Acupuncture FAQ’s
Posted on February 18, 2016
Do Acupuncturists naturally get better with experience, or time? No. In order to become a better provider, or a great physician, education is required in the area of speciality. If you keep treating an inferile women with an FSH of 18, you will not get better with experience. If you had the appropriate education and comprehension you would know never to attempt to treat an FSH of 18 with the hopes of aiding a conception. Teaching schools need to do a better job training and educating acupuncturists for the real world, not just for licensing exams.
Do All Acupuncturists do the same work? No.
Do all acupuncturists have the same education? No.
Each state has its’ own regulations, scope of practice, and educational requirements.
Is acupuncture for relaxation? No. You may feel relaxed, that is not the objective.
Is an acupuncturist better because they are Chinese? Only if they have the appropriate education, comprehension, and compassion towards their patient. Race, or ethnicity does not make one a better Acupuncture physician.
If a research study states acupuncture can help a condition, then any and all acupuncturists can treat that condition? No.
Do acupuncturists only use needles? No. Acupuncturists diagnose, refer, may prescribe and manage herbal medicine , or anything else in their legal scope of practice.
WHAT IS IT ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. By inserting disposable solid needles, applying heat or electrical stimulation to multiple acupuncture points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. Diagnosis and etiology guide treatment protocols based on this system. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body’s internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. There many other scientific findings which you may find interesting on pubmed or if you look through the research section of this website.
DO THE NEEDLES HURT? Each person experiences acupuncture differently & each practitioner has a different style. Most patients feel only minimal sensation at certain points; at other points there is no sensation felt. Once the needles are in place, endorphins are released & a relaxation response is experienced.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK? No. Acupuncture is used successfully on animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward the process may reinforce the effects of the treatment received. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this.”) will not block the treatment results.
HOW DO I FIND AN ACUPUNCTURIST?
There are many online directories that usually verify the license of the L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist). As long as your acupuncturists is licensed you are in safe hands. Each and every acupuncturist is different, their techniques are different, they are like artists. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your acupuncturist, some provide counseling and will answer questions, others do not really talk to you other than ask what your problem is. Some treat pregnant women, others don’t. Some have private protocols. Some are heavy handed, others are light in their approach. Try different acupuncturists. Ask questions!
WHAT DO ACUPUNCTURISTS STUDY IN CALIFORNIA?
Each state that regulates acupuncture has it’s own criteria for formal education, all are required to hold a Master’s degree as an entry level standard for professional practice prior to licensure.
California is the only state that has its’ own licensing board and exam, all other states where acupuncture is regulated issue licenses based on passing the NCCAOM exam (acupuncturists are tested on biomedicine, acupuncture, oriental theory and herbal medicine prior to receiving their state license).
For safety and to ensure proper referral of patients, acupuncturists must study at least 86 units in Biomedicine: Medical terminology, biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, anatomy, physiology, bio-chemistry, research methodology, nutrition, general & systemic pathology, endocrinology, neuroscience, physical diagnosis, pharmacology, clinical medicine, differential diagnosis, case management, public health, ethics, practice management.
Plus an additional 126 units of; acupuncture theory, therapy, techniques, acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine theory, single herbs, herbal formulas, Oriental Medicine theory, diagnosis, and internal medicine along with close to one thousand hours (960 hour) of clinical training.
What other questions do you have?
Tags: acupuncture