Acupuncture in OC

Are acupuncture needles sterilized?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:23:00 +0000

An acupuncture needle is an FDA approved Class II medical device in the same category as powered wheelchairs, infusion pumps, and surgical drapes. Class II devices are designed to perform as indicated without causing injury or harm to patient or user.

Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel. They vary greatly in diameter and length. Some needles are finer than human hairs. Some needles are a few millimeters long while others can be over fifteen centimeters. In the USA, all needles used are disposable and for one-time use only.

What types of infertility are best treated by acupuncture?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 06:30:00 +0000

First of all, acupuncture can be used to treat virtually any type of fertility disorder. Acupuncture is often combined with Chinese herbs, used for thousands of years, to elevate the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), treat for those with repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with annovulatory cycles, and male infertility including men affected with low motility and low sperm counts.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, there are some things you can add to your diet. By adding a lot of garlic, fig, eggs, pomegranate, oranges, and omega rich oils to your diet, you can greatly boost your body's ability to become pregnant. Reduce stress, drink plenty of water and at a minimum, walk 15 minutes per day.

After Acupuncture School

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sat, 21 May 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Acupuncture school – it takes a tremendous amount of hard work and sacrifice, with lots of ups and downs along the way, I can attest to this personally. Then, once you accomplish this task (including getting licensed), the next phase begins and you face a whole new set of challenges that you may have not thought about.

Many students in Acupuncture schools think that getting through school and passing the board exams is the hard part. Along the way, it is far too easy to think, "once I get through school, life will be easier" and this leads to failed practices. Promoting a practice takes time and a good plan, which needs to begin before graduation. AOM schools usually offer at least a single course on practice management, taught often by faculty who do not practice full time. Until recently, there has been only one book about the subject, directed at acupuncture students. Much like the chiropractic students do, it is wise to seek out an experienced acupuncturist, outside of your school, and make early connections. Pick their brain, follow them around, volunteer your time at their clinic. Even if it means janitor work, answering phones or just shadowing them. These experiences with the "real world" need to start long before graduation.

Making Acupuncture Pay

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Tue, 17 May 2011 06:24:00 +0000

For years now, there has been only real book utilized to teach future practitioners about how to get started as acupuncturists after graduation. That book is good for the technical aspects of getting going, like insurance, advertising and a CD with paperwork to get you going. I'm excited to say that a new book is now available, Making Acupuncture Pay by Matthew Bauer LAc. He has been in practice for over 25 years and has grown his little in busness into quite a successful one. This book will give you realistic expectations of what it will take to get going as an acupuncturist. Bauer shares his experiences and techniques. This book is worthwhile for anyone in school or even recently graduated who might be seeking some advice from a seasoned veteran.

Right now, Bauer is offering his book for $12.50 before it goes up to the full retail price of $25. Visit his site at http://www.makingacupuncturepay.com/

Some acupuncture misconceptions

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:01:00 +0000

1. It's just a placebo effect.

Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to relax your nervous system and allow your body to release its own endorphins. Even if you don’t believe the process is working, there are physiological changes occurring in your body that are out of your control.

2. You can't move once the needles are in place.

It’s best not to move too much after the acupuncturist has inserted the needles, because movement can change the position of some of the needles, which may make you experience a slight pinching sensation. But there’s no problem if you need to adjust your body to be more comfortable.

3. The needles make you bleed.

There are capillaries all over the body, and yes, sometimes an acupuncture needle can nick them. But a cotton ball applied takes care of what is normally a tiny drop of blood.

4. The needles are long and are pushed deep.

Actually, acupuncture needles have different thicknesses and lengths. Most needles are inserted into the skin less than half an inch. And the needles are as thin as a strand of hair.

5. Needles + skin = no bueno.

Most people just feel a pinch but the needles are much finer than the ones that draw blood at your doctor's office.

6. The needles aren't sterile.

Acupuncture needles are one time use, made of stainless steel filiform needles and are disposable.

7. Acupuncture is only useful for treating pain.

According to the WHO, acupuncture can also treat a variety of conditions including, but not limited to: Gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, infertility, and various mental disorders.

8. You have to do acupuncture every day in order for it to work.

Once the needles are in, there’s a already a shift of energy happening in the body. The amount of treatments needed varies condition to condition and person to person. You should give it at least six visits.

9. Acupuncture is expensive and insurance doesn’t cover it.

Comparatively speaking, acupuncture is quite affordable. Also, when used as preventative medicine, ithe cost savings could be huge. In the last few years, more and more health insurance companies are now covering acupuncture, at least in part. Check with your insurance provider.

Fertility Research in Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:34:00 +0000

A study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. In addition, meta research from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York concluded that acupuncture helps in the following ways:

Reduce anxiety, stress and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, a key role in fertility
Regulate the menstrual cycle

Consult a trained acupuncturist if you would like to benefit from Chinese medicine for your fertility issues.

Does acupuncture really work?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:23:00 +0000

Traditional Chinese Medicine has its origin in ancient Taoist philosophy which views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike allopathic medicine which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Oriental medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole body.

Acupuncture, along with herbal therapy, cupping, moxa and nutrition are the key tools to wellness. Many people have found Traditional Oriental methods of healing to be excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness. Traditional Oriental Medicine is effective for physical, psychological and emotional conditions.

Did Nixon bring acupuncture to America?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 03:17:00 +0000

Many of you have heard of the story that acupuncture arrived in America when Nixon famously visited China during his presidency. This exposure to Chinese culture most certainly helped acupuncture to grow, but it was not the true beginning of acupuncture in the United States.

The historical reality is that there was a Chinese doctor who first made acupuncture available. Who that was is unclear. What is known is that Chinese medicine arrived in the U.S. through the doctors who immigrated here, some as early as the 1800's.

Many Americans would agree that TCM came to the USA in 1972 when then President Nixon's Secretary of State, Henry A. Kissinger, traveled to China accompanied by a journalist for the New York Times. While in China, the journalist became ill and ended up in a Chinese hospital requiring an emergency appendectomy. Acupuncture was used as an anesthetic.

Intrigued and impressed with the effectiveness of his experience with acupuncture, the journalist wrote about his experience and the acupuncture treatment in the New York Times, exposing many for the first time to acupuncture.

Many don't know that it was actually in 1966, when a young Chinese doctor immigrated here that the first
roots of TCM were laid in American soil.

Learn more about Chinese medicine and it's healing powers.

The Cost of Getting Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:30:00 +0000

Here are some tips from the New York Times's recent article on acupuncture regarding the monetary costs involved.

If you want to try acupuncture, but are concerned about the cost, here are some suggestions:
CHECK YOUR COVERAGE Call your insurer and ask whether your policy covers acupuncture. If it does, press for details.
Find out how many sessions a year it allows and whether a doctor’s prescription is needed. Check whether it allows coverage for only certain conditions. Some policies, for instance, might cover acupuncture only for chronic pain.
TRY A SCHOOL If you must pay yourself, consider discount treatment by an acupuncturist-in-training. Most acupuncture schools have clinics where you can be treated by supervised students at discounted rates of $40 or so for one to two hours. To find a school, go to the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine’s Web site.
Barbara Andisman, who was told she had multiple sclerosis two years ago, has been going to the clinic at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Manhattan once a week for more than a year. She says the treatments help with her balance and energy.
“I have a type of M.S. for which there are no medications; the treatments have been incredible and helped keep me stable,” said Ms. Andisman, 52, who lives in Brooklyn. “If I miss a few sessions I notice a difference. I feel kind of sluggish.”
COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE If your problem is not serious or complicated — say you are suffering from stress or headache pain — consider visiting a community acupuncture setting, where fees can be as low as $15 a session.
You receive a brief assessment and then are treated, fully clothed, in an open room with other patients. It is the acupuncture equivalent of a chair massage.
To locate a clinic near you, see the Web site of the nonprofit Community Acupuncture Network.
USE FLEX SPENDING Even if your insurer will not reimburse you, your flexible spending account might — if you have one. Using flex-spending dollars to pay for treatments can reduce the cost by 20 percent or so, depending on your tax bracket. Look on your employer’s list of approved expenses to see whether acupuncture is included.
HAVE SOME PATIENCE Acupuncture often has a cumulative effect. If you have a simple cold or headache, you might feel better after one session. But it might take three sessions before you start to notice an improvement in a muscle strain.

Borrowed from: Acupuncture Is Popular, but You’ll Need to Pay By LESLEY ALDERMAN Published: May 1, 2010

Asthma and Allergies treated by Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:51:00 +0000

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists acupuncture as one of several alternative therapies. Others include herbal medicine, vitamin supplements, yoga and massage.

From AAFA.org:

Recent statistics show that nearly 40 percent of Americans try some form of alternative medicine. Medical and scientific experts do believe that some remedies may be worth a try, providing they are not harmful. In some cases, specific alternative medical treatment may improve or relieve symptoms of a specific illness or disease. Risks should not outweigh the potential benefits.

Does Health Insurance Cover Alternative Medical Treatment?

Health plans vary in what alternative medicine expenses they will pay. Many plans provide coverage for some but not all alternative therapies. If your doctor writes you a prescription for a specific treatment such as acupuncture or massage, you may be more likely to get partial or full reimbursement of the expense. Always check with your insurance provider before assuming the coverage is available.

What are Cautions or Considerations for People Who Use Alternative Medicine?

Use quality products and services! Lack of quality standards is a serious problem for people who use various alternative medical treatments. Look for products that list the amount of the active ingredient(s). Make sure people giving you any kind of treatment are properly certified. Ask your pharmacist or health product store manager for recommendations. Research the product or service before you use it.

Are there Useful Alternative Therapies for People who have Asthma or Allergies?

Acupuncture. A technique that involves inserting needles into key points of the body. Evidence suggests that acupuncture may signal the brain to release endorphins. These are hormones made by the body. When released, endorphins can help reduce pain and create a sense of well being. People with asthma or allergy may experience more relaxed or calmer breathing.

Even the Stars Use Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 03:46:00 +0000

Sandra Bullock is one of them! It is reported that she has regular sessions of acupuncture.

“Sandra gets the treatment three times a week whether she’s at home on or on set” a source revealed.

The source ads that she gets needled in her forehead, face, stomach and feet.

It is likely she is getting her Shen calmed regularly these days with all she has going on in her life.

Source: Showbizspy

Acupuncture and Sciatic Pain

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 05:54:00 +0000

In a 2009 study of 90 sciatica patients, researchers found an association between this needle-based Chinese therapy helped lessen sciatica symptoms.

Chen MR, Wang P, Cheng G, Guo X, Wei GW, Cheng XH. " The warming acupuncture for treatment of sciatica in 30 cases." Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2009 29(1):50-3.

Veterinary Acupuncture

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Very few people practice it, very few schools offer training in it, but there is TCM for animals. You can find specialists in cat, dog, bird, horse and even farm animal treatment. Both needling and Chinese herbs are also used in treatment. It's something worth looking into for your pet.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700010404/Pet-got-neck-pain-Try-traditional-Chinese-veterinary-medicine.html

Acupuncture and baby blues

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:28:00 +0000

Acupuncture may help lessen depression symptoms during pregnancy, a new Stanford University School of Medicine study shows.

The study authors, led by Rachel Manber, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, said they hope the results will raise awareness of the problem of depression during pregnancy and provide patients and physicians an alternative to antidepressants. “This standardized acupuncture protocol could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy,” they wrote in a paper that will appear in the March issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Up to 14 percent of pregnant women may have major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by feelings of dread, gloom and hopelessness, and a loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities. Some women suffer from depression before becoming pregnant, stop taking their medication and then experience a relapse; in other women, pregnancy itself may cause depression.

“Pregnancy just by its nature can bring out some underlying psychiatric and emotional issues,” said co-author Deirdre Lyell, MD, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology.

Depression, if left untreated, can pose risks to both mother and baby. “Treatment of depression during pregnancy is critically important so that a woman can maintain her sense of well-being and take good care of herself, her fetus and, someday, her child,” said Lyell.

To reach the conclusion, researchers recruited 150 women whose pregnancies were between 12 and 30 weeks gestation and who met the criteria for major depressive disorder. The women were randomized to receive one of three treatments: acupuncture specific for depression; control acupuncture, during which needles were inserted in points not known to help alleviate depressive symptoms; or massage. All of the women received eight weeks of therapy and were assessed for depression at the four- and eight-week marks by an interviewer who was unaware of the treatment each woman received.

The researchers found that women who received the depression-specific acupuncture experienced a bigger reduction in depression symptoms than the women in the other groups. The response rate - defined as having a 50 per cent or greater reduction in symptoms - was 63 per cent for the women receiving depression-specific acupuncture, compared with 44 per cent for the women in the other two treatment groups combined.

Provided by Stanford University Medical Center

Alternative Meds in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Alexa Ray Joel was hospitalized over the weekend for overdosing herself on a homeopathic medication known Traumeel. This is a rather popular pain reliever similar to ibuprofen. It is manufactured under several names but Traumeel is the most widely known version of it. It's generally considered safe but as with any medication, each person is different and the body may react differently than the general public.

Although the scientific support behind some forms of complementary medicine is sparse, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals which scientifically support the clinical effectiveness of homeopathy in general.

TRAUMEEL is considered an effective NSAID without side effects.

TRAUMEEL is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-edematous, anti-exudative combination formulation of 12 botanical and 2 mineral substances. TRAUMEEL is officially classified as a homeopathic combination remedy. It is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with inflammatory, exudative, and degenerative processes due to acute trauma (such as contusions, lacerations, fractures, sprains, post-operative wounds, etc.), repetitive or overuse injuries (such as tendinitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, etc.), and for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with such conditions. TRAUMEEL is also indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with backache, muscular aches, and the minor pain from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

As with many pharmaceuticals including the conventional NSAIDs, the exact mechanism of action of TRAUMEEL is not fully understood. However, it appears to be the result of modulation of the release of oxygen radicals from activated neutrophils, and inhibition of the release of inflammatory mediators (possibly interleukin 1 from activated macrophages) and neuropeptides.

Due in part to its lack of side effects, TRAUMEEL is not a conventional NSAID. However, despite its status as a non-conventional pharmaceutical, the clinical effectiveness of TRAUMEEL is supported by scientific research and over 30 years of worldwide usage.

Homeopathic medications are just another holistic form of treatment for the body, similar to acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Acupuncture and Insomnia

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:22:00 +0000

Insomnia is a common condition in which people have difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep. The World Health Organization recognizes it as a condition which has been shown to be treated effectively by acupuncture .

Insomnia can have many causes; figuring out the cause is an important part of diagnosis and treatment. For instance, pain can cause insomnia because the person is not able to get into a comfortable position for sleeping and the pain wakes them up. In that case acupuncturists treat the pain. Other time it is caused by stress with people describing not being able to "turn their mind off."

Late night eating can also be a cause of insomnia. People who stop eating after 7 pm, find that sleep often comes much more easily and is more peaceful. According to the Chinese Qi clock, digestion is the strongest in the morning, between 7 am and 9 am for the Stomach, and 9 am to 11 am for the Spleen/Pancreas. Twelve hours later (7 pm to 11 pm) digestion is the weakest, and eating at this time will cause gas, bloating and indigestion, making it difficult to fall asleep easily. Other causes of insomnia according to Traditional Chinese Medicine are yin deficiency, heart imbalance, spleen deficiency and liver qi stagnation.

There are a variety of acpuncture points and Chinese herbs that can correct this, quickly and effectively. Contact your local L.Ac. today!

Get healthy, get acupuncture.

noreply@blogger.com (Mike) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:02:00 +0000

For several weeks now, I have been visiting my acupuncture clinic at school, the Southern California University of Health Sciences, in Whittier, California.

I have primarily been receiving treatment to focus, relax and sleep better. After my first visit alone, I have seen much improvement. I am also treating for a deep chest cough. I have taken some herbs which have helped a little. I think the problem with this cough is that I waited too long before beginning treatment which allowed the pathogen to burrow further inside my body. Lesson learned! When the symptoms start, let the treatment begin.

Student in Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:39:00 +0000

Finals is the most difficult time for a TCM student. It is rough having to know 70+ herbs, 150+ acu points and their indications, dozens of OM diagnosis terms and a bunch of other stuff all within a two week period. Perhaps some qi gong will calm my nerves as well as a visit to the acupuncture clinic!

Being a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:19:00 +0000

I have just completed my first term as a student of acupuncture an oriental medicine at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Let me first say that I love my school, I love my instructors and the student body is terrific. The first term was intense. I took every course offered for the 1st term so that I could get all that intro stuff behind me. It was a struggle since that meant taking 8 classes and 18 units. Did I mention that I work full-time and I have a wife and two children under 4? If I can hack this, anyone can.

The biggest question that I get, other than asking when I will start needling people (6th term), is why acupuncture? Isn't that some sort of mystical art? Well, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. If it didn't work, wouldn't the Chinese have abandoned the practice? And while Western medicine is prevelant now throughout China, you have a choice a going to a TCM hospital, Western medicine hospital or a combined facility. Acupunture and oriental herbs have proven to help pain, infertility, weight loss and a variety of other things. I think that as a Caucasian acupuncturist who also speaks Spanish fluently, that I can help improve the quality of life for many people, including those that may have lost faith in Western medicine.

In 3 years time, I'll be done with my program. I will have passed my licensing boards and I will be practicing somewhere in the USA. I will update this blog from time to time with thoughts regarding my studies and TCM

What it is all about

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:46:00 +0000

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, it became better known in the United States in 1971.

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is now widely practiced in the U.S. A Harvard University study published in 1998 estimated that Americans made more than 5 million visits per year to acupuncture practitioners. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners for relief or prevention of pain and various other health conditions.

Acupuncture Theories

Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, and that these connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these meridians conduct energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"), throughout the body, believed to regulate spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance, and influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. Acupuncture is believed to balance yin and yang, keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and maintain or restore health to the body and mind. In fact, all traditional Chinese medicine practices (acupuncture, herbs, diet, massage, and meditative physical exercise) are intended to improve the flow of qi. Western scientists have found meridians hard to identify because meridians do not directly correspond to nerve or blood circulation pathways; some researchers believe that meridians are located throughout the body's connective tissue.

Mechanisms of Action

Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being.

There are three main mechanisms of action:

· Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and immune system cells to specific sites in the body, which are injured or are vulnerable to disease.

· Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby, reducing pain.

· Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes, whereby, blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated.

Many promising results have emerged. For example, acupuncture has proven effective in reducing adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting as well as postoperative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, for which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment, as an acceptable alternative, or included in comprehensive management programs.

Increasingly, acupuncture is complementing conventional therapies. For example, doctors may combine acupuncture and drugs to control surgery-related pain in their patients. Some doctors have found it possible to achieve a state of complete pain relief for some patients by providing both acupuncture and certain conventional anesthetic drugs. They also have found that using acupuncture lowers the need for conventional pain-killing drugs, thereby, reducing the risk of side effects that accompany the use of certain drugs. Currently, one of the main reasons that Americans seek acupuncture treatment is chronic pain, especially from conditions such as arthritis or lower back disorders.

Acupuncture and You

You as a healthcare consumer (especially if you have a preexisting medical condition) should discuss any Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment, including acupuncture, with your healthcare practitioner. If you have received a diagnosis from a doctor and have had little or no success using conventional medicine, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether acupuncture might help.

The Sensation of Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel none or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment; this is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

Finding a Licensed Acupuncture Practitioner

Healthcare practitioners can be a resource for referral to acupuncture practitioners. More medical doctors are becoming trained in acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and other CAM therapies.

Check treatment cost and insurance coverage. A practitioner usually will inform you about the estimated number of treatments you will need. Treatment may take place over a few days or several weeks or more. Check with your insurer, before you begin treatment, as to whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition, and if so, to what extent. Some plans require preauthorization for acupuncture.

Source: NIH Publication