Frequently Asked Questions.

 Appointment FAQs

  • Minnesota Integrative Health Studio is not in-network with any health insurance companies, and we do not bill health insurance for any services at this time. We can accept payment for some services with HSA or FSA cards. We also accept credit cards, cash, or check. Regardless of your method of payment, we do require a credit card on file to reserve your appointment. You may choose to use a different method of payment at time of service.

    We can provide you with a super bill for some services including private acupuncture. This requires payment made in full to our clinic at the time of your service. You can then submit your super bill to your insurance for possible reimbursement if acupuncture is a covered benefit under your plan. We cannot guarantee reimbursement for any services, you must contact your insurance directly to determine whether you will be reimbursed for out-of-network acupuncture.

  • Each of our locations has its own booking link and list of services. We use JaneApp for online booking, and you’ll be prompted to select your preferred location before accessing that location’s specific booking page.

    Whether you booked online, by phone, through a third-party app, or in person, your appointment confirmation email will include the address of the location. If you're unsure, feel free to contact our front desk—we’re happy to confirm it for you!

  • Please fill out all intake and consent forms online prior to your appointment. This will allow us to review your information ahead of time to ensure you get more time focused on your treatment or service. If you are unable to fill out the forms online ahead of time, please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment so our staff can help you fill out the forms on site.Please arrive at least 5 minutes early for all appointments to allow time for check in. If you are more than 10 minutes late for any appointment, we may need to reschedule you.

    -For acupuncture, myofascial release, and reflex integration please wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing so your provider can easily access your arms and legs.

    -For Pilates, Yoga or any other movement therapy, please wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to freely and comfortably move your body.

    -For infrared sauna, please come prepared with two towels. You will need one for your body, and we ask that you please sit on a towel while in the sauna. We can provide towel service for an additional $2. Please also be sure to bring water to stay hydrated! We do have bottled water and other beverages for purchase at our front desk. You may also plug in your own audio device via auxiliary cable.

  • It is our policy to be as accommodating as possible for you to schedule your appointments. Consistent attendance allows you to progress, which will result in moving towards results and outcomes for your goals. In the event that you are unable to make one of your appointments, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance. We will help you reschedule your appointment. All appointments may be scheduled online or during operating hours only. Cancellations must be made 24 hours or more in advance of a scheduled appointment. No-shows or appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will result in a fee charged to the client/patient. This includes both virtual online or appointments at a Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC facility. Exceptions will be made for true emergent situations on a case by case basis

Acupuncture FAQs

  • Acupuncture is a medical treatment that is one modality of the system of Traditional Chinese and East Asian Medicine (TCM; TEAM). It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture and TCM are often used to treat all kinds of pain as well as to promote overall health and wellness. In China and other East Asian countries, TEAM is utilized as a form of primary health care, available in most hospitals and clinics, and often implemented directly alongside allopathic treatments such as pharmaceuticals and other medical procedures.

    Research has shown acupuncture to stimulate the nervous system, and trigger the release of chemicals in the body such as endorphins and neurotransmitters in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. This process can improve homeostasis, or the biochemical balance in the body, which promotes both physical and mental health.

    You can read more in depth about Acupuncture Treatment here!

  • This is a very common question. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, about the width of a cat whisker. They are much smaller than a hypodermic needle that may be used for injections or IVs. The majority of patients, even those with needle phobia, are pleasantly surprised to find acupuncture is generally very relaxing and they do not experience pain with their treatment. You may feel a slight pinch with needle insertion, followed by a dull ache, tingling, heaviness or warmth. These are all completely normal sensations and should fade away quickly after insertion. Many patients feel a deep sense of relaxation and fall asleep during a treatment.

  • This depends upon many factors, such as number of complaints, whether the condition is acute or chronic, general lifestyle, and what other treatments or activities you are doing outside of acupuncture. Many acute complaints can be addressed within 1-5 visits. Chronic and complex conditions often take several treatments, up to 10 or more, to see lasting results. Every patient’s situation is unique, and your treatment plan and progress will be unique to you as well. Your provider will create a customized treatment plan for you based on your health goals.

  • Community Acupuncture is acupuncture that is provided in a small group setting. You will lay on a comfortable treatment table either face down or face up, depending upon your treatment needs. Tables can also prop up so you can lay in a reclined position. Dividers are positioned between each table for a semi-private environment.

    This style of acupuncture is very similar to how acupuncture is provided in China, allowing providers to see more patients in a day, which allows us to provide this service at a reduced rate compared to private acupuncture treatments. This also allows friends and family to enjoy acupuncture treatments together. Acupuncture done in private, one-on-one sessions can be costly. However, community acupuncture helps make this treatment accessible to all.

  • TCM acupuncture treatments are optimal for patients with very complex health conditions and several complaints they wish to address, or for those who are looking for more modalities included in their treatment such as cupping, guasha, or tuina.

  • Safety and hygiene are paramount in acupuncture practice. Licensed acupuncturists undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict sterilization protocols to ensure patient safety.

    In the United States, acupuncture is regulated, and practitioners must meet specific educational and certification requirements. All Licensed Acupuncturists in the state of Minnesota are board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, as well as certified in Clean Needle Technique and licensed by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. Patients should seek treatment from qualified, fully licensed professionals to ensure the highest standards of care.

 Accessibility FAQs

  • As of summer 2025, we have two locations to better serve our patients!

    Our Main Location does require the use of stairs with a railing to reach our clinic.

    Our Garland Location features a fully accessible entrance with elevator access, located on 2nd Street NE. Once you take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, you’ll find ample space for mobility, including a private, wheelchair-accessible restroom. This location also offers a quieter, more private setting—ideal for those who prefer a calmer environment compared to the busier main clinic.

  • Yes, both of our clinic locations have private gender neutral bathrooms.

  • Absolutely! If you need any accommodations while making an appointment please feel free to reach out to our front desk with any questions you may have. We have practitioners who are male, female, non-binary, and gender non-conforming. We will always do our best to work with you and be as accessible as possible.

  • Yes, we do offer in home services for treatments like acupuncture or therapeutic bodywork especially for those who are living in nursing homes, assisted living, are on hospice, etc. Please feel free to reach out to our front desk staff with any questions or start the set-up for this process.

  • At Minnesota Integrative Health Studio we firmly believe that everyone should have access to the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture. By offering affordable pricing options, we strive to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder individuals from seeking acupuncture as a viable healthcare solution.

    We offer several sliding-scale options like Community Acupuncture, Community Acupuncture + Cupping, Reiki and Coaching, Yoga Classes, and special events.

    There are also rotating memberships and packages that are a great way to save money while booking appointments.

  • Please read our up-to-date policies by clicking here.

Buccal Massage FAQs

  • Buccal Massage is a specialized modality that focuses on areas of the face, head, neck, and shoulders. If you are in search of other forms of bodywork, you can check out Therapeutic Bodywork or Tuina!

  • Each patient is different, but yhe typical recommendation is around 6 - 8 weekly treatments, followed by monthly maintenance appointments.

    Results can be seen and felt after the first appointment, but become more noticeable as treatment continues since the results are cumulative.

  • After a Buccal Massage treatment, you may feel very relaxed, but depending on the level of tension going into the treatment, your facial muscles and/or jaw may feel sore or tender.

    You can apply a warm compress to help alleviate that feeling.

  • If you are a current cancer patient or currently pregnant, please inform your practitioner prior to the start of treatment. Treatment may be modified as needed on a case-by-case basis.

    • Botox injections: must wait 14 days before treatment

    • Dermal filler: must wait 4 weeks before treatment

    • Active oral infections (cold sores, thrush, gingivitis, etc.) or open wounds inside or around the mouth

    • Uncontrolled bleeding disorders

    • Acute fever or infection

    • Recent oral or maxillofacial surgery (generally within 6-8 weeks or cleared by physician)

    • Recent dental work (extractions, root canals, implants, deep cleaning), wait until fully healed

    • Epilepsy or untreated seizure disorders

Cupping Therapy FAQs

  • Fire cupping is a therapy in which a glass jar is attached to the skin surface using negative pressure created by introducing a flame into the cup, and superficial skin and muscle layers are pulled into the cup. Cups are either left stationary for several minutes or moved around utilizing many different techniques such as sliding or flash cupping.

  • Cupping is a form of bodywork that can be described as a "reverse massage," pulling up on the body's tissues versus pressing down. Cupping can help to relieve sore muscles and other aches and pains, but is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for many other conditions, including but not limited to: arthritis, sprains, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, back pain, etc.

  • Fire cupping appointments are 15 minutes and involve just the cupping.

    Fire cupping and Tuina appointments are scheduled for 25 minutes, where fire cupping is combined with tuina (Chinese medical massage). Tuina is a specific form of massage based on Chinese medical principles. It involves deep tissue manipulation often along acupuncture points and meridians, stretching, and manipulation of the muscles, joints, and tendons.

  • Cupping often leaves bruises in areas where cups are applied. These bruises are not painful, and may last anywhere from 1-2 days up to 7-10 days, and depends upon many factors. Immediately following the session, areas where cups were applied may be slightly raised. This will subside quickly. Most patients leave the session feeling decreased muscle tension and increased relaxation.

  • Fire cupping is also commonly known as “dry cupping.” In dry cupping, cups are applied to specific points on the body and left in place for a few minutes. This technique is non-invasive and primarily used to address muscle tension, pain relief, and relaxation.

    Hijama is also known as “wet cupping.” Hijama is an ancient traditional medicine practice. The process involves drawing blood from various points on the body by creating small incisions using a very thin needle in the skin and then drawing out deoxygenated blood through suction cups. This helps to detoxify the body by improving blood circulation.

Privacy Policy

  • Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC is committed to full compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of our patients’ and clients’ personal health information; the practitioners and staff will make every effort to respect your privacy and keep confidential the health information entrusted to us.

  • We are required by law to maintain the privacy of your health information, to provide you with this notice of our legal duties and our privacy practices, and to abide by the terms of this notice while it is in effect.  However, we reserve the right to change the terms of our privacy notices in accordance with federal or state law; any such change will apply for all of your health information in our files.

  • Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC patients and clients will be asked to consent to the use or disclosure of your protected health information by agreeing to allow Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC clinicians or support staff members to:

    -Use your health information within Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC, or disclose your health information to another health care provider or facility for the purpose of diagnosis, assessment or treatment of your condition.

    -Use your health information within Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC, or disclose your examination, treatment and billing records to another party, such as an insurance carrier, an HMO or your employer for the purpose of receiving payment of services rendered to you.

    -Use your health information, examination, treatment and billing records for quality control or other administrative purposes to efficiently and effectively operate the practice.

    -Disclose your health information to business associates that perform services for Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC or your benefit and bill for it.  All Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC business associates are contractually required by us to similarly safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of any personal health information disclosed to them.

    -Use your personal health information to contact you be telephone, mail or e-mail with appointment reminders, Minnesota Integrative Health Studio LLC newsletters, information about treatment alternatives or other health related information that may be of interest to you.  If not at home to receive an appointment reminder, a message may be left on your answering machine.

  • Use or disclosure of your health information without your consent may be required or permitted in some circumstances, including but not limited to: 1) The extent that we are required or permitted to do so by applicable federal or state laws; 2) A public health authority for a wide range of public health activities when authorized to collect or receive your health information under federal or state law; 3) An appropriate government authority if there is reason to believe you are the victim of abuse, neglect or domestic violence; 4) Federal or state health care system and government benefit program oversight activities; 5) A response to a court order, or in response to a subpoena, discovery request or other lawful purpose; 6) Law enforcement officials when required to report certain types of wounds or physical injuries, or to comply with court orders, a grand jury subpoena or administrative requests; 7) An appropriate law enforcement authority if the disclosure is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the person or the public; 8) A correctional institution if we provide health care services to you as an inmate; 9) Emergent care situations, and 10) Providing care to you that is related to a work-place injury to the extent necessary to comply with Minnesota’s worker’s compensation laws.

  • Your Right to Revoke Consent: You may revoke your consent to use or disclose your health information at any time; however, your revocation must be in writing; there are two circumstances under which we will not be able to honor your revocation request:  1) Your health information was released prior to receipt of your request to revoke your consent; and 2) Were you required to give your authorization as a condition for obtaining insurance, the insurance company may have a right to your health information if they decide to contest any of your claims.

    Your Right To Limit Uses or Disclosures:  You have a right to limit the use or disclosure of your personal health information.  To do so you must inform us, in writing, of any health care providers, hospitals, employers, insurers, or other individuals or organizations to whom you do not want us to disclose your health information.  We are not required to agree to your restrictions; however, if we agree with your restrictions, the restriction is binding on us.  If we do not agree to your restrictions, you may choose to drop your request or to seek care from another health care provider or facility.

    Your Right to Receive Confidential Communication Regarding Your Health Information:  We normally provide information about your health to you in person at the time you receive services from us.  We may also mail you information regarding your health or about the status of your account.  We will do our best to accommodate any reasonable, written request if you would like to receive information about your health or the services that we provide at a place other than your home or if you would like the information in a different form.

    Your Right to Inspect and Copy Your Health Information:  You have the right to inspect and/or copy your health information for seven years from the date that the record was created or as long as the information remains in our files; such requests must be in writing.  We may refuse your request, and charge you for retrieval and copying costs, only in accordance with Minnesota law.

    Your Right to Amend Your Health Information:  You have the right to request that we amend your health information for seven years from the date that the record was created or as long as the information remains in our files.  Amendment requests must be in writing and give us reason to support the change you are asking us to make; however, Healing Path Acupuncture is not obligated to comply with your request if it is judged to be unreasonable.

    Your Right to Receive an Accounting of the Disclosures We Have Made of Your Records:  You have the right to submit a written request for an accounting of the disclosures we have made of your health information for the last six years before the date of your request.  Such accounting requests will include all disclosures made except for those that: 1) Are required for your treatment, to obtain payment for your services or to operate our practice; 2) Were made to you; 3) We are required or permitted to make without your consent or authorization; 4) Were disclosed with your written consent; 5) Were necessary to maintain a facility directory of individuals involved with your care; 6) Were disclosed for national security or intelligence purposes; 7) Were made to correctional or law enforcement officers; or 8) Were made prior to April 14, 2003.

    We will provide the first accounting within any 12-month period without charge.  Retrieval and copying fees complying with Minnesota law may be charged for any additional accounting requests during the same 12-months period.  When you make your request we will tell you the amount of the fee and you will have the opportunity to withdraw or modify your request.

    Your Right to Obtain a Paper Copy of This Notice:  You may request a copy of this notice at any time.

    Your Right to Complain:  You may complain to us or to the Secretary of Health and Human Services if you feel that we have violated your privacy rights.  We respect your right to do so and will not take any action against you if you do file a complaint.