Choosing An Acupuncturist
Lynn Jaffee
Choosing an acupuncturist can be overwhelming, especially if you've never had acupuncture before. It's important to ask some questions before you book an appointment for an acupuncture treatment to make sure you're getting the right practitioner for you and your particular needs. The following are some questions to ask a prospective practitioner before you book your first appointment, to help you choose the right one.
Are you a licensed acupuncturist? What is your education in acupuncture?
This is an important first question to ask anyone before they perform acupuncture on you! All too frequently consumers are led to believe that any practitioner who is trained or certified to practice acupuncture is highly qualified in the art of diagnosis and treatment using the principles of Chinese Medicine. Don't hesitate to ask a prospective practitioner about their credentials and training.
Physicians are only required to have 50 hours of training in the technical use of acupuncture prior to using it as a treatment, however many physicians have more training than the minimum. Acupuncture performed by a physician is considered "medical acupuncture".
Many chiropractors advertise that they offer acupuncture. It is important to know, however, in some states they are only required to have 100 to 150 hours of unspecified training in acupuncture to call themselves Board Certified. Most chiropractors use acupuncture to treat conditions related to their chiropractic adjustments.
Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc) are required to have a minimum of 1,800 to 2,400 hours of education and clinical training. They must also be board certified with the NCCAOM, a national regulatory agency governing Oriental Medical education and credentials, and they are licensed by their state Board of Medical Practice.
Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc) practice internal Chinese medicine, which focuses on the underlying source of the problem rather than just treating symptoms. As a result, their treatments go beyond simple pain relief offered by most chiropractors and medical acupuncturists.
Most Licensed Acupuncturists must also have a Masters degree in either Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine. The distinction between the two is that a practitioner with a Masters in Acupuncture is trained primarily in acupuncture. A practitioner with a Masters in Oriental Medicine is trained both in acupuncture and diagnosis and treatment using traditional Chinese herbs.
Do you have a specialty? What is your experience and success with my particular condition?
Some acupuncturists treat any and all conditions. However, many specialize in treating certain conditions, such as muscle and joint pain, stress and anxiety, infertility, or women's conditions. It is important to ask whether a prospective practitioner has had some experience in treating your condition.
What kind of acupuncture do you practice?
Most people don't know that there are many different kinds of acupuncture, such as Traditional Chinese acupuncture, Ear acupuncture, Japanese style, Korean Hand acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, and scalp acupuncture. Some of these different kinds of acupuncture are more effective for specific conditions. For example, Ear acupuncture is especially successful for addictions, such as quitting smoking and weight loss, and scalp acupuncture might be more valuable for conditions affecting the nervous system. Be sure to ask what conditions are best helped by your practitioner's kind of acupuncture.
How many treatments will I need?
This is actually a trick question. No practitioner should answer this question on the phone before they have seen you, taken your health history and made a diagnosis. In fact, everyone heals at a different pace. Your condition may be resolved in one or two treatments, or it may take many more, especially if it is a long-term chronic condition.
Do you accept insurance?
Many health care plans currently don't pay for acupuncture treatments. As a result, many acupuncturists are fee for service providers. If you think your health insurance plan may cover acupuncture, check with them to be sure, and make sure the acupuncturist you ultimately choose will accept your insurance as payment.
If you have a health savings plan, acupuncture qualifies for reimbursement. Be sure to ask your acupuncturist for a receipt.
Lynn Jaffee is a Licensed Acupuncturist and credentialed Chinese herbalist. She practices at Acupuncture in the Park in St. Louis Park, MN. Lynn can be contacted at (952) 545-2250 or online at
www.acupunctureinthepark.com.
***
For more information about acupuncture, see our health resources section, or go to more articles about acupuncture.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
More Acupuncture Articles:
Acupuncture And Infertility
Acupuncture and infertility treatments are rarely heard together. However, more and more desperate couples are now trying acupuncture as a possible solution to infertility. Acupuncture has been traditionally...
New Way to Lose Weight - Acupuncture Ear Staples
If you want to lose weight some people recommend a new procedure called acupuncture ear staples for weight loss. This is possibly a weight loss tool and more men and women are getting this procedure done....
Acupuncture - Person or Pin Cushion?
Fads can be found everywhere, and all one has to do to see the latest, greatest thing that will improve some area of our life is to turn on the television. Surely, some advertisement will soon blare on,...
Acupuncture Eases Tension Headache Pain
Copyright 2005 Daily News CentralThe ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment for tension headache. It not only relieves pain, but also cuts rates of recurrence by...
Acupuncture Colleges
Those of you, who are seeking an innovative and challenging curriculum, may be interested in enrolling in an acupuncture college. Known for its unique and ancient wisdoms, the discipline of acupuncture...
Benefits Of Acupuncture For Asthma Sufferers
In recent years, many and many people are turning to alternative treatment for asthma. Not just ordinary alternative asthma treatment, but using the traditional chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. Acupuncture...
Stop Those Awful Pains With Acupuncture
Acupuncture provides miraculous healing of those awful body pains that antibiotics and medicines otherwise fail to reduce. Whether you are suffering from back pain, arthritis, joint pains, or severe migraine/headache,...
***
Latest Health News:
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
***
Search for more information on "find an acupuncturist" below:
| 