Frequently Asked Questions

The World Health Organization lists more than 40 conditions that acupuncture has proven to be effective for. Clinically, acupuncture has been shown to treat many more conditions. Please see our listing of conditions we treat.

Most people either feel nothing or a slight pinch, like a mosquito bite, when needles are inserted. Typically, there is no pain.

Acupuncture needles are thinner than hypodermic needles used for injections and the point of an acupuncture needle is much sharper than the blunt point of an injection needle.

If you are terrified of needles, but still wish to experience the healing of acupuncture, there are many other modalities. Either way, our practitioners will guide you through the process calmly and with patience.

At your first visit, we will determine your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. We will also look into your lifestyle, emotions, eating and sleeping habits, and energetic needs. We’ll set up goals to get you on the path towards holistic healing. We will help you make changes guided by your comfort level. No pushy advice, just a doable plan of action.

During TCM diagnostics, we do a few things you might not be used to. We look at your tongue because we can see whether you have digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies or an energy imbalance.

We also take your radial pulse with both hands, and instead of timing it, we focus on the strength and quality of the beats. We can see if it’s in excess or deficient, weak or strong.

In addition to your acupuncture treatment, your subsequent visits will consist of addressing the changes you have made, making adjustments, and talking through challenges you are facing in your recovery.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an understanding and study of health and wellbeing that dates back more than 2,000 years. The main approach in this form of medicine is incorporating all aspects of existence — body, mind, and spirit.

In simpler terms, TCM is a holistic and preventative philosophy and practice. TCM practitioners use diagnostic tools to discover the root cause of the issue — not just the symptoms. Please read our page on TCM Philosophy to learn more.

Acupuncture can be very beneficial for children. Plus, children often respond much quicker than adults. According to TCM, children have more Yang Qi than adults, which is the transformative energy in their body.

Younger children, below the age of four, typically do not get acupuncture but are treated with acupressure and Tuina.

Merriam Park Acupuncture only uses needles that are manufactured and packaged in sterile packaging. We only use disposable needles.

The number of treatments needed and the frequency of treatments depends on each individual situation. Generally speaking, acute conditions respond more quickly than chronic conditions but this can vary with each person’s condition.

Depending on the severity of your issue, you may require two treatments per week for a few weeks or just one treatment per week. Some patients respond well after just one treatment, while others may take longer to see the benefits. In some cases, we will recommend herbs along with the acupuncture and occasionally we will recommend herbal medicine only. Your length and type of treatment will be discussed during your first session.

Currently, we accept HealthPartners, BCBS, UCare, Medica, PreferredOne, MHCP, Cigna, auto and worker’s comp insurance. Please call ahead to verify your benefit information.

To book online, we need your full name, the name of your policy and ID number, group ID number, and date of birth. If you’re unsure if your insurance covers acupuncture, please call us today.

We accept cash, check, credit cards, and health benefit cards.

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, something you can relax in. Plan to stay about 1.5 hours for your first visit. Any follow-up visits will last about one hour. Make sure not come on an empty stomach.

We have a parking lot for our clients behind the building.