“I started thinking about how to help these kids by treating the whole family,” she reflects. “Around that time, people in my profession were talking about acupuncture.” Mizuno, who was born and raised in Kobe, Japan, had often received acupuncture treatments herself but wasn’t familiar with how it actually worked. Intrigued, she began researching the modality and discovered that it is an effective whole-person approach toward health.

Mizuno has a doctorate degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from Five Branches University, in San Jose, California. She had an acupuncture practice in Honolulu, Hawaii, before relocating to 
Milwaukee in 2020 for a job offer that never came to fruition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Because she was already settled in Milwaukee and liked the city, in 2021 she opened a new acupuncture practice, Plumeria Acupuncture and Holistic Wellness Center.

Mizuno explains that, unlike conventional Western medicine that treats pain with medication, acupuncture stimulates the body’s energy and blood flow, giving a “wake-up call” to the endocrine, immune and nervous systems so that the body will perform better and become stronger.

Because acupuncture helps balance the body, Mizuno explains, it can help with inflammation-based health issues, such as women’s pre-menopausal and menopausal health concerns, digestive imbalances, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Acupuncture cannot cure cancer nor correct musculoskeletal misalignments, but it can help reduce the pain caused by misalignments.

Most patients do not report any pain or discomfort during treatment since acupuncture uses ultra-thin needles, Mizuno notes, adding that some patients even fall asleep. The sterile single-use needles are disposed of after use.

Acupuncture is utilized in Plumeria’s facial rejuvenation services to stimulate collagen production which reduces sagging skin and fine lines. The weight management program incorporates twice-weekly acupuncture treatments along with education and nutritional counseling. Mizuno also addresses psychological issues that lead to weight problems such as emotional eating.

Also available at Plumeria is cupping therapy, in which specially designed glass cups are applied to pull an area of skin into a suction that decompresses muscles and connective tissue. Cupping can help increase blood flow, relax muscles and increase circulation. Mizuno says that it may also help with mental health issues such as depression. Many athletes including swimmer and U.S. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps have used cupping therapy.

Another offering provided is massage. Mizuno combines tui na massage with Japanese shiatsu—a massage that stimulates acupuncture points—to release blockages that can produce symptoms leading to pain or illness. In addition, she incorporates Chinese herbs into her wellness programs.

All patients at Plumeria receive in-depth consultations lasting from 30 to 60 minutes. Mizuno encourages patients to share all health concerns and what’s going on in their lives. “I believe in forming strong bonds with my patients,” she says. “I create a comfortable environment so that they can feel safe to talk about anything—and the more they talk, the more I can gather their whole history in order to create the best course-of-treatment plan.”

Acupuncture is becoming recognized within the conventional medicine realm, allowing Plumeria to accept some insurance plans; patients can check Plumeria’s website to verify their insurance benefits. Plumeria’s location in the Mayfair Mall building allows for accessibility and ample parking.

“When I see patients smile after treatment, that really motivates me. I know how important self-care is, and the moment a patient comes to that realization, I can be a partner in their health care and help more people,” Mizuno concludes.