Now accepting insurance  ·  Free 15-minute consults  ·  San Diego (Kearny Mesa)

What we treat · Pain Management

Acupuncture for pain relief in San Diego

Whether it's a nagging lower back, a stiff neck from the desk, or an old sports injury that never quite healed, we treat both the root cause of your pain and the day-to-day symptoms you feel.

Pain and tension relief

Sound familiar?

What we help with

Pain has a way of shrinking your life. You skip the workout, the hike, the time on the floor with your kids. Our team includes practitioners who focus on orthopedic and sports-related pain, and we build your care around getting back to the things you love.

  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Lower and upper back pain
  • Knee and hip pain
  • Muscle tension and tightness
  • Joint pain and arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Sports and overuse injuries
  • Tension headaches

Our approach

How we help

Care aimed at the muscles, joints, and nerves involved, and at how your whole body is coping with the pain.

Orthopedic acupuncture

Treatment targeted to the area that hurts, plus points that support whole-body recovery and calm a stressed nervous system.

Cupping & bodywork

Gentle suction and light massage to ease tight, guarded muscles and support circulation where you need it most.

Recovery between visits

Herbal support and simple at-home guidance, so your progress doesn't stop when you leave the table.

About herbal medicine →

Acupuncture and herbal medicine support the care you get from your doctor. They do not replace it, and we never ask you to stop prescribed treatment. If your symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse, please see your doctor.

Your practitioners

Who you'll see

Licensed acupuncturists who focus their care on pain management.

Dr. Ciara Wiegand, DACM

Dr. Ciara Wiegand, DACM

Pain & sports medicine

Back & neck pain, injuries, orthopedics & stress relief.

Dr. Carly Shalhoub, DACM

Dr. Carly Shalhoub, DACM

Pain & orthopedic

Orthopedic acupuncture, pain & whole-body wellness.

Michelle Dunn, L.Ac.

Michelle Dunn, L.Ac.

Pain & women's wellness

Gentle acupuncture, cupping & light massage.

★★★★★

"All the practitioners at Calm come highly recommended."

Marni · Calm patient

Good questions

Pain Management: your questions

What kinds of pain do you treat?
Neck, shoulder, back, knee, and hip pain, muscle tension, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, and sports injuries, whether recent or long-standing.
Can acupuncture help chronic pain?
Research supports acupuncture for several kinds of chronic pain, including neck, back, and shoulder pain. Results vary from person to person, so we track how you're feeling and adjust as we go.
Does it hurt?
The needles are ultra-thin and flexible, much finer than the needle used for a shot. You may feel a brief dull ache or tingle, and most people find the session deeply relaxing.
Can I keep seeing my physical therapist or chiropractor?
Yes. Acupuncture pairs well with physical therapy, chiropractic care, and your doctor's plan.
Is acupuncture for pain covered by insurance?
Many plans include acupuncture for pain, though coverage varies. Share your details and we'll check your benefits within a day or two.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, though coverage varies from person to person. Share your details and we will check your acupuncture benefits and get back to you within a day or two.

What else we treat

Explore more ways we can help

Stress and anxiety support

Anxiety & Stress

We focus on settling your nervous system and quieting a busy mind, so you can feel more like yourself.

Learn more →
Migraine and headache relief

Migraines & Headaches

A supportive approach to easing migraines and tension headaches, and helping prevent the next one.

Learn more →
Digestive health support

Digestive Health

Care for a settled gut, including support for bloating, reflux, and everyday digestive discomfort.

Learn more →
Fertility support

Fertility & Women's Health

Whole-person support through preconception, IUI and IVF, and pregnancy, coordinated with your fertility team.

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Perimenopause and menopause support

Perimenopause & Menopause

Gentle support for hot flashes, 3 a.m. waking, mood swings, and brain fog through this season.

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Sleep support

Sleep

Many people drift off right on the table. We help you settle into deeper, more restful sleep.

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Immunity and allergy support

Immunity & Allergy

Herbal medicine and acupuncture to support your immune system and ease seasonal discomfort.

Learn more →

Start on the path to calm

Ready to feel like yourself again?

Book a free 15-minute consult to meet a Calm team member and talk through what you're feeling. No pressure, no packages.

Join the Monthly Calm Membership!