Chronic stomach pain
A patient with years of chronic stomach pain had been told it was all in her head. Thermography found a back problem pinching a nerve that ran around to her stomach. After the source was treated, she is pain free.
Services and therapies
A fuller picture of how we care for you.
Midwest Acupuncture and Pain Treatment Center brings together traditional Chinese medicine, modern therapeutic tools, bodywork, and nutritional support. Explore each option, then talk with us about what may fit your body and your story.
How to use this guide
Every treatment below answers the same four practical questions, so you can compare options without having to decode clinic language.
Your practitioner will help shape the combination around your needs.
01 / Core therapy
Acupuncture
A time-tested practice that uses precise points to support the body's own healing processes.
What it is
Acupuncture originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and is one of the modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Fine, sterile, single-use needles are placed at specific points shown to be effective for specific health conditions. Modern electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points. The treatment is understood to activate the flow of energy that nourishes tissues, stimulate blood flow, and enhance the body's systems.
What it treats
Acupuncture may help with low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, frozen shoulder, sciatica, tennis elbow, arthritis, headaches and migraine, toothache, earache, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis, colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina, food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, stress incontinence, menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome, fibroids, depression, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, tinnitus, and stroke recovery support.
What a visit feels like
The needles are typically not much thicker than a strand of hair, and insertion is practically painless. You may not feel a needle at all, or you may notice a slight tingling. An area can also feel itchy, heavy, warm, or numb—similar to bumping your funny bone. For an acute condition, one to three treatments may be enough. For a chronic condition, expect around ten to twelve; a useful rule of thumb is roughly four treatments for every year you have had the condition. Come having eaten something light, rather than a full meal, and not when excessively fatigued, hungry, upset, or shortly after alcohol.
How we combine it
Acupuncture is most commonly paired with herbal medicine, electro-stimulation, laser, or TDP infrared. Your overall constitution and how closely you follow recommendations also play a major role, so your practitioner may suggest diet, lifestyle, exercise, or relaxation changes.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
02 / Acupuncture enhanced
Electro-stimulation
A gentle, rhythmic current adds steady stimulation to standard acupuncture points.
What it is
Electro-stimulation uses standard acupuncture points with a gentle, controlled electrical current to amplify the treatment's effect. It adds a steady rhythm to the points rather than relying on the needles alone.
What it treats
It is used especially for pain conditions, muscle tension, and tightness, and when stronger point stimulation may be helpful.
What a visit feels like
Needles are in place as with a normal acupuncture treatment. You feel a gentle pulsing or tapping at the points—noticeable but comfortable—and the intensity is adjusted to your tolerance.
How we combine it
Electro-stimulation is used alongside acupuncture and often paired with manual therapy when muscle tension is part of the picture.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
03 / Needle-free option
Therapeutic laser
Light-based therapy for damaged tissue, inflammation, circulation, and soft-tissue support.
What it is
Therapeutic laser uses light rays to penetrate and heal damaged tissue and restore it to normal function. The clinic's cold lasers are designed to decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and support the regeneration of cartilage and soft tissue.
What it treats
Laser therapy is used for a wide variety of conditions and is suitable for both adults and children.
What a visit feels like
The treatment is safe and painless, making it especially useful for patients who do not like needles. You simply receive the light-based treatment while the practitioner works on the area being addressed.
How we combine it
Laser is frequently used with acupuncture, acupoint stimulation, and manual therapy to enhance the overall treatment plan.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
04 / Restorative frequency
Calculated Frequency Therapy (CFT)
A comfortable, non-invasive treatment that lets you rest while a calculated frequency is pulsed into the body.
What it is
While you lie quietly on a mat, the precise calculated frequency for your condition is pulsed into your body to stimulate healing. No needles are involved.
What it treats
Targeted frequencies are used to address specific conditions and restore balance.
What a visit feels like
You rest on a mat while the treatment runs. The experience is calm and passive—there is nothing to do but relax.
How we combine it
CFT can be part of a combined plan, particularly when a patient wants effective treatment without needles.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
05 / Targeted support
Acupoint stimulation
Micro-doses of natural homeopathic remedies are delivered directly into selected acupuncture points.
What it is
Acupoint stimulation delivers micro-doses of natural homeopathic remedies directly into acupuncture points to support damaged tissue. It brings together elements of acupuncture and herbal medicine at the points where they are needed.
What it treats
It has broad applications and is especially helpful for pain conditions, with particular success in carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, muscle spasms, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.
What a visit feels like
The clinic uses comfortable equipment, so there is just a slight sensation of pressure. One condition is treated at a time, with about eight different points stimulated in a session. The effects of a single treatment work over four days, and each treatment builds on the last.
How we combine it
Acupoint stimulation can be combined with acupuncture, laser, or guasha.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
06 / Hands-on care
Manual therapy and bodywork
Hands-on techniques that release tension, move stagnation, and support circulation and the lymphatic system.
What it is
This family of care includes guasha, cupping, TDP infrared, lymphatic work, and muscle work. Guasha uses an oil and a flat scraping tool over the problem muscle area. Cupping creates a partial vacuum with heated cups placed on the skin. TDP Infrared Lamp Therapy uses a plate coated with a clay formation of 33 earth elements that emits infrared rays the body readily absorbs, helping increase circulation and loosen tight muscles.
What it treats
Manual therapy can help with muscle soreness and tightness, headaches, whiplash, muscle spasms, tension, low back pain, shoulder and leg pain, and general recovery. Guasha is excellent for headaches, whiplash, and muscle spasms. Cupping can help release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, and open the meridians for better flow of energy and circulation.
What a visit feels like
Guasha uses a scraping motion over the problem area. Deep red marks afterwards are typical where lactic acid has worked out of the muscle; drinking plenty of water and soaking in a whirlpool or Epsom salt bath can help clear them. In most cases, guasha is used once or twice for a single condition, and your practitioner decides if you are a candidate. Cupping feels warm with a gentle pulling sensation and lasts ten to fifteen minutes. The TDP lamp feels deeply warming and relaxing.
How we combine it
Guasha can be combined with acupuncture, laser, or acupoint stimulation. The TDP lamp is used alongside acupuncture, laser, and acupoint stimulation to enhance results.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
07 / Between-visit support
Herbal medicine and our herbal pharmacy
Individualized formulas that support the condition behind the symptoms and help care continue between visits.
What it is
Herbal medicine is the main modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the world's oldest continually practiced professional medicine, with a written history stretching back over 2,500 years. The clinic carries hundreds of traditional formulas in pill form, custom formulas, patent herbs for particular health complaints, and homeopathy. The formulas come from substances that are not synthesized or artificially manufactured, so they closely resemble the original plants.
What it treats
Formulas address the condition causing the symptoms, not just the symptoms. They are available for allergic and sinus problems, urogenital conditions, digestive problems, female concerns, stress, anxiety, and insomnia, among others.
What a visit feels like
Herbal prescriptions are written for you individually rather than selected from a shelf. Most people take herbs in pill form. Traditionally, they are taken as a decoction—boiled for around 45 minutes, strained, and drunk two to three times a day. Tinctures and powdered extracts are available when time or taste makes that difficult. Most formulas combine about six to twelve herbs.
How we combine it
Herbal medicine works alongside acupuncture as one of the core pillars of care and is often the piece that keeps progress going between visits.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
08 / Everyday foundations
Vitamins and nutritional support
Practical guidance and supplements chosen around your wellness, recovery, and nutritional needs.
What it is
Nutritional support includes a wide range of supplements and guidance tailored to your overall wellness and recovery. Where useful, recommendations are based on your own test results rather than guesswork.
What it treats
It supports general wellness and recovery, as well as specific deficiencies or imbalances identified through testing.
What a visit feels like
The visit is a conversation about what you are already taking and what you actually need, followed by clear, specific recommendations—not a sales pitch.
How we combine it
Vitamins and nutritional support can extend the results of acupuncture and herbal treatment, and recommendations are often guided by nutritional hair analysis.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
09 / A clearer baseline
Nutritional hair analysis
A laboratory report that maps mineral content and nutritional patterns over the period of your hair's growth.
What it is
We cut several hair samples and send them to a laboratory to analyze vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses, toxic metal accumulation, and nutritional imbalances. The complete report gives a blueprint of your body's biochemistry over the period of hair growth and development—usually your last three months—with a graph of mineral levels and ratios, dietary suggestions, and supplement recommendations. We review the report with you one-on-one.
What it treats
The analysis can reveal imbalances and problem areas related to aches and pains, low energy and fatigue, hair regrowth, ADD in children, fertility support when conception has been difficult, and weight-loss planning. Its customized food recommendations are based on your individual metabolism.
What a visit feels like
The test is quick and simple: hair samples are cut, then you receive a full written report and a one-on-one review. For best results, the clinic suggests following the report's recommendations for three months and then moving to a high-quality vitamin and mineral supplement. It is recommended every year or two.
How we combine it
The report directs supplement and nutrition recommendations, which in turn support your acupuncture and herbal care.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
10 / See the pattern
Thermography
Non-invasive imaging that shows thermal abnormalities, physiological change, and metabolic processes.
What it is
Thermography detects and monitors diseases and physical injuries by showing thermal abnormalities. Internal inflammation is vented through the skin, so patterns of heat and cold create a visual map that can help pinpoint the location and severity of problems. Unlike X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and MRI, which measure anatomy and structure, thermography shows physiological change and metabolic processes. White indicates the most severe inflammation, followed by red; black is the coldest and indicates nerve impingement. Breast health screening and equine thermography are also available.
What it treats
Thermography can help show whether leg pain is caused by a herniated disc or hip arthritis, reveal a nerve impingement causing a problem elsewhere in the body, and detect subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, including cancer, fibrocystic disease, infection, or vascular disease.
What a visit feels like
The scan is comfortable and completely non-invasive: you are imaged, and it is over. You receive a copy of your pictures with health issues circled and labelled, plus a printout listing identified conditions and things you can do to move toward optimal health. The clinic suggests a full body scan before treatment and a full body thermography scan yearly as part of regular health screening.
How we combine it
Thermography helps shape the whole treatment plan. It tells us where to start and helps us work on your entire system rather than symptom by symptom.
Patient stories
When a different picture changes the question.
Extreme Achilles tendon pain
A patient with extreme Achilles tendon damage and pain had been treated actively for two years without relief. Thermography showed a nerve impingement elsewhere affecting the tendon; earlier imaging could have saved her two years of treatment in the wrong area.
Fibrocystic breast disease
A patient with years of fibrocystic breast disease and numerous negative biopsies followed her thermography recommendations and is now free of fibrocystic breast disease.
A different answer for carpal tunnel
A patient about to have carpal tunnel surgery had thermography indicating tendonitis in the brachial plexus rather than carpal tunnel. He avoided unnecessary surgery and, after treatment, is now carpal tunnel free.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
11 / Whole-body care
Acupuncture facial rejuvenation
A gentle facial treatment with roots in Chinese Medicine and a whole-body point of view.
What it is
Acupuncture facial rejuvenation is an ancient art with roots in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture points on the face connect to internal organs through the meridians, so the treatment can benefit the whole body. When the internal organs are healthy and balanced, the face and neck can have a more youthful appearance.
What it treats
Fine lines and wrinkles may diminish, skin may become smoother, sagging jawlines may appear to tighten, hollow cheeks may fill out, and skin tone and color may improve. Many underlying health problems may improve as well.
What a visit feels like
The experience is a gentle facial acupuncture treatment. A course of treatments is typical rather than a single session.
How we combine it
Because it is as much a whole-body treatment as a cosmetic one, facial rejuvenation fits naturally alongside regular acupuncture care.
Wondering whether this belongs in your care plan? Start with a conversation at our Wausau office.
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