Abby Miller, LAc. Dipl.CH, ADS, IDNC

When I first arrived in Des Moines to open Capital Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, I reached out to to many other healthcare professionals to introduce myself. Sometimes this process of joining a new community can be hard, but when I reached out to Abby Miller of Des Moines Acupuncture Clinic, I was welcomed warmly. Abby was kind, helpful, genuine, and even stopped by the clinic one day to drop off a gift to welcome us to Des Moines. She has made a strong effort to stay connected with us since the opening of Capital Chiropractic. Abby’s clinic is renowned and celebrated, with good reason. You’ll see why in our interview below.

Who needs acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of a “whole-list-ic” approach. That is why acupuncture is helpful for a “whole list” of issues. It works in tandem with your circulatory systems. It delivers blood, oxygen, hormones and nutrients to the areas and organs of health concern. Once an individual sees and feels the benefits of acupuncture, they use it not only it for pain/stress management but also to prevent, “tune up” and remain vital!

With the growing acceptance of oriental and alternative medicines, has your relationship with physicians in our community change? How?

Our relationship with other health care providers in the past 15 years has grown in a positive and expansive direction. The more we educate providers as to what we do and don’t do, the more referrals are sent.  We receive referrals from teaching hospitals, research hospitals like The Mayo Clinic, as well as local primary care physicians. The local providers range from psychiatrists to rheumatologists. They are very happy to have a therapy to send their patients to that is science, nutrition and lifestyle based.

What are some typical reservations people have about acupuncture and how are they overcome?

Most individuals have reservations about the needles used by an acupuncturist. Even if their best friend says it’s the best therapy ever, they are still hesitant.  This is why we go into the community and offer free treatments. Once a person has gotten past the needle phobia, they begin to ask “can it work for this, can it work for that?” It’s exciting to see them get past their fear of needles and into a “how can this help me” line of thinking.

What does it mean that your team has a proactive approach to healthcare?

A proactive approach is based on our professional experience and personal passion for wellness. The saying goes, a penny saved is a penny earned. We feel the same way about the human body. We respect the physiology and gently guide the patient to a lifestyle that performs for them, not against them.

What do you love about Des Moines?

We chose to live in Des Moines because of the emphasis on education and the people.  Growing up on the east coast, it seemed everyone was running in the “rat race” and no one looked happy.  So, quality of life became important to me.   When we came to Des Moines, we noticed that people were happy, social and showed genuine concern for their neighbors.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog about Abby Miller’s Associate, Stephanie Braunwarth.