Edina, MN Acupuncturist
Here are some of the more commonly asked questions Complete Oriental Medical Care gets about our acupuncture therapies:
If you’re specifically looking for natural options for chronic or acute pain, visit our Acupuncture for Pain Relief page.
Are the needles clean and is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is highly safe when performed by a licensed professional. We use only sterile, single-use, disposable needles that are as thin as a human hair. Steven Sonmore brings over 30 years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice, and is certified by the NCCAOM, ensuring you receive the highest standard of safe, expert care.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is generally painless and deeply relaxing. Because the needles are incredibly fine and inserted with minimal stimulation, most patients feel nothing more than a slight tap or mild tingling. Once the needles are placed, you will rest comfortably for 25 to 30 minutes. Many patients experience such deep relaxation that they drift off to sleep and awake feeling revitalized.
What happens during my first acupuncture visit?
Care begins with a comprehensive, 75-minute diagnostic evaluation and treatment. Your initial assessment includes an in-depth review of your chief complaints, energy levels, digestion, and mood, as well as traditional tongue diagnosis and Chinese pulse diagnosis. Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a customized acupuncture treatment in a quiet, serene environment.
What can I expect after a treatment?
Everyone’s experience is different. After treatment some feel relief – complete or partial – from pain and/or other ailments. Many leave feeling relaxed and calm and say they are more focused and sleep better after an acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief (Chronic & Acute Conditions)
Many people seek acupuncture for pain relief after medications or other treatments have provided only temporary results. Below are answers to common questions about using acupuncture for chronic and acute pain conditions.
Does acupuncture work for chronic and acute pain?
Yes, acupuncture is highly effective for managing both chronic and acute pain. By stimulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and reducing local inflammation, it helps the body heal naturally. We frequently utilize advanced protocols like the Balance Method to provide targeted relief for back pain, neck tension, sciatica, joint discomfort, and migraines.
Many patients seek acupuncture after medications or other therapies have provided only temporary relief. While individual results vary, a personalized acupuncture plan can support meaningful, lasting improvement for many people living with chronic pain.
How quickly will I feel pain relief after acupuncture?
Many patients notice significant improvement after their very first session. Acute pain typically responds the fastest, while long-standing, complex chronic pain may require a gradual series of treatments for the best and most lasting results.
Can pain temporarily increase before it improves with acupuncture?
In rare instances, you may experience a temporary “healing response” where symptoms slightly increase before improving—even in areas that were not directly treated. This reflects the body adjusting as circulation, nerve signaling, and tissue repair shift. It is usually short-lived, and most patients experience only steady improvement.
What types of pain respond best to acupuncture?
Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage a wide range of pain conditions, including:
- Back and low back pain
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Joint pain (knee, hip, elbow, shoulder)
- Headaches and tension-related pain
Because acupuncture treatments are tailored to the individual, results vary based on the condition, duration of pain, and overall health.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Some individuals experience improvement within a few sessions, while chronic or long-standing pain often benefits from a series of treatments over time. Your acupuncturist will assess your condition, discuss goals with you, and recommend a treatment plan based on your progress and response.
Is acupuncture safe for long-term or recurring pain?
When performed by a licensed, trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered a safe therapy for both short-term and long-term pain management. Sterile, single-use needles are used, and treatments are customized to your condition and comfort level.
Many people incorporate acupuncture into an ongoing wellness or pain-management plan to support mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Do you offer acupuncture for pain relief in Edina, Minnesota?
Yes. Complete Oriental Medical Care provides acupuncture for chronic and acute pain relief in Edina, Minnesota, serving patients throughout the Twin Cities for over 30 years. Treatments are personalized for conditions such as back pain, joint pain, sciatica, and nerve-related pain, and are performed by a licensed practitioner in a private, clinical setting.
If you’re exploring acupuncture as part of a comprehensive approach to managing chronic or acute pain, you can learn more about our personalized treatment approach on our natural pain treatment in Edina page.
What should I wear for the treatment?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be rolled up above your elbows and knees. Additionally, we ask that you refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or strong scents to protect our allergy-sensitive patients.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the severity and duration of each person’s condition. Some acute conditions may require only a few treatments. In general, 12 treatments are adequate for many chronic problems. Some chronic ailments require ongoing treatments. You can expect to have your health concern addressed in a direct and timely manner.
Do you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
Absolutely not. We successfully treat many skeptics who experience fantastic results. Acupuncture produces physiological changes in the body regardless of belief—which is why it is also highly effective when used in veterinary medicine on animals.
Do you offer Chinese herbs and additional holistic therapies?
Yes, we carry hundreds of high-quality Chinese herbal formulas (including custom blends) and pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements to support your internal health. We also offer a “Deluxe Session” that combines acupuncture with cupping, gua sha, or Rapid Release Technology for profound muscle tension relief, as well as painless Laser Acupuncture (Cold Laser Therapy) for needle-shy patients.
Do you accept health insurance, HSA, or FSA for acupuncture?
Many of our patients successfully use their HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds for acupuncture care. While we do not bill general health insurance directly, we will gladly provide a Super Bill with your diagnosis codes that you can submit to your insurer for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Note: If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, we do bill auto insurers directly for PIP benefits at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
What payments do you accept?
We accept a variety of payment methods, including:
💳 Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard
📱 Online Payments: Venmo and Zelle
🏦 Standard: Local checks
We look forward to working with you!
Schedule your Edina acupuncture appointment.
Or call us at 952-831-8080. To your health!
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