Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Your body is governed by 12 distinct meridians that regulate specific bodily functions. These meridians run through the body like a highway system. Blockages of Qi (energy) or deficiencies or excesses of Qi cause illness and disease. Acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi, helping your body naturally restore, heal, and rebuild itself.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. In fact, people often don't feel them inserted at all! A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth. Needles are single-use, sterile, and made of stainless steel, approximately the size of a human hair. Each person experiences acupuncture differently. Some people feel nothing, while others experience a slight pressure, a twitch, a tiny pinch, or a warming or cooling sensation. Each acupuncture point may have a different sensation as well. Acupuncture should never be painful - needles can be adjusted to ensure you are comfortable during your treatment.
What exactly does acupuncture do?
There are meridians or pathways within the body that carry qi (without qi, there is no life) throughout the body. When there is a blockage of qi, issues present such as pain and dysfunction/ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective: Qi and Meridians: In TCM, acupuncture is based on the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be a vital energy that flows through pathways in the body called meridians. Balance and Flow: Health is thought to depend on the balanced and unblocked flow of qi. Acupuncture points lie along meridians, and inserting needles at these points corrects imbalances or blockages in qi flow, restoring health. Modern Scientific Perspective: Modern research offers several plausible mechanisms for how acupuncture may produce effects, especially in pain management: Neurotransmitter Release: Acupuncture can stimulate the central nervous system to release neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Nerve Stimulation: Needle insertion stimulates nearby nerves, which can influence the spinal cord and brain, potentially reducing pain perception. Blood Flow and Inflammation: Acupuncture can enhance local blood circulation and regulate inflammatory responses, thereby aiding in healing and reducing discomfort.
How many treatments will I need? How often?
Minnesota experiences extreme temperatures and weather changes. Our bodies are not always able to handle these changes well, and illnesses may occur more frequently during this period. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the elements of cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and wind all impact our bodies and minds. Sometimes we need a little extra support when presented with these external factors. People with chronic pain generally feel better in climates with warmer, drier conditions. Luckily, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation caused by humidity and warm the body when moving to Arizona is not an option.
Who can perform acupuncture?
Acupuncturists hold at least a master's degree in their field. After completing 3-4 years of graduate school, a series of national boards must be passed. Practitioners then become registered on the board of medical practice.
Why do you need to see my tongue and take my pulse?
There are many diagnostic tools in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Acupuncturists look at your tongue because, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it's considered a mirror of internal health—especially the state of your organs, qi (energy), blood, and fluids. Acupuncturists assess your pulses because, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the pulse is regarded as a detailed diagnostic tool that reflects the state of your internal organs, qi (energy), blood, and bodily fluids. Unlike Western pulse-taking, which focuses solely on rate and rhythm, TCM pulse diagnosis is a more nuanced approach. Acupuncturists typically check three positions on each wrist, corresponding to different organ systems, and assess multiple pulse characteristics.
Where can I expect needles to be placed?
With more than 360 acupuncture points in the body, each treatment is different based on the what the patient needs. For example, one of the commonly used points for shoulder pain is on the lower leg! It is our goal to ensure you're never surprised and know exactly what to expect throughout your treatment.
Will my insurance cover it?
Elevate Acupuncture & Wellness is not in network with any insurance companies. We do not submit bills directly to insurance companies, but we are happy to provide you with a receipt of your payment to submit on your own for reimbursement. Helpful Tips: Use your FSA/HSA accounts. Please check with your fund administrator regarding this option. You may be able to include the fees as a medical expense as part of your itemized deductions on your tax returns. You can check with your accountant about this option.
What should I wear to my appointment?
We recommend that patients wear comfortable clothes. If you are in work clothes that don't provide much stretch, no worries! Your acupuncturist will have extra sheets or a gown available so you're comfortable and covered throughout your appointment. Depending on the points selected, you may not need to remove any clothing at all. It is recommended that you arrive a couple minutes early for your appointment so you can go into your treatment with a relaxed body and mind.
What makes Elevate Acupuncture & Wellness unique in Norwood Young America?
Elevate Acupuncture & Wellness is skilled in treating a variety of health concerns, including sports injury recovery, women's health, and pediatric acupuncture. Alecia completed two clinical internships at the Human Performance Center in Bloomington, MN. There, she worked collaboratively with massage therapists and chiropractors while treating semi-professional athletes. She understands the importance of preventative care to prevent injuries and sports rehab when injuries occur. Additionally, she found enjoyment in addressing the mental and emotional aspects of stressors associated with being an athlete. As a mom of two young boys, she and her husband have always found value in holistically caring for their children. Their boys have been adjusted weekly since birth and receive acupuncture treatments as well. Alecia is skilled at making sure her pediatric patients always feel in control of their session and never have to worry about acupuncture being painful. Many young patients (as young as 5 years of age!) enjoy their sessions and remain more still than their parents could have ever imagined. Women’s health is often an under-studied topic and presents with few options for women trying to manage painful periods. She has personally experienced relief from painful periods and symptoms of PMDD with acupuncture treatments. Hormonally charged health issues can be managed beautifully with acupuncture. Elevate is a proud supporter of the Norwood Young America Central Raiders and is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our incredible athletes.
Do you offer acupuncture for specific conditions common in Minnesota?
Minnesota experiences extreme temperatures and weather changes. Our bodies are not always able to handle these changes well, and illnesses may occur more frequently during this period. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the elements of cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and wind all impact our bodies and minds. Sometimes we need a little extra support when presented with these external factors. People with chronic pain generally feel better in climates with warmer, drier conditions. Luckily, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation caused by humidity and warm the body when moving to Arizona is not an option.