Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know and more

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. We do this by inserting very thin needles at precise acupuncture points on the body, stimulating them, and then letting you rest with the needles for at least 20 minutes. Depending upon your pattern of symptoms, we might also apply heat or electrical stimulation to the needles.

What other forms of Asian Medicine will be used?

It depends upon what ails you! Many patients will benefit from a Chinese herbal formula, which is personalized according to your individual pattern of symptoms. I mix the herbal powders here in the office and you can take it home with you that day. Some patients will also receive tui na, a traditional Chinese form of therapeutic massage, and most patients will benefit from a discussion of specific lifestyle and dietary recommendations from an Asian medicine perspective.

Does it hurt?

No. Going further: it doesn't hurt like stubbing your toe or getting a migraine or the nagging pain that led you to acupuncture in the first place. It doesn't even hurt like getting your blood drawn. However, you will probably feel something - something that, at it's worst, is more like a mild mosquito bite. Acupuncture needles are hair thin and designed to cause minimal discomfort. After stimulating the needles, different people feel different sensations -- warmth, a dull ache, slight pinching, tingling -- all of which are normal and, in fact, desired. In most cases, after the initial sensation, patients are unable to tell that they still have needles in and are able to reach a state of deep relaxation.

How long does a treatment last?

Because the first visit includes an extensive conversation about you and your overall health, it can take up to two hours. Each subsequent visit will take approximately 60-90 minutes. Our special Deeper Balance treatments could take up to two and a half hours.  Consider this time an investment in yourself -- a time to focus on bringing yourself to a place of balance.

How many treatments will I need? How often?

Because every person is unique, the course of treatment can vary greatly. Generally acute conditions respond more quickly than chronic conditions, but even this can vary depending upon the individual. I typically recommend patients plan to visit the clinic twice per week for three weeks, although some people will feel relief immediately and others may require several months of treatment for maximum results. For a limited number of people, despite best efforts, the patient does not respond to acupuncture.

What can I expect at my first visit?

A warm greeting and cup of tea! Then, after you have completed all the required paperwork, we will discuss what brought you in, as well as your entire health history. In Asian medicine my most important job is to undercover your underlying pattern of symptoms, so this will be a very extensive conversation! I will also feel the pulses on both of your wrists and will look at your tongue for more diagnostic clues. After I have determined your "pattern," we can begin the treatment. You will change into a gown and lay on the table in a quiet, relaxing environment. Needles will be placed in certain points on your body. You will then relax for 20-40 minutes. After this, the needles will be removed and your treatment is complete.

What conditions do you treat with Asian Medicine?

Acupuncture and the other modalities of Asian Medicine (herbs, dietary therapy, massage, tai chi and qi gong) are an effective treatment for a wide range of health issues, and I have personally had good results treating the following ailments and more: thyroid issues, migraines and other headaches, backaches, sprains and strains, arthritis, menstrual issues, infertility, menopausal syndrome, stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, colds and the flu, chronic respiratory ailments, earaches, digestive issues and dermatological issues… to name a few!

Does medical insurance cover acupuncture?

Megan does not have any contracts with medical health insurance providers at this time. Some patients, however, have successfully petitioned for reimbursement directly from their insurance plans and Megan will gladly work with you to provide whatever information they might need.

Who made the art on the walls and the music that I hear?

Megan is proud to support local artists. The photographs and their custom frames were all created by Eric Melzer, a national photographer who lives in Minneapolis. And during your visit to our clinic, you might hear music by local musicians such as Spaghetti Western String Co., Ben Siems, The Willie August Project and Peter Ostroushko. If you are a musician and would like to include your work in the lineup, please contact Megan.