What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a time-tested science that encourages the repair, growth, recovery, and balance of all body systems by stimulating the body’s own natural and innate ability to heal. It is well known as an excellent and effective aid in the treatment of all manner of pain. However, it’s real benefit extends to all aspects of the body, including hormonal, metabolic, stress, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and so much more. There is no system that acupuncture does not effect.

With a 2500 year history of continuous usage, refinement, and evolution, it is firmly established as an essential medical modality.

See what the World Health Organization has to say about acupuncture.

How does Acupuncture Work?

There are many different theories of why and how acupuncture works. Because acupuncture is performed at so many different sites of the body, in so many different tissues, and with so many different techniques, the reality is that it is more than likely a combination of all of them. If you’re curious, these theories are: gate control theory, nerve reflex theory, neurohumoral, neurofunctional, release of endorphins, immunomodulation, enkephalins, vasodilation, proprioceptors/nociceptors, and gasotransmitters, to name just a few.

If you still want to know more, here are some useful links and books on acupuncture:

Relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes
by Helene M. Langevin & Jason A. Yandow

The Spark in the Machine: How the Science of Acupuncture Explains the Mysteries of Western Medicine
by Dr Daniel Keown

The Expressiveness of the Body and the Divergence of Greek and Chinese Medicine
by Shigehisa Kuriyama

The results from the treatments are nothing short of miraculous.

“I am very thankful that Matt was recommended by a family member. I experienced chronic back pain for over three years. The results from Matt's treatments are nothing short of miraculous. Within a few months the back pain is gone along with various other symptoms I had accepted as part of life and the aging process. Recently I had intense shoulder pain and within two treatments my shoulder feels better than ever. Matt's wisdom and expertise in my opinion are unequaled. I am truly amazed by the improvements to my life thanks to Matt Wagner.”

B.U., Madison, WI
Acupuncture with Matt has completely given me my life back.

"Acupuncture with Matt has completely given me my life back. I came to him after trying everything else to help my lower back - which was going numb when I walked and causing me extensive pain. This pain was keeping me from walking far or doing basic household tasks - and I'm 37. Matt learned about my issues and described what he was seeing in a way I had never heard...and it made perfect sense. After just a couple of treatments I could feel a huge improvement. I saw him often for a few months and the pain was gone. Now I just go in for tune ups. During my tune ups I have gotten help for other problems too. Acupuncture with Matt has given me great relief from anxiety. If I go more than a month without a tune up I can really tell...even if my back feels fantastic my mood needs a visit. I highly recommend Matt to everyone I know who has health issues. By all means, give it a try!!"

Kate A. - Madison, WI
He has helped me to feel better than I thought was possible.

"Finding Matt has been a blessing to me. He is skilled, insightful and kind. Using acupuncture, herbs and his knowledge of Chinese Medicine, Matt has helped me with issues including digestion, nutrition, long term pain, skin irritation, and headaches. He has helped me to feel better than I thought was possible. If you are looking for someone that will treat you as a whole person, this is the place to go."

Korey Kopp - Madison, WI
I highly recommend him for all types of ailments.

"I've received absolutely amazing results from Matt's acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments over the years. I highly recommend him for all types of ailments. His herbal medicine and acupuncture knowledge and experience is top notch, I know that from being treated by many practitioners in the past."

S. A. - Madison, WI
I'm really happy that I got the problem accurately diagnosed and taken care of, so that I could get on with my life.

"Bottom line is, Matt is an excellent clinician. I consulted with Matt for severe, sports-induced hip pain. Being a registered nurse, I fear what would have likely happened if I went to urgent care… Well, I know all too well in fact, because I know the differential. I would have had an x-ray, which would have been inconclusive, and a diagnosis of either tendonitis, or bursitis. I would have been put on Ibuprofen for 10 days, with a follow-up MRI, if I wasn't better by then..."

B.G. - Fitchburg, WI
Whenever I have a problem, I go see Matt, and he patches right up.

"I suffered from nausea and heartburn that got much worse after work stress. I went to my GP, who advised me to get an upper g.i endoscopy, and a test for H. Pylori. He didn't seem convinced that the endoscopy would find anything, but wanted to rule out major issues. In the end, his suggestion was prescription heartburn meds. Well, I couldn't afford the tests, and I didn't like the side effects of the medication. My son suggested I go see Matthew. Being a very skeptical person, it took a lot of convincing. As I walked into the office I was prepared for a lot of nonsense. But, I was willing to give it a try. I was impressed by the thoroughness of the intake, and Matt's bedside manner. After the visit, I was given an herbal formula to take for a week..."

P.W. - Madison, WI
Zen Root Healing Arts

6400 Gisholt Dr #206, Madison, WI 53713

From the Beltline Highway:

Take the Exit "South Towne Dr"
Go North on W Broadway
Turn South onto WB Frontage Rd
Turn left at Gisholt Dr
Turn left at Starion Bank drive-up banking sign
Drive around the parking lot
Parking is plentiful in front and around 6400 Gisholt Dr