Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine is an effective form of medical treatment which promotes natural healing in the body. Needles the size of a cat’s whiskers are inserted into specific acupuncture points on channels or meridian pathways which are energy pathways. These pathways naturally move energy or “qi” and, ultimately circulation much like the flow of a river.

When energy becomes blocked by trauma through injury, surgery, stabilization, etc., stasis and stagnation are created in the body along with inflammation with pain being the end result.

Acupuncture moves this stagnant “qi” or energy in the body and helps lower inflammation in order to resolve pain and help prevent the return of pain.

How many Treatments?

How many acupuncture treatments will I need? Amount of treatments varies for each individual and depends on many variables such as, how long you have had the issue, whether or not you avoid the conditions that caused your initial issue, compliance (whether or not one follows practitioner recommendations), age, how readily your body responds to acupuncture and your general state of health.

You can expect to see positive changes within 2-3 treatments.

Acute (more recent occurring) problems usually resolve within 3-4 treatments.

Chronic (long-term) problems usually resolve within 6 or possibly more treatments.

How Long Will My Appointment Take?

New patient acupuncture appointments last 60 minutes due to the intake process whereby the patient is asked many questions in order to get an overall view of the patient as an individual. New appointment includes acupuncture treatment.

Follow-up appointments include a 5-minute brief intake including acupuncture treatment and last about 30-45 minutes. Treatment times vary depending on what is being treated and if other modalities are added, such as electric stimulation or cupping, when appropriate.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Most patients report no pain with acupuncture. Some feel a mild sensation such as a tingling which is temporary. This is normal. Many patients report a sense of deep relaxation and some even fall asleep. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. At 1/10 the size of a hypodermic needle, about ten acupuncture needles could fit into a larger hypodermic needle used for immunizations.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes, acupuncture is extremely safe when licensed acupuncturists are administering acupuncture. Only sterile, single-use, stainless steel needles approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) are used. Acupuncture needles are considered a medical device. Acupuncturists must pay a state medical tax in order to treat patients. Licensed Acupuncturists must pass Boards exams in order to become certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and are licensed by the state of Minnesota through the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Anyone can check the MN Board of Medical Practice prior to seeing any medical practitioner be sure of his/ her claimed expertise.

Non-licensed (only certified) acupuncturists use the term “Dry Needling” as a legal loophole to get around having to complete years of additional training required to become licensed in their state as an acupuncturist by claiming it is not acupuncture, though acupuncture needles are used on acupuncture points. Another claim for dry needling is the argument that motor points and trigger points are used. However, licensed acupuncturists also treat using motor points and trigger points.

The main difference between licensed and non-licensed acupuncturists, when it comes to the safety of the patient, is in the hours and depth of training received when comparing the two…Some states only require 12.5 hours of acupuncture training (some non-licensed acupuncturists). Licensed acupuncturists receive over 2,000 hours of acupuncture training!

Be sure to ask if your acupuncturist is licensed to ensure your safety is being placed in an expert practitioner’s hands.