Business Details
Welcome Acupuncture - Holistic Healing in Watertown, MA
Welcome Acupuncture was founded on the principle that true wellness requires harmony between mind and body. Our practice combines the time-tested wisdom of Eastern medicine with the precision of Western healthcare, offering patients a comprehensive approach to healing. With decades of combined experience, our licensed acupuncturists have treated thousands of patients, addressing both acute and chronic conditions through personalized treatment plans. We specialize in integrating acupuncture with complementary therapies like moxa, cupping, and shiatsu to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Our practitioners hold dual expertise in respiratory therapy and acupuncture, allowing us to bridge conventional and alternative medicine seamlessly.We maintain strict adherence to safety protocols, using only sterilized, single-use needles for every session. Our clinic serves patients of all ages, from infants requiring non-insertive treatments to adults seeking relief from chronic pain or fertility challenges. We prioritize patient education, ensuring each individual understands their treatment process and health journey. Located in Watertown, our accessible facility provides a tranquil environment for healing, with flexible appointment times to accommodate busy schedules. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition from both local patients and medical professionals across Massachusetts.
Services
Acupuncture
Pediatric Acupuncture
Moxa Therapy
Cupping Therapy
Shiatsu Massage
Electro-Acupuncture
Nutritional Consultation
Trigger Point Therapy
Guasha
Magnet Therapy
Highlights and features
- Dual expertise in Eastern medicine and Western respiratory therapy
- Personalized treatment plans for chronic and acute conditions
- Experienced practitioners with decades of combined clinical experience
- Safe, pain-free acupuncture using sterilized, single-use needles
- Comprehensive care integrating moxa, cupping, and shiatsu therapies
Associations and certifications
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
What people say
Chronic pain relief
Fertility support success
Stress reduction
Personalized treatment plans
Compassionate care
Services
Acupuncture
Our acupuncture treatments use ultra-thin, sterilized needles to stimulate specific points on the body. This ancient practice promotes natural healing by improving energy flow and addressing various health conditions. Patients experience deep relaxation while our licensed practitioners tailor each session to individual needs, combining traditional techniques with modern medical understanding for optimal results.
Pediatric Acupuncture
Specialized non-insertive acupuncture for infants and children focuses on gentle stimulation techniques. This approach effectively addresses digestive issues, respiratory problems, and developmental concerns without needle penetration. Our practitioners adapt treatment methods to each child's comfort level while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through traditional Chinese medicine principles.
Moxa Therapy
Moxa therapy involves burning dried mugwort near specific acupuncture points to warm and stimulate energy flow. This technique enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports immune function. Our practitioners carefully control temperature and duration to ensure patient comfort while delivering targeted therapeutic benefits for chronic pain and digestive disorders.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy creates localized suction using glass or silicone cups to improve blood flow and relieve muscle tension. This treatment effectively addresses chronic pain, sports injuries, and respiratory conditions by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. Our practitioners adjust suction intensity based on individual patient needs for safe, comfortable sessions.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage applies rhythmic pressure to acupuncture points using fingers, palms, and elbows. This technique balances energy flow while addressing musculoskeletal pain and stress-related conditions. Our practitioners combine traditional Japanese methods with modern anatomical knowledge to improve flexibility, reduce tension, and enhance overall well-being through targeted pressure applications.
People
Neely Mercurio
Licensed Acupuncturist
With 35 years in healthcare and 19 years as a licensed acupuncturist, Neely combines Western medical expertise with traditional Chinese medicine. Former respiratory therapist at Boston Children's Hospital now specializing in holistic treatments for chronic pain and women's health.
Catherine Thibault
Licensed Acupuncturist
Board-certified acupuncturist since 2001 with expertise in Chinese and Japanese techniques. Adjunct faculty at MCPHS/New England School of Acupuncture, specializing in stress management and fertility support through integrative treatments combining traditional methods with modern medical understanding.
Questions
What should I expect during my first acupuncture appointment?
Your initial visit includes a comprehensive health assessment followed by a tailored treatment. The acupuncturist will discuss your medical history, insert thin needles at specific points, and allow 15-30 minutes for the treatment to take effect.
What conditions can acupuncture effectively treat?
We treat various conditions including chronic pain, stress/anxiety, digestive issues, respiratory problems, and fertility challenges. Our practitioners create customized treatment plans for both acute and chronic conditions.
Are acupuncture treatments painful?
Most patients feel minimal discomfort as needles are extremely thin. Many report feeling relaxed during sessions. Our practitioners use gentle techniques, especially for pediatric patients requiring non-insertive treatments.
What qualifications do your acupuncturists hold?
Our practitioners are licensed by Massachusetts Board of Medicine and NCCAOM-certified. They combine decades of experience with ongoing education in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western healthcare practices.
How many treatment sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary by individual needs. While some see improvement after one session, chronic conditions typically require multiple visits. Your acupuncturist will recommend a personalized treatment schedule during your initial consultation.
Reviews (4)
Sue Green
Apr 11, 2021
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Neely Mercurio has treated my wife, myself and my six year old grandson for several years. We could not be more amazed at the results achieved via her acupuncture treatments for various ailments. Back pain, leg pain, sinus issues and neck ailments. Neely is very knowledgeable and has a very gracious caring concern for her clients. We have no reservation about highly recommending her for treatment. She is simply outstanding!
Am Mercy
Mar 22, 2021
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For several years now I have had problems with my back, Welcome Acupuncture has been my go-to place when I am visiting Massachusetts. Neely & Cat are both knowledgeable in their fields. They are gentle and try to accommodate as much as possible I would recommend Welcome Acupuncture for anyone looking for relief and answers to many chronic problems that may have seemed impossible to treat. I feel first time clients to the field of Acupuncture and related disciplines will be suprised and satisfied!
Alissa Daniels
Feb 01, 2019
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Catherine Thibault at Welcome Acupuncture has been working with me on and off for a couple of years. She's very knowledgable, and really takes the time to see how you're doing, what's working, what's not. She has a very comforting bedside manner, and helps me feel relaxed during the treatment. When I had problems with my insurance company (absolutely no fault of Catherine's) she was dedicated to getting things cleared up for me, spending a lot of time on the phone, email, etc to get the problem dealt with. I highly recommend her.
Sharon L. Regan
Sep 10, 2018
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I am an RN with many decades of hospital and community health experience. I have also had many years of experience with various forms of alternative/integrative medicine practitioners, including 2 other acupuncturists before meeting "Welcome Acupuncture" partners, Neely & Catherine ("Cat"), approximately 10 years ago. They are THE best of the best! Each one has particular expertise and experience that integrates Western and Eastern medicine.
Each one has brought me through some complex, stubborn physical issues over the years. My initial skepticism soon turned into the testimony of a thankful client. In addition to my traditional MD(s), they are now a permanent part of my health care & maintenance team. Along with bringing meticulous attention & seasoned skills by both practitioners to their client's current symptoms and history, Neely has an encyclopedic knowledge of supplements & nutrition as well as traditional medicine. And, NOBODY can give a healing massage like Cat who enlarges her approach with a background in business and patient advocacy. Her gentle kindness and compassion indeed says "Welcome"!
Each one has brought me through some complex, stubborn physical issues over the years. My initial skepticism soon turned into the testimony of a thankful client. In addition to my traditional MD(s), they are now a permanent part of my health care & maintenance team. Along with bringing meticulous attention & seasoned skills by both practitioners to their client's current symptoms and history, Neely has an encyclopedic knowledge of supplements & nutrition as well as traditional medicine. And, NOBODY can give a healing massage like Cat who enlarges her approach with a background in business and patient advocacy. Her gentle kindness and compassion indeed says "Welcome"!
