Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Acupuncture & Massage Experts in Kill Devil Hills
Island Acupuncture & Massage has been serving the Outer Banks community since 2001, specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine and therapeutic massage. Our practice integrates ancient healing techniques with modern medical approaches, offering personalized care to address both symptoms and root causes of health issues. Our team of licensed acupuncturists and massage therapists brings extensive expertise in dry needling, cupping, moxibustion, and herbal therapies.We prioritize patient wellness through stress reduction, preventative care, and evidence-based treatments. With over two decades of experience, we maintain rigorous professional standards through national certifications and ongoing education. Our commitment to quality extends to GMP-certified herbal products and tailored treatment plans that reflect individual patient needs. We serve both local residents and visitors across the Outer Banks region.
Services
Acupuncture
Therapeutic Massage
Cupping
Dry Needling
Moxibustion
Herbal Therapy
Electro Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We are the Outer Banks' only dedicated Traditional Chinese Medicine practice since 2001
- Our practitioners hold Master's degrees and national board certifications
- We combine acupuncture with complementary therapies like cupping and herbal medicine
- All herbal products meet strict GMP quality standards
- We serve patients from Corolla to Hatteras with personalized care
Associations and certifications
- North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board (NCALB)
- National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
What people say
Feels good as new
Compassion and healing hands
Amazing job
Saved my vacation
Deeply relaxing
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture uses thin needles at strategic points to stimulate healing and pain relief. Our licensed practitioners employ sterile, disposable needles for conditions ranging from chronic pain to stress-related disorders. Treatments combine traditional techniques with modern medical understanding to address both symptoms and underlying imbalances.
Therapeutic Massage
Customized massage therapy addresses muscle tension, sports injuries, and stress relief. Our licensed therapists use Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage techniques to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. Sessions incorporate cupping and trigger point therapy for enhanced effectiveness.
Dry Needling
This specialized technique targets muscle trigger points to relieve pain and improve mobility. Fine needles deactivate hyperactive muscle fibers, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Our practitioners have advanced training in treating chronic pain conditions and sports-related injuries through dry needling.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses controlled suction to increase blood flow and release muscle tension. We offer both traditional glass cupping and modern silicone cupping options. This therapy effectively treats respiratory conditions, muscle stiffness, and circulation issues while promoting overall relaxation.
Herbal Medicine
Custom herbal formulations complement our acupuncture treatments using time-tested natural remedies. All herbs meet strict GMP standards with documented quality controls. Our practitioners prescribe individualized formulas for digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health conditions using regulated plant and mineral-based ingredients.
People
Cheryl Blankenship
Licensed Acupuncturist
Cheryl Blankenship, LAC, holds a Master's in Oriental Medicine from Florida College of Integrative Medicine (2001). With specialized training in dry needling and Chinese herbal medicine, she has practiced in the Outer Banks since 1994 and founded Island Acupuncture in 2001.
Heather Geohegan
Licensed Acupuncturist
Heather Geohegan, LAC, earned her Master's in Oriental Medicine from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2005. Certified in sports acupuncture and tuina therapy, she brings over 25 years of Outer Banks experience to her practice at Island Acupuncture since 2019.
Questions
What conditions can acupuncture treat effectively?
Acupuncture effectively addresses pain management, stress reduction, digestive issues, fertility support, and chronic conditions. The WHO recognizes its benefits for numerous ailments including musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, and respiratory disorders.
How many sessions are typically needed for results?
Most patients see improvement within 3-5 sessions. Initial treatment plans usually span 2-3 weeks with follow-up assessments determining ongoing care requirements based on individual progress and condition complexity.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive health assessment followed by treatment. The process involves needle placement at strategic points, typically lasting 20-30 minutes with additional therapies like cupping or herbal recommendations as needed.
Are your practitioners properly licensed and trained?
All acupuncturists hold Master's degrees and national board certification (NCCAOM). Our massage therapists maintain state licensure through the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy with specialized training in multiple modalities.
How do I prepare for an acupuncture session?
Wear loose clothing, stay hydrated, and avoid heavy meals before treatment. Inform practitioners about any medical conditions or medications. Most patients experience deep relaxation during sessions lasting 45-60 minutes.
Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance claims but don't directly bill insurers. Payment is due at time of service with flexible scheduling options available to accommodate different needs.