Community Highlights: Meet Shiloah Howard of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shiloah Howard.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a family of healers — my dad was a chiropractor and acupuncturist, my mom and sister practiced Ayurvedic massage, and my other sister eventually became a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner. Healing and holistic wellness were a natural part of my life from the very beginning.

My dad encouraged me to go to acupuncture school, and it turned out to be the best advice I ever took from him. Acupuncture allows me to combine science, intuition, and compassion in a way that helps people truly feel their best. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see patients leave feeling lighter, more balanced, and hopeful.

It’s also been a blessing to have the freedom to run my own business while staying flexible for my family’s needs. We really are a family business — my sister rents space in the clinic as a massage therapist, my husband and daughters help at events and pitch in when needed, and our staff and providers have become like extended family.

Every day I feel grateful to do what I love, surrounded by people who share the same passion for helping others heal.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — like most small business owners, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Starting out, I had to learn how to balance the art of healing with the realities of running a business — managing schedules, marketing, insurance billing, and all the behind-the-scenes details that come with it.

There were times when growth felt slow, or when unexpected changes — like shifting healthcare regulations or economic ups and downs — made things uncertain. And as a mom and business owner, finding that balance between caring for my patients and caring for my family has been an ongoing lesson.

But every challenge has helped me grow stronger and more grounded. I’ve learned to trust the process, lean on my community, and stay centered in the “why” behind what I do — helping people feel better and live healthier lives. Those moments of connection and healing always make the hard days worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Acupuncture and Natural Medicine Center, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Center, we specialize in helping people feel their best through acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, and other natural healing methods. Our focus is on treating pain, stress, anxiety, and overall wellness — helping patients restore balance in both body and mind.

What sets us apart is the atmosphere of warmth and genuine care that people feel the moment they walk through our doors. Healing isn’t just about needles or protocols; it’s about connection, trust, and creating space for people to feel heard and supported. We tailor each treatment to what their body needs that day.

We’re also proud to be a true family business — my sister provides massage therapy in the same space, and my husband, daughters, and staff all contribute to keeping the clinic running smoothly. That sense of family extends to our patients, too. Many of them have been coming to us for years and feel like part of our extended community.
Our goal is to make holistic healthcare accessible, comfortable, and personalized for everyone who walks in.

If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that acupuncture isn’t just for pain — it’s for overall wellbeing. Whether someone’s looking for stress relief, better sleep, hormone balance, or just a sense of calm, we’re here to help them feel their best naturally.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
A lot of people wonder if acupuncture hurts — and the short answer is, it usually doesn’t. The needles are very thin, much thinner than typical medical needles, and most people feel little more than a tiny pinch or a slight pressure when they’re inserted. Some patients even describe it as relaxing or calming once the needles are in place and often fall asleep. We call this an ‘Acu-Nap’.

Acupuncture is designed to be gentle and precise, and I always work with each patient to make sure they’re comfortable. The goal is healing, not discomfort — and most people leave feeling relaxed, balanced, and lighter than when they came in.

Another thing that surprises people is that insurance often covers acupuncture for pain, making it more accessible for those looking for natural relief.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://FrederickAcu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiloah.howard.lac/