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About Acupuncture &  Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the discipline in which acupuncture belongs to. The term “Acupuncture” is used in a broad sense in the West, to include an array of skills, including traditional needling, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture (E-Stim), Cupping therapy, Guasha, TuiNa, microsystem acupuncture such as ear (auricular), face, hand and scalp acupuncture, and acupressure (the application of pressure at selected sites).​


While in America, acupuncture is viewed as being "new age", TCM is one of the oldest forms of healthcare ever documented.  China, being one of the oldest civilizations recorded, has known artifacts that correlate to TCM theory, being over 3,000 years old. While the practice has undergone many changes with modern technology and disease transformation, the theories still remain constant and relevant to what we use today.  Acupuncture works and has helped millions of people over the past 3000 years.

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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective, drug-free form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system.  Acupuncture promotes natural healing.  It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being.  it is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

 

How does it work?
Acupuncture works by creating balance in the body of the four essential substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.)  When one or more substances are out of balance, it creates pain and dis-ease.  Disharmony can manifest differently in each person.  Each acupuncture point and meridian (channel) has a specific function. With the use of acupuncture, we can manipulate the body and vital substance to heal itself and find balance once again.  It is important to note that acupuncture is not a one time cure.  On average, most ailments require anywhere from  4-10 treatments. For long time, chronic conditions, it will take longer. For more acute, immediate conditions, it may only take a few treatments.   

 

To easier understand the theory of TCM, imagine your body like a river.  Where a river flows, it transports life giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people.  Similarly, acupuncture meridians give life and nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.    When the environment changes, it may cause debris to build up and block the flow of water, or there may be drought, and not enough water to nourish everything.    Acupuncture and herbs can help your body naturally move the debris, or bring water levels back to normal.

 

Who can benefit from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine has been effectively treating thousands of diseases and conditions for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture has been proven effective to treat chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, knee and back pain, Chemotherapy related illness, and chronic migraines.  In 2003 the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed acupuncture as effective for a variety of conditions studied in clinical trials such as for back and joint pain, nausea, arthritis, menstrual problems and many more.  WHO has also deemed it effective for a plethora of other conditions, including but not limited to digestive and other internal medicine issues, skin conditions, fertility & reproductive concerns, mental health & anxiety.  For a complete list of conditions that the W.H.O has endorsed acupuncture, click the button below.: 
​Click Here
 

What are qualifications for an acupuncturist?
In the United States, the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies graduates of accredited Masters programs after completion of 3-4 National Board exams.  In Minnesota, each certified graduate is then licensed with MN Board of Medical Practice.  As a graduate of a Masters in Oriental Medicine program, we have had, on average 2,700 hours of clinical training. 

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When searching for an Acupuncturist, it is important to find a licensed acupuncturist (LAc).  There are several other  medical professionals that can become 'certified' in acupuncture. They perform what is often called "dry needling".  It is a different form of treatment from acupuncture. These professionals call themselves certified Acupuncturist after anywhere from 100-300 hours of training.

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To experience the full benefits of Chinese Medicine, and for optimal safety, please seek out a licensed Acupuncturist (LAc). We are trained with 3000+ hours of Chinese medicine knowledge and safety concerns. 

applying acupressure
facial guasha

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"Lanna is a fantastic acupuncturist. She takes the time to understand what issues I have going on and her treatments are thorough and effective. I highly recommend her!"

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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the discipline in which acupuncture belongs to.

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