A Visit to the Acupuncturist Great News for Acupuncture in MN The legislature passed, and Gov. Pawlenty signed into law, the "Equal Access to Acupuncture" Law which takes effect Aug. 1, 2009. This bill requires all health care policies that claim to cover acupuncture to reimburse licensed acupuncturists for procedures performed within their scope of practice. Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly viable health care option for more Minnesotans and is covered by many health insurance plans. Insurance coverage has expanded largely due to the mounting scientific evidence that acupuncture works well for specific ailments such as pain and nausea. Acupuncture also has a good safety record and produces few unwanted side effects. This bill was named for the late Edith Davis, who was a pioneer in acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Minnesota. More and more people are including acupuncture as part of their health care options. Contact your health plan and ask if you will be reimbursed for your acupuncture treatments today! General Treatments  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare system used to treat individuals for a wide variety of physical, emotional and psychological concerns. Treatment includes TCM for chronic immune disorders, pain, digestive and GI problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma and respiratory conditions, stress, substance abuse and addictions. Some acute conditions are treated with fewer than five sessions, some chronic conditions may need more treatments. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative, with treatments building upon each other. Herbs and other components, such as diet and exercise recommendations, may be utilized. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. We have about an 70% success rate, with some exceptions. Expect to come between 3-5 times, to see how acupuncture is working for you. Most people fall asleep during an acupuncture session because it is so relaxing! Needles are only hair width, pre sterilized and disposable. In 1996 the FDA reclassified acupuncture needles from the previous 'experimental' classification to 'safe and effective' for use by a qualified practitioner. Wellness Services and Intake TCM services at Zumbro Valley Acupuncture includes acupuncture, dietary recommendations, moxabustion (heat therapy), herbal medicine and qi gong. Qi gong (literally 'energy work') can be specific exercises, self massage, meditation or breathing techniques. We offer classes on Qi gong, Tai Chi and self-care, and provide recommendations for individual clients. Contact us if you would like to arrange a workshop for your group or workplace. TCM is holistic in its management of diseases and conditions. Diagnosis of a pattern of disharmony, or imbalance in an individual, is determined by an extensive intake utilizing TCM principles and diagnostic methods. Acupuncture point selection and treatment, as well as herbal formulas, are specific for that individual and may change periodically. Generally you will need to plan a little over an hour for an intake and treatment the first session. This is when you will fill out the intake form, including information about your medical history, signs and symptoms, favorite color and food, and other items. Deah will then interweave this information with that from checking your pulses and tongue, and then determine a TCM diagnosis and configure a treatment plan. Subsequent sessions generally take a little less than an hour. Emphasis is on wellness, staying in balance with the seasons and client participation in their own care. Cost Many clients pay out-of-pocket, however a few insurance providers cover acupuncture services, particularly those involving motor vehicle accidents. Check with your carrier. Deah is a provider for the HMO HealthPartners. Acupuncture costs are eligible for reimbursement by pre-tax dollars through most workplace programs, and Health Savings Accounts. Rates are $75 per initial intake and treatment, and $60 per session after that. Sessions last approximately one hour. We offer a 'package deal'. Your treatments will cost $50 each, if you purchase five sessions for $250. Cost for nicotine, drug and alcohol cessation treatments are $45. We are committed to being affordable to all. Barters welcome. Deah makes local house calls too!   Peace in the body/mind, peace in the world