How Acupuncture Heals

Naturopathic Acupuncture is a technique where fine needles are inserted into the skin to treat a variety of health concerns. Using a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach, Dr. Stummer, ND identifies symptoms and imbalances in organ systems to create a personalized treatment plan. Acupuncture supports the body's natural ability to heal and encourages a return to balance and alignment.

Acupuncture needles are gently inserted into the upper back to promote muscle relaxation and restore energy balance.

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous and organ systems, triggering the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical shifts may activate the body’s innate healing processes and promote both physical and emotional well-being. 

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Pain Management (chronic or acute)

• Fertility support (female and male)

• Osteoarthritis and joint pain

• Disorders of the Nervous System 

• Insomnia and sleep disturbances

• Allergies and sinus issues

• Mental health support: Anxiety, depression, stress-related conditions

• Migraines and headaches

• Menopausal symptoms and menstrual disorders

• Digestive concerns (e.g., bloating, IBS, nausea)

• Immune support and fatigue

• Hormonal imbalance, metabolic concerns (e.g., diabetes, thyroid concerns) 

Additional Offering:  Electroacupuncture

Enhancing Acupuncture’s Effect on the body

Electroacupuncture is a technique where electrical currents are gently applied to acupuncture needles to enhance stimulation of targeted points. It is commonly used to reduce pain, relieve muscle tension, and support nerve and tissue healing more effectively than traditional acupuncture alone.

Electroacupuncture is an advanced technique and modern variation of traditional acupuncture that involves applying gentle electrical currents to acupuncture needles after they are inserted into specific points on the body. This technique enhances the therapeutic effects of standard acupuncture by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue more intensely and consistently.

It is commonly used to:

• Relieve chronic pain (e.g., back pain, arthritis, sciatica)

• Improve nerve function and blood flow

• Support inflammation reduction

• Promote healing after injury or surgery

• Help manage conditions like neuropathy, migraines, and stress-related disorders

The electrical stimulation mimics the body’s natural bioelectric signals, making electroacupuncture particularly effective for conditions involving nerve damage, muscle tension, or poor circulation. It works by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, modulating nerve activity, and releasing endorphins and other neurochemicals that block pain signals. Sessions are generally well tolerated and may produce a tingling or pulsing sensation at the needle sites.

Additional Offering: Auricular (Ear) acupuncture is a powerful healing technique that involves stimulating specific points on the ear to influence the entire body. Based on the concept that your entire body is mapped onto your ear, this microsystem can address pain, stress, inflammation, digestion, addiction/smoking cessation, pain and more through tiny needles or seeds placed on targeted ear points. Dr. Stummer, ND is trained in auricular therapy as part of a holistic approach. It’s a gentle, non-invasive tool that can enhance other treatments and promote rapid relief for: physical, emotional, and neurological balance.

Your Entire Body is Represented on Your Ear

This image is an auricular acupuncture chart showing the musculoskeletal reflex points mapped onto the ear. It illustrates how different areas of the ear correspond to specific parts of the body—such as the spine, limbs, joints, and face—allowing NDs to target pain and dysfunction throughout the body by stimulating precise ear points.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have their roots in ancient China, dating back over 2,000 years. Grounded in the philosophy of balancing the body's vital energy, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), TCM is based on the concept that health is achieved through harmony between Yin and Yang and the smooth flow of Qi through pathways called meridians.

Acupuncture, a core component of TCM, involves inserting fine needles into specific points along these meridians to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Historically developed through observation of nature, the human body, and clinical experience, acupuncture has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. Today, it is widely practiced globally as a complementary therapy known for its minimal side effects and holistic benefits.

Restore your balance, relieve your pain, and feel like yourself again — one needle at a time. Book your acupuncture session today with Dr. Stummer, ND and experience the healing power of ancient medicine, with a modern touch.