Before joining the Benessere, she kept a busy practice at an acupuncture and herbal clinic in Wausau, WI. She has successfully treated various internal medical conditions as well as pain and injury problems over five years.

Makiko is licensed to practice acupuncture in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In addition, she is a board certified herbalist and holds the Diplomate in Oriental Medicine certification (NCCAOM). She is also a certified practitioner of Advanced Constitutional Facial Acupuncture™. She continues to attend seminars and trainings to constantly improve her skills and knowledge. Makiko is a member of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of Minnesota.

“I really enjoy practicing this medicine. I hope to share the benefits of acupuncture and oriental medicine with you!”

How Does It Work?
Modern Western science has not yet been able to fully explain the mechanism of acupuncture. However, recent scientific research has succeeded in explaining that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system, which in turn initiates the release of various bio-chemicals and hormones. Those chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin affect the body’s own regulatory functions.

According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are the specific points where “Qi” (pronounced chee), the energy, of the organs and meridians is transported to the body surface. The Qi functions to nourish and construct the body, mind, and spirit by freely flowing throughout the body. When this free flow of Qi is obstructed, one experiences pain and/or illness. Acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi as to achieve an optimal state of health and well-being.

Chinese Herbs:
As with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine is used to restore balanced energy flow. Herbs are often used in combination with acupuncture for treatment of a wide variety of ailments as well as for maintenance of general well-being without causing significant side-effects. Makiko uses both ready-made and custom herbal formulas. She only uses high quality herbs that have satisfied the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards.

Other Modalities:
Makiko individualizes treatment programs for each patient, and the following therapies may be combined with acupuncture and/or herbal treatments:

Electro-acupuncture is commonly used to further facilitate the stimulation of acupoints and circulation.

Cupping is a method used to improve the flow of Qi and blood. This is very effective for treatments of musculoskeletal disorders as well as lung conditions.

Heat Therapy such as moxibustion or infrared heat lamp may be utilized to increase blood circulation or to strengthen the immune system.

Guasha is a therapeutic dermal friction, especially useful to relieve muscular tension and lung symptoms.

Tuina is a Chinese therapeutic massage. It stimulates acupuncture points and meridians, and helps to resolve the obstruction, which often manifests as pain.

What conditions can be treated by acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?
Acupuncture is effective in treating various acute and chronic health problems such as:

Musculoskeletal & Neurological disorders:
various body pains, headaches, TMJ, arthritis, Bell’s palsy, post-stroke hemiplesia

Ear, Nose & Throat:
earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, toothaches, laryngitis

Respiratory:
common cold & flu, asthma, emphysema, chronic chough

Gastrointestinal:
nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, IBS, colitis, Crohn’s disease

Urological:
cystitis, incontinence, prostatitis

Gynecological:
irregular menses, PMS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, uterine fibroids, endometriosis

Circulatory:
hypertension, high cholesterol, low circulation

Endocrine:
diabetes, adrenal problems, hyper or hypothyroidism, obesity

Immune System:
allergies, fatigue, low immune function

Dermatological:
eczema, psoriasis, acne

Psycho-emotional:
stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia

Supportive:
radiation/chemotherapy side-effects

Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients describe treatment as virtually painless and find it very relaxing. Acupuncture needles are slightly thicker than a hair, and it is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection.

What will happen in my consultation?
Makiko will ask about your health history as well as your current medical conditions. She will also observe your tongue and take your pulse. She may palpate along the meridians. Such procedures are done in order to diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan specifically for your situation.

How long is each treatment session?
The first treatment typically lasts for 90 minutes, which includes a thorough intake and acupuncture treatment. Follow-up visits require a shorter intake; therefore, including treatment, they last from 45 to 60 minutes./p>

How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the severity, duration and nature of your condition as well as your age and life style. You may need only a few treatments for an acute condition, a series of 12-20 treatments for many chronic problems, or many treatments over time for some degenerative, ongoing conditions. Acupuncture treatment may be combined with other modalities of Oriental Medicine to increase the efficacy of acupuncture, and also to help reduce the number of treatments.

Learn more about Minneapolis Accupuncture Treatment