The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) is expanding clinical services at St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic to include acupuncture, introducing an integrative treatment option for patients with limited access to specialized care.
The program offers acupuncture as an approach to managing chronic pain and other conditions, particularly among uninsured and underserved populations.
Acupuncture services at the clinic are led by Wei-Chen “Miso” Lee, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, and Hasan Yasin, MD, assistant professor of clinical practice in the Department of Family Medicine and a specialist in integrative and behavioral medicine. The program was made possible through a grant from the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, marking the first time the organization has funded an acupuncture clinic.
St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic primarily serves uninsured patients, and the new service aligns with its mission to provide affordable care. Patients without insurance are not required to pay, and those with insurance can also receive treatment at no cost if their plans do not cover acupuncture.
Many patients seen at the clinic experience chronic pain related to physically demanding jobs or long-term conditions. Lower back pain, joint injuries, headaches, and sleep disturbances are among the most common concerns. For patients who have not found relief through medication or other primary care treatments, acupuncture provides an additional option.
Acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, focuses on restoring balance within the body. Thin needles are inserted at specific points to stimulate circulation, regulate the nervous system, and support natural healing processes.
“Some patients feel anxious at first, but acupuncture needles are extremely thin — about the width of a human hair — and are not designed to inject anything,” Yasin said. “Most patients feel little to no pain, and many become deeply relaxed during treatment.”
Treatments are minimally invasive. During an initial visit, providers review medical history, symptoms, sleep patterns, and pain characteristics. Needles are inserted shallowly and remain in place for about 20 minutes, with many patients relaxing or falling asleep during the session.
Lee and Yasin said acupuncture is intended to complement, not replace, conventional medical care. UTMB Health physicians have begun referring patients to the clinic as part of a coordinated approach to treatment.
“Western medicine often focuses on specific organs, while Chinese medicine views the body as a connected system,” Lee said. “When that system is in balance, the body is better able to heal.”
Yasin said acupuncture may be especially beneficial for patients with musculoskeletal pain and headaches, conditions commonly seen in clinical practice.
“Acupuncture expands the range of safe, evidence-informed options we can offer,” he said. “By integrating it with behavioral strategies, nutrition, movement, and conventional care, we can create a more comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment.”
For many patients, the goals are reduced pain, improved sleep, and an overall sense of well-being. Clinic leaders say those outcomes will be key measures of the program’s success.
The clinic offers weekly acupuncture sessions and plans to expand availability as demand grows.
Learn more about the services, or schedule an appointment at (409) 765-2242. The clinic is currently open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.