Acupuncture Services
Acupuncture Services FAQ
If you’re tired of waking up stiff, dealing with constant headaches, or feeling stressed and tight all the time — you’re not alone.
Many people in West Des Moines come to us after trying medications, massage, or other treatments that only provided short-term relief.
Acupuncture is a natural therapy that uses very thin, sterile needles to help reduce pain, calm the nervous system, and support your body’s recovery process.
At Ashworth Chiropractic, we provide acupuncture in West Des Moines for people struggling with:
If you’re looking for a safe, drug-free option that focuses on long-term improvement — acupuncture may be worth exploring.
We proudly serve patients in West Des Moines and surrounding communities who want real solutions, not temporary fixes.
How Acupuncture Works at Ashworth Chiropractic
Acupuncture works by resetting the parasympathetic nervous system — the state where your body rests, digests, and repairs itself.
This shift happens physiologically — it doesn’t require belief, and it can’t be consciously overridden. Ancient Chinese practitioners mapped these points over thousands of years without knowing the underlying mechanism. The observations were accurate. What we now understand is that the mechanism is neuroscience, not mysticism.
That’s why acupuncture helps with far more than pain. Sleep, digestion, hormonal balance, immune function, and fertility all improve when the nervous system is finally given permission to recover. Anything your body needs to heal — it heals better in a parasympathetic state.
For a deeper look at the research: The autonomic nervous system and acupuncture efficacy | Acupuncture and gut neuromodulation — PubMed
What to Expect During Your Treatment
Your first appointment begins with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, and goals. This allows us to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
During treatment:
Some people notice changes quickly, while others experience gradual improvement over several visits. Our goal is steady, sustainable progress — not temporary relief.
If you feel nervous about needles, we’ll walk you through every step before beginning.
Acupuncture vs. Dry Needling
While both techniques use thin needles, they serve different purposes.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture focuses on supporting overall nervous system balance and may help with pain, stress, headaches, and sleep concerns.
Dry Needling
Dry needling targets tight muscle knots (trigger points) that cause localized pain or restricted movement. It is commonly used for muscle spasms, sports-related tension, and stubborn tightness.
In some cases, combining acupuncture and dry needling allows us to address both overall stress patterns and specific muscle pain for a more comprehensive approach.
Does Acupuncture or Dry Needling Hurt?
It’s one of the most common questions we hear — and it’s completely understandable.
Acupuncture Sensation
Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine — far smaller than the needles commonly used for shots or blood work.
Most patients describe the sensation as:
- A brief light pinch
- Mild pressure
- Or sometimes nothing at all
Many people feel deeply relaxed during treatment, and some even fall asleep.
If you’re feeling unsure about needles, we’ll talk you through what to expect and stay attentive throughout the session to keep you comfortable.
What About Dry Needling?
Dry needling can feel slightly different because it targets tight muscle knots (trigger points).
You may feel:
- A quick muscle twitch
- Mild soreness in the area
- Temporary tenderness after treatment
The sensation is usually brief and tolerable.
We adjust our technique based on your comfort level and always prioritize clear communication during your visit.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If pain, stress, or tight muscles are starting to interfere with your daily life, it may be time to explore a different approach.
Scheduling your first visit at Ashworth Chiropractic in West Des Moines is simple. We’ll start with a conversation about your symptoms and goals — no pressure, no obligation.
If acupuncture or dry needling is right for you, we’ll create a plan tailored to your comfort level and recovery goals.
You don’t have to keep managing discomfort on your own.
Coordinated Care, Under One Roof
Chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy are coordinated under one roof with the rest of your treatment plan rather than operating in isolation. Schedule your appointment to get started.
Meet Dr. Matthew Wilson, DC
Dr. Matthew Wilson is a skilled chiropractor at Ashworth Chiropractic specializing in acupuncture and dry needling.
Driven by a commitment to holistic wellness, Dr. Wilson blends his comprehensive education with practical experience to provide patients with effective, long-term solutions for pain relief and improved health.
Education & Certifications
- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from Palmer College of Chiropractic.
- Certified in Dry Needling and International Chiropractic Acupuncture (FIACA).
- Graston M1 Certified for soft tissue techniques.
Experience & Approach
Dr. Wilson has treated thousands of patients using acupuncture and dry needling to address conditions like chronic pain, muscle tension, and sports injuries. His treatments are personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs, focusing on both immediate relief and long-term wellness.
Why Choose Dr. Wilson?
With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Wilson is dedicated to providing holistic care that helps restore balance and supports the body’s natural healing processes. He is committed to ongoing learning, ensuring that he stays informed about the newest techniques and advancements in chiropractic care.
Dr. Wilson’s Office Hours
Monday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2pm – 6 pm
Tuesday
2pm – 6pm
Wednesday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2 pm – 6 pm
Thursday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2pm – 6 pm
Friday
8:30 am – 1 pm
Health Care Coverage
Most Insurance Carriers including BCBS PPO and Medicaid