Outpatient Clinic & Surgical Services

Acupuncture

Valerie Stallbaumer, LAc, MSOM

Specialty: Acupuncture - procedure used in or adapted from Chinese medical practice in which specific body areas are pierced with fine needles for therapeutic purposes, to relieve pain or produce regional anesthesia.

Certified by: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Joined Story Medical team in: 2000

Affiliated with: Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health, Ames, Iowa

Hours:

Monday: 9:00am - 6:00pm (at Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health)
Tuesday: 1:00pm - 6:00pm (at Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health)
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm (at Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health)
Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm (at Story Medical Clinic - Natural Health)
Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm (at Story Medical Clinic - South Campus)

Education & Accomplishments: Valerie is a 1975 graduate of Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She received her Masters Degree at the University of Oregon in 1985 in biology and teaching.  She graduated from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine with a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine in 1997.  Valerie has clinic locations in Nevada and Ames.

Common Procedures Done at Story Medical:

• Acupuncture
• Oriental Medicine
• Nutritional & Lifestyle Consultation

Additional Information

What is Oriental Medicine?

This health care practice has been used for over 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 woks 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 years in accredited colleges and complete an internship program.  They must pass a national exam and be licensed by the state.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

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 a person's life can affect the quality of their energy - accidents, emotional stress, poor diet, and more.  The needles activate your body's natural methods of healing resulting in balanced, smooth flowing energy.

Will It Fix My Problem?

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have both indicated that many types of health problems can be helped with acupuncture.  Such conditions include: arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, back or neck pain, knee or elbow pain, muscle aches, tooth pain, sprains and fibromyalgia.

Other conditions include: hypertension, insomnia, nausea, depression, addictions, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux, immune system problems, allergies, constipation, headaches, menopause, menstrual problems, stress and infertility.

Acupuncture is used all over the world for a variety of health problems.  It can also be used as a preventative health care practice.  Many people get regular treatments.

What Is A Treatment Like?

The first visit lasts one and a half hours.  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.  Finally, 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 visits last about one hour.  Sometimes other techniques may be used such as cupping, electrostimulation 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 heavy or energy demanding activities.

The number of treatments required to correct you problem will depend on how long you have had the problem, as well as your general health condition.  Some people do well with only three to four treatments; others may require 10-12 treatments.

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 that they usually do not feel the needles.  At worst, the insertion of an acupuncture needle may feel like a mosquito bite.

How Much Does It Cost?

The 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.