|
Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing health care methods in the United States today. Acupuncture is a form of Oriental Medicine that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. The Chinese believe that there exists an invisible life force referred to as "qi" (pronounced chee) that thrives inside every living organism. When the qi becomes blocked or unbalanced disharmony occurs in the body's processes. Acupuncture works by balancing any stagnation or disharmony in the qi's natural flow, which in turn teaches the body to heal itself naturally. This involves the insertion of solid, sterile stainless steel, hair fine flexible needles into the body to help maintain the free flow of the body's qi. Acupuncture also assists the body to release endorphins (the body's own natural pain killers), and balance hormone levels. Many patients find treatments very relaxing and often report more energy afterwards. Acupuncture has been recognized as an effective treatment for over forty different disorders by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), some of which include arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, stress, sleep disturbances, allergies, emotional disorders, and much more. Acupuncture is safe, natural, drug-free, and most
important, effective. The sensation of the needles going into the skin
should feel like nothing more than a mild mosquito bite. Often times patients
do not even notice the insertion of the needles at all. After the needles
are inserted the patient may feel a dull distending or tingling sensation
that designates the movement of the body's own natural energy which may
have been blocked or imbalanced in a certain area. Bring any questions you may have, a list of any medications or supplements you may be taking, and any pertinent paperwork/test results that relate to your condition. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that you can easy pull up to your elbows and knees. Make sure to eat a small meal within a few hours of the beginning of your treatment. Refrain from working out, overexertion, and drinking alcohol for at least 6 hours after your treatment. Between visits make sure to take note of any changes in your body or symptoms that may have occurred. The initial session generally takes around one
and a half hours while most subsequent visits take around one hour, so
please schedule appointments accordingly. Every person's body responds differently to acupuncture. Some people may only need one treatment while others may need ten or more. Typically chronic conditions that you may have had for more than a few months tend to require more treatments to see results. Acute conditions may respond very quickly. Often times patients may not see major changes until they have received four to six treatments. For this reason discount packages are offered. The goal is to get your body back into balance so you don't have to come in for treatments anymore or maybe just "tune up" or maintenance treatments every month or so. Often times people come in for treatments even
when they are not experiencing any symptoms for general wellness, to boost
immunity, prevent sickness, or just for general stress relief. A licensed acupuncturist, depending on the state, is typically required three or more years in a Master's Program in either Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from a nationally accredited university. Many acupuncturists also have a Bachelor's Degree. In the state of Minnesota acupuncturist are licensed
by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and must pass national board
exams and be certified by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine, or NCCAOM. A licensed acupuncturist typically has over 3,000 hours of coursework in the study of Chinese Medicine as well as an extensive internship of practical training. Most acupuncturists in the state of Minnesota have already seen over 250 patients and have logged over 720 hours of clinical training working with real patients before graduating. Although chiropractors have extensive knowledge
of the body and typically are required over three years of graduate level
education to become a Doctor of Chiropractic or DC, they are required
less than 150 hours of additional training in Chinese Medicine to practice
acupuncture in the state of Minnesota. In Minnesota there are a few insurance carriers that do cover acupuncture. Please check with you provider to see if you are covered. Make sure to ask the following questions:
Starting January 1, 2010 I will have in-network status with Medica only. As for other insurance companies, I can give you an invoice or receipt for treatment that you can submit to see if you can be reimbursed for treatment. Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts often times reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover acupuncture treatments. Think of the money you spend on your acupuncture
treatments as an investment in your health. People who receive regular
acupuncture treatments typically are sick less often, rely on fewer or
no expensive prescription medicines, and miss less work due to illness. Yes. The FDA requires acupuncturists to follow
strict sterilization guidelines. Pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are
manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure
compliance with the law. Acupuncture needles are one time use and a new
package of needles is used for each patient. Chinese Herbal Medicine can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture treatments.
Chinese Herbs are often used to strengthen, build, and support the body or to
clear it of an excess condition like a cold, fever, or acute pain. They are
also used to help achieve and maintain an optimal state of wellness in between
acupuncture treatments.
|
