Acupuncture is one of the oldest practices of Chinese medicine, but it plays an important role for many people today. In Dubuque alone, there are six licensed acupuncturists, and people seek treatment to treat pain as well as to manage or prevent a wide range of other conditions.
“Western medicine focuses on treating symptoms,” said Joel Thielen, licensed acupuncturist and owner of Elements Acupuncture. “Acupuncture is holistic, functional medicine that focuses on the causes of the problems and integrates traditional medicine with the principles of Chinese medicine.”
Acupuncture is designed to promote healing and activate energy flow. People utilize acupuncture treatments for a variety of reasons, often for pain relief in all parts of the body. Sessions can address arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle pain, and acute/chronic pain issues.
“I credit acupuncture with saving me from back surgery,” said Meg Franck. “I had the MRI and was ready to set a date, then I did acupuncture and ‘viola.’ It was amazing.”
Pain is not the only condition that acupuncture addresses. Treatments are designed to help anxiety or depression, insomnia, digestive issues, fertility challenges, weight loss, stress management, menopause, PTSD, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Patients may start with acupuncture to relieve a certain ailment, then continue with it as a preventative measure.
“Fifteen years ago, I had night sweats and was not sleeping. I was not into Western medicine with its drugs, so I went to check out acupuncture,” said Angie Sigwarth. “Now I go every month or two to help move stagnant energy now that I’m well. Plus, I get to sit 15-20 minutes and Zen-out and relax!”
To read the remainder of this premium article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the Julien’s Journal September 2025 issue.Single issues are available in print at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the entire article for free in the digital version of the magazine.
Read Julien’s Journal, CHOICES For Fifty Plus and Tri-State Home TRENDS from the Comfort of Your Home!
Click to subscribe or call 563.557.7571 to subscribe for convenient delivery to your home or business by mail.
Comment here