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ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
What is acupuncture?
Briefly, it is the insertion of fine, solid, sterile needles into specific points on the body or in the ear, that
are known to affect specific bodily functions.
Is Acupuncture known to help my condition?
The following conditions are frequently helped with acupuncture:
* All types of pain * Depression * Dizziness and vertigo
* Digestive issues * Insomnia * Common cold and flu
* PMS * Food cravings * Asthma and bronchial disorders
* Allergies * Menopause symptoms * Drug, cigarette or alcohol cravings
* Stress * Infertility * Paralysis due to stroke
* Anxiety * Impotence * Neurological disorders
* Auto-immune disorders * Hormonal imbalance * A wide variety of other symptoms
Is acupuncture effective for my condition?
Because Oriental medicine is a complete system with a comprehensive theory and way of
understanding the body, an acupuncturist can offer help for most conditions. This does not mean that
everyone who tries acupuncture attains a cure. No form of medicine can offer that guarantee nor should
any practitioner suggest it. There are, of course, many variables that will determine whether or not you
will get relief for your condition. The best way to find out is to try it.
How many treatments will I require?
Each patient is unique and responds to acupuncture differently, so the number and frequency of
treatments will vary from patient to patient. The number of treatments needed to address a specific
health concern depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a
single treatment for an acute, minor condition. For a chronic problem, twenty or more sessions might be
required. The effect of acupuncture is cumulative, so you should see changes as you go through a
course of treatment.
Since acupuncture addresses the health of the whole body, there are many people that regularly
schedule acupuncture treatments as part of their regular health care regime and as a preventive
measure to maintain good health.
Can I have acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies?
Yes, usually. Many people successfully combine acupuncture with Western medications and
treatments, chiropractic, or massage therapy. This will vary so check with your acupuncturist.
Is acupuncture safe?
The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have each evaluated the safety of
acupuncture and find it to have a lower rate of side effects and complications than any prescription
medications or surgical procedures. When performed by a well-trained professional, acupuncture and
related techniques have proven to be extremely safe. Needles are single-use, pre-sterilized and
disposable to eliminate the risk of disease transmission, and Licensed Acupuncturists are certified in
nationally recognized Clean Needle Technique protocols to ensure that needles are kept sterile.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are smooth, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture
differently, so when the needles are inserted most feel only a slight sensation or nothing at all. Once the
needles are in place, you may feel a sensation of heaviness, warmth or tingling at and around the site of
the needle, or in other parts of the body. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel
relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause
soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified
acupuncture practitioner.
How might acupuncture work?
Pre-clinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain
how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly
practiced in the United States. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating
the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and
immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may
alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones thus affecting
the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as
immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body
temperature.
What if I am healthy?
Can acupuncture help prevent future problems or enhance well being? Acupuncture is powerful
preventative medicine. Many people report higher energy levels, greater focus and ability to perform at
peak levels in their work and play, by scheduling regular weekly or monthly treatments to stay in top
shape.
How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?
In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a
Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in
1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists,
acupuncturists, and other practitioners or relief or prevention of pain and for various other health
conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey the largest and most comprehensive
survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date an estimated
8.2 million U.S. Adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. Adults had used
acupuncture in the previous year.
Will it be covered by my insurance?
A variety of insurance companies in Minnesota cover acupuncture. However, you should check with your
insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if
so, to what extent. Some insurance plans require pre-authorization for acupuncture. Many people have
successfully used Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts for their acupuncture
treatments.
How are the practitioners trained?
A practitioner must now complete a minimum of three years of graduate study at a nationally accredited
school for acupuncture and Oriental medicine. This training includes a required number of hours in the
classroom and in clinics treating patients with supervision.
In Minnesota, a practitioner must also pass national certification board exams and then submit
documentation to the Minnesota Medical Board of Practice to be licensed to practice acupuncture. There
are many traditions in this medicine, though, so the background and specific training varies quite a bit
from one practitioner to another.
If someone has a degree in Oriental medicine, does that include acupuncture?
Yes. Oriental medicine is the umbrella term for several modalities of healing. It primarily includes
education in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Other modalities include tui na, or other
bodywork, nutrition, qi gong, and meditation.
How should I choose a practitioner?
As with any health care practitioner, a personal rapport will be important. Because you can’t know
whether it is a good fit until you meet the person, you might choose someone based on the special
focus of their practice. You might also choose someone based on proximity to your work or home. In
any case, it is important to remember that the training of the licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) involves
understanding the theory and diagnosis of a different system of medicine and this leads to a masters
degree in acupuncture and / or oriental medicine. This education offers a national certification by the
NCCAOM which can be verified at www.nccaom.org, and a license to practice is issued from the state
level. Minnesota requires a 200 hour acupuncture course for licensed medical or chiropractic doctors. A
chiropractor, naturopath or medical doctor may have a license to practice acupuncture, but might not
have a masters degree in oriental medicine.
What is acupuncture?
Briefly, it is the insertion of fine, solid, sterile needles into specific points on the body or in the ear, that
are known to affect specific bodily functions.
Is Acupuncture known to help my condition?
The following conditions are frequently helped with acupuncture:
* All types of pain * Depression * Dizziness and vertigo
* Digestive issues * Insomnia * Common cold and flu
* PMS * Food cravings * Asthma and bronchial disorders
* Allergies * Menopause symptoms * Drug, cigarette or alcohol cravings
* Stress * Infertility * Paralysis due to stroke
* Anxiety * Impotence * Neurological disorders
* Auto-immune disorders * Hormonal imbalance * A wide variety of other symptoms
Is acupuncture effective for my condition?
Because Oriental medicine is a complete system with a comprehensive theory and way of
understanding the body, an acupuncturist can offer help for most conditions. This does not mean that
everyone who tries acupuncture attains a cure. No form of medicine can offer that guarantee nor should
any practitioner suggest it. There are, of course, many variables that will determine whether or not you
will get relief for your condition. The best way to find out is to try it.
How many treatments will I require?
Each patient is unique and responds to acupuncture differently, so the number and frequency of
treatments will vary from patient to patient. The number of treatments needed to address a specific
health concern depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a
single treatment for an acute, minor condition. For a chronic problem, twenty or more sessions might be
required. The effect of acupuncture is cumulative, so you should see changes as you go through a
course of treatment.
Since acupuncture addresses the health of the whole body, there are many people that regularly
schedule acupuncture treatments as part of their regular health care regime and as a preventive
measure to maintain good health.
Can I have acupuncture in conjunction with other therapies?
Yes, usually. Many people successfully combine acupuncture with Western medications and
treatments, chiropractic, or massage therapy. This will vary so check with your acupuncturist.
Is acupuncture safe?
The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health have each evaluated the safety of
acupuncture and find it to have a lower rate of side effects and complications than any prescription
medications or surgical procedures. When performed by a well-trained professional, acupuncture and
related techniques have proven to be extremely safe. Needles are single-use, pre-sterilized and
disposable to eliminate the risk of disease transmission, and Licensed Acupuncturists are certified in
nationally recognized Clean Needle Technique protocols to ensure that needles are kept sterile.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are smooth, metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture
differently, so when the needles are inserted most feel only a slight sensation or nothing at all. Once the
needles are in place, you may feel a sensation of heaviness, warmth or tingling at and around the site of
the needle, or in other parts of the body. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel
relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause
soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified
acupuncture practitioner.
How might acupuncture work?
Pre-clinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain
how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly
practiced in the United States. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating
the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and
immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may
alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones thus affecting
the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as
immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body
temperature.
What if I am healthy?
Can acupuncture help prevent future problems or enhance well being? Acupuncture is powerful
preventative medicine. Many people report higher energy levels, greater focus and ability to perform at
peak levels in their work and play, by scheduling regular weekly or monthly treatments to stay in top
shape.
How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?
In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a
Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in
1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists,
acupuncturists, and other practitioners or relief or prevention of pain and for various other health
conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey the largest and most comprehensive
survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date an estimated
8.2 million U.S. Adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. Adults had used
acupuncture in the previous year.
Will it be covered by my insurance?
A variety of insurance companies in Minnesota cover acupuncture. However, you should check with your
insurer before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if
so, to what extent. Some insurance plans require pre-authorization for acupuncture. Many people have
successfully used Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts for their acupuncture
treatments.
How are the practitioners trained?
A practitioner must now complete a minimum of three years of graduate study at a nationally accredited
school for acupuncture and Oriental medicine. This training includes a required number of hours in the
classroom and in clinics treating patients with supervision.
In Minnesota, a practitioner must also pass national certification board exams and then submit
documentation to the Minnesota Medical Board of Practice to be licensed to practice acupuncture. There
are many traditions in this medicine, though, so the background and specific training varies quite a bit
from one practitioner to another.
If someone has a degree in Oriental medicine, does that include acupuncture?
Yes. Oriental medicine is the umbrella term for several modalities of healing. It primarily includes
education in Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Other modalities include tui na, or other
bodywork, nutrition, qi gong, and meditation.
How should I choose a practitioner?
As with any health care practitioner, a personal rapport will be important. Because you can’t know
whether it is a good fit until you meet the person, you might choose someone based on the special
focus of their practice. You might also choose someone based on proximity to your work or home. In
any case, it is important to remember that the training of the licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) involves
understanding the theory and diagnosis of a different system of medicine and this leads to a masters
degree in acupuncture and / or oriental medicine. This education offers a national certification by the
NCCAOM which can be verified at www.nccaom.org, and a license to practice is issued from the state
level. Minnesota requires a 200 hour acupuncture course for licensed medical or chiropractic doctors. A
chiropractor, naturopath or medical doctor may have a license to practice acupuncture, but might not
have a masters degree in oriental medicine.
464 Second St.
Suite 200
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-474-4121
Suite 200
Excelsior, MN 55331
952-474-4121