What is medical acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in western medicine, who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty in practice. It represents the integration of classical acupuncture with modern medicine.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture states that there are two opposing and complementary forces that coexist in nature, Yin and Yang. These two forces regulate the flow of vital energy known as Qi (chee). When a person is in good health, Yin and Yang are balanced and the flow of Qi is smooth. When Yin and Yang are unbalanced, there are irregularities in Qi that lead to illness and disease.
The classical Chinese explanation is that Qi flows from a network of channels called meridians, which bring Qi from the internal organs to the surface. Along these channels, there are acupuncture points that can be stimulated to restore the proper flow of energy and correct the imbalance for healing.
Western medicine provides evidence that acupuncture activates the nervous system to release healing substances that change our perception of pain.
Dr. Nancy A. Lorenzini
Dr. Nancy Lorenzini (M.D.) graduated from Northwestern Medical School in Chicago in 1988. She completed her Anesthesiology residency in 1992 at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, then subsequently served in the Air Force as a staff anesthesiologist at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas until 1996. She currently practices anesthesiology with Linn County Anesthesiologists in Cedar Rapids.
Dr. Lorenzini completed her Medical Acupuncture coursework with the Stanford affiliated Helms Medical Institute and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture (DABMA). Furthermore, Dr. Lorenzini has expertise in auricular (ear) and scalp acupuncture with a particular emphasis in scientific evidence-based oncology (cancer) acupuncture.
Nancy has also been featured in Journeys Magazine
Treatments & details
What can medical acupuncture treat?
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Either on its own or in combination with other treatments, it can promote health and well-being, prevent illness, and treat a variety of medical conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of multiple conditions including digestive, respiratory, neurological, and muscular disorders.
Acupuncture has been found to be particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress, and emotional conditions.
How many treatments do I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, 1 to 2 treatments per week for several months may suffice. For acute problems, fewer visits are typically required. Seasonal visits are recommended for optimal health.
Your initial acupuncture visit will be 45 minutes to 1 hour (at a cost of $135) and the subsequent visits will be 30 to 45 minutes (at a cost of $110). Payment is expected at time of visit.
*Please note: we do NOT accept insurance; however, if your insurance does cover acupuncture treatments then we will provide you with the proper forms to submit to your provider.
Oncology
Cancer treatment supplementation:
Oncology acupuncture is a new field of research. Recent advances from published clinical trials have added evidence to support the use of acupuncture for management of symptoms such as pain, nausea & vomiting, radiation induced dry mouth, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and anxiety. These improvements in the quality of life can be beneficial for cancer patients and cancer survivors.
Patients of Helen G Nassif Community Cancer Center receive a reduced rate: call (319)-558-4876 for details
Testimonials
A great deal of our business comes from word of mouth and referrals. Therefore, we greatly appreciate patients taking time to share their experience with Lorenzini Acupuncture PLC.
★★★★★
Persistant Nerve Pain
“Last year I had major lumbar surgery followed by weeks of physical therapy. Both helped, but nerve pain in my legs persisted. At the suggestion of a friend I decided to try acupuncture and contacted Dr. Lorenzini.
Scheduling an appointment was easy. At the first appointment she went over my medical records and listened carefully to my background. She is very professional and very supportive.
After several treatments I can report improvement, not a cure, but moving forward. She regularly asks for feedback and checks on progress. I have confidence in her, not only because of her medical background, but also because of her integrated approach to treatment. I recommend her to those suffering from chronic pain.”
- Mary D.
★★★★★
Stress & Asthma
“Looked into Accupuncture for general stress reduction and asthma relief. Seemed like a reasonable approach and figured it was worth a try. But who to go to? Dr. Lorenzina being a Medical Doctor gave me the added assurance I was looking for. While I hoped for great results I really expected to end up with a vague outcome. Something like "I think it helps....". The results were anything but. There was a real true noticable improvement in both my stress level and asthma. I don't think I realized how stressed I was until I was so much less so. Have improved even more with subsequent treatments. Dr. Lorenzini is a true professional. She knows what she is doing, she lays out realistic expectations and does not overstate or over promise. I can't recommend her enough and am very grateful for her expertise.”
- Wayne T
★★★★★
Cancer REcovery
“Dr. Lorenzini played an active role in my recovery from cancer. Unfortunately, cancer patients deal with a myriad of discomforts but acupuncture was a key factor in managing pain and contributing to my recovery. Dr. Lorenzini was able to help control nausea and fatigue throughout the chemo process. She also helped with my overall recovery by using auricular (ear) treatments to help with anxiety, insomnia, and a general sense of well-being.
For me, after the treatments were over I struggled with extreme dry mouth and eyes. Dr. Lorenzini has been able to help alleviate some of these symptoms as well.
You can't just go once - it's a process but it really really helps!”
- Stacy H.
★★★★★
Bell’s Palsy
“I was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy and was able to make an appointment with Nancy within a couple of days. I saw her twice a week for 3 weeks and it made a significant difference in my healing process. My face is now back to normal and I would recommend Dr. Lorenzini to anyone looking for acupuncture and especially anyone who has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Nancy was very thorough and went above and beyond to look up information on Lyme disease as well as Bell's Palsy to be sure to give me the best treatment available. She is wonderful!”
- Katie C.
★★★★★
Chronic migranes
“I have had severe migraines for as long as I can remember. I decided to try out acupuncture as a means to rid me from the excess daily pain. It has been an amazing experience! I no longer have a daily migraine and between visits I have relief for 3-4 days before the migraine returns. Not only has my daily life pain level been given some relief but I have more energy because of it. I strongly recommend Dr. Lorenzini for acupuncture treatment for any migraine or headache pain that you have. I now have to take hardly any medication for pain except for maybe once a week when the treatment needs to be repeated instead of daily!”
- Emily B.
★★★★★
Parkinson’s Disease
“As a last resort to help manage muscle pain associate with Parkinson's, my 82 year old mother decided to try acupuncture. Her friends, neighbors and doctors all recommended Nancy Lorenzini. Because she is an anesthesiologist, mom had great confidence that Nancy would understand pain management, but could have never anticipated her extraordinary caring, calm demeanor, and deeply engaged healing. My mom's disease is complex and Nancy can easily work her way around that complexity. Of course, it also works! Her Parkinson's tightens up her muscles like a screwdriver, and after 30 minutes with Nancy, her whole body relaxes. It's a great feeling that mom is grateful for!”
- Ann O.
Our Location
We are located at 2701 First Ave SE, Suite 104 (downstairs).
Check out our location below!
