Meisinger: Orange County/Southern California has the highest density of acupuncturists in the country. Several national franchises offering alternative medicine and therapies have launched extremely well in this center over the past decade (Massage Envy and the Joint Chiropractic, to name a couple), validating market need for our services in Aliso Viejo. Over the next five years, we plan to open a Modern Acupuncture clinic located within five or six miles of everyone living in Orange County. Aliso Viejo is ideal for our first clinic because it is a central location to all the people living south of the 405. We're currently in final lease negotiations for clinics in Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Tustin and Brea.

GlobeSt.com: What makes now the right time for these services to flourish?

Meisinger: The severity of the opioid epidemic is causing people seek new natural, alternative medicine and therapies such as acupuncture to treat their ailment(s). Acupuncture is a popular health trend that is making its impact all across the nation. The World Health Organization has recognized that acupuncture is an evidence-based, safe, effective treatment for numerous conditions such as chronic and acute pain, stress and anxiety, sports injuries, allergy and respiratory issues, migraines and headaches, insomnia and sleep disorders, depression, relaxation, digestive disorders and more.

GlobeSt.com: What does the company look for in a retail setting?

Meisinger: Ideally, class-A shopping centers near other membership-model concepts with a grocery anchor. We need around 1,000 square feet to 1,500 square feet. Accessibility and convenience are paramount; we target locations that have ample parking, surrounded by businesses that people shop at on a regular basis. We prefer locations close to major traffic arteries where people make their daily commutes rather than off the beaten path, where most medical facilities are located. This clinic is located right off the 73 toll road at the busy intersection of La Paz and Alicia Pkwy.

Upon entering Modern Acupuncture, guests are greeted by simplistic yet contemporary decor with calming colors and natural wood elements, sending them into an instant state of tranquility. After a customized consultation with a Modern Acupuncture Zen Advisor, guests are taken back to the Zen Den, a relaxing retreat outfitted with soundproof insulation, lounge-style recliners, calming sounds and cool earthtones, ensuring a multi-sensory experience while essential or cosmetic acupuncture services are delivered. Guests leave with a customized treatment plan and a complimentary handcrafted organic tea blend.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about these types of services?

Meisinger: Acupuncture is administered by acupuncturists who have been certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine after completing a three-year masters degree from an accredited school. They are further trained in the specific method used at Modern Acupuncture by Robert Doane, EAMP, L.AC., DIPL., C.H., co-founder at Modern Acupuncture and world-renowned acupuncturist and educator.

Our biggest differentiation besides our affordable cash options and convenience, is our traditional approach to this 2,100 year old practices through distal needling. This allows us to provide full-body health by treating specific points on your head, face, arms, hands, lower legs and feet without the removal of any clothing. Additionally, we are also very excited to be offering cosmetic acupuncture, a natural approach to reducing the signs of aging and helping skin regain its youthful glow.

Modern Acupuncture offers affordable memberships, packages and walk-in rates, encouraging guests to add acupuncture to their regular health and wellness routines.