FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Practice

Jennum O’Hara Acupuncture offers a calm and thoughtful approach to healing that focuses on the whole person rather than just isolated symptoms. Since 2011, licensed acupuncturist Jennum O’Hara, DOM, L.Ac., has helped patients restore balance, reduce pain, and improve their overall sense of well-being through acupuncture and East Asian medicine. Our practice blends traditional techniques with modern understanding of the body so each treatment is designed specifically for you. Patients often come to us when they are searching for relief that feels natural, supportive, and deeply restorative.
Our clinic is led by Dr. Jennum O’Hara, a Doctor of East Asian Medicine who has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine since 2011. She is joined by a team of experienced practitioners trained in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic bodywork. Each provider brings a compassionate approach to patient care and a deep respect for the mind-body connection. Together, the team creates a welcoming environment where patients feel heard, supported, and guided toward better health.

East Asian medicine views health as a state of balance within the body’s systems. When energy—often referred to as qi—flows freely, the body can regulate itself and heal naturally. When that flow becomes disrupted through stress, injury, or long-term patterns, symptoms may appear. Treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and therapeutic bodywork help restore that natural flow and support the body’s healing processes. Many patients find that when balance returns, both physical symptoms and emotional stress begin to improve together.

People visit our practice for many reasons, including chronic pain, stress, headaches, digestive concerns, and muscle tension. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as beneficial for a wide range of conditions such as neck pain, back pain, arthritis, allergies, and certain neurological or digestive issues. Because East Asian medicine looks at patterns across the whole body, acupuncture often helps multiple symptoms improve at the same time. Many patients are simply looking for a natural way to feel better and support their long-term health.

When performed by a licensed and trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe and gentle. The needles used are extremely fine—about the width of a hair—and treatments are designed to support the body rather than force change. Many patients choose acupuncture not only to address specific symptoms but also to maintain balance and prevent future health concerns. Over time, regular treatments can help people feel more relaxed, energized, and resilient in their daily lives.

What to Expect

Your first visit begins with a detailed conversation about your health, lifestyle, and the symptoms that brought you in. East Asian medicine looks at the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of your life because all of these elements influence healing. Your practitioner may also check your pulse and look at your tongue, which are traditional diagnostic tools used to understand patterns in the body. After discussing a treatment plan, very fine acupuncture needles are placed in specific points designed to support healing and restore balance.

Most patients are surprised by how gentle acupuncture feels. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin and flexible—very different from the hypodermic needles used for injections. Some people feel little or nothing when the needles are inserted, while others notice a mild sensation such as warmth, tingling, or a dull ache that quickly fades. For many patients, the treatment itself becomes deeply relaxing, and they often leave feeling calmer and lighter than when they arrived.

Healing is a process, and the number of treatments depends on the individual and the condition being addressed. Many patients notice meaningful changes within the first five treatments, though deeper or long-standing patterns may take more time to resolve. In many cases, practitioners recommend working together for about three months to allow the body to fully shift and stabilize. Along the way, your practitioner will check in regularly and adjust your treatment plan based on how your body responds.

Our clinic works with several major insurance providers to help make care more accessible. We are currently in-network with Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, United Healthcare, and VA Care in the Community Network. If your plan is with another provider, our staff can verify your out-of-network benefits and explain what coverage may be available. When insurance reimbursement is possible, we can provide a superbill so you can submit your treatment expenses to your insurance company.

Preparing for acupuncture is simple and comfortable. We recommend wearing loose clothing, eating a light meal beforehand, and arriving a few minutes early so you can settle into the space without rushing. Your appointment is designed to be a calm experience, giving your body time to relax and respond to treatment. Many patients find that simply slowing down and allowing themselves to be present during the session is an important part of the healing process.

Services

Acupuncture

Acupuncture works by gently stimulating specific points in the body to activate natural healing processes. The placement of very fine needles creates tiny signals that increase circulation, relax the nervous system, and encourage the body to repair itself. In traditional East Asian medicine, these points help restore the proper flow of qi, or life energy, through the body. When that flow becomes balanced again, many symptoms—from pain to stress—can begin to improve.
Many patients turn to acupuncture because they want a natural and supportive approach to healing. Instead of masking symptoms, acupuncture focuses on addressing underlying patterns in the body. Treatments are designed to encourage the body’s own ability to restore balance and function. For people living with stress, chronic pain, or long-term health concerns, acupuncture often becomes a valuable part of a sustainable wellness routine.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses very fine needles to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process. This gentle stimulation encourages the body to produce more collagen and elastin, which help the skin appear smoother, firmer, and more youthful. Patients often seek microneedling to address concerns such as fine lines, scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Over time, regular treatments can noticeably improve both the appearance and the health of the skin.

At our practice, microneedling is often combined with acupuncture techniques to support both cosmetic and holistic wellness goals. Treatments may also include beneficial serums or light therapy to enhance results and encourage deeper skin rejuvenation. Because the procedure works with your body’s natural healing processes, it offers visible improvements without the risks or recovery time associated with more invasive cosmetic procedures.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialized technique within the broader field of acupuncture that focuses on relieving pain in specific muscle trigger points. These areas—often called AhShi points in traditional Chinese medicine—are locations where tension or irritation has built up in the muscle tissue. By gently stimulating these points, practitioners can release tightness, improve circulation, and help the body reduce pain naturally.
Dry needling is especially helpful for people experiencing muscle pain, sports injuries, or chronic tension patterns. When combined with other East Asian medicine techniques, it can provide significant relief and help the body return to normal movement. Because the treatment targets specific areas of discomfort, it is often used as part of a broader plan to restore strength, mobility, and overall balance.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine works alongside acupuncture to strengthen and extend the healing process between visits. Custom herbal formulas are designed to support the same patterns addressed during acupuncture treatments. By taking herbs regularly, patients can continue to encourage balance and healing throughout the day. This combination often helps the body respond more quickly and maintain long-lasting results.

While traditional herbal medicine can be prepared as teas or powders, many patients find capsules or pills easier to use in everyday life. Pill formulas provide the same therapeutic benefits without the preparation time or strong taste associated with raw herbs. Because they are simple and convenient, patients are more likely to take them consistently, which allows the treatment to work more effectively over time.

Phototherapy

LED phototherapy uses specific wavelengths of light to improve cellular performance in the skin and underlying tissues. Blue, red, and near-infrared light each provide different benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting tissue repair. The treatment is gentle and relaxing while helping the body heal and rejuvenate naturally. Many patients also enjoy the cosmetic benefits such as improved skin tone and reduced wrinkles.
Phototherapy is most effective when used regularly over a series of treatments. Many patients benefit from sessions one to three times per week depending on their goals and health concerns. Your practitioner will recommend a schedule that supports both therapeutic healing and cosmetic improvements. When used consistently, phototherapy can become a valuable part of a comprehensive wellness routine.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy supports both physical and emotional well-being by relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system. Our therapists combine techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue massage to address your unique needs. Whether you are dealing with stress, muscle tension, or injury recovery, massage helps restore comfort and balance throughout the body. Many patients leave their session feeling lighter, calmer, and more connected to their body.

Our massage therapists draw from a wide range of techniques, including reflexology, lymphatic drainage, sports massage, myofascial work, and relaxation therapies. Each session is customized so the treatment supports your individual goals, whether that means deep muscular relief or gentle relaxation. The goal is always the same—to help you release tension, improve circulation, and support your overall healing process.

For Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine in Ellicott City, Columbia, Baltimore, and surrounding areas, contact us!