acupuncture for holistic healing
Tom Malik, M.Ac, L.Ac, is a Licensed Acupuncturist who focuses his practice on the overall wellness of the body, mind, and spirit. He uses acupuncture to restore and foster the wellbeing of his patients while attending to their unique and individual wants, needs.
Tom’s dedication to his patients’ wellbeing extends beyond the treatment room. He encourages patients to support their healing outside of acupuncture treatment by making lifestyle modifications and nutrition recommendations based on Chinese medical theory.
While initially embarking on the path of becoming a physician, Tom first discovered the benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine during college after suffering a shoulder injury. He then took several integrative medicine classes to explore other healthcare modalities beyond western medicine. Following this treatment success and new learning, Tom altered his career trajectory.
After graduating cum laude from The George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Tom continued his education at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, where he obtained his Master of Acupuncture degree. He has been treating patients since 2019. In addition to this training, Tom is certified in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic acupuncture, a certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, and is Clean Needle Technique certified.
Tom treats many health concerns including (but not limited to):
- Pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fertility & women’s health
- Men’s reproductive health
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
- Surgery recovery
- Cosmetic conditions and facial rejuvenation
Tom’s additional professional interests include scientific research and plans to expand his career by studying the effectiveness and mechanisms of acupuncture. Personally, Tom enjoys cooking, kayaking, and spending time with his chocolate lab, Odin.
Treatment Techniques
Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Chinese Nutrition Therapy
Testimonials
FAQ
What is acupuncture?
As an acupuncturist, I work with the body’s natural energy to restore harmony when imbalances arise. When in health, the body’s natural energy moves in a smooth, gentle flow. When disharmonies begin to manifest, the energy is no longer able to move in this smooth, gentle flow. These disharmonies and imbalances can manifest as both physical and mental conditions, including pain, depression, anxiety, as well as various other conditions. Acupuncture works by interacting with muscle fibers, nociceptors, and the central nervous system. By stimulating various acupuncture points along the body, we can work to reestablish harmony within the body and move the body back into a state of homeostasis and reestablish the gentle smooth flow of energy.
What can acupuncture do for me?
By inserting incredibly slight, single-use, sterile needles into specific areas of the body, acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions by moving the body’s natural energy. Acupuncture can be used to treat and support conditions such as pain, gynecological issues, headaches, anxiety, depression, common colds, and many other ailments. Patients who receive ongoing treatment for general health maintenance often report being able to recover from illness more quickly, improved energy levels and vitality, improved mood, and feeling more connected to their bodies.
For more information, click here to read more about acupuncture and its effectiveness for treating various conditions from the National Institute of Health.
How large are acupuncture needles?
Unlike syringes, acupuncture needles are completely solid and much smaller than needles used for injections. An acupuncture needle can actually fit inside the hollow portion of a syringe. Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, most are nearly as thin as a strand of human hair. We only use high quality, pre-packed, sterilized, single-use, disposable acupuncture needles to ensure the medicine is practiced in the safest manner possible. When a needle is inserted, many patients report feeling a slight pressure or pinch and often report feeling a sense of relaxation and tingling at the site of the needle.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, insomnia, fertility, headaches, anxiety, and many more. Pain is the most common reason people seek acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture can also be used for cosmetic purposes and facial rejuvenation. Contact me to learn more how acupuncture can help treat your particular symptoms.
How does acupuncture complement Western medicine?
Acupuncture is an excellent, complementary medicine for supplementing and supporting Western medical treatment. For example, acupuncture can help reduce pain and support healing following surgery. Many Western practitioners and acupuncturists can work together to treat their patients collaboratively in order to provide the best possible care.
How many treatments do I need? How often should I receive treatment?
Acupuncture is like going to the gym: going once may not yield significant results. In Chinese medicine, we typically anticipate that it takes about four treatments for a patient to begin to notice a lasting change, but this may not be the situation for everyone. Many people begin to feel better after their first treatment. Each person’s case is unique, and some people may need more frequent treatment before they start to notice lasting results and changes. Depending on the severity of symptoms or the length that a patient has been experiencing the symptoms, your practitioner may recommend more frequent treatment in the beginning and may then recommend fewer and more spaced-out treatments once progress is being made.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are different from the hypodermic needles your doctor uses to administer shots. As thin as a strand of human hair, acupuncture needles are solid and insert into the body smoothly and easily. Most people report feeling no pain from the needles, and many people report feeling nothing at all! If you are nervous about being needled, I have a few tips and tricks that will help make it as easy as possible.
Are you licensed?
Yes, Tom Malik is licensed in the state of Maryland to practice acupuncture.
Do you take insurance?
Many insurance companies offer benefits for acupuncture treatment. While we cannot bill to your insurance, we will give you a superbill so you can request reimbursement directly from your insurance provider.
Now Accepting New Patients
We are located just outside Annapolis, Maryland, in Crownsville and proudly serve the surrounding cities including: Arnold MD, Crofton MD, Edgewater MD, Fort Meade MD, Gambrills MD, Glen Burnie MD, Lake Shores MD, Millersville MD, Odenton MD, Pasadena MD, Severna Park MD, and more.
Questions?
If you are curious about the benefits of acupuncture, scheudule an appointment for a personal consultation, and evaluation.