In the bustling community of Northeastern Minneapolis, there lies a small clinic tucked between various shops and boutiques. “Northeast Wellness” is so inconspicuous, in fact, that if you were to pass down this street, it’s highly unlikely for you to even notice its presence.

However, this holistic healing clinic is a little-known gem of Minneapolis. Specializing in Chinese treatments, the health center offers a variety of treatments including community acupuncture, massage therapy, infrared saunas, and fire cupping. Personally, I have experienced the acupuncture and the infrared sauna.

Starting off generally, I would rate this clinic extremely highly and recommend it to everyone looking for a therapeutic experience or methods for pain management. The space itself is very well-kept and clean, with friendly and helpful staff who will walk you through whichever utility you’re using. NE Wellness is perfect for those who have never been to a holistic healing clinic but are interested; it’s not intimidating at all and the process is made very simple and easy by the staff.

I definitely recommend this clinic for those who are interested in acupuncture but have never had it done before – this clinic is well known for its acupuncture treatments, and its acupuncturists are meticulous and provide customized care to each person depending on their physical and/or mental ailments. The acupuncture is community style, which essentially means that there are six reclining chairs in the room with one acupuncturist– they only treat you on the head, forearms and calves. It helps to see the same person each time so you can discuss your progress and get the same treatment every time.

As for the needles themselves: they seem scary, but they don’t hurt at all– just the occasional pinch. The session will start off with a brief conversation with the therapist to figure out the kind of treatment he should use. The therapists are very good listeners and ask questions in order to provide the best possible care. After the therapist has put in all the needles, he’ll leave you to relax for about 45 minutes. I often fall asleep. After this time has ended, all the needles will be removed and you can be on your way– however, I like to reserve one of the three infrared saunas for an hour to conclude my visit.

I’ve been getting acupuncture two times a week for about a month now, and the therapeutic experience has definitely been beneficial to me. I feel much more relaxed and at ease, and I’m eternally grateful for discovering this clinic. Acupuncture is great for people with physical pain such as osteoarthritis, cramps, allergies, and migraines, but it’s also excellent for people with mental struggles such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Acupuncture is said to balance humans’ qi – which is the Chinese philosophy that all humans have qi, or life-giving energy, flowing through them, and blocked qi results in illness. Contemporary research credits acupuncture’s healing qualities to the micro stimulation of nerves and therefore the immune system.

If you’re at all interested in holistic healing, I would check NE Wellness out right away. Even if you find that acupuncture isn’t really your thing, I can promise you that you’ll have a pleasant experience with a warm and friendly staff.