Question and Answer
 

Q:  WHAT IS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE?

A:  Integrative Medicine combines the best ideas and practices of alternative and conventional medicine in order to maximize the body's natural healing mechanisms. It's more than having doctors prescribe herbs or, using acupuncture in place of medications. Rather, Integrative Medicine has a much larger perspective and mission:

• It seeks to restore the focus of medicine on health and healing rather than disease and treatment.
• It views patients as whole persons–minds and spirits as well as physical bodies–and considers these other dimensions in the diagnosis and treatment of illness.
• It emphasizes a true partnership between patient and practitioner that addresses healing on all levels–especially lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, quality of sleep, relationships, and work, as well as the appropriate use of dietary supplements, herbs, and other forms of treatments.
• It considers simple, inexpensive, low-tech treatment methods, especially when conventional approaches are relatively ineffective or potentially harmful.

Q:  WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE?

A:  Oriental medicine treats the whole patient in a natural, harmonious way. It is one of the world's oldest systems of medicine and dates back some 5,000 years. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the two primary methods of treatment employed in the practice of Oriental medicine, although many practitioners also make diet, exercise and lifestyle recommendations. Good health is maintained through a balance of a person's vital energy called qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). Any illness or symptom of the body, mind or spirit is associated with a disharmony in qi. As Oriental medicine restores harmony, symptoms recede and the sense of health and well-being is restored. As treatment progresses, improvements are frequently noticed on many levels. Each person is treated as an individual with a unique approach.

History:
Legend has it that acupuncture was introduced to the Chinese by Huang-ti, known as the Yellow Emperor, who might have lived some time around the 28th century BCE. According to popular myth, he brought the knowledge of things like bows & arrows, writing, the calendar, and more - including a medical text called Nei Jing, which is still in use today. This book introduces the idea of ch'i and it's importance to a person's mental and physical health.

Q:  WHO SEES ACUPUNTURISTS?

A:  People of all ages come for acupuncture treatment. Some may be referred by their physicians and seek relief of particular symptoms. Others use acupuncture or Chinese herbs for their ability to support overall health. Acupuncture is often helpful when other form of treatment have been inadequate or unsatisfactory. For persistent health problems or for a treatment style that naturally enhances the body’s own healing potential, acupuncture and herbal medicine may be the treatment of choice.

Q:  HOW IS IT DONE?

A:  Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles through the skin to promote the harmonious flow of chi in the body. Only sterile, disposable needles are used. The needles are solid, flexible, and the width of two human hairs. There is little or no pain, and most patients experience a pleasant state of relaxation. Acupuncturists may also utilize moxibustion (the application of heat), cupping (the use of suctions cups), and other techniques.

To determine any imbalances in a person's energy system they use traditional methods such as evaluating the pulse, looking at the tongue, and palpating the abdomen. These skills are also useful to make treatment choices and to determine the effectiveness of the treatments.

Some acupuncturists also practice Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbs can be taken as teas, concentrated extracts of prepared medicines like tablets or pills.

Treatments usually extend for multiple sessions. The frequency and length of treatment will depend on how severe the condition is, how long a person has and the imbalance, and the nature of the illness.

Q:  DOES MY INSURANCE COVER ACUPUNCTURE? HOW ABOUT MASSAGE?

A:  Some insurance companies will cover acupuncture, others will not. You are encouraged to call your insurance company to determine the coverage. We do not submit Massages to insurance companies, you will be responsible for the balance at the time of service.

Q:  WHAT INSURANCE PLANS IS THE CLINIC ACCEPTING?

A:  We are accepting most major insurance plans, with the exception of MA/Medicare products and Health Partners at this time.  Call the clinic at 952-892-6700 for more specific information.

Q:  IF THE CLINIC CLOSES AT 5 pm, WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE A QUESTION AFTER HOURS?

A:  If you need some nursing advise, you are encouraged to call the nurse triage line through your insurance company.  Most insurance companies will provide you with a phone number on the back of your card specifically for nursing instruction.  If this is a concern that cannot wait until the next business day, then you may call the clinic’s main number 952-892-6700 and it will prompt you as to how to contact a provider.

Q:  HOW DO I GET A REFILL OF MY MEDICATION I WAS PRESCRIBED?

A:  Call your pharmacy and they will communicate with us.

Q:  WHAT HOSPITAL DOES DR. RIEB HAVE ADMITTING PRIVILEGES TO?

Thanks for visiting.  Feel free to contact the clinic for further information on any topic. 952-892-6700