Acupuncture

By US law, acupuncture needles are opened in a sterilized environment, applied one time, and discarded in a medical disposal "sharps" container.

This is a common question we get asked.  The answer is no.  One does not need to believe in acupuncture for it to work.  Several studies show changes in brain patterns, circulation, endorphin and endogenous opioid release in studies where the patient is blinded, not knowing whether or not they are receiving acupuncture or placebo.  Furthermore, animal studies show similar physiological changes.  Dogs, mice, and horses (the usual test subjects) have no beliefs on the subject :)

Dry needling is a term created specifically to differentiate acupuncture from the insertion of needles by non-acupuncturists (like chiropractors, physical therapists and physicians).  This serves these groups legally because they have to demonstrate that what they are doing is NOT acupuncture in order to be able to practice it.  Dry needling, from the system of Chinese medicine, is closely associated with "ah shi" needling, a specific pain relieving technique that targets what are commonly known as trigger points. Needling trigger points creates neurological and circulatory changes that are therapeutic under specific circumstances.  Licensed acupuncturists in the US study over 3-4 years (vs 100 hours for dry needling). This allows a fully trained licensed acupuncturist several other approaches more appropriate for the majority of pain and non-pain complaints our patients present to us. We can also layer these approaches along with dry needling in order to offer a more thorough and holistic acupuncture treatment.
So, what I tell patients is that, while dry needling is safe, whether or not it by itself is sufficiently effective is up for debate.  From the long history of acupuncture, it only makes up a small option that is meant to be applied within a layered, systematic approach targeting a patients imbalance holistically for enhanced success.

A licensed acupuncturist has "L.Ac" after the practitioner's name.  This designation requires 3-4 years of study and a licensing exam.  A certified acupuncture practitioner, or anyone BUT a Licensed acupuncturist, can treat you after 100 hours of study in some states (including Minnesota). 

Acupuncture can be billed directly to the auto insurance just like other medical treatments.  Acupuncturists can also perform your initial evaluation and determine the right approach for your care.

Acupuncture needles do not have medication on the ends.  Acupuncture needles are surgical grade stainless steel, occasionally with silicone coatings.  These are the same materials used by surgeons because they do not react with the body and can be made incredibly sharp- which actually makes the treatment LESS uncomfortable!