Appointments

If you are using a coupon, promotional offer, or gift certificate, or you need immediate attention, please text or call me at 919-406-4858. Texting is preferred and you may ask for a specific day and time to get the ball rolling. Or, you may email at chacupx@gmail.com.

To book a new or follow-up appointment online, use the Book Now button below.  A calendar will appear offering all available options. You may add special notes for me to know a bit more about you or to include any special information.

Once you click the button you will see a menu. Regular services and any Specials currently featured are listed.

Book an appointment with Chapel Hill Acupuncture using SetMore

If you would like to ask a question before booking, fill out the contact form and I will contact you shortly, usually within a few hours.

 

HHIntake – Intake forms for first/initial treatment. Fill these in ahead of time to save some time at the office.  Forms are also available when you arrive if you prefer.

 

Modalities used in this office:

Acupuncture: Chinese, Japanese, and Auriculotherapy (ear) styles may be selected
Acupressure (press and rub, or press and hold along the meridians). Especially useful for those with pain syndromes who will benefit from hands-on work.
Gua sha (Vietnamese style scraping with ceramic or plastic implement). Used to disperse very stagnant energy, for example, fascial constrictions around muscles that restrict movement of joints. Usually performed on the back muscles.
Cupping (placement of glass cups on back, legs, arms and abdomen to release areas of focal tension or stagnation).
Moxibustion (warming technique using rolled herbal ingredients over the back or abdomen). Very helpful for internal Cold stagnation, for example, menstrual cramps, intestinal cramping, tight paraspinal muscles, cramping and spasmodic pain).
Herbal medicine.  The advantages of herbal cures are significant and greatly underutilized in this country. Herbs enter into tissues without creating circulatory disturbances to the blood or organs, and gently yet profoundly alter blood chemistry to heal many conditions. Used for digestive, respiratory, immune system health, and even topically for dermatological conditions.

Michelle Thelen, L.Ac. MSTOM

Michelle Thelen is a veteran of Chinese Medicine, and has practiced acupuncture and herbalism for the past 15 years.

She treats musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional disorders. She has been trained in traditional acupuncture from the Korean and Chinese traditions, Asian herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, and acupressure.

Advanced training in orofacial pain, neck and shoulder dysfunction, and oncology.

Michelle believes in integrative health care and strives to better outcomes for patients who are seeking complementary and/or alternative health care.

Using palpation, tongue and pulse diagnosis, along with obtaining health history all factor into the intake process. A typical introductory session does include treatment, and takes about 1.5 hours.

Michelle has maintained a private practice in Chapel Hill for the past 10 years. Prior to that, she worked in Denver, CO as an acupuncturist and instructor.

To read more about Michelle, please click on photo.

Treating Fatigue with Acupuncture

Whether emotional, physical, or mental it seems that almost everyone suffers with some type of fatigue. How does acupuncture help fatigue? In short, by addressing the patient as a whole being. Understanding the underlying constitution of the person is the first step. This involves covering the bases by questioning, palpation and pulse taking to formulate… Continue reading Treating Fatigue with Acupuncture

Neuralgias and nerve pain: Success with acupuncture

Over the years, I have treated many issues that have been directly or indirectly related to disturbances in nerve healing. Examples include trigeminal neuralgia, post herpetic neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, pelvic nerve pain, and neuropathy secondary to muscle and soft tissue injury of joints and tissues. I have been truly astounded by how effective acupuncture treatment… Continue reading Neuralgias and nerve pain: Success with acupuncture

Season of the Lung

The Metal element dominates the season of Autumn. In the Five Element theory, an ancient view of how nature and man interact, each of the elements is discrete, yet also dependent on every other element. The five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. In a nutshell, each element corresponds with an organ and… Continue reading Season of the Lung

Published articles and links

Michelle loves writing.

She is a regular contributing to the Herbal Academy in Bedford, MA. HA is an online school for aspiring herbalists and offers an array of resources including courses in herbal soap making, cooking with herbs, medicinal herbs, and more.

Michelle has been published in Health & Healing and is a regular contributor to HubPages.

Click on circle to read some of her latest submissions.

“I have chronic back pain despite (or, perhaps related to) three laminectomies/fusions over the past 10 years.  I went to Michelle with an open mind, hoping for an appreciative level of relief.  She performed a full assessment and developed a plan of action.  I noticed relief following the first acupuncture treatment.  I had a total of three treatments.  I intend to follow up with her soon.  I recommend Michelle to anyone who is not receiving adequate control of pain with traditional modalities or wants to avoid long term opioid use.”

Edward W., RN Care Coordinator at Carol Woods Retirement Community, Chapel Hill, NC

“My husband and I have been getting treatments with Michelle Thelen for several years.  She has been trained in acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine.  She also has intuitive knowledge and she can tell you what she needs to do to help you with your problems.  She is very committed to do everything she can to help her patients.  After suffering intensive cluster headaches on almost a daily basis for years, Michelle was able to eliminate my husband’s headaches after one treatment.  It has now been over 4 years and my husband has never experienced that pain again.  We recommend Michelle without reservation.”

Anna G. Hillsborough, NC

 

 

Testimonial

“Michelle is an amazing acupuncturist who really knows her craft. She really listens to her clients and ensures that they leave each session feeling satisfied. She doesn’t just use acupuncture as her only treatment modality but rather she combines several modalities to ensure the best results. She goes above and beyond for her clients and is very flexible with scheduling. As a nurse, I would highly recommend Michelle.”

Lauren T, RN, BSN, OCN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Radiation Oncology

“Michelle Thelen is an excellent acupuncturist.  Last year, I had foot surgery to remove two bone spurs.  The orthopedic surgeon did not prepare me well for the surgery nor did he do a good job with my recovery.  I was in incredible pain for months before I went to see Michelle.  Michelle made more progress after one treatment than the orthopedic surgeon could do at all.  After three treatments, I felt like a new person.  I have since gone back to Michelle for other things and she is fantastic.  She has helped me relieve tension, get over a cold and more.  I can’t recommend Michelle more highly.”

Jodi B, Chapel Hill, NC

 

Testimonial