The Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness Blog

The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, mood, and overall well-being . When thyroid function becomes imbalanced , it can lead to a variety of health concerns, including weight fluctuations, fatigue, depression, anxiety, digestive issues, and hormonal irregularities . While conventional medicine often relies on medications and hormone replacement therapy , acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural, holistic approach to thyroid health , focusing on balancing the body's energy, reducing inflammation, and improving overall function .

Sciatic pain, also known as sciatica , is a common condition that can cause sharp, burning pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates from the lower back down the leg . This pain occurs when the sciatic nerve—the longest nerve in the body—becomes compressed or irritated , often due to herniated discs, muscle tension, or spinal misalignment . For many, sciatica can be debilitating , making it difficult to sit, stand, or walk comfortably. While pain medications and physical therapy are common treatments, acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free, and highly effective solution for relieving sciatic pain and promoting long-term healing. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we specialize in treating sciatic nerve pain using acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, and integrative therapies to help you get back to a pain-free life.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues , leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and dysfunction . Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Crohn’s disease can significantly impact daily life, often requiring long-term medication and management strategies. While conventional treatments focus on suppressing the immune response , acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic approach , aiming to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being .

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain , affecting millions of people every year. Whether you're an athlete, someone who stands for long hours, or just struggling with stabbing heel pain , finding relief is essential. While traditional treatments like rest, orthotics, and physical therapy can help, many people experience ongoing pain and inflammation . Acupuncture offers a natural, drug-free solution to reduce pain, improve circulation, and speed up healing for plantar fasciitis. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic foot pain, using acupuncture and integrative medicine techniques.

Water is essential for every function in the body , yet many people don’t drink enough of it. Proper hydration is key to digestion, circulation, temperature regulation, and overall health . In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , water is also deeply connected to the Kidney system , which governs energy, vitality, and longevity . At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we emphasize the importance of hydration as part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. If you often feel fatigued, sluggish, or experience dry skin, headaches, or digestive issues , you may not be drinking enough water .

Do you suffer from seasonal allergies, hay fever, sinus congestion, or year-round allergies ? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle with sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and sinus pressure that can make daily life miserable. While over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects like drowsiness or dryness. Acupuncture provides a natural, drug-free alternative to help alleviate allergy symptoms, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the body's reaction to allergens. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we offer personalized treatments to help you breathe easier and feel better all year round.

Neuropathy is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people, causing numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and weakness in the hands and feet . Whether caused by diabetes, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders, or nerve damage , neuropathy can significantly impact your mobility, sleep, and overall quality of life . While conventional treatments like pain medications may offer temporary relief, they often come with side effects and do not address the underlying causes of nerve dysfunction . Acupuncture is a safe, natural therapy that can help reduce nerve pain, improve circulation, and promote long-term healing. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we specialize in treating neuropathy with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and integrative therapies , offering patients a holistic approach to nerve health.

As the seasons change and temperatures drop, many people focus on staying warm for comfort , but did you know that keeping your body properly covered is essential for maintaining good health ? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , exposure to cold weather—especially wind, dampness, and sudden temperature changes —can lead to imbalances in the body, weakened immunity, and even chronic health issues . At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we encourage patients to dress appropriately for the season to protect their Qi (vital energy) and prevent common health concerns like colds, joint pain, and fatigue.

Constipation can be frustrating and uncomfortable, affecting digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being . If you’re struggling with infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements , acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a gentle, natural approach to restore healthy digestion and relieve constipation.

Losing weight isn’t just about calories in, calories out —it’s about balancing your body, reducing stress, improving digestion, and supporting overall well-being . If you’ve been struggling with weight loss, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a holistic, natural approach to help you achieve your goals. Acupuncture helps with weight loss by addressing underlying imbalances , boosting metabolism , reducing cravings , and improving digestion —all while promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle .

Neck and shoulder pain are among the most common musculoskeletal issues affecting people today. Whether due to stress, poor posture, injuries, or overuse , chronic pain and tension in these areas can make it difficult to go about daily activities. Many people rely on pain relievers and muscle relaxants , but these only offer temporary relief and do not address the root cause of the pain. Acupuncture provides a natural, effective, and drug-free approach to relieving neck and shoulder pain, improving mobility, and preventing future discomfort . At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we specialize in treating chronic pain, injuries, and tension-related conditions to help you move freely and pain-free.

Your skin is more than just a protective barrier—it reflects your internal health and balance . In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and premature aging are often signs of imbalances within the body. Acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to improving skin health by addressing these imbalances at their root. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we use acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations to restore the body's balance and promote healthy, glowing skin from the inside out .

Gua Sha is a therapeutic technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has gained widespread popularity for its pain relief, muscle tension release, and skin-rejuvenating benefits . While many associate it with facial beauty treatments, Gua Sha is also a powerful holistic therapy that promotes circulation, detoxification, and overall well-being . At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness in Merrimack, NH , Dr. Jasmin Movassaghi incorporates Gua Sha into acupuncture treatments to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate chronic pain . Whether you’re seeking relief from muscle tension, stress, or stagnation , Gua Sha can be a transformative addition to your wellness routine.

Seizures can be frightening and unpredictable , affecting a person's daily life, independence, and overall well-being . While conventional treatments such as medications and lifestyle modifications are essential for managing seizures, many individuals seek complementary therapies to support their neurological health. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural, holistic approach to help regulate the nervous system, reduce seizure frequency, and improve overall brain function.

One of the most common questions people ask about acupuncture is “How many treatments will I need?” The answer varies depending on the individual and their condition, but one thing remains true: Acupuncture works cumulatively , meaning that the benefits build up over time. At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we emphasize consistent treatments in the beginning to help the body heal more effectively. Once improvement is seen, treatments can be spaced out to maintain results and prevent symptoms from returning.

Good digestion is the foundation of overall health. When our digestive system is functioning properly, we absorb essential nutrients, eliminate waste efficiently, and maintain balanced energy levels . However, digestive issues like bloating, acid reflux, IBS, and constipation can disrupt daily life and lead to chronic discomfort . Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a natural, holistic approach to supporting digestive health by balancing the body's energy, improving gut function, and reducing inflammation . Additionally, dietary habits—such as eating warm, easily digestible foods—play a crucial role in maintaining gut health .

Acupuncture is a time-tested, holistic therapy that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions. But did you know that acupuncture can also work hand-in-hand with Western medicine to enhance your overall health and recovery? At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness , we believe in an integrative approach , combining Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern medical treatments to provide comprehensive, well-rounded care . Whether you're managing chronic pain, recovering from surgery, or dealing with stress-related conditions , acupuncture can be a valuable addition to your existing medical treatments .

Acupuncture is a diverse and highly specialized practice , with different styles developed over thousands of years across various cultures. While all acupuncture aims to promote healing and balance, each style has its own unique techniques, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches . At Lotus Acupuncture & Wellness in Merrimack, NH , Dr. Jasmin Movassaghi specializes in Chinese, Japanese, orthopedic, integrative acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine . This comprehensive skill set allows her to tailor treatments based on each patient’s unique needs.

One of the most common things patients say after an acupuncture treatment is, “I feel so relaxed!” Acupuncture is not only effective for pain relief and overall wellness , but it also has a profound impact on reducing stress and improving sleep quality . If you’ve been struggling with insomnia, anxiety, or restless nights , acupuncture might be the natural solution you’ve been looking for.

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture: Understanding the Differences & Why Acupuncturists Are the Best Choice
When it comes to pain relief and muscle recovery , both dry needling and acupuncture use thin, sterile needles inserted into the body. However, they are not the same —from training and philosophy to safety and effectiveness, these two practices differ significantly. If you’re considering treatment, it’s important to understand the key differences between dry needling and acupuncture so you can make an informed decision.