Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world, and has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. It is used for the relief and prevention of pain, as well as to treat a variety of health conditions.  Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that Qi, a form of energy, flows through in the human body along pathways called meridians.  It is believed that these pathways can become obstructed, and by gently inserting special needles into specific points based on a person's symptoms, these obstructions can be removed. This restores the body's natural energy paths, impacting a person's health and feeling of well-being. 

A frequently referenced study performed in 1998 reported that more than 5 million acupuncture visits are made by Americans each year.  One in ten adults has received acupuncture according to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  Birch Lake Chiropractic Clinic has been offering Acupuncture as a service to their patients since 2006.

In order to treat patients with acupuncture, Chiropractors must undergo additional schooling and pass a state board exam to practice in the State of Minnesota.  In addition, the FDA regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners.  Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.  Acupuncture needles are not re-used, and are disposed of after treatment to ensure sterility.

Some insurance companies pay for the costs of acupuncture at a chiropractors office, while others do not.  We recommend you contact your health insurance plan to determine your coverage.  If it is not a covered service, you may pay out of pocket according to our standard fee schedule.