Former Petersburg resident, Jasmin Jones, moved back to town to open an acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine clinic earlier this month. Jones most recently worked as an acupuncturist on a cruise ship line based out of Spain. She also practiced acupuncture for several months in Nepal.

Jones earned a master's degree in Chinese Medicine and Herbology from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City and San Diego.

"What acupuncture does from the Western point of view, which is what I think most people can understand, is that when the needle goes in it increases the white blood cell count and the immune response and increases circulation," Jones said.

She said the ancient form of healing is used to treat everything from depression and anxiety to arthritis and common cold symptoms.

According to the practice, there are 365 points in the body where needles could be inserted, depending on the individual's need.

"The needles are very thin," Jones said. "About ten of them fit into one hypodermic needle. It goes in very quick."

Jones will provide other services including massage, herbal remedies and Devil's Club and seaweed wraps.

"With Chinese medicine, it's based on an ancient view of the body where everything is connected, everything affects the other thing," Jones said.

The clinic is located on Gjoa Street and South Nordic Drive above Petersburg-Wrangell Insurance and next to the hair salon.