What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves putting very tiny steel needles into the skin to stimulate specific areas of the body. The goal is to treat a symptom or a health problem, such as pain. The treatment is a part of traditional Chinese medicine. Scientific study has demonstrated its effectiveness in a variety of situations.
In Chinese medicine, qi refers to the energy that flows through the body. According to Chinese medicine, qi disturbances cause energy imbalances in the body, which contribute to illness.
Acupuncture rebalances qi by stimulating acupuncture sites (acupoints) all over the body using needles. Hundreds of acupoints and 14 primary meridians, also known as energy-carrying pathways, can be found all over the body.
The needles work by stimulating the body's natural mechanisms to:
- React to a symptom or sickness.
- Re-establish the balance of the body.
- Neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, the chemicals that control nerve impulses, are released.
Your practitioner may ask about your symptoms and lifestyle habits to understand the type of acupuncture treatment that will be the most effective for you. The practitioner may also pay close attention to the following:
- The parts of your body that are in pain
- The shape, color, and texture of your tongue
- The color of your face
- The rhythm, quality, and strength of the pulse in your wrist
Education and training of an acupuncturist in the United States
An accredited program in acupuncture or Chinese medicine must be completed, along with a master's degree, to become a certified acupuncture practitioner in the US. Acupuncture training typically lasts three years before certification. A professional acupuncture curriculum is likely to include the following:
- Around 47 semester hours or more in oriental medical theory. Included in this are classes on using acupuncture to diagnose and treat patients
- Clinical training totaling 22 semester credits (660 hours)
- Roughly 450 hours of biological science coursework, or 30 semester credits
- About 90 hours (6-semester credits) of counseling, practice management, communication, and ethics
Comparing the curriculum for other schools, you may find that some programs require more than these minimal prerequisites to become a certified acupuncturist.
For the majority of states, in addition to a state license, acupuncture practitioners must also hold a national license. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers this license as a board certification. It is the sole externally regulated entity with the authority to accredit acupuncturists nationally.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
You can consult an acupuncturist near you for help if you are experiencing health problems causing chronic (long-term) pain, such as:
- Arthritis
- Back discomfort, neck pain, or muscle pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Knee discomfort
- Menstrual cramps
- Sports-related injuries
Acupuncture may also help with the following conditions:
- Side effects of cancer and cancer treatment
- Face aches and pains, as well as other nerve problems
- Immune system issues
- Infertility
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hot flashes caused by menopause
- Overuse syndrome and repetitive strain syndromes
During an acupuncture treatment, what happens?
The acupuncturist will discuss your condition during your initial appointment. Then, the provider will evaluate your body to see if any regions will respond to acupuncture. The acupuncturist will insert needles into specific places on your skin throughout your body.
The needles are as thin as human hair, sterile, and disposable—acupuncturists implant them into the body at various depths, from a fraction to a couple of inches. The needles can be left inside for as little as a few minutes or up to 60 minutes.
What is the feeling of acupuncture?
You may feel a minor prickling sensation with each needle. It's not as unpleasant as getting a shot or having your blood extracted. Acupuncture needles are much thinner and solid, rather than hollow-like medical needles.
Some muscle sensations, such as a dull aching or tingling, may be caused by the needles. Your practitioner will encourage you to report any deep heaviness or numbness you experience. Those emotions are usually indicators that the treatment is effective.
Is acupuncture a safe treatment?
Acupuncture has few complications or adverse effects when performed by a trained professional. Acupuncture needles are subject to FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulation. According to the government, all needles must be steel, solid, sterile, nontoxic, and appropriately labeled. Practitioners need to discard needles after every use.
Receiving acupuncture from someone who isn't qualified can be detrimental. An inexperienced practitioner or one who uses non-sterile needles puts you at risk for infections, organ punctures, and central nervous system damage.
How to make the most of your acupuncture treatment?
Going for your first acupuncture consultation can be intimidating, especially if you are scared of needles. However, knowing that acupuncture is generally safe and mostly painless should reassure you as you explore its remarkable benefits. Here are some ways you can prepare for the appointment to maximize it:
- Carry your medical records, diagnostic reports, a list of medications you're currently taking, and notes detailing your symptoms. If you need clarification about what else your provider would need for the diagnosis, call their office and confirm.
- Eat a light meal around 2 hours before your appointment. Remember not to overeat or skip food altogether, as both situations can cause discomfort.
- Stay away from tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and caffeinated beverages, as they may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothes so the acupuncturist can easily access the affected body areas.
- Do not wear any jewelry or accessories.
- Skip cleaning your tongue excessively for about 24 hours before the appointment, as its appearance can help the acupuncturist arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
- Have some time off before and after the consultation to avoid the stress of calls, meetings, deadlines, and chores. It will help you relax better during the acupuncture session.
- Avoid engaging in high-impact physical exercises such as running or lifting weights after the session. If you need to exercise, a light walk or yoga is acceptable. Rest as much as possible to allow your body time to heal correctly.
- Get rid of distractions like your phone so you are entirely present during the treatment.
- Take deep breaths before, during, and after the acupuncture session to be at ease fully.
- Have an open mind and believe in the approach.
- Feel free to address any doubts or concerns about the treatment with your practitioner.
- Note down how you feel after the appointment and share it with them.
Is it required that I have regular treatments?
The number of acupuncture sessions needed depends on the type of condition, its severity, and how your body reacts to the treatment. Your acupuncturist will devise a personalized treatment plan for you. Weekly treatments are often required; however, your acupuncturist might suggest less frequent treatments.
Will I require any further treatments in addition to acupuncture?
Acupuncture should never be an excuse to avoid seeing a medical professional about a health problem. Acupuncture is often used in combination with other treatments. For example, a person with persistent pain is likely to take medications in addition to receiving acupuncture. A cancer patient would continue to receive chemotherapy and acupuncture simultaneously. It would be best to continue taking your prescribed medications regardless of how wonderful acupuncture makes you feel.
Does my insurance policy cover acupuncture?
Certain insurance providers cover acupuncture, but not all. In addition, the number of therapies that are covered may be limited. Inquire about coverage with your acupuncturist and insurance company, including how many treatments your plan will cover. A doctor's or other healthcare provider's referral may be required.
Find the best acupuncturists near you in Detroit, MI.
Acupuncture treatment by an unlicensed practitioner can be dangerous; thus, many people need to be more apprehensive about the process. However, finding a provider near you that you can trust is now easier than ever.
Zocdoc is an innovative platform that allows you to search for medical professionals from an extensive database near you. Finding a qualified and experienced acupuncturist in Detroit, Michigan, is simple with Zocdoc. First, create a free Zocdoc account. Next, enter your condition or specialty, the date, location, and insurance policy. A comprehensive list of nearby providers will appear based on your search criteria. Not only that, but you can also check their qualifications, accreditations, and awards. You can also bring down your search results by applying filters related to spoken languages, hospital affiliations, and the insurance accepted.
Zocdoc requests reviews from clients after each appointment. You can browse these updated and verified patient reviews to locate the most reliable acupuncturist near you in Detroit, Michigan. If you're specifically looking for a female or male acupuncturist nearby, you can filter the search results by gender.
You can schedule video consultations on Zocdoc before an in-person visit to better understand your acupuncturist. The video appointment selection can be filtered by looking for a purple video icon on acupuncturist profiles.
You can then book an appointment via the Zocdoc website by selecting the available slots. Guess what? All these bookings are simple, secure, and free!
Acupuncture statistics in the US
The 2012 National Health Interview Survey states that 3.5 million Americans used acupuncture in the previous 12 months, up from 2.1 million in 2002. It equates to about 1.5 percent of the population of the United States.
According to a PubMed report, there were 37,886 active licensed acupuncturists in the United States on January 1, 2018. Since 1998, the number of licensed acupuncturists has climbed by 257 percent.
Acupuncture appears beneficial in treating musculoskeletal pain and has no severe side effects. The average success rate was 79.7% among the 5690 patients who completed treatment, with cephalalgia patients having the highest rates (93%).
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
Morningside Acupuncture NYC
PubMed
Sage journals
WebMD
North Western University Health Sciences
Dr Derek Kirkham
Nguyen Wellness & Recovery
American Institute of Alternative Medicine
