Dr. Yan Guo
Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine | Holistic Wellness
Dr. Yan Guo is an experienced acupuncture practitioner who combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with modern acupuncture techniques to provide individualized care. With a background that bridges science, traditional healing practices, and a deep commitment to service, she takes a comprehensive approach to helping patients address health concerns, manage pain, and improve their overall well-being.
As a third-generation Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr. Yan draws on a rich family tradition while incorporating a range of acupuncture methods into her practice. She believes in treating each patient as a whole person, considering physical symptoms alongside stress, emotional well-being, lifestyle, and individual health goals.
Education, Training & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Yan's educational background reflects her interdisciplinary approach to healthcare. She earned a Master of Science in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Cincinnati before completing her Doctor of Oriental Medicine degree at the Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Her training encompasses several acupuncture approaches, including Modern Five Element Acupuncture, Sports Acupuncture using Master Tung's System, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Classical Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Drawing on these different traditions, Dr. Yan develops individualized treatment plans based on each patient's presentation and needs. Her approach brings together traditional Chinese medicine principles and contemporary clinical practice, with the goal of supporting patients through a thoughtful, personalized care experience.
A Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Approach
Dr. Yan takes time to evaluate each patient's concerns and develop a treatment plan tailored to their symptoms, health history, and goals. Her approach considers not only physical discomfort but also factors such as stress, sleep, energy, and emotional well-being.
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is understood through concepts such as Qi, blood, and the body's interconnected systems. Treatment is intended to support balance and the body's natural regulatory processes within this traditional framework.
In contemporary clinical practice, acupuncture is used for a variety of concerns, particularly pain management. Dr. Yan works with patients seeking support for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches and migraines, neck and shoulder discomfort, back pain, sciatica, sports-related injuries, arthritis symptoms, and other pain-related conditions.
She also sees patients seeking complementary support for concerns involving fatigue, digestion, sleep, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, stress, and aspects of recovery and general wellness. The appropriate role of acupuncture varies by condition, and treatment plans are individualized to each patient's circumstances.
Conditions & Areas of Focus
Dr. Yan's practice encompasses a broad range of health and wellness concerns, including:
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Pain and musculoskeletal conditions: Back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, muscle injuries, tennis elbow, arthritis-related discomfort, and sports injuries.
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Stress and emotional well-being: Stress management, relaxation, and complementary support for emotional wellness.
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Sleep and energy: Sleep difficulties, fatigue, and concerns affecting daily functioning.
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Digestive and general wellness concerns: Digestive discomfort and other concerns addressed within the scope of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Women's health: Menstrual discomfort, menopausal symptoms, and selected reproductive health concerns.
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Complementary supportive care: Acupuncture used alongside appropriate medical care for certain post-operative or cancer-treatment-related symptoms.
Dr. Yan also has experience working with individuals who seek complementary support for concerns such as skin conditions, allergies, concentration difficulties, and fertility-related challenges. Acupuncture is not a substitute for necessary medical evaluation or treatment, and results vary depending on the individual and condition.
Community Service & Personal Philosophy
Helping others is central to Dr. Yan's philosophy. She regularly provides acupuncture through a charity clinic at a local temple, serving immigrants and individuals from underserved communities who may face barriers to accessing care.
Her commitment to service reflects her belief that compassionate care should be responsive to people's needs and circumstances. She strives to create a respectful environment where patients feel heard and where treatment is approached with care, intention, and cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Yan is also a devoted Buddhist practitioner who participates in meditation retreats. Her personal commitment to reflection and mindfulness informs her appreciation for the relationship between physical health, emotional well-being, and the broader experience of living well.
Acupuncture at PowHer Chiropractic & Wellness Center
At PowHer Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Rockville, Maryland, Dr. Yan works within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment that also offers chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage, therapeutic exercise, and other wellness services.
This collaborative setting allows patients to access different services when appropriate to their needs. Dr. Yan's acupuncture care can complement other aspects of a patient's care plan, with the aim of supporting pain management, function, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Her guiding principle is to provide care that honors each patient's individual needs, values, and goals. Through her combination of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge, varied acupuncture training, and compassionate service, Dr. Yan strives to help patients find an approach to wellness that feels thoughtful, personalized, and supportive.
