Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago, and is an ancient and trusted method of medical treatment. It involves inserting thin needles at specific body points. The needles may be stimulated electrically or by other means. Today acupuncture is used all over the world to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Kevin Chatwin, M.D., provides medical acupuncture at Fairview Lakes Medical Center, Wyoming, Minn. Medical acupuncture is acupuncture provided by licensed western-trained physicians. It offers patients an alternative to the conventional medical treatment and also can be used in concert with traditional western medicine to achieve optimal results.

A Mayo Clinic study published in the May 10, 2008, issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture and myofascial trigger point therapy to relieve musculoskeletal pain share 90 percent of corresponding points to treat 95 percent of the same types of pain. Like myofascial trigger point therapy, acupuncture is considered to be a safe and often effective complement to, or substitute for, drug-based pain relief.

During an acupuncture treatment, very thin, flexible needles in varying sizes are inserted into certain points of the body. Most patients find the treatment is painless, and don’t even notice when the needles are inserted. Acupuncture is considered to be one of the safest treatments in all of medicine. Some patients may notice benefit from the treatment immediately; most will feel the benefits after three to six sessions.

Acupuncture can do more than control pain
Not only is acupuncture used to control pain, it can also promote health and well being. It has been used to assist in the treatment of:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Constipation
• Dysmenorrhea
• Frozen shoulder
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Joint pain
• Lower back pain
• Migraines
• Nausea
• Neck Pain
• Neuralgia
• Nicotine dependency
• Post-chemotherapy nausea
• Post-menopausal hot flashes
• Sciatica
• Sinusitis
• Stress
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Tinnitus
• TMJ
• Weight problems

Medical acupuncture and insurance coverage
Cost of acupuncture visits is based on time and runs around $120 for a 30-minute visit. Reimbursement is dependent on individual insurance coverage. When contacting your insurance carrier, be sure to ask about acupuncture that is performed by a medical doctor.
To make an appointment with Dr. Chatwin, call the Fairview Sports & Orthopedic Care Clinic, 651-982-7800.