News Summary
Grand Rapids is experiencing a rise in acupuncture interest, with new practices opening and existing ones expanding. The Acupuncture Center of Grand Rapids aims to provide transformative health outcomes, while the Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit sees a significant increase in patient demand. Both establishments are reshaping local healthcare by offering innovative services and addressing a wider range of health issues through acupuncture.
Grand Rapids is witnessing a notable surge in interest in acupuncture, leading to the opening of new practices and the expansion of existing ones. The Acupuncture Center of Grand Rapids, founded by licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Corinne Conry, aims at providing transformative health outcomes for its patients. With a focus on treating a variety of conditions, including pain management and peripheral neuropathy, the center positions itself as a key player in the local healthcare landscape.
Conry, dedicated to tackling discomfort and various ailments through acupuncture, is committed to shaping a positive experience for her patients. Individuals interested in exploring the health benefits of acupuncture can contact the Acupuncture Center at 616-369-2121 or visit its website at www.ACUGR.com for more information.
Another significant contributor to the rise of acupuncture practice in Grand Rapids is Craig Houchen, OMD, who works at the Wege Institute for Mind, Body and Spirit. With an annual patient base of around 9,500 out-patients seeking acupuncture alongside an additional 3,000 in-patients for therapeutic massage, Houchen has seen substantial growth in demand for these services. The institute recently relocated to a new 3,500-square-foot location on 300 Lafayette Ave. SE, expanding from a previous space of 1,500 square feet. This move reflects the growing interest in Oriental medicine and a desire to incorporate new services such as hydro-massage and reflexology.
Houchen’s journey into the field of acupuncture was inspired by his own family’s experience; his mother successfully used acupuncture to quit smoking. Armed with a Bachelor of Science from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College, Houchen has built a thriving practice since relocating from New Orleans, where he lost his clinic during Hurricane Katrina.
Not only does Houchen run a busy acupuncture practice, but he is also a family man who has found a home in Grand Rapids over the past eight years. The demand for acupuncture services has increased, as more members of the community become aware of the treatment’s potential benefits. Primarily recognized for its efficacy in pain management, acupuncture aims to restore the balance of the body’s energy, known as qi or chi.
Significantly, Houchen is engaged in two clinical studies, one supported by the National Cancer Institute and another conducted by the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, both researching the effects of acupuncture on conditions like joint pain and xerostomia. The National Institutes of Health has acknowledged acupuncture’s potential, providing funding for research that affirms its effectiveness in chronic pain management.
In line with evolving practices, the Wege Institute plans to introduce “needleless” acupuncture by employing electronic devices to stimulate acupuncture points. Patient responses to acupuncturist techniques generally indicate a positive experience, where many report feeling less pain than anticipated during treatments.
The notable rise in acupuncture’s popularity reflects a broader consumer-driven trend towards alternative medical treatments. As people become increasingly engaged with the concept of acupuncture and its myriad health benefits, practitioners in Grand Rapids are expanding their services and facilities to meet this growing demand. The continued expansion of acupuncture practices not only caters to the community’s needs but also signifies a shift in the way many people perceive healthcare options available to them.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM: Grand Rapids Acupuncture Center
- Dignity Memorial: Zhiqun Zhou
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Growing Interest in Oriental Medicine
- Wikipedia: Acupuncture
- Freep: Veterinary Medicine and Acupuncture
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
