Acupuncture

A method of Traditional Chinese Medicine designed to promote the body's natural healing process by removing energy imbalances and blockages.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, one of the main forms of therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced for at least 2,500 years. In acupuncture, certain points on the body associated with energy channels or “meridians” are stimulated by the insertion of super fine needles, that range from 0.12mm to 0.30mm (compared to a normal hypodermic needle at 29mm, acupuncture needles are barely felt if at all). The points can be needled between 15 and 90 degrees relative to the skin’s surface, depending on treatment.

Acupuncture restores health by removing energy imbalances and blockages in the body. Practitioners of TCM believe that there is a vital force or energy called qi (pronounced “chee”) that flows through the body, between the skin surface and the internal organs, and along channels or pathways called meridians. Qi regulates the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical harmony of the body by keeping the forces of yin and yang in balance. Yang is a principle of heat, activity, brightness, outwardness, while yin represents coldness, passivity, darkness, interiority, etc. TCM does not try to eliminate either yin or yang, but to keep them in harmonious balance.

The overall experience for those receiving acupuncture treatments can vary greatly. Most report feeling very relaxed during the treatment and many fall asleep. Some find the treatments to be very invigorating and energizing. Almost all report decreased stress and improved well-being. Interestingly, it is rare that a patient reports overall discomfort or pain associated with the treatments, even if they went in with a good deal of concern or fear over the idea of needling. Whatever the case, it is worth looking into further if you are interested in this traditional form of healing. Call or email today for a free informational consult with one of our acupuncturists.

Carey Velenchenko, Acupuncturist, Master of Chinese Medicine (Minnetonka)

Carey Velenchenko is Sunu’s Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, practicing Acupuncture, Cupping, and Chinese Herbal Medicine. She has had 19 years of experience treating clients in a wide variety of settings including: private practice, and adolescent and adult residential programming for the treatment of eating disorders. Carey’s experience has given her the necessary tools and wisdom to treat a wide variety of conditions and symptoms including but not limited to depression, anxiety, digestive issues, pain and injuries, menstrual irregularities, fertility, autoimmune disorders, headaches and migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and menopausal discomfort.

Andrea Cyr, LAC, MCM, Acupuncturist (Linden Hills)

Andrea Cyr offers acupuncture services at our Linden Hills location. With decades of experience and her own private practice, she brings perspective, wisdom and versatility to our community. She works with people of all ages and a broad range of physical and emotional symptoms including pain, internal imbalances with digestion, respiration, the nervous system, reproduction, anxiety and depression. Acupuncture in particular assists people as they face the transitions that life presents at all stages of growth and aging. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to health care, medicine or treatment. The goal isn’t a diagnosis of what’s ‘wrong’, rather, an understanding of the connectivity of the body’s systems and restoring balance where/when needed.

Adrienne Suess, Licensed Acupuncturist (Minnetonka)

Adrienne Suess offers acupuncture services at our Minnetonka location. She has a deep appreciation for holistic health traditions and methods. She brings a wealth of knowledge, and experience to the SuNu Community. Adrienne connects with her clients and serves with a confidence that’s efficient and effective, while also offering a tenderness and authenticity that ensures a safe and calming experience conducive to healing. If you’re interested in acupuncture, fire cupping, craniosacral therapy and/or perinatal and pediatric care, Adrienne is a wonderful resource.