At Tempe Core Acupuncture, we combine modern techniques with traditional wisdom to help your body release pain, restore movement, and feel more balanced—naturally.

Dry needling is a focused technique used to release tight, painful muscle knots known as myofascial trigger points. Using very thin, sterile needles, dry needling helps calm overactive muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Many patients describe feeling immediate relief, increased range of motion, or a deep sense of muscle relaxation after treatment. Clinical studies suggest dry needling can be effective for short-term relief of musculoskeletal pain compared to no treatment or sham procedures.¹

Traditional acupuncture, the foundation of care at Tempe Core Acupuncture, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Rather than focusing only on the painful area, acupuncture works with the entire body—supporting circulation, calming the nervous system, and restoring internal balance. Research shows acupuncture can be effective for chronic pain conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and joint discomfort, especially when used as part of an integrative care plan.²

While dry needling and acupuncture use similar needles, their approach and intention differ. Dry needling targets muscular dysfunction from a Western anatomical perspective, while acupuncture addresses pain through a holistic lens—considering physical tension, stress, digestion, sleep, and hormonal balance. Studies suggest both approaches can improve pain and quality of life in chronic musculoskeletal conditions.³⁴

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, treatments are personalized. Your session may include acupuncture, dry needling, manual therapy, or supportive techniques to help your body feel lighter, calmer, and more mobile.

Cupping therapy is a time-tested method used to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing response.

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, cupping is often described by patients as a feeling of deep decompression—like tight muscles finally being able to breathe. Dry cupping uses gentle mechanical suction, while fire cupping briefly warms the air inside a glass cup before placing it on the skin to create suction. Both methods lift the soft tissue, helping reduce muscle stiffness and stimulate blood flow. The technique is selected based on your comfort level and treatment goals.

Research suggests cupping therapy may help reduce pain intensity in conditions such as low back pain, neck tension, and muscle tightness, particularly when compared to no treatment or usual care.⁵ Some studies also show improvements in tissue flexibility and pain sensitivity after cupping.⁶ Cupping often leaves temporary circular marks that fade within a few days. These marks are not bruises and are a normal response to increased circulation. When performed by trained professionals, cupping is considered safe and is commonly used alongside acupuncture, stretching, or movement therapy.

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, women’s health care is compassionate, personalized, and rooted in both tradition and evidence-based practice.

Acupuncture supports women through every stage of life—from painful periods to fertility journeys and menopause transitions.

For menstrual pain, acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce pain intensity compared to no treatment or standard pain medication. Many patients report less cramping, improved energy, and better emotional balance throughout their cycle.⁷

In fertility support, acupuncture is commonly used alongside conventional reproductive care. Research suggests acupuncture may help regulate hormones, support ovulation, and improve outcomes during assisted reproductive treatments when timed appropriately. While results vary, acupuncture is widely recognized as a supportive, low-risk complement to fertility care.⁸

During menopause, acupuncture may help reduce hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and overall discomfort compared to no intervention. Although study results are mixed when compared to hormone therapy or sham acupuncture, many women report meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life.⁹ Women often describe acupuncture sessions as deeply calming—supporting not only physical symptoms but also emotional wellbeing during hormonal transitions.

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, facial rejuvenation acupuncture is more than cosmetic—it is a holistic treatment that supports skin health, circulation, and overall balance from the inside out. Rather than forcing changes, this approach encourages your body’s natural ability to renew and restore.

Facial rejuvenation acupuncture uses ultra-fine needles placed gently on the face and body to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and relax facial muscles. Patients often describe the experience as deeply relaxing, with a noticeable sense of calm and facial lightness during and after treatment. Over time, many notice brighter skin tone, improved elasticity, reduced facial tension, and a healthier glow.

Clinical studies suggest facial acupuncture may help improve skin elasticity, facial muscle tone, and circulation, while also reducing stress-related facial tension.¹ Because facial appearance is closely connected to internal health, treatments at Kore Acupuncture often include body acupuncture to support digestion, sleep, stress regulation, and hormonal balance—factors that strongly influence skin aging.

Unlike injectables or surgical procedures, facial rejuvenation acupuncture works gradually and naturally. Results develop over a series of treatments and may include softer fine lines, improved jaw and neck tension, and a refreshed appearance without downtime.

Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT) is an advanced technique offered at Tempe Core Acupuncture that combines traditional acupuncture principles with targeted therapeutic injections. This approach allows for precise support of muscles, joints, and tissues that need deeper or longer-lasting stimulation.

During treatment, small amounts of substances such as homeopathic solutions, saline, or herbal extracts are injected into acupuncture points, trigger points, or affected tissues. Patients often report feeling faster relief, deeper muscle relaxation, or longer-lasting results compared to acupuncture alone, especially for chronic pain or stubborn conditions.

Research suggests injection therapy may enhance pain relief and tissue response by providing both mechanical stimulation and biochemical support at the treatment site.²³ This technique has been used in integrative and sports medicine settings for musculoskeletal pain, nerve irritation, and post-injury recovery.

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, injection therapy is only used when clinically appropriate and after a thorough consultation. Treatments are individualized, conservative, and designed to support healing—not mask symptoms. Many patients experience improved mobility, reduced pain sensitivity, and a stronger sense of physical stability following treatment.

The Ear Can Talk

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, we believe the body is constantly communicating—and the ear is one of its most powerful messengers. Auricular therapy, also known as ear acupuncture, is based on the understanding that the ear reflects the entire body, including the nervous system, emotional state, and internal organ balance.

The ear acts like a microsystem of the body. Changes in tenderness, texture, temperature, or sensitivity on specific areas of the ear may reflect physical tension, emotional stress, or internal imbalance. Many patients are surprised by how accurately the ear can mirror what they are feeling—both physically and emotionally.

How Auricular Therapy Works

Auricular therapy involves gently stimulating specific points on the ear using acupuncture needles, ear seeds, or light pressure. These points correspond to different areas of the body and nervous system. Treatment is often deeply calming and grounding. Patients commonly report feeling more relaxed, centered, and emotionally settled—sometimes within minutes.

Modern research suggests auricular acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, helping shift the body from a stress (fight-or-flight) state into a calmer, regulated state. This makes auricular therapy especially supportive for conditions involving stress, pain, emotional imbalance, or cravings.

What Research Shows

Clinical studies have explored auricular acupuncture for a variety of conditions, including:

Addiction support: Research shows auricular acupuncture protocols (such as the NADA protocol) may help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, anxiety, and stress when used as a supportive therapy in substance use recovery programs.¹²

Mental health & emotional regulation: Studies suggest auricular acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, PTSD, and depression by modulating nervous system activity and stress hormones.³⁴

Pain & stress-related conditions: Evidence also supports auricular therapy as a complementary approach for pain management, sleep disturbances, and stress-related disorders.⁵ While results vary by individual, auricular therapy is widely used in integrative and community health settings due to its low risk and calming effects.

At Tempe Core Acupuncture, auricular therapy is not a separate, one-size-fits-all treatment—it is thoughtfully integrated into your care.

• Every patient receives auricular therapy based on their current health concerns, whether physical, emotional, or both
• The ear is assessed each visit as a rapid, whole-body diagnostic support tool
• Treatments are gentle, personalized, and adapted to how your body responds

Free consultation for new patients

Complimentary ear seeds, when appropriate, so you can continue gentle stimulation and support between visits.

Ear seeds are small, non-invasive beads placed on specific ear points. Many patients enjoy using them at home to support stress relief, focus, sleep, or pain management.