Peggy Maxwell Acupuncture

Services & Rates

Acupuncture

I see acupuncture clients in my home office in Minnesota from May through October, on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  The location is a couple of miles north of Otter Tail Lake, in Otter Tail County.  Other arrangements can be made for treatments in other locations and/or times.  Please contact me to discuss additional charges for traveling to your location.  Group rates and package deals are also available.  For treatments,  wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing, that can be easily moved around to access acupuncture points on the arms, legs, and torso.  Also, keep in mind that it is best NOT to be treated on an empty stomach, so try to eat a healthy meal or snack before your appointment.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body (meridians). Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of acupuncture include:

• Pain reduction
• Stress and tension relief
• Increased energy levels
• Stronger digestion
• Relief from bad habits and addictions
• Greater sense of overall health and well-being

Pulse Diagnosis

As a part of your acupuncture treatment, I will feel your pulses on your wrists, along with look at your tongue, which helps me determine an appropriate treatment.

One of the most common questions that patients ask about Chinese Medicine is: "Why does my practitioner check my pulse?" Pulse diagnosis is actually one of the most complex and important diagnostic techniques we use in Chinese Medicine. Through feeling and evaluating your pulse, I obtain an accurate diagnosis of your overall constitution, Qi (energy) flow, and internal organ health, among other things. I then synthesize all of this information into a highly effective and individualized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Medical Qi Gong

As a part of your acupuncture treatment, I will advise a simple Qi Gong exercise to do at home.

Medical Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese Medical practice that combines slow movements, conscious breathing, and focused mental attention to strengthen and enhance the flow of Qi (energy) throughout your body. Rather than addressing your symptoms (as Western medicine tends to do), Medical Qi Gong addresses your ailment at its very source by healing your entire being — mentally, emotionally and physically.

Acupressure

As a part of your acupuncture treatment, I may use acupressure, or I may suggest some points for you to treat at home, using self acupressure.

Acupressure is based on one the most ancient principles of healing — that simply touching a specific point on the body will release stress and improve health in the body. In an acupressure session, I apply firm pressure directly to these "points" on your body, which relieves your muscle tension and improves your circulation. This simple and powerful technique has been shown to very effective in treating headaches, backaches, and even insomnia.

Cupping

For an additional price, I may suggest cupping as a part of your acupuncture treatment.

Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine for over 2,500 years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. I simply place a specialized "cup" onto specific points on your body, and then use suction to draw your skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt — it simply draws fresh blood to that area of your body, which facilitates the cleansing and strengthening of your Qi (energy). The end result is a greater overall sense of health and well-being.

Gua Sha

For an additional charge, I may suggest Gua Sha as a part of your acupuncture treatment.

Although Gua Sha is an ancient healing technique used by Chinese Medicine practitioners for thousands of years, it is relatively unknown in the West. It is recognized throughout Asia as a highly effective treatment for chronic pain conditions, stress, fatigue, and a host of other ailments.

First, Gua Sha oil is applied to a specific meridian (energy pathway) on your body. I then use a smooth round-edged object (such as a spoon) to apply short brisk strokes to that area. This creates red patches of skin (called "Sha"), detoxifying your blood and restoring the healthy flow if Qi (energy) to the area. There is no pain involved, and the Sha will fade in 2 to 3 days. But the sense of health and vitality you experience from it will last much longer.

Moxibustion

For an additional fee, I may suggest moxibustion as a part of your acupuncture treatment.

Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing and health. Moxibustion has been used for healing purposes throughout Asia for thousands of years. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi (energy), and enhance your overall vitality and health.