When Westerners don't feel well, they often reach for a prescription instead of an herbal remedy. When all else fails, however, an increasing number of people are turning to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners like Michelle Rodriguez and Michelle Hamilton. And the two friends say they don’t mind being a “last resort” for their patients.

Licensed in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, Rodriguez and Hamilton say their methods can help any ailment.

“There are a lot of things that acupuncture can help with that people don’t realize. Menopause, infertility, sleep, your immune system, arthritis. Acupuncture is not just about pain,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton recently joined forces with Rodriguez, whose Marion business, Inside Out Acupuncture, opened in 2011. Rodriguez opened her new location on Front Street last October.

With mostly word of mouth advertising, Rodriguez said she quickly built up a base of patients at her old office on the corner of Route 6 and Point Road.

“They came and they got results,” she said.

Moving to her own space, Rodriguez hopes to expand her business and draw in new clients.

Inviting Hamilton, who will focus on custom herbal body treatments, facial acupuncture and Chinese body therapies, was a natural fit for the long-time friends.

Hamilton brings 10 years of experience as an acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner, and has a practice in Middleboro. With her business, The Herbal Retreat, she is focusing more on herbal medicine.

“I’ve always liked the topical application herbs,” she said. “For me, it was more what I went into acupuncture to do.”

Hamilton creates treatments that are customized for each patient, including treatments that reduce wrinkles, the appearance of cellulite and alleviate pain.

As an army veteran herself, Hamilton also specializes in working with veterans who struggle with PTSD and other issues related to their time in the service. She has a lot of experience working with children as well.

Rodriguez said she doesn’t specialize in one area, but has seen a lot of success with women dealing with infertility.

She and Hamilton have also treated patients with unusual ailments.

One woman came to Rodriguez after a medicine inexplicably left her with no sense of taste or smell. The patient had visited at least four specialists prior to seeing Rodriguez, but after her first acupuncture treatment, her senses began to return. She fully recovered after a series of treatments, said Rodriguez.

The traditional medicine movement is making converts of Western doctors too, said Hamilton. She and Rodriguez have seen an increasing number of doctors in their practices, many of whom also refer their patients for treatment.

While some still insist that traditional Chinese treatments are a placebo effect, Hamilton and Rodriguez know otherwise.

“People know they’re investing in their health, paying money for a natural way to get yourself better instead of becoming dependent on pharmaceuticals,” said Rodriguez.

Hamilton and Rodriguez are available by appointment and recommend prospective patients call to set up a consultation.

Their office is located at 368 Front St. To speak with Michelle Rodriguez of Inside Out Acupuncture, call 508-294-1526. To speak with Michelle Hamilton of The Herbal Retreat, call 508-344-6655.