The Practitioner

Dr. Madelyn Mans, DACM, LAc

Madelyn’s passion for holistic health began in her teens after experiencing the benefits of acupuncture firsthand. Inspired by the power of integrative medicine, she went on to earn her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science, where she developed a deep foundation in both acupuncture and herbal therapy.

Madelyn is currently pursuing advanced certification in Functional Medicine, which she will offer as part of an integrative, root-cause approach to care. She is committed to ongoing education and evidence-informed practice, with the goal of helping patients restore wellness and support long-term health span.

The Medicine

Acupuncture works by gently guiding the body back into balance. Studies show it can influence the nervous system, encourage healthy circulation, and support the body’s inflammatory, hormonal, and immune responses.

At The Five, we blend modern science with the depth of Chinese Medicine to create treatments that help you feel grounded, supported, and aligned in your daily life.

The Impact

Acupuncture supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms and may be helpful for a wide range of health concerns, including:

  • Chronic and acute pain (neck, back, shoulder, knee, etc.)

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Stress, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation

  • Sleep disturbances and fatigue

  • Hormonal and menstrual imbalances

  • Longevity benefits

  • Cancer support

  • Digestive issues and gut health

  • Fertility, reproductive, and pregnancy support

  • Allergies and general immune support

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Great question! Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—usually between 0.12 mm and 0.18 mm in diameter—which is much finer than the needles used for blood draws or vaccinations.

    Most people feel little to no discomfort. Some describe a quick pinch or a light sensation that fades almost immediately. Once the needles are in place, many patients find the experience grounding and deeply relaxing.

  • It’s best to wear loose-fitting or easily removable clothing so your practitioner can comfortably access the areas needed for treatment. If certain points require it, we can also use sheets or draping to ensure you stay covered and comfortable throughout your session.

  • At The Five | Acupuncture & Wellness, we do not bill insurance directly. However, we’re happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement, depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits.

  • Every person’s healing journey is unique. The number of treatments you may need depends on the condition being addressed, how long it has been present, its severity, and how your body responds to acupuncture. Some patients notice positive changes within a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer series of treatments to create lasting results.

    After your initial appointment, it is common to begin with five weekly follow-up sessions. At the end of these six visits, you and your practitioner will reassess your progress and determine what is needed to best support your goals. As progress is made, appointments are typically spaced farther apart.

    The Pressure Cooker Analogy

    I like to explain acupuncture treatments with a pressure-cooker analogy:

    Think of your body like a pressure cooker that has been accumulating tension over time—whether from pain, stress, or internal imbalance.

    • The first few treatments begin releasing that built-up pressure, helping your system start to unwind and rebalance.

    • Each subsequent session continues this release, restoring flow and ease in a gradual, sustainable way.

    • Once your “pressure” normalizes and symptoms start to ease, we shift into maintenance care to help keep things stable and prevent tension from building again due to everyday stressors.

    Example of a typical timeline

    • Fertility and hormonal health: Often require consistent weekly treatments for three to six months, depending on the individual’s cycle, hormones, and goals.

    • Chronic pain conditions: May respond quickly to initial treatments, followed by less frequent but ongoing monthly or seasonal care to maintain progress. With chronic conditions, we see acupuncture as a way to manage the symptoms, not as a cure.

  • Absolutely! Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete and holistic system of medicine. Acupuncture is just one of the many modalities used to treat disease and promote wellness. Other options include: acupressure, cupping, tui na, gua sha, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary and lifestyle counseling, and moxibustion (moxa).