Acupuncture is a popular health-care option and is increasingly acknowledged as a viable health-care alternative by the mainstream medical community. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that the practice of using thin needles to tap into what the Chinese call the "life-force energy," or qi, is a viable health-care treatment for a number of conditions. Accredited acupuncturist Diane Joswick, a contributor to Natural Health Web and president of Acufinder, an acupuncture referral site, reports that choosing an acupuncturist with the proper credentials and licenses can make the experience more beneficial and free of complications.
Step 1
Ask your primary physician for a referral. Many doctors work with acupuncturists to treat a variety of ailments, from back problems to stress, chronic pain and chemotherapy side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. By working with an acupuncturist affiliated with your doctor, the two practitioners can share diagnoses, medical charts and treatment plans that can work together for your total treatment.
Step 2
Look for an acupuncturist who is licensed by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Certified members of the organization have a master's degree in Oriental medicine and have served as an apprentice for at least four years. Graduation from an accredited school of Oriental medicine is required. Medical doctors can provide acupuncture services as well. Look for a physician who has trained at the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
Step 3
Check with the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists for a list of acupuncturists who have been suspended or are under any disciplinary actions from the licensing organization. The list of grounds for discipline in the professional organization is long and includes false advertising, failure to complete continuing education requirements and engaging in sexual activity with clients.
Step 4
Interview an acupuncturist before agreeing to treatments. While acupuncture is a physical treatment, every person should receive individual attention that takes into consideration feelings, thoughts and experiences, in addition to the physical maladies, reports acupuncturists at Minnesota-based Acupuncture in the Park. Ask about the experience of the acupuncturist and what specialties he covers.
Tips and Warnings
- Read your insurance policy because many plans cover complementary alternative medicine under certain conditions, for a limited number of practitioners. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, some policies cover acupuncture but have higher deductibles, while other plans enter into agreements with specific groups to provide treatment to members.
- Successful acupuncture treatments can be delivered in two or three sessions or may require months of continued treatments. An acupuncturist cannot advise you how long you will need to attend until she has seen you in person and evaluated your mental and physical history. Don't trust acupuncturists who tell you over the phone how many times you'll need to go.
Things You'll Need
- Referral
- Interview
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