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How can I make a same-day appointment with an Acupuncturist in San Antonio?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an Acupuncturist in San Antonio, book an appointment, and see the Acupuncturist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Acupuncturists in San Antonio who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
How can I find a San Antonio Acupuncturist who takes my insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a San Antonio Acupuncturist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
How can I book an appointment online with an Acupuncturist in San Antonio?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Acupuncturists in San Antonio and book appointments instantly. You can search for San Antonio Acupuncturists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
How can I find a female Acupuncturist in San Antonio?
When you search for San Antonio Acupuncturists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Acupuncturists in San Antonio who match your preferences.
How can I find a San Antonio Acupuncturist who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for San Antonio Acupuncturists with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated Acupuncturist in San Antonio?
You can use Zocdoc to find Acupuncturists in San Antonio who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
How can I find a video visit with an Acupuncturist online in San Antonio?
Acupuncturists in San Antonio on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Acupuncturists who offer video visits.
Are video visits with an Acupuncturist online covered by my insurance?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Acupuncturists in San Antonio who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
How can I find an Acupuncturist in San Antonio who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Acupuncturist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
How can I find an Acupuncturist in San Antonio who sees patients during the weekend?
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Acupuncturists in San Antonio. Many Acupuncturists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Who is an acupuncturist?
A licensed acupuncturist is a practitioner who has studied acupuncture and Eastern medicine to maintain their patients' health. A licensed physician or dentist who has finished an acupuncture training program with at least 200 hours and 100 hours of supervised practice is considered a certified acupuncturist. Depending on the state you live in, the program and qualifications may change. A professional acupuncture program generally requires the following:
- A minimum of 47 semester credits in oriental medical theory, which includes programs on applying acupuncture techniques to diagnose and treat patients
- 660 hours or 22-semester credits of clinical training
- 450 hours or 30 semester credits in biomedical science
- 90 hours or six-semester credits in counseling, practice management, communication, and ethics
A state or federal license is typically required to practice acupuncture. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers a board certification that is the prerequisite for the federal license. At the national level, NCCAOM is the only organization subject to external regulation and can certify acupuncturists.
Candidates need to clear an examination to receive the certification. To become eligible for the exam, candidates must finish 1900 hours of coursework. A three-year master's degree or two years of formal study plus an apprenticeship are examples of this coursework. The training requires 5,000 treatments throughout a candidate's career or 500 treatments over the previous five years. After passing the test, acupuncturists can put the designation "Dipl. Ac." after their names to indicate that they are board-certified.
What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncturists?
Once considered unconventional, acupuncture has gained substantial acceptance within the medical community and popularity among patients. This was in light of growing concerns about the dangers of opioids—a class of powerful pain medications that includes morphine, codeine, OxyContin, Vicodin, and Percocet—doctors are increasingly eager to find drug-free approaches to pain treatment. In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) labeled deaths from opioid overdoses as an epidemic, highlighting the urgent need for alternative pain management strategies, one of which is acupuncture.
Studies find acupuncture effective for treating a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is a possible migraine treatment option. A 2016 study titled 'Acupuncture for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine' performed a systematic review of 22 clinical trials involving 4,985 people. It found that acupuncture reduces headaches in individuals with migraines, and the effect may be similar to that observed with preventive medications.
The frequency of headaches in patients dropped by 50% or more. As with most migraine treatments, acupuncture patients have experienced mixed success. Some patients from the study could cure their migraines completely, while some saw partial ease. Overall, the American Migraine Foundation agrees that an acupuncture course lasting at least six treatment sessions might be a valuable treatment option for those seeking urgent care and willing to undergo the procedure for unbearable headaches.
Studies by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that acupuncture, either alone or in combination with conventional therapies, can effectively treat nausea, post-surgery dental pain, alcohol and cigarette addictions, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and stroke rehabilitation in some cases.
Here are some conditions acupuncture can help with:
- Chronic pain: Acupuncture can be an effective method for treating chronic pain, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic headache
- Shoulder pain
- Menstrual cramps: Women who experience excruciating periods, a condition known as dysmenorrhea, sometimes turn to acupuncture for relief. More studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of acupuncture for menstrual cramps fully.
- Cancer: Many cancer patients incorporate acupuncture into their treatment regimen alongside standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Acupuncture can be particularly helpful in alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with these treatments. It's important to remember that chemotherapy and radiation can weaken the body's immune system. Therefore, your acupuncturist must adhere to strict clean-needle procedures to curb infections and ensure patient safety.
- Fertility treatment: Acupuncture can significantly enhance the effectiveness of costly and time-consuming fertility treatments for women trying to conceive. One study indicates that acupuncture may aid some women in conceiving by:
- Reducing the anxiety and stress associated with fertility treatments
- Increasing blood flow to the uterus
How different is acupressure from acupuncture?
Acupressure and acupuncture are two different techniques based on the same principle. In acupressure sessions, acupressurists press or massage an acupuncture point to stimulate energy pathways. In acupuncture sessions, acupuncturists pierce acupuncture points using needles. If you fear needles, you can get the same effect from acupressure.
Does acupuncture detoxify the body?
Acupuncture is a natural diuretic and detoxifies the body by helping it eliminate toxins in urine and cleanse organs such as the kidneys, colon, skin, and liver. Acupuncture is part of the ancient Chinese medicine tradition. It believes the human body has more than 2000 acupuncture points (acupoints) connected by pathways or meridians to facilitate the flow of 'Qi' (vital body energy) throughout the body. Disruption of the energy flow can result in various diseases.
The acupuncturist penetrates the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles in an acupuncture session. The acupuncturist then activates the acupoints through gentle and specific movements or electrical stimulation to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health. When the needle contacts an acupoint, one feels a tingling, tender effect on the contact area. The higher the load of toxins in one's body, the more one will feel the needle's discomfort.
What to know before your first acupuncture session?
Acupuncture is not for everyone. Consulting your primary healthcare provider before acupuncture is vital, as the procedure could result in severe issues. Finding a practitioner who uses sterile needles and replaces them after every use is also essential. Needles that are not sterile can cause one to develop an infection. If pricked too deeply with needles, some acupuncture points can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with blood vessels. For this reason, selecting a well-trained practitioner in acupuncture with demonstrated experience in handling your unique case and condition is crucial.
When considering acupuncture, it's essential to approach it with an open mind while remaining skeptical of any claims that it is a miraculous cure-all. This balanced perspective can assist you in making an informed decision about whether acupuncture is the appropriate treatment for you.
What happens during acupuncture?
The acupuncturist may ask questions about the patient's symptoms, routines, and lifestyle to choose the optimum type or style of acupuncture treatment that could benefit them. Acupuncture practitioners have various techniques and frequently combine Eastern and Western treatment components. Also, they might consider the following:
- The size, coating, and color of the patient's tongue.
- Patient's skin color
- The parts of the patient's body's muscles or joints where they experience the most pain
- Patient's pulse intensity, rhythm, and quality by sensing it on their wrist.
After the initial evaluation, the therapist will search for body parts that respond to acupuncture. The acupuncturist will place needles into predetermined locations on the patient's skin.
An acupuncturist inserts needles as thin as human hair at depths ranging from one inch to a few inches. These needles are sterile and single-use. For the treatment to be effective, acupuncturists leave needles in place for a few minutes or even up to 20 minutes. Usually, when the needle-poking causes a deep heaviness or numbness, the practitioner will ask patients to let them know. Such sensations are typically signs that the treatment is working.
What to expect after your first acupuncture session?
Acupuncture needles are fragile, and most people feel little or no pain when inserted. Patients often say they feel energized or relaxed after the treatment; however, the needles can cause temporary soreness. After receiving an acupuncture treatment, one may feel lightheaded. It is thus recommended not to come to your appointment on an empty or full stomach. Very rarely, symptoms may worsen after an acupuncture treatment; if they do, it is often a sign that previously dormant conditions are surfacing to heal.
Things to consider before visiting an acupuncturist near you
To ensure you receive the best quality health care, selecting an acupuncturist who is skilled, experienced and understands your expectations is essential. Here are some critical things to consider before you book an appointment with an acupuncturist -
- Consult your doctor first - Acupuncture is only an effective treatment for some. It is necessary to ensure that if you are undergoing any treatment or medicine, your doctor gives you the go-ahead for an acupuncture session. If you have a pacemaker installed, are at higher risk of infection, have chronic skin problems, are pregnant, or have any implants, you must inform your doctor before booking an appointment with an acupuncturist near you. Failing to consult a doctor first can cause a lot of health risks and issues.
- Understand your goal - Before contacting an acupuncture practitioner, you must know what you expect from them. You cannot expect them to diagnose you with medical issues and then treat them with acupuncture. It is advisable to receive a diagnosis from a doctor and then consider acupuncture as a treatment option.
- Choose a licensed practitioner - When looking for acupuncturists, it is best to check whether they are licensed or certified. Zocdoc can help you with this research and list licensed acupuncturists. Since you do not have to be a doctor to practice it, this license allows people to find trustworthy practitioners.
- Consider insurance and cost coverage—Knowing how much the process will cost you is crucial before starting any treatment procedure. It is also essential to check if your insurer covers the cost of acupuncture. Since several insurers in the United States do not cover acupuncture, knowing if your insurance covers your session can be beneficial. Zocdoc allows you to do this through an easy filter!
Finding the best acupuncturist near you in San Antonio, Texas
Around 20.4% of Americans suffer from chronic pain; Acupuncture can help eliminate the pain in most cases. Untreated chronic pain also leads to mental health conditions like depression and irritability and can hamper daily life. Zocdoc enables you to treat your conditions through acupuncture by connecting you with the best acupuncturist in your area, San Antonio, Texas.
Our comprehensive database provides you access to the best acupuncturists in your area from the comfort of your home. Acupuncturists listed on Zocdoc from your location, San Antonio, Texas, are all licensed by the Texas Medical Board. Choose from thousands of doctors based on patient ratings, patient reviews, and the doctor's education, clinical interests, specializations, practice history, and certifications. All doctor profiles of Zocdoc are verified and updated to assist you in making an informed decision.
All you need to do is include 'Acupuncturist' in your search query and choose from the top acupuncturists in your area. You can select multiple doctors for second opinions on your diagnosis or treatment. Once you have chosen the best acupuncturist, Zocdoc assists you in instantly booking an appointment with an acupuncturist near you. Users can also enter their insurance information to find in-network providers that accept their coverage. If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, try uploading a photo of your medical insurance card. The Zocdoc system will scan the image and display your likely plan. This feature is only available for medical insurance cards, not vision or dental. If you experience issues uploading the picture, the Zocdoc service team is available to help. All bookings with Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure.
Statistical data on acupuncture in San Antonio and acupuncturists in Texas state
In December 2013, according to data from the randomized phase 3 SWOG S1200 clinical trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, real acupuncture reportedly reduced joint pain among women treated with an aromatase inhibitor for early-stage breast cancer.
In 2020, there were around 1,226 actively licensed acupuncturists in Texas. The number represented almost a 9.7% increase since 2015 and around a 38.8% increase since 2010. Relative to population growth, the acupuncturist workforce improved by nearly 15.8% from 2010 to 2020. Around 67.9% of acupuncturists in 2020 were female, and approximately 32.1% were male. In 2010, around 62.6% were female, and almost 37.4% were male. In 2020, around 15.9% of active acupuncturists in Texas were over 65.
Close to 22.0% were between the ages of 56 and 65. Within ten years from 2020, around 37.9% of the current Texas acupuncturist workforce will be over 65. Out of nearly 918 acupuncturists studied by the Health Professional Resource Center under the Government of Texas in 2020, almost 668 practiced independently, around 152 in a partnership or group, roughly 15 at medical school faculty, around 11 at hospitals, nearly four worked in direct medical care, around 1 in the military and almost 67 in a combination of one of two of these practice settings.
Sources
Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center
National Center for Biotechnology Information
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.