Acupuncture has a proven track record of success. If you haven’t yet added acupuncture to your health care routine, the best way to determine the right acupuncturist for you is to identify your specific health care needs and goals. Trusting a provider is easier when you know they have the proper training and credentials to address your specific needs.
If you are here on this website, you already have this goal in mind. Different states and jurisdictions have different training and educational requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask about training, specialties, advanced education, and practice philosophy.
Identifying Your Goals
Are you looking for a practitioner with a specialty in the issue you are facing or are you looking for someone who will be your primary health care provider? Or are you looking for someone who will work closely with your current MD?
Practitioners need to know what you hope to achieve and patients need to be confident in a practitioner’s ability to meet their needs. A thorough health history is always taken with new patients.
Important Qualifications
Acupuncture is a respected field of medicine and most states require formal training and certification to practice. It is not uncommon for most states to require three to five years of study and a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from an accredited institution, as well as passing a state and/or national board exam. If you are not sure what the requirements are in your state or area, you can visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website to get an idea of what is the norm in your area. Not every acupuncturist is certified by this Commission (or needs to be) but it is a great reference in understanding and learning more about different acupuncture specialties and requirements, especially if you are looking for a practitioner who specializes in a particular technique or health concern (i.e. chronic pain, mental/emotional issues, men’s/women’s health, etc.)
Get Your Questions Answered
I’m happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Some of the most frequently asked questions are about length of treatment, accepting insurance, specialty care, side effects, and size of the needles. There is a good chance your question has already been asked and putting your concerns to rest is always a priority. A truly successful health care partnership involves trust and an established comfort level between patient and practitioner.
The bottom line is acupuncture works and could be a great addition to your health care routine. Give me a call today to make an appointment.
