Story Medical Clinics - Natural Health
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Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health
431 S. Duff
Street Suite B
Ames, Iowa 50010
Phone:(515) 232-2979
Fax:(515) 232-2979 (Attn: Valerie Stallbaumer)
Driving Directions
Hours:
Monday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday:
9:00am - 12:00pm
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Clinic History:
Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health was opened in 2006 by Story County
Medical Center to meet the ever growing demand for natural health services
across Story County. Valerie Stallbaumer, Story Medical's licensed
acupuncturist, has been working out of various locations in Ames and out of
Story Medical's Outpatient Clinic since 2000. Now she has her own location
at Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health, which also houses a licensed
massage therapist.
Billing Information:
An acupuncture initial treatment, which includes health history intake
and diagnosis, costs $88. Follow up treatments cost $58. Considering
that acupuncture can often reduce the need for prescription pain relievers
and other medication, can eliminate the need for surgery, and can help
restore good health, it is a very cost-effective health option. Some
insurance programs cover acupuncture treatment, please check with your
insurance company before making an appointment.
Billing inquires regarding Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health in Ames
should be directed to (515) 382-7730.
Clinic Staff
Valerie Stallbaumer, LAc, MSOM
Valerie Stallbaumer is a state licensed acupuncturist practicing at Story
Medical Clinic- Natural Health in Ames.
She received her master degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from
the
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine
in Portland, Oregon, in June 1997. Prior to pursuing a complementary
medicine degree, she worked in research at the
Oregon Health Sciences University
of Portland. Valerie also has a Master of Science degree in biology,
chemistry and education from the
University of Oregon
and has taught science topics at the secondary level for eight years.
A chronic health problem led Valerie to the field of complementary
medicine and through various other alternative experiences such as:
reflexology, qi gong, visualization, jin shin do, tai chi, yoga and
nutritional adjustments. Through these experiences, she learned a more
balance lifestyle and diet that she still practices today.
Additional Information
Acupuncture works on the energy of your body. Health problems are caused
by energy being out of balance. If you have pain, it can be due to energy
being stuck, deficient, or in excess. Many events in people’s
lives can affect the quality of their energy - accidents, emotional stress,
poor diet, and more. The needles seem to activate your body's
natural methods of healing. Good health is where the energy is balanced and
flowing smoothly.
Does it hurt?
The needles are thin, sterile, stainless steel wires. They are not hollow
like hypodermic needles and do not contain medication. Most people say they
usually do not feel the needles. At worst, the insertion of an acupuncture
needle may feel like a mosquito bite.
Will it fix my problem?
The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have
both indicated that many types of health problems can be helped with
acupuncture. For example: arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis, back or neck pain, knee or elbow pain, other joint pains, muscle
aches, injuries, tooth pain, sprains, headaches, and fibromyalgia.
Other conditions that can be helped include: hypertension, insomnia,
nausea, depression, addictions, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric
reflux, immune system problems, allergies, stress, constipation, menopause,
menstrual problems, and infertility.
Acupuncture is used all over the world for a variety of health problems.
It also can be used as a preventive health care practice.
Many people get regular treatments.
What is a treatment like?
The first visit lasts more than an hour. The practitioner
will ask questions about your health history.
It is good to bring a list of medications you take and information on
any past surgeries or injuries. Pulses are felt on both
wrists. The tongue is viewed for shape and color.
Then a diagnosis is determined. Disposable,
sterile needles are inserted just under the skin and left for about 20-30
minutes. Most people feel relaxed and sleepy during a
treatment.
Follow-up treatments last about one hour. Sometimes other
techniques may be used such as cupping, electro-stimulation, gua sha, or
moxibustion. All are painless.
You should drink extra water after a treatment to help cleanse the body.
It is best to wait at least an hour or two after a treatment before
resuming any energy demanding activities such as aerobic exercise.
The number of treatments required to correct your problem will depend on
how long you have had the problem, as well as your general health.
Some people do well with only three to four treatments; others may
require 10-12 treatments or more.
What does it cost?
The initial visit, which includes health history intake, diagnosis, and
treatment, costs $88. Follow up treatments cost $58. If four follow-up
treatments are paid for all at once in advance, the cost is $55.00 per
treatment ($220 for the set of four visits).
Considering that acupuncture often can reduce the need for prescription
pain relievers and other medication, can eliminate the need for surgery or
speed post-surgery recovery, and can help restore good health, it is a very
cost-effective health option.
Payment is due at the time of treatment. A physician’s referral is not
needed. Some insurance programs cover acupuncture treatment. Please check
with your insurance company before making an appointment to ask if services
by a licensed acupuncturist are covered by your plan.
What is oriental medicine?
This health care practice has been used for more than 3,000 years.
It looks at the cause of problems and works to bring the body back to
good health. It is a holistic approach that works on the mind,
body, and spirit. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture,
herbs, massage, exercise, and diet advice - all methods that lead to a
balanced lifestyle.
Practitioners are trained for three to four years in accredited colleges
and complete an internship program. They must pass a national
exam and be licensed by the state.