What is Chinese medicine?   

The oldest book of Chinese medicine was published 2000 years ago, but the roots of this ancient form of healthcare are much older. Chinese medicine is an integrated healthcare system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, diet, and exercise. The focus of these conservative therapies is to help prevent illness and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is effective for a wide variety of health conditions (see below).

How does acupuncture work?

Chinese medicine refers to our body’s energy as Qi (pronounced chee). Qi flows along pathways called meridians. When the Qi flows smoothly we are in good health, but when our energy flow is blocked we experience pain or illness. Needling the right acupuncture points with right technique balances and increases the body’s flow of Qi. The increased Qi flow stimulates the body’s ability to heal itself.

Western research has shown that acupuncture causes the body to produce more endorphin, the pain-relieving hormone. Acupuncture reduces inflammation and swelling to relieve acute injury and chronic pain. It also increases the “feel-good hormone,” serotonin, which helps explain why acupuncture can treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Do the needles hurt?

Because the needles used in acupuncture are very thin, most people barely feel them. You may notice a small pinch, a slight ache, or energy sensations. Patients usually receive acupuncture lying down, and some even fall asleep during a session.

How many treatments are required?

Some conditions respond quickly, while others require more time. In general, more serious, chronic conditions require more treatment than recent, less serious health problems. Treatment may include acupuncture, acupressure, diet and nutritional counseling, herbal formulas, Chinese massage, and/or Qigong exercises.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we encourage patients to play an active role in their healthcare through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. This personal involvement helps people maintain a better state of health, helps prevent future health problems, and reduces the number of treatments necessary.

Is acupuncture a “cure-all?”

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of health conditions, but it certainly is not a cure-all. Some people and some conditions respond dramatically, while others improve more slowly or in some cases not at all. This range of response is common to all healthcare treatments, whether they are part of alternative or conventional medicine.

When people have serious medical conditions, I encourage them to consult with a physician trained in Western medicine. Often, a combination of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and Western medicine is the best approach.

Is acupuncture safe?  How are acupuncturists licensed?

Acupuncture performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile, disposable needles is safe. In Minnesota, acupuncturists are licensed by the state Board of Medical Practice and can use the title Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac).

To become a licensed acupuncturist, one must complete a 3 to 4 year program of classroom and clinical experience at a recognized acupuncture school and pass the national board exam given by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Passing this test and maintaining certification through continuing education are the criteria for becoming a licensed acupuncturist in Minnesota. A licensed acupuncturist may use the title L.Ac.

In Minnesota, medical doctors and doctors of chiropractic may legally perform acupuncture without a license. They can become licensed acupuncturists only by graduating from an accredited college of acupuncture and passing the national board exam.

What can acupuncture treat?

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture treats many health conditions, including the following:

• PAIN:
Arthritis, sciatica, headache, neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, shingles, injuries, accidents

• CHRONIC CONDITIONS:
Asthma, diabetes, colitis, ulcers, digestive problems

• EAR-NOSE-THROAT:
Allergies, sinus infection, colds and flu, bronchitis, etc.

• WOMEN’S HEALTH:
Irregular periods, PMS, cystitis, infertility, morning sickness, delayed labor.

• SKIN CONDITIONS:
Eczema, psoriasis, herpes, shingles

• MENTAL-EMOTIONAL:
Depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress

• CRAVINGS:
Stop smoking, substance abuse, appetite control

Why should I consider acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a simple, cost-effective form of treatment with virtually no side effects.

Acupuncture works well in conjunction with Western medicine.

Acupuncture can provide relief for conditions that don’t respond to standard medical treatment.

Acupuncture reduces stress-related anxiety.

Acupuncture enhances the body’s natural healing response.

Acupuncture practitioners encourage patients to play a more active role in their own healthcare.
___This can reduce the number of treatments needed and help prevent future health problems.

Does insurance cover acupuncture?

There is a growing interest among insurance companies in offering acupuncture as a covered expense. Because insurance coverage of acupuncture services is not universal, we require payment at the time of service. However, we can provide you with all the information you need to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

Will my flexible benefit plan cover acupuncture?

Both acupuncture and massage are often covered under employee flexible benefit plans. Simply ask at work whether or not your plan covers these benefits. Medical savings accounts (MSAs) also may cover acupuncture.

About Richard Tosseland, L.Ac.

Richard Tosseland, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac. NCCAOM, attended the Dechen Yonten Dzo Institute of Boulder, Colorado. The institute’s director, Bob Flaws, Dipl.Ac. & C.H., FNAAOM, disbanded the school in the 1990’s to devote time to translating and authoring books on acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Several of his books, published through Blue Poppy Press are now used in the curriculum of several acupuncture schools. Richard interned at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai, China. He also studied privately for three years with Duc Kieu, a Vietnamese herbalist currently living in Minneapolis.

Certified by the NCCAOM, Richard is licensed in acupuncture by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. He is a member of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Association of Minnesota.

A Minnesota native, Richard has maintained a practice in Duluth since 1992. He also offers instruction in Tai Chi and Qigong, Chinese health and relaxation exercises.


To view Richard’s website, visit: www.richardtosseland.com.
For information on Tai Chi classes, click here © 2007 Richard Tosseland, L.Ac.