Melissa Steger is a nationally board-certified acupuncturist and licensed massage therapist with over two decades of experience in integrative medicine. She helps patients find relief from pain, stress, and emotional imbalance through a whole-person approach that integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern therapeutic techniques.

   Melissa earned her B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Medical Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2002. After beginning her career in forensic psychology, she shifted her focus to healing work, completing certification in Neuromuscular Massage Therapy and earning licensure in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. In 2003, she opened her private practice in Georgetown, D.C., and has since worked extensively with patients often referred and trusted by physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and mental health professionals.

   Melissa specializes in TMJ and TMD dysfunction, cancer care support, and chronic pain management, including conditions such as frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet syndrome, piriformis syndrome, and referred pain patterns. She is an approved provider for HopeWorks of Howard County and has advanced training in trauma-informed bodywork, offering a safe and empowering space for healing.

   Driven by a deep understanding of the connection between mind and body, Melissa returned to school to earn her Master of Acupuncture from the Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia). She went on to achieve Board Certification as a Diplomate of Acupuncture. Practicing from the Five Element Acupuncture tradition, Melissa’s clinical philosophy emphasizes personalized care. She listens deeply to each patient’s story and designs treatment plans that address both physical symptoms and emotional well-being. Her key areas of expertise include:

• Acupuncture for TMJ / TMD pain

• Oncology acupuncture and cancer recovery support

• Chronic pain and injury rehabilitation

• Post-viral and immune system support

• Digestive health and stress-related conditions

• Women’s health (PMS, PMDD, fertility, perimenopause, menopause)

• Anxiety, depression, and stress management
   

As a dedicated mother and active community member, Melissa understands the real-world challenges her patients face. She believes that:

“Acupuncture is a way to nourish and strengthen your body so you can walk your path with a strong mind and resilient spirit.”

When she’s not in the clinic, Melissa enjoys researching East Asian medicine, weightlifting, kayaking, baking, reading, and keeping up with her teenagers’ busy lives.