A Licensed Acupuncturist is fully trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a complete medical system. Licensed under the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice Master’s or Doctoral Degree (3–4+ years) Three National Board Exams BioMedicine (Western Medicine), TCM Foundations & Point Prescription and Location 900+ Clinical Hours prior to graduation 12+ Clinical Internships prior to graduation Trained in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Diagnosis, and whole-body treatment approaches

Biomedical Perspective | Acupuncture creates tiny micro-traumas to your body tissue. This increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, heals scar tissue from existing injuries, and promotes relaxation of muscles and tendons. Acupuncture suppresses the sympathetic nervous system (this tells our bodies to fight or flight when heightened -- we want to rest and digest!) and also relaxes blood vessels increasing circulation which brings fresh oxygenated blood to the organs and tissues. Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective | There are 12 Meridians that run throughout your body. Qi (pronounced "chee"), or energy, lives within the channels, and we see symptoms when your Qi is disrupted. Selecting specific acupuncture points will help bring the body to homeostasis and re-regulate your Qi.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, stainless steel, and the size of a human hair. Each person experiences acupuncture differently. Some people feel nothing and others feel a slight pressure, twitch, a tiny pinch, and sometimes a warming or cooling sensation. Each acupuncture point may have a different level of sensitivity as well. ​ It is important to let your Acupuncturist know if you are having any strong pain or discomfort during your treatment. It is easy to adjust the needles to be more comfortable. Our goal is for you to be as relaxed as possible!

Yes! Acupuncture needles are single-use, disposable, sterilized needles. Safety and hygiene are always our top priority.

Common side effects include: Mild soreness Small bruises Temporary fatigue or relaxation Serious side effects are rare when done properly by a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)

“Acupuncture can be Dry Needling, but Dry Needling cannot be Acupuncture.” Terms like “dry needling” or “acupuncture certification” are often used by chiropractors (DCs) and physical therapists (PTs). However, these are not equivalent to full acupuncture training. It’s important to understand the differences and know who is performing your care. Acupuncture Specific Training Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) 2,000–3,000+ hours of formal education Extensive training in: Anatomy & physiology Western medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory Meridians and organ systems Diagnosis and treatment planning Chiropractor (DC) Minimum 100-hour continuing education course (MN requirement) Primarily focused on musculoskeletal conditions Limited or no training in TCM theory Physical Therapist (PT) No defined training requirement under Minnesota law No standardized or legally recognized acupuncture education pathway Clinical & Needling Experience Licensed Acupuncturist 900+ hours of supervised, hands-on clinical training Typically 10–12+ clinical internships prior to graduation Experience treating a wide range of conditions Chiropractor ~100 hours of acupuncture training At least 30% hands-on (Minnesota requirement) Needling experience is limited and adjunct to chiropractic care Physical Therapist No defined clinical or needling requirements in Minnesota law Training varies widely and is not standardized Licensing & Certifications Licensed Acupuncturist Three National Board Exams BioMedicine (Western Medcine) Board Exam TCM Foundations Board Exam TCM Point Location and Prescriptions Board Exam Licensed under the MN Board of Medical Practice Chiropractor Licensed as a Chiropractor Acupuncture Certification Dry Needling Training In Minnesota: Must complete 100 hours Must register with the chiropractic board Use of Dry Needling must be adjunct to chiropractic care Physical Therapist Licensed as a Physical Therapist No formal acupuncture certification pathway defined in Minnesota law Not explicitly authorized to perform acupuncture under state statute