Kristin J. Cabranes MSOM, BS, L.Ac , a licensed acupuncturist, graduated from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine with both a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine and Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition. She is nationally board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and is a licensed acupuncturist in the state of Wisconsin. Prior to becoming an acupuncturist, Kristin worked in the medical field as a surgical assistant for 10 years.

Several well-renowned and respected Chinese medical doctors within the United States served as Kristin's mentors, enabling her to gain extensive clinical experience, which further broadened her knowledge and expertise. As an acupuncturist, Kristin provides patients with a comprehensive and integrative approach to wellness and healing, while implementing individualized treatments to meet patient’s specific medical needs and concerns.

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese dietary therapy can restore the body’s healing mechanisms, eliminate symptoms of disease, and enhance one’s quality of life. As a strong advocate for integrative medicine, Kristin’s goal as an alternative health practitioner and acupuncturist is to enable the body to function optimally and promote preventative healthcare.

Kristin has treated patients with a multitude of health conditions including, but not limited to, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, reproductive/gynecological complaints, as well as mental health, digestive, respiratory, dermatological, sleep, and urinary issues. Areas of special interest include women’s health, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain conditions, stress management, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, infertility, fibromyalgia.

In her free time, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, her 3 dogs, motorcycle riding, cooking, reading and quilting.
 

What is Acupuncture and what does it treat?

Acupuncture is a system of medicine developed in China over 5000 years ago that uses hair-thin needles inserted in specific locations on the body to affect overall changes in the body. Acupuncturists use acupuncture needles to regulate the flow of Qi throughout the body. It has been shown to affect the circulatory system, neurological system, immune system and lymph system.

Acupuncture is known to release endorphins into the body. Endorphins are opiates produced by the body to reduce pain. This is why acupuncture is known in the “West” for helping relieve pain and stress and promoting relaxation. What has now been shown is that acupuncture also produces a healing response in the body. By inserting needles in Acupuncture points on the body, a healing cascade is stimulated which bathes the body in its own natural healing chemicals.

In the West, acupuncture is primarily used to treat pain conditions both acute and chronic. The U.S. Military has even begun using acupuncture to treat concussions and pain in active duty service personnel.

In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture has much broader applications beyond pain relief. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesse

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Generally speaking no, acupuncture does not hurt. You will sometimes feel the needle as it goes into the skin, but after that, there should be no discomfort. A normal sensation during an acupuncture treatment is a dull ache or heaviness around an acupuncture point. You may feel a "zinger" or burst of energy at a location, but again it should calm down quickly and be comfortable.

A typical acupuncture treatment should be relaxing and restful. It is not unusual for patients to fall asleep during an acupuncture treatment! So if anything is uncomfortable during a treatment, just let your acupuncturist know and it can be adjusted.


How often should I receive acupuncture treatments?

Generally speaking acupuncture should be performed weekly to start. As your condition improves we will begin to back off treatment frequency. This is something we decide together as part of your treatment plan.

There are some instances when I may want to see a person several times in a week. These would be in the case of someone who has multiple, complicated conditions concurrently or someone who is having a severe acute condition. This is something I would discuss with every patient on an individual basis.
 

How many treatments will I need?

Initially, I ask patients to give me 4 - 6 weekly treatments. In most situations we will know whether acupuncture is having an effect within this time frame. Acupuncture is a cumulative process. This means that as you receive more acupuncture you begin to have better results that last longer.

Everyone responds to acupuncture differently so it is difficult to know exactly how you will respond. I have seen conditions improve significantly after only 1 or 2 treatments and others take much longer to show much improvement. As your symptoms improve, we will begin to back off and spread treatments out.I have some patients who have decided that for them, continuing weekly treatments makes sense.

I have many more that have found their own formula that works best for them. Sometimes it is every 3 weeks, sometimes monthly. More often, after their initial treatments, I see patients just a few times a year. For them, this is what works best to keep chronic conditions at bay. If a new condition starts, we address that as needed.