FAQ's
What should I expect?
Come about 15 minutes early to your first appointment to fill out some paperwork, or download it from the "contact us" page of the website and fill it out ahead of time. Everyone remains fully clothed in our clinic, so wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow accessibility to the elbows and knees. We effectively treat all types of conditions, even back pain, by utilizing acupoints on the arms, legs, and head. On your first visit your practitioner will interview you in order to obtain a thorough understanding of your main condition(s) and/or concern(s) and discuss a treatment plan with you. S/he will then insert anywhere from 4-12 acupuncture needles while you relax in our quiet community space with the needles in. After a few treatments people tend to develop a sense of being “done”, typically within 30 minutes to 2 hours. Average time is about 45 minutes. Needles are removed and a follow-up appointment is scheduled when needed. We currently accept cash and checks as forms of payment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and much smaller than injection needles. Although you may feel an occasional pinch when they are inserted, most people find acupuncture to be relaxing and often fall asleep during treatment.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. All needles used in our clinic are sterile and single-use. All practitioners have obtained Master of Science degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and are licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice.
Why do you have a sliding scale?
The purpose of our sliding scale ($15-35) is to separate the issues of money and treatment; we want you to come in often enough to really get better and stay better. We do not ask for any sort of income verification; instead, we ask you to choose an amount that will enable you to get the amount of treatment you need.
Do you accept insurance?
The purpose of our sliding scale is to remove money as an obstacle in obtaining effective holistic treatment. Since we do not charge a fixed rate, insurance companies do not allow us to bill them directly. We are happy to provide you with a receipt to submit independently.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has been clinically shown to increase circulation, decrease inflammation, boost the immune system and release endorphins. Countless volumes have been written about this ancient art and science, and how it works to stimulate the body’s own healing response is a very large topic. While there is not one simple reason to explain why acupuncture is so effective, the more important thing to know is that acupuncture is extremely effective. For more information on how acupuncture works, go to http://www.howdoesacupuncturework.com, or check out Why Did You Put That Needle There.
Don't you get what you pay for? Won't community acupuncture be less effective than private acupuncture?
The beauty of acupuncture is it that works anywhere. The only necessary components are a skilled practitioner, some sterile needles, and a place for you to relax. In community acupuncture we trade off some inessential "luxuries" that have developed in the west (lavender eye pillows, private treatment rooms, lots of one-on-one time with your practitioner) in order to provide you with affordable, individualized, quality acupuncture. This traditional approach allows for more frequent, therefore usually more effective, treatment. For more information on Community Acupuncture, go to http://www.evidenceofhumanity.org/story.php?id=237, or check out the Community Acupuncture Network at www.communityacupuncturenetwork.org.
What IS acupuncture / why did you put that needle there / I have other questions I don't see mentioned here:
For answers to these questions and many more, we HIGHLY recommend the book Why Did You Put That Needle There, by acupuncturist Andy Wegman, available as a free ebook on the Manchester Acupuncture Studio website.
Southpoint
Community Acupuncture
