Acupuncture
Phone: 651/232-6830
Acupuncture is a method of natural health care that originated in China more than 2,500 years ago. Over the last two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. Today, it is used across the country by both Licensed Acupuncturists and physicians trained as Medical Acupuncturists.
Acupuncture may be used to:
- Help strengthen the immune system
- Relieve pain
- Manage a variety of health conditions
Acupuncture is often used as a complementary medicine, meaning it is used together with conventional medicine.
At Woodwinds, acupuncture is offered through the Natural Care Center. It is available on an outpatient basis and to hospital patients (with a doctor's referral).
What is acupuncture?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has an energy force called Qi (pronounced Chee ) that must be balanced and free-flowing to maintain health. When the body's circulation of Qi is not in a balanced state, health can suffer. It is thought that acupuncture can help the body regain its flow of energy and energy balance.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles at precisely selected points on the body to redirect patterns of energy circulation. Each point has a demonstrated effect that has been clinically tested and documented over thousands of years in China. Much of this experience has been verified in peer reviewed research in the West . The needles are left in for between 10 and 40 minutes, with 20 minutes being the average time.
After acupuncture, patients often experience a calming effect and an improved sense of well-being - in addition to getting relief for their symptoms.
What is acupuncture used to treat?
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat or manage a variety of conditions, including:
- Pain control
- Headache/migraine
- Morning sickness
- Post-surgical nausea
- Nausea after chemotherapy
- Respiratory problems
- Digestive discomfort or dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Stress and anxiety
- Endocrine imbalance
Is it painful?
Patients experience acupuncture differently, but the majority feel no pain or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. After treatment, some patients feel more energized and alive, while others feel calm and relaxed.
Is it safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
How soon can I expect results?
Some conditions can be treated with acupuncture very rapidly and others take more time. It's important to discuss this with your acupuncturist so you can have realistic expectations about the treatment process.
Will acupuncture be covered by my insurance?
In some cases, acupuncture may be covered by insurance. Before treatment, check with your insurance plan to find out if it is covered. Some plans require a doctor's referral.
To make an appointment or for more information
For more information or to schedule an appointment for acupuncture, please call the Natural Care Center at Woodwinds at 651/232-6830.
About Andy Lininger, LAc
Andy Lininger, LAc is an experienced licensed acupuncturist. Within HealthEast Care System, he practices at the Natural Care Center at Woodwinds and at St. John's Hospital. In addition, he is a faculty clinician at Northwestern Health Sciences University .
From 1986 to 1991, Lininger mentored under Edith Davis, the founder of the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Minnesota Institute for Acupuncture and Herbal Studies (MIAHS). He received his diploma in acupuncture in 1991 and passed the National Board Examination the following year. In 1996 he received his certificate of Herbal Medicine from MIAHS.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Acupuncture Association of Minnesota from 1992 through 1996, acting as its president in 1996, the same year acupuncture licensure became effective in Minnesota.
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