Acupuncture in West Des Moines, IA at Ashworth Chiropractic & Wellness being performed by a licensed practitioner

Acupuncture Services

  • Traditional Acupuncture

  • Dry Needling

Acupuncture Services FAQ

Many first-time patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture can be. The needles we use are extremely thin, allowing for a gentle, minimally invasive treatment. Most people report little to no pain — at most a mild, momentary sensation.

Some patients become so relaxed and comfortable that they fall asleep during their session. Your comfort is always our priority, and we'll check in with you throughout treatment to make any adjustments needed.

Acupuncture supports your body's natural healing abilities, making it a versatile approach to improving health. It is used to address a wide range of concerns such as chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, and certain neurological conditions.

By focusing on restoring balance in the body, acupuncture promotes overall wellness and helps manage both physical and emotional health challenges.

Dry needling is used to target and ease muscle soreness and tightness by placing needles directly into trigger points — tight, tender spots in the muscles. This targeted approach helps ease localized discomfort and improve mobility.

Traditional acupuncture, by contrast, works to balance energy pathways throughout the body, supporting a broader range of physical and emotional well-being.

An acupuncture appointment typically lasts 30–60 minutes. Your exact treatment time depends on your health goals, the condition being treated, and whether additional therapies are included in your plan.

The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Factors like the type and severity of your condition, as well as how your body responds to care, play a role.

During your initial visit, we'll evaluate your needs and create a tailored plan with an estimated number of sessions to help you reach your goals.

Insurance coverage for acupuncture is becoming more common, but it depends on your policy and provider.

Coverage details:

  • Medicare: Only covered when performed by an MD, DO, or NP.
  • Other insurance policies: May be covered if your plan specifically allows treatment by a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc).

When covered, acupuncture is often limited to:

  • Chronic headaches or neck pain (lasting 12 weeks or longer)
  • Low back pain
  • Pregnancy-related nausea
  • Hip or knee pain from osteoarthritis
  • Nausea/vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
  • Post-operative dental pain or temporomandibular disorders (TMD)

Since coverage varies, your plan may not offer all of these benefits, making it important to check your policy for exact coverage details and any costs you might be responsible for. Our team can help confirm your benefits before you begin treatment.

Dealing with ongoing pain, stress, or stubborn health concerns that don't seem to improve? You're not alone—and the right kind of care can make a real difference.

At Ashworth Chiropractic, we offer acupuncture in West Des Moines, IA to help you feel better in a natural, proven way.

Many of our patients come to us after trying different treatments that didn't quite work. Whether you're managing chronic back pain, muscle tension, migraines, or anxiety, acupuncture may offer the relief you've been looking for.

We tailor every treatment to your unique needs—not just your symptoms—so you get care that supports your long-term health.

Located in West Des Moines and trusted by patients from nearby communities, our team is here to guide you toward balance, recovery, and lasting wellness.

How Acupuncture Works

At Ashworth Chiropractic, our acupuncture process starts with you. We begin every treatment in West Des Moines with a thorough evaluation of your health concerns, lifestyle, and goals.

From there, we create a customized plan designed to support your body's natural ability to heal—whether you're dealing with chronic pain, stress, or mobility issues.

What to Expect from Your Treatment

  • Needle Insertion

    We use ultra-fine needles placed at precise points on the body, called "nodes." These areas contain dense bundles of nerves and blood vessels.

    By stimulating these points, we encourage blood flow, release natural pain-relieving chemicals, relax tense muscles, and activate the body's healing systems.

    This process can support multiple systems in the body, including your nervous, immune, endocrine, and circulatory systems—helping restore balance and reduce discomfort.

  • Dry Needling

    This technique is ideal for relieving muscle pain and tightness. By targeting trigger points—those sensitive knots in your muscles—dry needling helps restore proper function and movement.

    While acupuncture focuses on the body as a whole, dry needling is more localized and is especially useful for myofascial pain and musculoskeletal conditions.

How It All Comes Together

Unlike chiropractic adjustments that focus on the central nervous system, acupuncture and dry needling stimulate the peripheral nervous system. This complementary approach promotes deep healing from multiple angles.

Our treatments aren't one-size-fits-all. They're collaborative. We work closely with you at every stage of your care plan—and your consistent participation plays a key role in the results you'll experience.

For most patients, the process is gentle and surprisingly comfortable. In fact, many hardly notice the needle insertion at all.

DOES IT HURT?

Many people in the US are initially skeptical of acupuncture because it is not well understood or there is a perception of pain with the process of treatment. Acupuncture is relatively painless and the practitioner and patient are in constant communication during the insertion of the very thin needles. Many times the patient does not even know the procedure is happening and often will fall asleep during treatment. Even those with an aversion to needles will find they have little to no issue with acupuncture treatment.

Dry needling should not hurt but sometimes can be mildly painful. The amount of pain is usually due to the experience of the practitioner doing the dry needling and the technique used. Chiropractors trained as acupuncturists tend to have a softer touch and perform more comfortable needling due to training and experience.

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here!

Our experts in chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy work as a team to provide holistic care that meets your specific needs. Book your appointment today and experience coordinated care.

Meet Brandi Van Meter, LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist in West Des Moines, IA

Brandi Van Meter is a Licensed Acupuncturist who completed her Master's training in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at the American Academy in Roseville, Minnesota, a school specializing in integrative health practices. She also holds a BA in Finance from the University of Northern Iowa. At Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture, she provides acupuncture treatments for pain relief, women's health concerns, stress, digestive issues, and overall wellness.

Before joining Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Brandi owned and operated a private acupuncture practice in Brookings, Oregon, for seven years. Her experience includes working with patients managing fertility challenges, menstrual concerns, and menopause symptoms. She adapts each treatment plan to the patient's needs, using techniques designed to improve comfort and promote better health outcomes.

Brandi works with patients of all ages and backgrounds in the West Des Moines community. If your goal is to use acupuncture to manage long-term pain, stress reduction, or specific health goals, she focuses on safe, effective, and individualized care.

Brandi's Office Hours

Monday 9am to 5:30pm
Tuesday 2:30 to 5:30pm
Wednesday 9 to 5:30pm
Thursday 9am to 5:30pm
Friday 9am to 1pm

Patient Success Stories & Reviews for Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Wellness Care in West Des Moines

Ashworth Chiropractic and Acupuncture has been great. Brandi is a very thoughtful, caring acupuncturist, who knows her points well to help address various combinations of situations. Acu has been a helpful support. Thank you so much!

Dorothy Hsu, via Google

Dr. Matt has done wonders for me and I recommend him highly – I can't say enough good things about him. Dr. Matt and staff are good people and will take great care of you.

Steve Q., via Google

The whole staff is very kind and professional and flexible. I'm very pleased with my experience I've had at the clinic. They offer massages along with acupuncture and they do a great job in both. They are very accommodating and easy to talk to..

Cindy L., via Google

I really love it here! They are very friendly and I feel Dr. Wilson is giving me great treatment! I also don't feel pressured into coming back too frequently. The adjustments are great! Great office!

Amy, via demandforce

I have acupuncture done with Brandi. She is very good at listening to me. I feel I've gotten better after a few treatments. My arm was numb and I had tingling sensation, but that's all gone now. Will keep going.

Lisa Rasmussen, via Google

Dr. Matthew squeezed me in on short notice and took very good care of me. He was very thorough and didn't just adjust me and let me walk out. Amazing experience here and the receptionist is a sweetheart.

Vanessa V., via Google

Dr. Matt and the entire staff have been GREAT! I went in for some issues I was having with my neck and back and Dr. Matt also helped me with some other issues I was having with my calf and shoulders that have made a HUGE improvement in my overall health and comfort.

I highly recommend using Dr. Matt!

Tyler, via Facebook

I have been here 3 times so far for acupuncture. Dr. Wilson is legit! He seems very knowledgeable and is friendly. He explained what we were going to do and why. He also talked about things I could do on my own to help myself! Which I definitely appreciate! The receptionist I dealt with was very nice as well! In my experience it did not hurt at all and Dr. Wilson made me feel comfortable. Obviously, I can only speak to my experience but I feel that acupuncture 100% works. I would/ will definitely go back! I really like this clinic! Highly recommend!

Lisa Young, via Google

First time getting acupuncture. Brandi was very thorough in explaining the process. Barely felt the needles which was good since I have a phobia of them.

Lisa McKinney, via Google

Very professional and in depth consultation. These people seem to genuinely care about people's health and progress.

Laura, via citysearch.com