Start feeling more vibrant and whole.

Fireweed Acupuncture provides acupuncture & full-spectrum Chinese medicine care in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines.

Picture of a white woman sitting in a chair looking at the camera and smiling. Her arm is resting on a massage table. She has a brown cabinet behind her, and a poster featuring the meridians on the wall behind her.

acupuncture

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cupping

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ear seeds

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food therapy

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gua sha

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acupressure

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herbalism

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movement practices

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massage

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moxibustion

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facial gua sha

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microneedling

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acupuncture - cupping - ear seeds - food therapy - gua sha - acupressure - herbalism - movement practices - massage - moxibustion - facial gua sha - microneedling -

  • “Kate is a breath of fresh air, I’m so grateful to have another great acupuncturist in the Des Moines area. Kate did a thorough intake, gave a great treatment, and I feel that I am on a good road towards better and more sustainable health thanks to her treatments.”

  • “What an incredible experience! Kate is so thorough! She listens and makes sure she has all the information before she starts any work. She explains everything clearly. And her business values are so inclusive and wonderful. I cannot wait to work with her again!”

  • “Kate really listened. It was clear that she was truly invested in my health. She always made me feel safe sharing about where I was at physically and mentally. She also communicated about acupuncture and East Asian medicine in an approachable and informative way. I felt like an active participant in my care, and knew I could ask questions and learn how to care for myself between treatments.”

  • “Cares deeply about her patients. She took the time to get to know me to customize a care plan just right for me without any pressure whatsoever. Never once rushed me or made me feel "less than." Explained things in ways that were very easy to understand. She welcomed all questions and was super patient with me. If ALL care providers were like Kate, this world would be far better off. I left my first visit actually excited about taking care of myself, empowered with some tools I can try in the meantime before my next visit. I can't wait to see where this healing path goes.”

  • “I've been a patient at Fireweed since shortly after it opened. Kate has worked on my back, knee, and tons of other ailments. She's also helped me with seeing how food affects me. I've learned a great deal about my body from her teachings.

    Kate is personable, intelligent, talented, and thorough, which are all qualities I look for in a provider. Plus, the actual acupuncture is a fascinating process, not to mention incredibly relaxing. I highly recommend Fireweed!”

  • “As a fellow Chinese medicine practitioner, Kate impressed me with her skills, her warmth and most of all - the results! I had a significant breakthrough in my daily pain level. I sleep better, walk easier and feel more optimistic about a struggle that's gone on too long.“

Fireweed Acupuncture specializes in the following conditions:

  • Body pain & injury

  • Headaches & migraines

  • Digestive disorders

  • Improving sleep & reducing insomnia

  • Menstrual cycle support

  • Mental health & wellness

  • Facial rejuvenation

  • Microneedling & nanoneedling

  • LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare

  • Neurodivergent affirming healthcare

Workshops & Classes

Fireweed Acupuncture hosts a variety of classes, workshops, and events throughout the year - stop by the events page to see what is coming up next!

Apothecary

Shop the apothecary, featuring carefully curated small-batch herbal products, herbal remedies, tea, massage balms, and self-care items.

To shop: Browse during an appointment, or visit the online shop and order pick-up within two hours (during clinic hours).

Interested in free seasonal wellness tips and clinic news?

A few times a month, I send out a newsletter with information on seasonal wellness from a Chinese medicine perspective, along with clinic updates and event announcements. It’s the easiest way to keep in touch with what’s going on in the clinic!

Click here to sign up for the newsletter!

Journal

Blog
Summer & Joy
Summer & Joy

In Chinese medicine, we often say the emotion for Summer is Joy. And, yes, it is. But, as with everything in Chinese medicine, it is not just a concept in isolation; it is joy in connection or in relation to something. Connection to people, to our environment, to nature, to our purpose. We may have a moment of joy when we notice a blooming flower, share laughter with someone, or taste something delicious. Joy is different than happiness: joy is often a fleeting or momentary reaction to something, whereas happiness is more of an emotion or mood.

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Creativity, Chinese Medicine, and Spring
Creativity, Chinese Medicine, and Spring

One of my favorite parts about Spring is the rush of creative energy that seems to come along with it! After the quiet hibernation of winter, the rush of new energy and growth often makes us want to start new projects, start fresh, or try something new. It may not be surprising that In Chinese medicine, Spring and its associated organ, the Liver, is connected to creativity!

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Licensed Acupuncture and Chiropractic Acupuncture - What’s the difference?
Licensed Acupuncture and Chiropractic Acupuncture - What’s the difference?

A common sight in Iowa are Chiropractic offices that offer “chiropractic & acupuncture” - but this can be confusing to consumers! I often field questions from people asking what the differences and similarities are. So, continuing down the potentially controversial path, here is information that (I hope!) can help people sort out what they are looking for in their acupuncture practitioner.

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Acupuncture and Dry Needling - What’s the Difference?
Acupuncture and Dry Needling - What’s the Difference?

I’ll say right up front - this is a hot issue in both acupuncture and physical therapy (providers who do dry needling) fields, with a lot of opinions on each side. But, as patients, what is important is to know the difference and how each can help you! So, my hope with this entry is to clear up some confusion and answer some common questions.

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