Acupuncture has a proven track record of success but if you haven’t yet added acupuncture to your health care routine, then it’s important to note that your experience will greatly depend on the acupuncture provider you ultimately choose. When we like and trust our health care providers, our experiences tend to be more positive. Trusting a provider is easier when you know they have the proper training and credentials to address your specific needs.
Different states and jurisdictions have different training and educational requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask about training, specialties, or advanced education. We want you to be confident in our care.
Identifying Your Goals
This is an important step in determining if we are the right fit for each other. Are you looking for a practitioner with a specialty in the issue you are facing or wanting someone with many years of experience? Just as we do a health intake with new patients, don’t be afraid to ask the questions that help you determine if we are the best option. The answers to these questions can help both of us determine if this partnership in health will be a success. Practitioners need to know what you hope to achieve and patients need to be confident in a practitioner’s ability to meet their needs. We are happy to provide resources to help you identify the best option for your needs if it is not us.
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 board exam. If you are not sure what the requirements are in your state, you can visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website to get an idea of 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, fertility, men’s/women’s health, etc.)
Get Your Questions Answered
Some of the most frequently asked questions concern length of treatment, accepting insurance, specialty care, herbal medicine, and non-needling techniques. We are happy to answer your questions because we recognize that 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. Achieving your health care goals is worth the time and money investment it takes to get there. Give us a call!
