Here at Acupuncture of Iowa we are dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients. This has lead us to become very creative and integrate many diverse techniques. In order to do this, we have developed a style which combines the best of Japanese and Chinese acupuncture styles.

• Japanese acupuncture has become very popular in the US, for several reasons. Firstly, because it is painless. Secondly, because it is very precise and very effective. Japanese acupuncture tends to be more subtle than Chinese techniques, uses thinner needles, and is much less painful. Additionally, abdominal palpation is a hallmark of Japanese acupuncture as it gives a very accurate picture of what is going in the body.
• Master Tung style acupuncture is also used here. It is an ancient method from China which is usually not taught in acupuncture schools. It uses a series of reflex areas to correct alignment of the body and control pain very effectively. This method is great for orthopedic cases, as well as internal medicine. These acupuncture points are used with Japanese needle technique, making it comfortable for the patient.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM style acupuncture is also used in the clinic. This is the approach most often used by American acupuncturists and is the standard method taught in US schools. It is the foundation of our training and our National Board Exams are based largely on this theory. This is the method of acupuncture that was developed in China at the time of the Cultural Revolution. Acupuncturists were brought together to choose a method that was an amalgamation of many people's personal styles. This enabled the training of the thousands of acupuncturists that were needed to go out to the countryside and treat the newly dispersed population with low tech, low cost medical care. Though it is called traditional chinese medicine, it is actually more of a modern approach.

The majority of acupuncture points used are in the hands and arms, feet and legs, ears, and head. Secondarily we will use points in the area of pain such as low back or shoulder. The points in the extremities are powerful and effective and form the core of your treatment. The acupuncturist will choose the acupuncture method that they think will be the most productive for your particular case. They might choose from several styles and techniques.