Island Acupuncture & Massage

Island Acupuncture opened its doors in 2001. We are committed to providing quality healthcare to our community and visitors. Island Acupuncture is the only healthcare practice in the Outer Banks that specializes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Therapeutic Massage. TCM is a family of traditional medical techniques, some of which are thousands of years old. We believe that the future of optimal health care lies in the integration of more traditional complementary approaches with modern western medical approaches.

Licensed Outer Banks Acupuncture

All acupuncture services are provided by State Licensed (NCALB) and nationally board-certified acupuncturist (NCCAOM). Our licensed acupuncturists hold a Master of Science Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and attended accredited acupuncture colleges in the United States.

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Outer Banks Massage Therapy

We also offer massage therapy. All massage therapy services are provided by state-licensed massage therapists. Our licensed massage therapists are all licensed by the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy.

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Island Acupuncture Testimonials

Our goal at Island Acupuncture is to relieve your symptoms and address the root cause of the problem in the most effective and timely manner possible.

“Wow!”

I wasn't sure if acupuncture would help my tennis elbow and shoulder problems, but just two days after my visit, my arm feels good as new. When Cheryl put the needles in my arm, I felt the nerves react so I was hopeful. I just didn't know that it would improve after one treatment, not to mention I haven't had any issues with my sciatica since I had the treatment. I will be back. Sooner than later.

Michele Y.
Richmond, VA
“Thank You!”

Your compassion and healing hands in helping me to regain my health. Giving up your lunch hour to squeeze me into your hectic schedule really meant so much! Bill was right when he said that you make people feel better just by being you!! I am so thankful you use your talents, and knowledge to help so many people, including me!!

Gina M
Point Harbour, NC
“Absolutely amazing!”

Never been a huge fan of massages. But as a regular gym goer I needed to give my muscles a restart. Stacy did an amazing job and made me feel comfortable the whole time. I will be coming back and highly recommend.

Mackenzie W.
Erwin, NC
“Thank you for saving my Vacation!!!”

Last Tuesday when i left your office, I was 80% better, as the days went on my pain continued to decrease. By Friday i was 95%!! I feel so fortunate having met you and sincerely appreciate your kindness and gentleness!!

Elizabeth S
Ohio

Island Acupuncture FAQ

 
Acupuncture is a deeply relaxing and transformative healing art. Acupuncture serves as a powerful tool for accessing your body’s unique and innate ability to heal itself. At Island Acupuncture we focus on 3 priorities. The first priority is to relieve your pain or symptom. The second is to address the root cause. The third priority, and sometimes the most important, is a preventative, wellness or maintenance program. Stress is one of the major causative factors in many illnesses and diseases. One of the many ways acupuncture works is by strengthening the body and lessening the impact of stress on the body. Within our final goal we work together to decide what kind of program will help you maintain your new level of health and wellness.
 
We typically recommend new patients begin with a brief course of treatment consisting of 3 to 5 acupuncture treatments over the course of 2 to 3 weeks. In most cases there is a noticeable improvement in the patient’s condition within the first few treatments. This is the first stage of care. During this time you will have a chance to experience acupuncture. We will have a chance to work with you and closely monitor your improvements and evaluate the efficacy of your care. We like to see functional improvement in any symptom you may present within 3 to 5 treatments. You may benefit from further treatment, but the initial treatments will give us an idea of our goal for the second priority in your care. It is common to experience a gradual, noticeable improvement in one’s overall health as the treatments progress.
 
Your first acupuncture treatment will begin after an evaluation has been preformed. Sterile, disposable (filiform) needles are placed on strategic points throughout the body. As the needles are placed patients often experience a numbing, tingling, warming, or radiating sensation. Typically 10-20 needles are used for an adult treatment. Once all the needles are in place you will lay comfortably for 20-30 minutes. Many people feel such a deep sense of relaxation that they fall asleep during their treatment. During and/or after the acupuncture therapy, other adjunct techniques may be used. These include, electro acupuncture, cupping, moxabustion, tui na, or therapeutic massage. The need for herbal therapy, nutritional counseling, and self care education is assessed with each visit. Your practitioner may give you an herbal formula to take, or provide dietary recommendations.
 
You can email us at islandacupunctureobx@gmail.com or you can call us at 252-449-8122. If you have scheduled an appointment, please print and fill out our intake form and bring it with you. We usually see patients by appointment only. If you’re lucky, we could squeeze you in as a walk in, but our best advice is to make an appointment in advance.
 
When you come for your appointment, make sure you are well hydrated starting earlier that day but don’t drink a lot of water right before you come in; some say “acupuncture makes you pee”. Wear loose fitting clothes, as most major acupuncture points are from the knees and elbows down plus the abdomen and back. You will be amazed. Treatment results in therapeutic healing, deep relaxation, and harmonic balance, quickly and effectively.
 
The short answer is no, the long answer is maybe. It doesn’t necessarily hurt, as much as it creates an odd sensation at the site of insertion. And if you do feel anything, it should go away as quickly as it came. The needles are very, very thin, maybe slightly larger than a coarse piece of hair. Its not at all what you would imagine and, again, treatment results in therapeutic healing, deep relaxation, and harmonic balance, quickly and effectively.
 
If you have any questions or concerns about seeking this form of medical therapy, please feel free to call us. We will do our best to provide you with information about our experience in treating your particular ailments.