COURTNEY TUMBERG, L.Ac.
Courtney founded Wadena Acupuncture in June of 2020 after graduating from Northwestern Health Sciences University, where she earned her master’s degree in Chinese Medicine. She is licensed with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and is clean needle certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Her clean needle certification is through the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
While at Northwestern, Courtney was able to work with patients in a wide variety of clinical settings, amounting to over 700 hours and 750 patients. She saw patients whose health concerns ranged from musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, menstrual disorders, digestion issues, and many more. She took a special interest in a clinic that specializes in athlete-care, where she worked with athletes in the prevention and treatment of injuries as well as general health maintenance for optimal performance. Her clinical experiences helped her gain extensive knowledge of not only acupuncture but also herbal prescription and accessory techniques such as cupping, gua sha, e-stim, and tui na.
Courtney’s interest in acupuncture began after earning her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Bemidji State University. Her initial plan was to study physical therapy, but after several internships, she became interested in providing patients with an alternative to their typical healthcare routine. Acupuncture provided just that alternative, and she gets immense satisfaction hearing her patients say that after trying everything, they are finally feeling good again.
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys coaching the local high school volleyball team and spending time with her family and her dogs, Kopper and Buddy.
ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a method used for supporting the body in its own natural healing process. The practice originated in East Asia over 2,000 years ago and is now practiced worldwide. Specific points on the body called acupuncture points are stimulated by the insertion of hair-thin, sterile needles. The combination of points selected is individualized to each patient based on their own symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. When these needles are placed, they stimulate the nervous system and other physiological systems to increase blood flow and create a natural self-healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Each person is different in how sensitive they are to the needles. The needles are only about the width of a few hairs. Many people feel nothing and hardly notice them, while others may feel a slight pinch. Certain parts of the body may be more sensitive than others, but overall it should be a comfortable and relaxing experience.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. Only sterile, one-time use needles are used during treatment. Acupuncturists are well trained in needle placement and the underlying anatomy of the body. They also have an extensive education in various health conditions and contraindications. Acupuncture is safe with medications and as an adjunct therapy to other care you may be receiving.
Are there any side effects?
Some possible side effects may include slight bleeding or bruising at the insertion site, fatigue, or dizziness. Other common treatment outcomes include relaxation, better sleep, decreased muscle tension, better digestion, and pain relief just to name a few!.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes! It can actually help relieve several pregnancy and postpartum conditions. It is important to tell your acupuncturists if you are or could potentially be pregnant so they can adjust their treatment plan accordingly.
Can children receive acupuncture treatment?
Absolutely! Children often respond really well to acupuncture and other modalities used!
How many treatments will I need?
This varies for each individual and each condition. Typically though, the more chronic or more complex the condition is the longer it will take to see lasting results. For an acute condition, such as a sprain of some kind, it may take 2-3 treatments total. For a chronic condition that has persisted for several years it may take 1-2 treatments per week for several months. People can generally start to see noticeable changes after only a couple treatments, but others may take a little longer. With acupuncture being a natural medicine, it works by building on the previous treatment and results. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 6 treatment 1 time per week to give you and your practitioner a good idea of how you respond to acupuncture.
How will I know if it is working?
You will notice some sort of change. You may notice a change intensity, frequency or how your chief complaint presents. Changes may also be seen in other areas of your well-being such as better sleep, increased energy, and less stress. Being that we treat the whole person, change in any area is good and means your body is reacting to the treatment.