergies?
Some patients begin treatment several weeks before peak allergy season as a preventive strategy.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy, electroacupuncture and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
Voted Best of Columbus Two Years in a Row!
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Acupuncture
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
National Institutes of Health – Acupuncture for Allergic Rhinitis Systematic Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767050/
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Allergic Rhinitis Overview
https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/
by urban-acupuncture | Jul 1, 2026 | Acupuncture
Addiction recovery is a complex process involving both physical and psychological healing. As healthcare providers increasingly recognize the importance of whole-person treatment approaches, acupuncture is being explored as a supportive therapy that may help individuals manage stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and withdrawal-related discomfort during recovery.
Research continues to examine how acupuncture may influence the nervous system, stress response, and neurotransmitter activity—systems that play important roles in addiction and recovery.
At the Urban Acupuncture Center, acupuncture is viewed as a supportive therapy that may help patients stabilize their nervous system and improve resilience while participating in structured addiction recovery programs.
Key Takeaways About Acupuncture and Addiction Recovery
- Acupuncture may help support nervous system regulation during recovery
- Research suggests it may help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms
- Treatment may support sleep and emotional regulation
- Some programs use acupuncture as part of integrative behavioral health care
- Acupuncture is used as supportive care, not a replacement for addiction treatment programs
Understanding the Biology of Addiction
Addiction affects multiple systems in the body, particularly the brain’s reward system. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine play a central role in reinforcing behaviors, while chronic substance use can disrupt normal stress regulation and emotional processing.
Addiction recovery often involves restoring balance to systems such as:
- The central nervous system
- Stress response pathways
- Sleep regulation systems
- Emotional regulation networks
- Behavioral reinforcement pathways
Supportive therapies that help regulate these systems may help individuals remain engaged in recovery programs.
How Acupuncture May Support the Nervous System During Recovery
Research suggests acupuncture may stimulate sensory nerves that send signals to the brain, potentially influencing areas involved in stress regulation and emotional processing.
Physiological effects being studied include:
- Regulation of stress hormone activity
- Endorphin release
- Improved parasympathetic nervous system activity
- Reduced muscle tension
- Improved relaxation response
These responses may help individuals manage some of the physical discomfort and stress often experienced during recovery.
Acupuncture and Withdrawal Symptom Support
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the substance involved but often include anxiety, restlessness, sleep problems, and physical discomfort.
Some addiction recovery programs have explored acupuncture as supportive care to help patients manage:
- Restlessness
- Muscle tension
- Anxiety symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Stress sensitivity
These improvements may be related to the calming effects acupuncture may have on the autonomic nervous system.
Stress and Relapse Prevention Support
Stress is one of the most common relapse triggers. Therapies that help regulate the body’s stress response may play a role in helping patients build resilience.
Acupuncture may help support:
- Stress recovery
- Emotional regulation
- Relaxation response
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced physical tension
While not a standalone solution, this support may help individuals remain engaged in counseling and behavioral treatment programs.
Acupuncture and Sleep Support in Recovery
Sleep disruption is extremely common during early recovery. Poor sleep can affect mood, decision-making, and stress tolerance.
Acupuncture may help support:
- Relaxation before sleep
- Nervous system recovery
- Reduced nighttime restlessness
- Improved sleep consistency
- Stress reduction
Better sleep may support overall recovery stability.
Integrative Addiction Recovery Programs
Some behavioral health programs include acupuncture as part of integrative care models designed to support patients physically and emotionally during recovery.
These programs may combine:
- Behavioral therapy
- Medical treatment
- Support groups
- Stress management strategies
- Acupuncture support care
- Lifestyle counseling
This type of integrated approach recognizes that recovery involves both neurological healing and behavioral change.
Who May Consider Acupuncture During Recovery?
Individuals in recovery who may benefit from supportive acupuncture care include those experiencing:
- Anxiety symptoms
- Sleep disruption
- Stress sensitivity
- Physical tension
- Recovery-related fatigue
- Emotional regulation challenges
Acupuncture works best when used alongside structured recovery programs.
What Patients Should Know Before Starting Treatment
Patients considering acupuncture for addiction recovery support should know:
- It is not a cure for addiction
- It works best alongside counseling and medical care
- Consistency often improves results
- Treatment plans should be individualized
- Communication with recovery providers is important
The goal is to support physical and neurological stability during recovery.
Supporting Long-Term Recovery Through Nervous System Regulation
Addiction recovery requires rebuilding stability within the brain and body. As research continues to examine integrative approaches, acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a supportive therapy that may help patients manage stress, improve sleep, and support emotional regulation.
When used as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, acupuncture may help individuals build the physical and emotional stability needed for long-term recovery success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture help addiction recovery?
Acupuncture may help support stress management, sleep, and anxiety symptoms during recovery when used as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Does acupuncture reduce cravings?
Some research suggests acupuncture may help regulate stress responses that contribute to cravings, but it is not a standalone treatment.
Is acupuncture used in addiction treatment programs?
Some integrative recovery programs include acupuncture as supportive care.
Can acupuncture help withdrawal symptoms?
It may help support nervous system regulation, which may reduce some withdrawal-related discomfort.
Can acupuncture replace addiction treatment?
No. Acupuncture is considered supportive care and should be used alongside professional addiction treatment.
Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information
For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy, electroacupuncture and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488 or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.
Voted Best of Columbus Two Years in a Row!
References
National Institutes of Health – Acupuncture for Substance Use Disorders Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
Cleveland Clinic – Addiction Overview
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6407-addiction
