About Acupuncturists

Overview

Acupuncture is a traditional form of Oriental medicine widely practiced throughout Asia and Europe that is now gaining recognition as a form of complementary or alternative medicine in the United States. Acupuncturists practice a method using needles to unblock and divert energy in the body and bring the body back to a balanced, healthier state. Acupuncturists practicing in the United States are state or nationally certified, which means they have met the academic and testing requirements necessary to receive licensure and certification.

Training

A licensed or certified acupuncturist usually has a master's degree in Oriental Medicine from an accredited acupuncture school. Depending on individual state requirements, this training may be completed in from three to five years and then followed by a state licensing exam. National certification is also available through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

A medical acupuncturist is a licensed medical doctor who has had additional specialty training in acupuncture. Often a medical acupuncturist combines Eastern and conventional Western medicine to treat a problem.

Techniques

Very thin, sterilized or disposable needles are inserted under the skin at various acupuncture points to treat different problems. There are several different types of acupuncture, which use slightly different methods, depending on the country of origin. For instance, Chinese acupuncture uses more needles than Japanese acupuncture. Chinese acupuncture uses needles over various parts of the body, while Korean acupuncture concentrates its needle points in the hand.

How it Works

Chinese medicine says that acupuncture needles reroute the flow of energy known as Qi or Chi, through energy channels known as meridians, to correct imbalances in the body. Western science believes that the needles stimulate the release of hormones and other chemicals that help regulate body systems and relieve pain.

Benefits

Acupuncturists treat medical problems and also try to promote health and avert disease with preventive treatments. Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization for treatment of neurological and muscular disorders, such as back pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, headaches and facial tics; respiratory conditions, such as asthma and allergies, sore throat and chronic sinus and chest infections; urinary and reproductive conditions; and digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, spastic colon and excess stomach acid.

Choosing an Acupuncturist

It's a good idea to get a referral from a friend or family member or another health practitioner. Be sure the acupuncturist you choose is licensed to practice in your state. (The credential following the acupuncturist's name will be L. Ac.)

If there is no licensing in your state, choose an acupuncturist certified by the NCCAOM. Her certificates will say Diplomate of Acupuncture or Dipolomate of Oriental Medicine, and the initials Dipl. Ac. Or Dipl O.M. follow her name. Check with your health insurance company to see if it covers acupuncture treatments. If it does, it may have a list of participating acupuncturists you can choose from.