Inspiring Conversations with Mark Molinoff of Raleigh Acupuncture Associates

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Molinoff.

Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We opened Raleigh Acupuncture Associates in 2005, back when acupuncture was still something new and unfamiliar to most people in our community. At the time, there were only a handful of acupuncturists in the Raleigh area. Few doctors referred patients, and many people viewed acupuncture as mysterious or “alternative.” My wife, Jinmei Xu, and I started with little more than a shared belief in the power of Chinese medicine and a desire to help people heal naturally.

The early days were humbling and rewarding all at once. We treated one patient at a time, relying on word of mouth to grow. Slowly, people began to notice that acupuncture really worked—whether for back pain, migraines, anxiety, or digestive disorders. Our patients began referring their friends and family, and before long, our small practice had become a trusted part of the Raleigh healthcare landscape.

Over the past twenty years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in how people view acupuncture and Chinese medicine. What was once met with skepticism is now widely recognized and embraced. Today, doctors regularly refer their patients to us for conditions ranging from chronic pain and menopause symptoms to stress, insomnia, and autoimmune disorders. We’ve had the privilege of treating multiple generations of the same families—watching children grow up, parents navigate new seasons of life, and seniors age with greater comfort and vitality.

Our philosophy has always been simple: meet each patient where they are. In Chinese medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every treatment is customized based on the individual’s condition, constitution, and life circumstances. One person’s migraine may stem from stress; another’s from digestive imbalance or hormonal changes. Our job is to listen carefully, identify the root cause, and help the body restore balance.

Between acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, we are able to treat a wide range of conditions—pain, injuries, women’s health issues, digestive problems, anxiety, depression, insomnia, autoimmune illness, and much more. But beyond the treatments themselves, what keeps us passionate is the connection we build with our patients. Healing isn’t just about needles and herbs—it’s about trust, compassion, and walking alongside someone on their journey to better health.

Today, Raleigh is home to dozens of acupuncture clinics, and we’re proud to have played a small part in paving the way. Our clinic has grown, but our mission remains the same: to provide skilled, compassionate care rooted in the timeless principles of Chinese medicine.

Now, with our son in college and expressing interest in following in our footsteps, we sometimes imagine the next chapter—perhaps one day seeing him carry on what we started. Whether or not that happens, we feel deeply grateful for the thousands of patients who have allowed us into their lives over the years. It has truly been an honor to serve this community, one healing story at a time.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Starting a small acupuncture practice in 2005 meant stepping into unfamiliar territory, both for us and for our community. We relocated from Boston and didn’t know anyone here. We didn’t even know where to open our clinic. At that time, many people had never tried acupuncture, and there were still a lot of misconceptions about what we did. We spent years educating patients, answering questions, and reassuring people that Chinese medicine was safe, effective, and based on thousands of years of clinical practice.

The early years were challenging financially. We had no marketing team or advertising budget—just two practitioners and a few treatment rooms. Most of our patients came by word of mouth, one person at a time. Our primary source of advertising was the Yellow Pages! Each success story felt like a small miracle and a confirmation that we were on the right path. We worked long hours—balancing patient care, paperwork, and the constant task of keeping the business afloat.

Another challenge came with cultural differences. My wife, Jinmei, is from China, where acupuncture is an integral part of everyday medicine. Here in the U.S., it was viewed as “alternative.” Translating not only the language but also the philosophy of Chinese medicine—helping people understand concepts like Qi, balance, and organ systems—required patience and creativity. But over time, patients came to appreciate the depth and logic of the medicine, especially as they saw their health improve.

Running a small clinic also meant wearing many hats—practitioner, receptionist, accountant, and sometimes repairman. There were moments of doubt: when the phone was quiet, when expenses were high, or when we questioned whether people would ever truly understand the value of what we offered. But faith, persistence, and the support of loyal patients carried us through.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought another major test. Like so many small businesses, we faced closures, uncertainty, and the challenge of keeping both patients and staff safe. Yet, that season also reminded us why we do this work. Many people were struggling with anxiety, isolation, and chronic pain made worse by stress. Acupuncture became a lifeline—a place where people could heal, relax, and reconnect with their bodies.

Looking back, every struggle shaped us. Each obstacle taught resilience and deepened our compassion. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been meaningful. Every patient who walks through our door today is a reminder that the journey was—and continues to be—worth it.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way people can work with us is simply to begin their own healing journey. Whether someone has chronic pain, a recent injury, or an ongoing condition like insomnia, menopause symptoms, or anxiety, we welcome them to come experience acupuncture for themselves. Every person who walks through our door becomes part of a shared story of wellness—one that connects ancient wisdom with modern life.

At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we take time to listen deeply. Our process starts with understanding the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—so that we can create a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. We don’t just focus on symptoms; we look for the underlying patterns that cause imbalance. Working with us means entering into a partnership of healing. We bring our clinical experience and training; the patient brings openness and commitment to the process. Together, real change happens.

We also welcome collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with physicians, chiropractors, physical therapists, and mental health counselors who refer their patients for acupuncture or herbal therapy. If you’re a practitioner looking to expand your patients’ treatment options, we’re always happy to consult or coordinate care. Our goal is simple—to help people get well, using every effective tool available.

For those who want to support what we do, the greatest gift is sharing your experience. Word-of-mouth has always been our most meaningful form of growth. When patients tell friends, family members, or co-workers about how acupuncture has helped them, they not only support our clinic—they help others discover a path to relief and renewal.

After two decades in practice, what matters most to us is building relationships—one patient, one story, one healing experience at a time. Whether you come for treatment, refer a friend, or partner with us in outreach, your support helps us continue doing what we love: helping people feel better and live more fully.

Pricing:

• First Visit (Intake and Treatment) $135
• Follow-up visits $105
• Chinese herbs $35 for week supply

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raleighacupunctureinc.com/
• Instagram: @acupunctureraleigh
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raleighacupunctureclinic/
• Twitter: https://x.com/raleighacupunc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Raleighacupunctureinc