When you google the question, “What is acupuncture?” you get many variations of the fact that it involves sticking thin needles in a person’s body. Acupuncturists would say that is a little oversimplified.
In Washington, the professionals licensed to perform acupuncture are East Asian Medical Practitioners (EAMP). You should expect your acupuncturist to have completed a Masters in Acupuncture and be board certified by the the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
So what is acupuncture?
Is it simply looking at where a person has pain and sticking some needles in the area? No, an EAMP looks at a person as a whole. Most people I see in practice are seeking pain relief. Do I just treat pain? No. I want to know how you are sleeping, digesting your food, and a list of other things. If you have injured yourself and are not sleeping, how are you able to heal? Because of this whole person view you can expect your first session to last from 60 to 90 minutes and you have a long list of questions to fill out on your intake. This allows us to get a full picture of what is going on with you. Follow up treatments are usually less questions and usually less overall time in the treatment room.
One of the questions people have is: Does it hurt?
Typically, no it does not. People often don’t realize until they have seen a needle that acupuncture needles are thinner than a human hair.
What symptoms can acupuncture treat?
Most people seek it out acupuncture an alternative to medication. Many people find effective for pain of most kinds, anxiety, nausea and allergies. Please see more at EvidenceBasedAcupuncutre.org.
How many treatments does it take for results?
This is a tricky question. Ask different practitioners and you will get different answers. There are many factors, including how long you have had the condition(s), how often you come for treatment, and if you are able to do your homework. Yes, we sometimes give homework. Most people see some improvement by the third visit.
Will acupuncture solve all the world’s problems?
No, however, it is a medical modality to add to the toolbox of non-drug treatments for what ails you.
How do I find a practitioner?
There is always the phone-a-friend option. AARP says this how most people find a complementary medicine practitioner. Your insurance company also has a list of qualified providers.
Even though acupuncturists are considered a specialist, most plans do not require a referral, though you should always check with your insurance company.
Acupuncture is a great option for most people. With the holidays coming up it is also a great way to de-stress!
Lisa O’Flaherty is a Washington State Licensed and Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist and East Asian Medicine Practitioner. She received her Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture from Bastyr University. This education involved full immersion into both Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She specializes in the treatment of migraine, pain management and nutritional therapy. Learn more or book an appointment at FindingQiAcupuncture.com.
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