Learn how malfunctioning organs, stagnant energy & stagnant blood effect your health.

Click on a question to learn more about Acupuncture.

How does Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine work?

Oriental Medicine recognizes 12 organs; the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, gall bladder, liver, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidney, pericardium, and the overall digestive tract. They produce blood and energy, which are the building blocks of proper body function. Blood flows in the blood vessels throughout the body. Energy flows on specific pathways throughout the body.

Physical, chemical, or emotional stressors can cause the organs to malfunction, blood to stagnate. The function and healing process of vital body parts are affected at this point and although extreme health problems have been observed, it is more often not noticed at all. If the condition is allowed to go untreated, the body will attempt to support the affected area, but as the problem increases, the area starts to degenerate.

The longer the condition is allowed to go untreated, the less chance there is for recovery. what began as a minor problem or discomfort may lead to irreversible damage.

What is the purpose of Acupuncture?

The purpose of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is to return the flow of energy and blood back to normal, and to reinstate optimal organ function. This will, in turn, restore function to the affected area and the body will begin to heal itself. If detected early, organ malfunction and blood and/or energy stagnation may respond well to Oriental Medicine with an excellent change for a complete and painless recovery.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

You may experience two sensations with Acupuncture: the insertion (which may feel like a mosquito bite) and the arrival of energy at the tip of the needle (which may feel achy, radiating, electric, or warm) all very good signs. Each person has a unique response.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Yes, in fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH) points out that "the occurrence of adverse events in the practice of Acupuncture has been documented to be extremely low."

Is there scientific evidence that Acupuncture works?

Yes. Acupuncture has not only survived the scrutiny of Western science and controlled double blind studies, it has been endorsed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus Committee for use as treatment for many health disorders. "The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies."

Do the results last or do I need to keep coming?

The goal in our clinic is to get to the root of the problem. This corrective care approach works on the removal or reduction of the cause of your problem allowing the relief or removal of the symptoms. To accomplish correction, your Acupuncturist analyzes your individual needs and develops a plan to help you reach this goal. Along the way, your Acupuncturist will check to see how your body is progressing and that the cause of your problem, if not completely eliminated, is well on it's way.

What health problems can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions:

• Addiction to Alcohol, Drugs or Smoking • Anxiety • Arthritis • Asthma
• Bronchitis • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Chronic Fatigue
• Colitis • Common Cold • Constipation • Dental Pain • Depression
• Diarrhea • Digestive Trouble • Dizziness • Dysentery
• Emotional Problems • Eye Problems • Facial palsy/tics
• Fatigue • Fertility • Fibromyalgia • Gingivitis • Headache
• Hiccough • Incontinence • Indigestion • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Low Back Pain • Menopause • Menstrual Irregularities • Migraines
• Morning Sickness • Nausea • Osteoarthritis • Pain • PMS
• Pneumonia • Reproductive Problems • Rhinitis • Sciatica
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) • Shoulder Pain • Sinusitis
• Sleep Disturbances • Smoking • Sore Throat • Stress • Tennis Elbow
• Tonsillitis • Tooth Pain • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Urinary Tract Infections
• Vomiting • Wrist Pain

What educational requirements do Acupuncturists need?

Currently, acupuncturists are required to complete 60-90 credit hours of undergraduate study. The acupuncturist then receives 3 to 4 years of comprehensive graduate training. All schools must be nationally certified and all acupuncturists must pass 5 national boards. Additionally, acupuncturists must meet strict guidelines to practice in every state. In Iowa, acupuncturists are governed by the Iowa Board of Medical Examiners.