What types of conditions can Acupuncture treat?
Does it hurt?
How many treatments will I need?
How long will each treatment last?
Are the needles sterile/disposable?
Is acupuncture safe for children?
What types of payment do you take?
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
I want to begin treatment, what should I do next?



What types of conditions can Acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization lists over 40 conditions that Acupuncture has proven to be effective for. Clinically, Acupuncture has been shown to treat many more conditions.
See the list of conditions in the column on the right »

This is not an exhaustive list and if you have any questions whether Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may be able to help you please call us at 651-207-3019 for a free 15 minute consultation about your specific condition.  top

Does it hurt?
There is sensation with acupuncture but It is not like getting a vaccine or getting blood drawn. A lot of patients feel hardly anything because the needles are very fine. You may feel a sensation like a tiny mosquito bite when they are first inserted. After that, you may feel tingling, warmth or a slight distention around the needle. Acupuncturists look for these positive sensations because this means the needle is connecting with the body’s qi. Patients feel very relaxed after the needles are inserted and most of our clients are able to have a nice nap during their treatment.  top

How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed and the frequency of treatments depends upon each individual situation. Generally speaking, acute conditions respond more quickly than chronic conditions but this can vary with each person’s condition. Even if, in chronic conditions, the patient needs a slightly longer treatment time, Traditional Chinese Medicine does treat chronic conditions much better than Western Medicine without the side effects that western drugs seem to have.

In many instances, at least 2 treatments a week for the first 3 weeks are recommended to assess the client’s response. Some patients respond well after just one treatment, while others may take longer to see the utmost benefit. Studies have shown that there are a small percentage of people, that despite the best efforts, do not respond to acupuncture. In these instances, many times we can use herbs and other therapies for the patient and still achieve success.  top

How long will each treatment last?
For your first visit plan to spend about 1 and ½ hours. Follow up visits generally last about 1 hour. During each visit we first spend time talking with you about your condition and then after placing the needles, we let you relax for about 20-30 minutes.  top

Are the needles sterile/disposable?
Merriam Park Acupuncture only uses needles that are manufactured and packaged in sterile packaging. We only use disposable needles.  top

Is acupuncture safe for children?
Acupuncture can be very beneficial for children and children typically respond much quicker than adults. They have what acupuncturists refer to as more Yang Qi. which means they have more transformative energy in their body. Some of the conditions we have treated children for are bed wetting, constipation and digestive complaints. Younger children below the age of about 4 years old do not typically get acupuncture but are treated with Acupressure and Tuina. Babies especially love Tuina and the parents are shown simple techniques to use at home.  top

What types of payment do you take?
At Merriam Park Acupuncture we take cash, check and credit card through Pay Pal on our secure website.  top

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
In Minnesota, Health Partners Insurance does provide Acupuncture benefits for some conditions. Merriam Park Acupuncture is proud to be a Health Partners Contracted Provider and we will be happy to submit your claims for you. Other medical insurers sometimes pay part or all of your claim, however, in this instance, we cannot submit your claims for you but will be happy to provide you with documents for you to do so. You should always check with your insurer to see what benefits you may have. Auto insurance is also accepted and claims are submiited for you. You can give Barb a call at 651-207-3019 if you have more questions.  top

I want to begin treatment, what should I do next?
Simply give us a call at 651-207-3019 and we’ll answer any further questions you have and get you an appointment so you can be on your way to becoming healthier and happier!  top