Today we’d like to introduce you to Meng Xiong.
Hi Meng, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into holistic medicine began in my childhood. I was born in a small village in Thailand and immigrated to the United States at the age of 10. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by the healing traditions of my Hmong heritage and the natural world around me, which sparked an early curiosity in how the human body heals. After graduating from high school in 2012, I enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, initially with the goal of becoming a conventional medical doctor. I completed my undergraduate studies in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. As my understanding of health evolved, I became drawn to a more integrative approach to healing and decided to pursue naturopathic medicine. I attended Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, where I earned both my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine in 2021. Following graduation and licensure, I practiced for about six months at Natural Life Medicine as a primary care physician. Eventually, I returned to North Carolina to be closer to family and founded my own practice, Balance Naturopathic & Acupuncture in 2022, with a mission to deliver high-quality integrative care that blends both conventional and holistic approaches.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—it’s been a road filled with challenges, growth, and resilience. When I first immigrated to the United States, I didn’t speak a single word of English. Just learning the language was an uphill battle, let alone trying to navigate the complex path toward medical school. I had to figure everything out from scratch—what prerequisites I needed, how to apply, and what it would take to succeed.
Once I made it into medical school, the challenges didn’t stop. I worked while attending school full-time to help cover both personal expenses and tuition. Balancing work and academics was exhausting, but it taught me discipline and determination.
Then came the next chapter—learning how to run a business. I had no formal training in entrepreneurship, so building and operating my own clinic was like entering another entirely new world. From legal structures to marketing to budgeting, every step has been a learning curve.
To make things more difficult, North Carolina doesn’t recognize Naturopathic licensure, which means I can’t legally practice to the full extent of my training and expertise. On top of that, insurance doesn’t cover acupuncture services provided by licensed acupuncturists here, which places an added burden on both my practice and my patients.
Despite all of this, I continue forward—because I believe deeply in the work I do and the people I serve. The road may be hard, but the purpose makes it worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist with a deep commitment to integrative, patient-centered care. My work focuses on treating the whole person—not just the symptoms—through a blend of natural therapies, traditional Eastern medicine, and modern science.
I specialize in pain management, fertility, and cancer support care, and I currently serve as the acupuncturist for the Levine Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Unit, where I provide acupuncture as supportive therapy for pediatric oncology patients. This role is deeply meaningful to me and reflects my belief that even the most complex conditions can benefit from gentle, non-invasive interventions that support the body’s natural healing process.
What truly sets me apart is the breadth and depth of my training. I’m one of the few practitioners in the region with dual degrees in Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture, allowing me to integrate modalities such as:
Herbal and nutritional medicine
Eastern and Western diagnostic approaches
Manual therapies, including physical medicine, massage, and bodywork
Lifestyle counseling and functional lab interpretation
This comprehensive approach enables me to deliver customized treatment plans that are both effective and minimally invasive.
I’m best known for my ability to provide rapid relief from pain and discomfort—often within a single acupuncture session. Many of my patients report noticeable improvement after their first visit, and my success stories span a wide range of conditions—from sports injuries and chronic headaches to infertility and cancer-related side effects.
What I’m most proud of, however, is not just the clinical results, but the trust and transformation I’ve been privileged to witness in my patients’ lives. Being able to support someone through their healing journey, especially when they feel like they’ve exhausted other options, is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, there are several resources that have helped me tremendously in both my personal growth and professional journey. One of the most influential books I’ve read is “The Web That Has No Weaver” by Ted Kaptchuk. It deepened my understanding of Chinese medicine and improved the way I communicate acupuncture concepts to patients. Another key resource is “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, which gave me a much-needed framework for navigating the business side of running a clinic. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek helped me define the core mission of Balance Naturopathic & Acupuncture and communicate that message more clearly to my patients and community.
On a more emotional level, “The Language of Emotions” by Karla McLaren taught me valuable tools for patient communication and trauma-informed care—something I apply daily in practice.
In terms of podcasts, I enjoy “Everyday Acupuncture” with Brian Weiss for its practical insights, and “The Naturopathic CEO” which offers real-world advice on growing a naturopathic business. “The Ultimate Health Podcast” also keeps me inspired and current with wellness trends.
For ongoing ideas and support, I frequently visit Acupuncture Today for clinical updates and industry news, and I love browsing Elana’s Pantry and Minimalist Baker for healthy recipes I can share with patients—or enjoy myself.Yes, there are several resources that have helped me tremendously in both my personal growth and professional journey. One of the most influential books I’ve read is “The Web That Has No Weaver” by Ted Kaptchuk. It deepened my understanding of Chinese medicine and improved the way I communicate acupuncture concepts to patients. Another key resource is “The E-Myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, which gave me a much-needed framework for navigating the business side of running a clinic. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek helped me define the core mission of Balance Naturopathic & Acupuncture and communicate that message more clearly to my patients and community.
On a more emotional level, “The Language of Emotions” by Karla McLaren taught me valuable tools for patient communication and trauma-informed care—something I apply daily in practice.
In terms of podcasts, I enjoy “Everyday Acupuncture” with Brian Weiss for its practical insights, and “The Naturopathic CEO” which offers real-world advice on growing a naturopathic business. “The Ultimate Health Podcast” also keeps me inspired and current with wellness trends.
For ongoing ideas and support, I frequently visit Acupuncture Today for clinical updates and industry news, and I love browsing Elana’s Pantry and Minimalist Baker for healthy recipes I can share with patients—or enjoy myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.balancendlac.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BalanceNDLAc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BalanceNDLAc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmengxiong
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancendlac
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/balance-naturopathic-and-acupuncture-clinic-mooresville
