Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that involves carefully inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to effectively help relieve pain and improve overall health and well-being. This ancient practice, rooted in centuries of tradition, aims to restore balance and promote healing within the body.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These acupoints correspond to pathways, known as meridians, through which vital energy, or "Qi" flows. The objective of acupuncture is to restore balance and facilitate the proper flow of Qi.

The mechanism by which acupuncture works is multifaceted: Stimulating the nervous system, improving circulation, balancing energy, modulating immune response, relieving muscle tension and more.

While the experience can vary from person to person, most individuals report minimal discomfort during the treatment.

The needles used in acupuncture are very fine, often compared to the thickness of a human hair. A brief prick or a slight pinch may be felt during insertion, but this sensation typically subsides quickly. A dull achy sensation is usually felt during needle manipulation and acupuncturists identify this as ‘ De Qi (the arrival of vital Qi)’, which is a therapeutic effect. For those who are particularly apprehensive, your acupuncturist can provide reassurance and adjust the technique to enhance comfort.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years in China. This medical approach is predicated on the belief that health is a harmonious balance between the body's vital energies and the environment.

Central to TCM is the concept of Yin and Yang, which represent the dual nature of all things in the universe. Yin embodies qualities such as coolness and passive energy, while Yang represents heat and active energy. An imbalance between these forces can lead to illness.

TCM encompasses a variety of practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, cupping, gua sha, Tui-na, moxibustion and Tai Chi. Each of these modalities aims to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing processes.

1. Have a small meal or snack before your appointment. Arriving on an empty stomach may lead to dizziness, while overeating can cause discomfort during the session. 2. Abstain from caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol for at least a few hours prior to your treatment. These substances can interfere with your body’s response to acupuncture. 3. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the areas being treated. 4. Spend some time calming your mind and body before the appointment to ensure you are relaxed. 5. Avoid medium to high impact exercises and keep hydrated for a few hours after each treatment. 6. Understand that side effects may include fatigue or lightheadedness, so allow yourself time to recuperate.

We strongly encourage you to finish all the paperwork the day before your appointment. If you don’t have time to, we recommend you to arrive 30 minutes earlier prior to your appointment to ensure prompt treatment. During your first visit, you can expect a thorough consultation and an initial assessment to understand your health history and present concerns. Your acupuncturist will inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous treatments you may have undergone. This information helps them develop a tailored treatment plan.

After the assessment, you will be explain the process and purpose of acupuncture. This includes discussing the specific points that will be targeted based on your individual needs. You may also learn about the benefits of acupuncture and what to expect during your sessions.

When it comes time for the treatment, you will be asked to lie down either face up or face down in a comfortable position. You may need to take off some clothes or change to a gown depending on the location of acupoints will be targeted.

After the needles are inserted, you will typically be left to relax for about 25 minutes. The environment is quiet with peaceful music playing. Many patients feel relaxed and meditate or nap during their treatment. (We won’t hold it against you if we hear you snore:)) After the session, you will be provided recommendations regarding follow-up treatments or self-care practices to enhance the effects of the acupuncture.

It's important to come prepared with any questions you might have. Your acupuncturist is there to help, and addressing concerns upfront will ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.

The timeline for experiencing results from acupuncture treatments can vary significantly based on several factors, including the individual’s condition, the severity of symptoms, and the frequency of treatments. Many patients report feeling some immediate relief after their first session, particularly regarding pain or stress. However, for chronic conditions or more complex issues, it may take multiple sessions before noticeable improvement occurs. Generally, longer the condition has been ongoing, more time you will need to see noticeable improvement. we normally recommend an initial course of 4 to 8 treatments, starting one to two treatments a week, to adequately assess the effectiveness of the therapy. Once symptoms improve steadily, we may be able to space the treatment out to once a week or bi-weekly.

Short answer, yes. Continuing acupuncture after your symptoms have resolved can offer several benefits. Regular sessions may enhance your body's resilience against stress and illness, contributing to a sustained sense of well-being. Many patients find once a month maintenance treatments help prevent the recurrence of symptoms, specially that it is almost impossible for us to quit our job, have a perfect diet or live a stress-free life. Think of having acupuncture for your health as going to gym for your fitness. It’d be absurd to expect having great body shape for the rest of your life after only three months of exercising right?

Both professions can provide acupuncture, but their training, expertise, and scope of practice differ significantly. Licensed acupuncturists undergo specialized training focused solely on acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine. They typically complete at least a master’s degree in acupuncture or oriental medicine, which includes extensive coursework and hundreds hours of clinical practice. This extensive education prepares them to diagnose and treat a wide array of conditions through acupuncture techniques within the holistic philosophy of TCM. If you are seeking a comprehensive understanding of acupuncture and its applications, a licensed acupuncturist is usually the best choice.

Chiropractors in Minnesota are only required 100 hours of training to practice acupuncture with a certificate instead of a license. Please keep in mind that chiropractors cannot legally treat patients solely with acupuncture, but “may utilize acupuncture to prepare for or complement a chiropractic adjustment.” While acupuncture is generally safe, seeking treatment from an unlicensed practitioner can lead to ineffective care, potentially wasting your time or fostering the development of chronic conditions.

Acupuncture is a foundational practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Treatment typically encompasses a holistic view, addressing not just physical symptoms but also mental and emotional health.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is a more modern technique that stems from Western medicine. The fine, filiform needles that are used during dry needling are short, made of stainless steel, and do not inject any fluids, which is why the process is referred to as “dry.” Unlike acupuncture, dry needling does not involve the traditional concepts of Qi or meridians, and it places greater emphasis on anatomical and physiological mechanisms. It focuses primarily on the treatment of myofascial pain syndromes and trigger points (that are called Ashi points in TCM).

Dry needling is commonly performed by physical therapists and sports injury specialists. However, the procedure does not require extensive training, and there is no regulatory body overseeing the training, licensing, or supervision for its practice.

Yes, we dry needle as most acupuncturists do, specially when treat musculoskeletal system conditions. We will select both local Ashi points and distal points to achieve a holistic approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause of the condition.

Three Essentials is not in-network provider of any health insurance on the market. However, we can provide you an itemized receipt that is called super bill. You may be able to get reimbursement for acupuncture treatments from your health insurance company when you submit it to them, as long as your plan covers acupuncture and you have met your annual out-of-pocket maximum amount.

We also accept HSA/FSA.

Yes! We accept most workers' compensation insurance and automobile insurance, such as: State Farm, Progressive, American Family Insurance, Farmer’s Insurance, Allstate Insurance, United States Automobile Associations (USAA), Auto-Owners Insurance, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, etc.

If your auto insurance company is not listed above, please call to verify your coverage.

Acupuncture services are typically 100% covered.

We accept HSA/FSA, all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Please kindly reschedule or cancel your appointment online or contact us for assistance at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time. We enforce a strict cancellation policy and you will be charged the full amount for your scheduled appointment time if cancellation or rescheduling is less than 24 hours.

We try to accommodate late patients up to 15-minutes after the scheduled treatment time, but you may be asked to wait, or the treatment may be cut short in order to treat on-time patients. Patients running more than 15-minutes late are considered late cancelled.