What to expect on your first visit

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect on my first visit? 

First we will discuss your case to determine the best course of treatment for you.  In our holistic practice, we don’t treat symptoms; but people.  In order to best do this, we will ask many questions to formulate as complete a picture of you, and your state of health and wellness, as possible.  We look for patterns of imbalance that often go far beyond the primary complaints; so while you may be looking for pain relief, we will likely be asking about seemingly unrelated things like sleep patterns, digestive health, and your mood etc.   We perform both visual and hands-on diagnostics as well.  After we formulate our diagnosis, we move to the treatment table and begin trying to correct whatever patterns we see using the best modalities for the job.  The entire process usually takes between 60-90 minutes.

Is acupuncture safe? 

Properly done, acupuncture is an extremely safe procedure.  Our staff are highly trained practitioners with decades of experience, who are nationally certified by the NCCAOM and licensed by the MN Board of Medical Practice.  We follow best practices for safety and cleanliness using high-quality disposable needles.

Does acupuncture hurt? 

The needles we use are extremely thin, and are inserted with the utmost care.  Most of the time, the patient experiences little to no significant discomfort.  In fact, many patients fall asleep during the process.  Even if one or two points “zing” a little, when compared to the relief they bring, most patients find it easy to tolerate.

What risks or side effects are there?

Most of the time, there are no side-effects from acupuncture, unless you count feeling better!  Occasionally a patient may experience slight and temporary bruising, tenderness, or swelling at needle sites.  Once in a great while a patient will feel dizzy or slightly dazed for a few minutes following the session. 

How many treatments will I need?

This is a difficult question to answer, as the results of acupuncture treatments can vary widely from patient to patient.  Minor pain issues can often be resolved in one or two sessions.  More complicated, severe, or chronic conditions can take much longer. 

Will insurance cover acupuncture?

Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture services.  While we currently do not file anything other than auto-accidents of work-comp claims; many of our clients have been able to seek reimbursement from their plans.  Check with your policy beforehand.