IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In Dickinson County, a new era of healthcare has dawned with the opening of the American Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine clinic in Iron Mountain. Situated on the 5th floor of the First Bank Building, just across from City Hall, this clinic is spearheaded by a husband and wife duo, Dr. Mark and Lulu Ashmun, who are not only seasoned practitioners, but also extend their expertise to serve veterans at the VA Hospital.
Dr. Mark Ashmun, with over 25 years of experience, emphasizes the clinic’s focus on general practice and cosmetic acupuncture. In an exclusive interview, he highlighted the pair’s commitment to preventive healthcare. “We’re not just treating ailments; we’re teaching people how to proactively care for themselves, preventing diseases through Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and dietary recommendations,” he stated.
The clinic’s approach extends beyond traditional treatments, with Lulu specializing in cosmetic acupuncture. Dr. Mark emphasizes the importance of diet in overall health, stating, “We are what we eat, and people often underestimate their sugar intake. We conduct thorough dietary assessments to tailor treatments and prescribe herbal formulas for effective assimilation into the body.”
The clinic, open by appointment during evenings and weekends, aims to fill a void in the community’s healthcare options. Dr. Mark spoke of their holistic approach, integrating scientific data, evidence-based practices, and thousands of studies supporting the efficacy of acupuncture. Addressing common concerns, he assured, “This will not hurt. The acupuncture needles themselves are so thin that you can get a tip of a pin through a hyperemic needle, so they’re very thin, stainless steel, one time use. People may feel a quick pricking sensation, and then followed by a term called ‘Deqi’ where it’s a descending sensation that comes out, where there’s energy movement. We are nothing but a large conduit of energy. And so the acupuncture helps to redirect that energy – if you will – so it’s a response the brain goes: ‘What am I supposed to do with that sensation?’ If you put your hand on a hot stove, before you say ouch, the hand comes off. The brain’s right there going, ‘OK, I know what to do with that sensation’. Same thing with acupuncture – we’re redirecting and manipulating energy in a subtle way, or sometimes in a very strong way,” stated Dr. Ashmun.
As winter sets in, Dr. Mark shared general wellness tips for Iron Mountain residents, emphasizing the role of diet in bolstering the immune system. “Avoid sugars and trans fats, opt for a well-balanced diet,” he advised. Recognizing the challenges of limited sunlight, he underscored the importance of maintaining overall health.
“Let’s say you get a cold or the flu, or something else going on. So that’s your body’s system saying ‘my energy, my Wei qi’, which is your ability to fight off and ward off energy – your immune system is weakened. So it in its essence blew through your immune system. There are certain diseases that you’re just going to go through, but why is it that that person doesn’t get ill and [another] person does, you go? ‘What’s going on with this? Why are they not getting a cold? They’re in the same room, they’re drinking out of the same cup whatever the case may be, but they don’t get sick. It fascinated me when I was getting into medicine, so I looked at it. It’s your immune system. What are you doing differently than this other person is,” he commented.
New patients go through a thorough intake, and often Dr. Ashmun has his patients write down everything in their diet for one week so he can examine that, and make recommendations. The doctors also plan to open the practice up for teaching the public about Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Qi Gong exercises.
With a successful grand opening, American Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are poised to become a cornerstone of holistic healthcare in Iron Mountain, offering residents an alternative and complementary approach to their well-being.
The clinic is located at 500 S. Stephenson Ave.
For more information on their practice, visit:
You can schedule an appointment by calling:
906-239-4472
