Frequently Asked Questions for Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies

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and John Hopkins Medicine

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body.

A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body.

By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

How does it work?

Acupuncture moves Qi throughout the body in channels called meridians. When healthy, the qi moves freely throughout the channels. If a person experiences illness, pain, or emotional upset, the qi can become stagnant causing pain or other symptoms.

Acupuncture helps to move qi through the meridians to restore the body’s natural balance and to support the body’s ability to heal.

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being.

Many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

What will needle insertion feel like?

You may experience a warm, tingling feeling or heaviness at the acupuncture points or throughout the body. It can be a very comforting feeling, and many people fall asleep on the treatment table.

Occasionally, some people feel slight discomfort upon insertion but that feeling goes away after the initial insertion. It’s important to let the practitioner know if you feel anything that is sharp, shooting, or burning.

The needles are generally retained for about 20 minutes. At the end of a treatment, you may feel calm, and relaxed.

What can acupuncture treat?

People seek acupuncture in the treatment of a variety of conditions including acute and chronic pain, digestive, emotional, ENT, OBGYN, musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory and other miscellaneous conditions like addiction. According to the World Health Organization there are over 200 conditions for which acupuncture can be very effective.

How should I prepare for my treatment?

We recommend that you have eaten something before your treatment and wear loose, comfortable clothes. You may wish to bring a list of questions to ask your practitioner.

How many treatments do I need?

Your practitioner will make a recommendation as to your course of treatment based on your condition and intake. Treatments for acute conditions may need 1-2 times a week for a few weeks, while chronic conditions may require treatments 1-2 times a week for 8-12 weeks.

What is a Chinese herbal formula like?

For herbal therapies, please bring your list of medications with you when discussing herbal formulas with your practitioner.

All herbs are from countries that comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations, which require herbs to meet criteria to be sold in the United States.

Herbal formulas will be shipped to the home of the patient, payment is at the time of intake. They come in powdered form that can be made into a tea or tablet form and are similar to taking a vitamin supplement.

What are the qualifications of the acupuncturists in the state of Minnesota?

To practice as a licensed acupuncturist in Minnesota, you must obtain a valid license from the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 147B

Acupuncturist must complete Clean Needle Technique certification and have National Certification from the NCBAHM before being eligible for the Biomedicine, Foundation and Point Location board exams which are required to become licensed in the state of MN.