Acupuncture in Ham Lake
Acupuncture in Ham Lake, MN
At Exceptional Chiropractic, we offer acupuncture as a safe, drug-free way to relieve pain and support your body’s natural ability to heal. In our Ham Lake office, we most often use acupuncture to treat acute and chronic pain, and it can also help relieve headaches, vertigo (dizziness), nausea, fatigue, anxiety, stomach and GI disorders, and kidney and bladder disorders.
Acupuncture pairs well with chiropractic care and other therapies we offer, giving you a well-rounded approach to feeling better.
What Can Acupuncture Do for Me?
Acupuncture is used to address a wide range of health concerns. Patients commonly come to us for help with:
- Acute pain from recent injuries
- Chronic pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and joints
- Headaches and migraines
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Nausea and fatigue
- Anxiety and stress
- Stomach and GI disorders
- Kidney and bladder disorders
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture has both bio-electrical and bio-chemical properties that have been widely researched over the past several decades. Acupuncture points and channels do not correlate with other anatomical structures of the body, such as nerves, bones, or muscles. Instead, they form a separate system of the body that can be mapped out using simple electrical devices.
Treating an acupuncture point creates a bio-electrical and bio-chemical change in that channel as well as the entire acupuncture system, which helps restore balance. Research has also shown that acupuncture treatment affects the brain centers where pain is perceived, which helps explain why so many patients experience meaningful pain relief.
Who Performs Acupuncture at Exceptional Chiropractic?
Acupuncture at our office is performed by doctors registered with the State of Minnesota through the MN Board of Chiropractic Examiners, including Dr. Laurie Anderson, a chiropractic orthopedist who is licensed to provide acupuncture in conjunction with chiropractic treatment.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Appointment?
Your practitioner will begin by asking questions to determine where the needles should be placed. The needles are then gently inserted into locations on the body that correspond to where you are experiencing pain or other symptoms you want relieved. Depending on the treatment, you may be sitting up, lying face down, or lying face up.
After 10 to 15 minutes, the doctor will test the needles to see if it is time to remove them. If testing indicates you need more time, an additional 3 to 5 minutes may be added. The needles are then removed gently and disposed of in a special container.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture rarely hurts, although some points may feel tender or sensitive before, during, or after treatment. We use fine acupuncture needles that are very sharp compared to hypodermic or blood-draw needles, which makes insertion much more comfortable. If you have a strong aversion to needles, acupuncture points can also be treated using cold laser, pressure, or a microcurrent device.
The History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, sometimes called Meridian Therapy, is a technique developed in China before 2500 BC. Fine needles are inserted at precise points along 12 meridians, or pathways, in the body, through which the “vital life force” (qi) is believed to flow, in order to restore balance (yin-yang) and treat disease caused by imbalance.
The earliest known written account of acupuncture is the Chinese document “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine,” dated to about 2500 BC. The practice spread along the spice trade routes into Japan and India. Western interest grew after President Nixon’s widely televised trip to China, which showed acupuncture being used to treat various conditions and as anesthesia during surgery. Since the 1970s, acupuncture has become widely accepted in the West and has undergone extensive research regarding its effectiveness.
How Do I Get Started?
Call our office at (763) 208-5382 to set up an acupuncture appointment. Our scheduling staff will ask questions to determine the type of appointment that best fits your needs, and you may be asked to fill out a form before scheduling so we can determine the right length and type of visit.
Acupuncture FAQs
Does insurance pay for acupuncture?
At this time, most acupuncture treatments are self-pay. Medicare does not pay for acupuncture, but Medicaid may, depending on the policy type.
How much does acupuncture cost if my insurance doesn’t cover it?
Please call our office at (763) 208-5382 for pricing information specific to your needs.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture rarely hurts. Some points may feel tender, but our fine, very sharp needles make insertion comfortable. Needle-free options like cold laser, pressure, or microcurrent are also available.
How long does an acupuncture session take?
Needles typically remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes, with an additional 3 to 5 minutes added if testing shows you need more time.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
We most often use acupuncture for acute and chronic pain, and it can also help with headaches, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, stomach and GI disorders, and kidney and bladder disorders.
Can acupuncture be combined with chiropractic care?
Yes. Acupuncture is often combined with chiropractic adjustments and other therapies at Exceptional Chiropractic to provide more complete relief.
Who performs acupuncture at your office?
Acupuncture is performed by doctors registered with the State of Minnesota through the MN Board of Chiropractic Examiners, including Dr. Laurie Anderson.
Schedule Acupuncture in Ham Lake Today
Ready to see how acupuncture can help you feel better? Call Exceptional Chiropractic at (763) 208-5382 or request your appointment online to get started.
