What Is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture (CMA) is a modern, science-based approach to traditional acupuncture. Unlike classical acupuncture, which is rooted in ancient Eastern medicine, CMA is grounded in current concepts of neuroanatomy, physiology, and evidence-informed practice. It uses very fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific nerves and muscles. Often, gentle electrical stimulation is also applied through the needles to enhance the therapeutic effect.

How Does It Work?

CMA works by targeting the body’s nervous system to encourage natural healing. The fine needles are inserted at precise anatomical locations to stimulate peripheral nerves, reduce pain, and improve function. When combined with electrical stimulation, this technique helps reset abnormal nerve activity, increase blood flow, and reduce inflammation.

This method is especially useful in relieving tension in deep muscle layers, improving mobility, and reactivating muscles that are not functioning properly. The result is not just symptom relief—but improved overall performance of the affected muscles and joints.

Why Combine CMA with Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy and CMA complement each other beautifully. While massage addresses the soft tissues through manual techniques, CMA goes a step deeper by activating the nervous system directly. When used together, these therapies are particularly effective in releasing stubborn trigger points (often referred to as “knots”), reducing chronic pain, and restoring full strength and range of motion to affected areas.

Many clients who have tried everything from stretching to medication find CMA to be the breakthrough they need—especially when other approaches have fallen short.

Conditions Treated with CMA

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture can be highly effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Back and neck pain – chronic or acute tension and discomfort

• Trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome – painful muscle knots and tight bands

• Headaches and migraines – especially those linked to neck or jaw tension

• Muscle spasms – involuntary tightness causing pain or restricted movement

• Nerve pain (neuralgia) and muscle pain (myalgia)

• Autonomic nervous system imbalance – symptoms like hot flashes, cold extremities, or unusual sweating

• Anxiety and stress-related tension

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders – jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness

• Repetitive strain injuries – such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow

• Chronic fatigue – especially when linked to muscular dysfunction

• Nerve entrapments – like carpal tunnel or sciatica

• Joint pain and loss of mobility – shoulders, hips, knees, etc.

• Insomnia – especially when linked to tension or nervous system dysregulation

• Shoulder pain and dysfunction – including frozen shoulder

• Motor deficits – difficulty activating or coordinating muscles

• Fibromyalgia – widespread pain, fatigue, and tender points

Insurance and Billing Information

Please Note: Contemporary Medical Acupuncture is provided as a modality under massage therapy. That means it will be billed through your massage therapy benefits when submitting to insurance.

Experience the Benefits Firsthand

If you’re struggling with persistent muscle pain, limited mobility, or nerve-related symptoms, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture might be the missing link in your recovery. It’s a safe, drug-free, and highly effective way to restore balance to your body—naturally.

Book your session today and discover how CMA can help you move and feel better.