Welcome to Richard Tosseland Acupuncture Homepage

What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a unique healthcare system more than 3,000 years old. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, diet and exercise. These conservative therapies support and promote the body’s ability to heal itself.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is an energy in the body, called Qi, which flows along pathways similar to the nervous system. Qi flows smoothly when we are in good health but when the flow of Qi is disturbed we experience pain and disease. Inserting needles into the correct acupuncture points restores a healthy flow of Qi.

Western research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce more endorphin, the pain relieving hormone. Acupuncture also increases serotonin, the “stress hormone” which helps explain how it can treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Does It Hurt?

For most people, acupuncture does not hurt. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than those used to take blood or give a shot. Many people barely feel the acupuncture needles. Others may notice a small pinch or a slight ache. Some people feel a tingling sensation. Patients usually receive acupuncture lying down, and it is common for people to fall asleep during an acupuncture session. After a treatment, people feel relaxed.

What can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions. The following are some of them.

PAIN: arthritis, sciatica, headache, neck pain, back pain, sprained ankle, sports injuries, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, tendonitis, shingles
CHRONIC ILLNESS: asthma, diabetes, colitis, ulcers, indegestion, Crohn's Disease, vertigo, chemo-related nausea
EAR-NOSE-THROAT: allergies, sinus infection, colds and flu, bronchitis, sore throat
WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES: irregular periods, PMS, vaginitis, cystitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertilitymorning sickness, delayed or difficult labor
SKIN CONDITIONS: eczema, psoriasis, herpes, scars
MENTAL-EMOTIONAL: depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress
ADDICTIONS: stop smoking, substance abuse, weight loss, appetite control

What Results Can I Expect?

Treatment may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, diet counseling, exercise, and massage. Many conditions respond quickly, while others require more time. The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Generally, chronic conditions require more sessions than recent health problems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we make an effort to educate our patients to be more aware of their bodies and to play a more active role in their own healthcare. This increased personal involvement reduces the number of treatments needed and helps people prevent future health problems by maintaining a better state of health.

Is Acupuncture a “Cure-All?”

Although acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can promote a healing response in many cases, serious medical conditions should be treated by Western medicine. There are times when a combination of Eastern and Western medicine is most appropriate. This can be arranged between your doctor and your acupuncturist.

Why Should I Consider Acupuncture?

It is a simple, cost-effective treatment with virtually no side effects.
It works well in conjunction with Western medicine.
It can provide relief for conditions that don’t respond to standard medical treatment.
It reduces stress-related anxiety.
It enhances the body’s natural healing response.
It encourages people to play a more active role in their own healthcare

Is Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Licensed acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, disposable needles for convenience and peace of mind.

A fully trained acupuncturist will have the title of Diplomate of Acupuncture, abbreviated Dipl. Ac. NCCAOM. This title is given to practitioners who have attended a recognized school and who have passed the professional exam given by the NCCAOM, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

In Minnesota, acupuncture is regulated by the state Board of Medical Practice, which grants licenses to fully trained and qualified acupuncturists. A licensed acupuncturist may use the abbreviation “L.Ac.” after his or her name. Some healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors and doctors of chiropractic, may legally provide acupuncture services to their patients without an acupuncture license. The training required of non-licensed providers of acupuncture varies from state to state. It also varies according to the training sought and obtained by the individual. In Minnesota, only healthcare providers who have attended a recognized school and passed the NCCAOM professional exam are licensed acupuncturists.

Richard Tosseland, L.Ac.

Richard Tosseland, L. Ac., Dipl. Ac. NCCAOM, began his training in 1986 at the Dechen Yonten Dzo Institute of Boulder, Colorado, studying under Bob Flaws, Dipl. Ac. NCCAOM. After completing this program, Richard traveled to China for a three-month internship at Shu Guan Hospital in Shanghai. By spring of 1989, Richard became Board Certified in acupuncture and established a clinical practice with Ron Rosen, Dipl. Ac. NCCAOM, in Denver, Colorado.

A Duluth native, Richard moved his practice here in early 1992. From 1995-1998 Richard studied herbal medicine with Vietnamese master herbalist Duc Kieu. Richard is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Minnesota, and is licensed in acupuncture by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. In addition to acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Richard offers instruction in Tai Chi and Qigong, unique Chinese exercises for health and relaxation.