Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness

Licensed acupuncture, Chinese medicine, and pain management in Gaithersburg, MD — personalized care for pain, stress, fertility, and chronic conditions.

Traditional Wisdom · Modern Care

Welcome to Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness

Experience the healing power of traditional Chinese medicine combined with modern functional health care. Dr. Min Lu provides personalized acupuncture treatments and holistic wellness solutions to help you achieve optimal health.

Holistic Healing
Personalized Care
Whole-Body Wellness

Meet Dr. Min Lu | 路敏医师简介

Dr. Min Lu is a licensed acupuncturist dedicated to providing exceptional acupuncture care tailored to your unique health needs, integrating traditional Chinese medicine with modern biomedical knowledge.

Dr. Min Lu, L.Ac.

Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM)

Dr. Min Lu is a licensed acupuncturist in the State of Maryland and holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM). She began devoting herself to acupuncture and integrative healing during the 2008 Olympic Games, when she witnessed the growing need for effective pain management — not only for athletes but for the general public.

With extensive clinical experience across both China and the United States, Dr. Lu holds a deep understanding of TCM philosophy — including Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the regulation of Qi, Blood, Jing, and Shen — and integrates these classical theories with modern anatomy, physiology, and pathology for safe, evidence-based care.

Women's Health Fertility Pain Management

Training & Lineage

She studied under Professor Biqin Wang, a renowned TCM gynecologist in Beijing, and Professor Guo Zhiqiang, a distinguished national TCM master. In the United States she apprenticed with Professor Guoping Zheng, the North American inheritor of the Lingnan Luo's Gynecology School. Drawing on her mentors' philosophy of "treating the Kidney as the root," Dr. Lu applies the menstrual cycle regulation method (Tiao Zhou Fa) to fertility and reproductive health, with remarkable clinical outcomes in infertility, ovarian dysfunction, and menstrual disorders.

  • Prof. Biqin Wang — TCM Gynecology, Beijing
  • Prof. Guo Zhiqiang — National TCM Master
  • Prof. Guoping Zheng — Lingnan Luo's Gynecology, N.A. Inheritor

Professional Positions

  • Board Member & Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, ATCMA-USA Youth Committee
  • Council Member, Scalp Acupuncture Specialty Committee, WFCMS
  • Member, American Traditional Chinese Medicine Association
  • Member, American Society of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
  • Member, ATCMA Gynecology Academic Committee
  • Member, Global Dynamic Needling Association
  • Apprentice Physician, First Inheritance Program under Master Dr. Guo Zhiqiang

Our Acupuncture Services

At Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness, Dr. Lu provides a wide range of acupuncture and Chinese medicine services, including cupping therapy, moxibustion, massage therapy, and stress management to help you achieve optimal wellness.

Pain Management

Acupuncture therapy for chronic and acute pain relief

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic massage for relaxation and pain relief

Stress Management

Acupuncture and holistic approaches to reduce stress

Insomnia

Acupuncture treatment for sleep disorders

Cupping Therapy

Ancient technique combined with acupuncture

Moxibustion

Heat therapy to enhance acupuncture treatment

Fertility

Acupuncture for fertility and reproductive health

Digestive Health

Acupuncture for digestive disorders and wellness

Conditions We Treat

Dr. Lu provides specialized care for a wide range of conditions, combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern functional health practices.

Women's Health

  • Infertility & Ovarian Dysfunction
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Menstrual Disease & Irregular Periods
  • Menopausal Syndrome
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  • Vulva Leukoplakia
  • Postnatal Care

General Health Conditions

  • Depression & Anxiety
  • Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
  • Allergies & Respiratory Issues
  • Pain Management (Chronic & Acute)
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Stress & Fatigue

Experience High-Quality Holistic Acupuncture Care

To receive high-quality holistic health care in a warm and welcoming environment, partner with Dr. Lu. Make an appointment at Five Elements Acupuncture & Wellness for professional acupuncture treatment by calling the office or booking online today.

Personalized Acupuncture Care Journey

Every acupuncture visit begins with thoughtful listening, collaborative goal-setting, and a tailored treatment plan that integrates traditional Chinese medicine, bodywork, and lifestyle guidance for lasting wellness.

Comprehensive Consultation

Dr. Lu performs a detailed health history, pulse reading, and tongue analysis to understand the root imbalances before beginning your acupuncture session.

Targeted Acupuncture Therapy

Precise acupuncture point selection, gentle needling, and supportive modalities like moxibustion or cupping amplify circulation, reduce pain, and restore energy flow.

Integrative Support

Sessions may include herbal guidance, massage therapy, or stress management tools that complement acupuncture and help you maintain balance between visits.

Ongoing Wellness Planning

Regular acupuncture follow-ups, personalized nutrition tips, and movement recommendations keep your wellness plan actionable and aligned with your lifestyle.

Insurance & Payment Options

WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PROVIDERS

We also accept auto and personal injury insurance for acupuncture treatments.

If you have specific questions regarding your coverage for acupuncture services, please contact us for additional information.

Preparing for Your Acupuncture Treatment

Simple habits before and after each acupuncture appointment help you feel relaxed, supported, and ready to embrace the healing process Dr. Lu designs for you.

Before Your Session

  • Enjoy a light, nourishing meal and arrive hydrated to support acupuncture circulation.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled to access acupuncture points on the arms and legs.

During Treatment

  • Settle into a quiet, spa-like environment while Dr. Lu places acupuncture needles with precision and care.
  • Experience complementary therapies such as cupping therapy, moxibustion, or massage therapy when appropriate.

Aftercare Tips

  • Drink water, rest, and notice how your body responds as the acupuncture session continues to work.
  • Follow the customized acupuncture care plan, including herbal medicine and gentle exercises between visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about acupuncture at Montgomery Medical Clinic.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Pain management — chronic pain, migraines, tension headaches, sciatica, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain
  • Musculoskeletal — arthritis, joint stiffness, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries
  • Mental health — stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and insomnia
  • Digestive health — IBS, acid reflux, nausea, bloating, and appetite regulation
  • Women’s health — fertility support, menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, and pregnancy-related discomfort
  • Respiratory & allergies — seasonal allergies, sinusitis, and asthma support

During your first visit, Dr. Min Lu will perform a comprehensive evaluation and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients feel little to no pain. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin — about 0.2 mm in diameter, which is 25–50 times thinner than a standard hypodermic needle used for injections or blood draws.

You may feel a slight tingling, warmth, or mild pressure at the insertion point — this is known as “de qi,” a sign that the treatment is activating your body’s natural healing response. Many patients find the sessions so relaxing that they fall asleep during treatment.

Dr. Min Lu uses gentle, precise needle techniques refined over years of clinical practice to ensure your comfort throughout every session.

Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?

Both! Montgomery Medical Clinic accepts walk-ins 7 days a week and also offers scheduled appointments for your convenience.

  • Walk-ins welcome — seen on a first-come, first-served basis during regular clinic hours
  • Same-day appointments — book online for the shortest wait time
  • Scheduled appointments — reserve your preferred date and time in advance

For the fastest service, we recommend booking a same-day appointment online or calling us at (301) 208-2273. Our clinic is conveniently located in Gaithersburg, MD and serves patients throughout Montgomery County.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

Many insurance plans now provide coverage for acupuncture, especially following Medicare’s 2020 decision to cover acupuncture for chronic low back pain. Private insurers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare increasingly cover acupuncture benefits as well.

Coverage details vary by provider and plan, so we recommend verifying your benefits before your first visit. Our front desk team is happy to help — call (301) 709-4551 and we can assist with insurance questions and out-of-pocket cost estimates.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment:

  • Acute issues (recent injuries, headaches, muscle tension) — may improve noticeably in 3–5 sessions
  • Chronic conditions (long-term pain, digestive disorders, anxiety) — typically benefit from 8–12 sessions
  • Wellness maintenance (stress relief, immune support, preventive care) — monthly or bi-monthly sessions recommended

Many patients report feeling improvement after their very first session. Dr. Min Lu will create a personalized treatment schedule during your initial consultation and adjust it as your condition progresses.

What other services does Five Elements Acupuncture offer besides needling?

Five Elements Acupuncture at Montgomery Medical Clinic offers a full range of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies, including:

  • Cupping therapy — uses suction cups to relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation
  • Moxibustion — a warming technique that stimulates acupuncture points to boost circulation and immunity
  • Herbal medicine consultations — custom herbal formulas prescribed to complement your acupuncture treatments
  • Fertility acupuncture — specialized protocols to support natural conception and IVF treatments
  • Electroacupuncture — gentle electrical stimulation paired with needles for enhanced pain relief and nerve regeneration

Dr. Min Lu may combine multiple modalities in a single session for a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach tailored to your needs.

Ready to Begin Your Acupuncture Healing Journey?

Schedule your acupuncture consultation with Dr. Min Lu today and experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine and professional acupuncture care in Gaithersburg, MD.