Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities, MN

FAQ

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of "qi" or "vital function" in the body. By inserting fine-sterile needles into certain points on the body, the qi can be stimulated and aid in the body's natural ability to heal. The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the body. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine or (TCM)?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a fully integrated health care system combining Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tuina (Chinese Medical Massage), Movement Exercises such as Tai Chi, and Dietary Therapy.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes more than 40 conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. However, it is important to remember that acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the condition, and TCM offers you more than just acupuncture. Even if your condition is not listed, you may still benefit from acupuncture and or TCM.

For the complete list: WHO Acupuncture Treatment Page.

A partial list includes:

Pain:
neck, back, migraines, pre-menstrual, joint pain, tennis elbow, sciatica, TMJ and sprains.
Chronic Conditions:
arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, IBS, infertility, post-stroke recovery, rhinitis, type 2 diabetes, bells palsy, nausea and vomiting & Ménières disease.

What is a treatment like?

Your first treatment will last about 1.5 hours. You will be asked questions that relate directly to your main complaint and questions that will help us understand more about your general health. Generally, you will be face up or face down on a massage table, points will be selected, swabbed with alcohol, and acupuncture needles will be inserted. The needles will stay in about 20 minutes. Many people describe feeling very "relaxed" or falling asleep. Accessory therapies such as tuina or cupping may be used at the end of your treatment. Follow up acupuncture treatments last between 30 and 60 minutes.

How long do I have to get treated?

This is a very common question, and a good one. In general, acute conditions will respond quicker than chronic ones. I usually suggest starting out with at least 4 sessions of acupuncture, and possibly herbs. It is better to receive acupuncture twice a week for 2 weeks, than it is once a week for 4 weeks. After a 4-6 treatments, I will re-evaluate your progress, and we will make a decision together on how to proceed. It is important to remember that you are an active participant in your health. Sometimes, lifestyle modification can yield very positive, long lasting results.

Are herbs safe and can I take them with medications prescribed by a Medical Doctor?

All of our herbs are Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) certified. This means they are tested for purity, and free from pesticides and heavy metals. I am certified by the NCCAOM to practice Chinese herbal medicine. There is relatively little known about interactions between western drugs and Chinese Herbs. It is important to bring in a list of any medications you are on so I can make sure there is no known negative interaction. In some cases it is believed that herbs can support western medication. It is very common in China to combine the use of Western Medications and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In fact, many drugs come from Chinese herbs such as the cholesterol lowering drugs evolving from the herb "Hong Qu" (Red Yeast Rice).