Orange County’s
Evidence-Based Acupuncture Clinic
Core Meridian Acupuncture serves patients across Orange County from our Newport Beach clinic. Over 20 conditions treated with research-informed protocols. Most major insurance plans accepted.
Core Meridian Acupuncture is an evidence-based acupuncture clinic in Newport Beach, California, serving patients throughout Orange County. Dr. Michael Adams, DACM, L.Ac., specializes in over 20 conditions including chronic pain, sciatica, anxiety, digestive disorders, fertility support, menopause, Bell’s palsy, tinnitus, TMJ, and long COVID recovery. The clinic accepts Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare. Patients visit from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Tustin, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and communities throughout Orange County. Concierge in-home acupuncture is also available. The clinic is located at 404 Westminster Ave, Ste 5, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Call 949-889-2209 or book online at coremeridian.janeapp.com.
Why Patients Across
Orange County Choose Us
Orange County has no shortage of acupuncture providers. Most operate as general wellness clinics, offering the same broad treatment approach regardless of what you walk in with. Core Meridian is different. Dr. Michael Adams built this practice around specialization depth: over 20 specific conditions, each with a distinct treatment protocol grounded in published clinical research.
That distinction matters. When you come in for sciatica, you get a protocol designed specifically for lumbar radiculopathy, not a generic pain template. When you come in for Bell’s palsy, you get motor point stimulation and electroacupuncture targeting the specific branches of the facial nerve that are affected. When you come in for anxiety, you get evidence-based auricular and body acupuncture protocols shown to modulate the autonomic nervous system.
This is why patients drive from across Orange County to see Dr. Adams, even when there is a closer acupuncture clinic to their home. Specialization produces better outcomes, and better outcomes mean fewer total sessions to reach your treatment goals.
Research-Informed Protocols
Every treatment protocol at Core Meridian is built on published clinical evidence. Dr. Adams continuously reviews the acupuncture research literature and integrates findings into patient care.
20+ Condition Specializations
From neurological conditions like Bell's palsy and neuropathy to hormonal health, fertility, chronic pain, and mental health. Each condition has its own dedicated treatment approach.
Insurance Accepted
Core Meridian is in-network with Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know exactly what to expect.
Doctorate-Level Training
Dr. Adams holds a DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine), the highest clinical degree in the field. This advanced training matters for complex and chronic conditions.
Acupuncture for Every
Corner of Orange County
Our Newport Beach clinic sits at the geographic heart of coastal Orange County. Wherever you are in OC, quality acupuncture care is a short drive away. Select your city below for driving directions and local information.
Costa Mesa
Our closest neighbor. Costa Mesa patients are just a short drive down the 55 or along Newport Blvd. Many of our regular patients live in Costa Mesa and visit us on their lunch breaks or after work.
Acupuncture in Costa MesaIrvine
A straight shot west on the 73 or the 405. Irvine residents looking for acupuncture outside the standard corporate clinic model find a different experience at Core Meridian.
Acupuncture in IrvineHuntington Beach
Head south on PCH or take the 55 to the 73. Huntington Beach patients appreciate the easy access and the ability to combine a clinic visit with time at the coast.
Acupuncture in Huntington BeachLaguna Beach
A scenic drive up the coast on PCH. Laguna Beach patients often prefer our Newport Beach location over driving into larger medical complexes further inland.
Acupuncture in Laguna BeachTustin
Take the 55 south directly to our clinic. Tustin patients find that the drive is worth it for the specialization depth that a focused acupuncture practice provides.
Acupuncture in TustinLake Forest
South on the 5 to the 73, or take the 133. Lake Forest patients who need treatment for complex conditions benefit from working with a specialist rather than a generalist.
Acupuncture in Lake ForestMission Viejo
Down the 5 or the 73. Mission Viejo patients dealing with chronic pain, neurological conditions, or fertility challenges make the drive for the targeted protocols that general acupuncture clinics do not offer.
Acupuncture in Mission ViejoNewport Beach:
Central to All of OC
Our clinic at 404 Westminster Ave in Newport Beach sits at the intersection of the 55, 73, and PCH, making it one of the most accessible locations in Orange County. Patients from Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach can reach us in under 20 minutes. Even patients from south county cities like Lake Forest and Mission Viejo are typically here in 25 minutes or less.
We also serve patients from north Orange County communities including Anaheim, Fullerton, Orange, Garden Grove, and Fountain Valley. While the drive is longer, patients with complex or chronic conditions often find that working with a specialist who has deep experience in their specific issue is worth the extra time on the road.
For patients who prefer not to drive, or who have mobility limitations that make clinic visits difficult, Core Meridian offers concierge acupuncture throughout Orange County. Dr. Adams brings the same evidence-based protocols directly to your home, office, or preferred location.
Finding the Right
Acupuncturist in OC
Orange County has hundreds of licensed acupuncturists. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. If you are dealing with general stress or wellness maintenance, proximity and convenience may be the most important factors. But if you are managing a specific medical condition, the practitioner’s training, specialization, and treatment approach matter more than distance.
When evaluating an acupuncturist in Orange County, consider these factors: Do they have experience with your specific condition? Do they hold a doctorate (DACM) or a master’s-level degree? Do they accept your insurance? Can they explain the research supporting their treatment approach? Are they transparent about expected outcomes and timelines?
At Core Meridian, Dr. Adams answers all of these questions during your initial consultation. There is no pressure and no long-term commitment. If acupuncture is not the right fit for your situation, he will tell you directly and refer you to someone who can help.
Specialized Protocols for
Over 20 Conditions
Every condition at Core Meridian has its own dedicated treatment protocol, built on published clinical research and refined through years of clinical practice. Here are some of the most common reasons Orange County patients seek us out.
Not sure if acupuncture can help your condition? Contact us and Dr. Adams will let you know.
Dr. Michael Adams
DACM, L.Ac.
Dr. Adams is the founder and sole practitioner at Core Meridian Acupuncture. He holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine (DACM) and maintains active licensure in California. His practice focuses exclusively on conditions where acupuncture has strong clinical evidence, and he is committed to honest communication about what acupuncture can and cannot do for each patient.
When you visit Core Meridian, you work directly with Dr. Adams at every appointment. There are no rotating practitioners and no handoffs to junior staff. This continuity of care allows him to track your progress closely and adjust treatment as your condition evolves.
Transparent Costs,
No Surprises
Core Meridian is in-network with most major insurance providers in Orange County. We accept Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare. Before your first visit, we verify your benefits and let you know your expected out-of-pocket cost. Many patients pay little to nothing per session after insurance.
For self-pay patients, we offer straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Visit our pricing page for current rates. We also offer concierge care for Orange County patients who prefer the convenience and privacy of in-home acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture in Orange County
Is there a good acupuncturist in Orange County?
Core Meridian Acupuncture in Newport Beach is one of the top-rated clinics serving Orange County. Dr. Michael Adams holds a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine and specializes in over 20 conditions with evidence-based protocols. The clinic accepts most major insurance plans including Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare.
How much does acupuncture cost in Orange County?
Acupuncture costs in Orange County typically range from $80 to $200 per session depending on the provider and treatment complexity. At Core Meridian, many patients pay little to nothing out of pocket because Dr. Adams is in-network with major insurers. Self-pay rates are listed on our pricing page.
Does insurance cover acupuncture in Orange County?
Yes. Most major health insurance plans now cover acupuncture in California. Core Meridian accepts Kaiser, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, and Medicare. Coverage varies by plan, so we verify your benefits before treatment begins to eliminate surprises.
What conditions can an acupuncturist treat?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions including chronic pain, sciatica, migraines, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, fertility support, menopause symptoms, Bell's palsy, tinnitus, TMJ, carpal tunnel, neuropathy, long COVID, and addiction recovery. Core Meridian has dedicated treatment protocols for over 20 conditions.
Can I get acupuncture at home in Orange County?
Yes. Core Meridian offers concierge acupuncture for patients throughout Orange County who prefer treatment at home. This is ideal for patients with mobility limitations, packed schedules, or those who simply prefer a private setting. Contact the clinic to learn about concierge care availability in your area.
Location
404 Westminster Ave, Ste 5
Newport Beach, CA 92663
949-889-2209
Hours
Tuesday: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
2nd & 4th Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Parking
Free parking available directly in front of the clinic. The Westminster Ave location is easy to find and accessible from all major Orange County freeways including the 55, 73, and PCH.
Ready to start treatment?
Book a new patient visit with Dr. Adams. Serving all of Orange County from Newport Beach.