A healthcare specialist trained in acupuncture therapy is known as an acupuncturist. Acupuncturists specialize in alternative medicine and sometimes collaborate with other healthcare professionals to offer a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient.
Acupuncturists can treat various health concerns that cause physical discomfort, pain, stress, anxiety, infertility, etc. They often focus on practices that increase stimulations to trigger the body's natural painkillers.
To become a certified acupuncture practitioner in the United States, one must complete a Chinese medicine or accredited acupuncture program with a master's degree.
The history of acupuncture
The age-old practice of acupuncture is believed to have started in China. The first-ever documentation of the tradition dates back to 100 BC. Acupuncture was widely practiced as an organized system of treatment and diagnosis. The discovery of acupuncture treatment is credited to the great Chinese emperor Huangdi. The practice of acupuncture stems from an ancient Chinese philosophy of dualistic cosmic theory. In ancient China, people used acupuncture as a medication involving piercing needles on specific body parts. This practice was believed to cure diseases, improve general well-being and health, etc.
How does acupuncture work?
An acupuncturist inserts hair-thin, solid, metallic needles through the skin at specific points. The process may cause minimal pain. The needle is pierced till it produces an ache or pressure sensation. These needles are stimulated with mild electric current, gentle hand movements, or heat during treatment. Some people may feel relaxed, while others may feel more energized after an acupuncture therapy session.
The needles have to be sterilized before treatment to prevent infections. Also, incorrect needle placement can cause severe pain during treatment. For this reason, acupuncture must be performed by a qualified and licensed acupuncturist, so you must look for the best acupuncturists near you.
Acupuncturists may use the following forms of stimulation other than needles:
- Pressure (acupressure)
- Heat (moxibustion)
- Electromagnetic energy impulses
- Suction (cupping)
- Friction
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture has numerous benefits that help people deal with various health concerns. From increasing blood circulation to reducing elevated stress levels, acupuncture sessions can benefit us in multiple ways. Here are a few ways how acupuncture can help you:
- Helps you reduce stress levels: The most common reason people try acupuncture treatment is to decrease their stress and tension levels. Acupressure helps people restore the body's energy balance and stimulates the nervous system's responses. Stimulation of the nervous system responses can lead to significantly lower stress hormones and a significant drop in the body's stress levels.
- Helps you lower eye strain: With increased electronic gadget usage, almost everyone complains about eye strain and eye-related problems. Many people also face issues like night blindness or lazy eyes for various reasons, such as vitamin deficiencies. Applying pressure on specific acupoints can not only aid in better vision but also has the potential to decrease eye strain.
- Acts as a relief for headaches: Chronic headaches and migraines occur for various reasons, such as side effects from prescription medication, underlying health issues, etc. Applying the right amount of pressure on facial acupoints through the insertion of needles can relax the facial muscles and improve blood flow in the facial region, leading to a reduced frequency and severity of headaches.
- Lowers symptoms of neurological diseases: Neurological issues can often disrupt language and mortar coordination in the body. Disorders like Parkinson's, Bell's, cerebral palsy, etc., can affect the body's motor and language capabilities. Acupuncture treatment can not only improve motor coordination but can also help reduce various symptoms of neurological disorders.
- Aids digestive health: Poorly regulated digestive health can lead to problems like loose stools, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and heartburn. Poor digestive health impacts the digestive system and can lower the body's overall wellness. A few acupuncture sessions can help patients regulate their digestive tracts and relieve certain digestive health disorders.
- Enhances sleep cycles: Many sleep issues stem from an energy imbalance in the body. Low energy levels can also affect the stimulation of the nervous system. Acupuncture treatment is a proven alternative solution for sleep issues. Regular acupuncture sessions can improve the body's energy levels and stimulate the nervous system properly, leading to better sleep cycles.
- Reduces blood pressure levels: High blood pressure is the most prevalent issue in the 21st century. Acupuncture is an excellent solution for lowering blood pressure. Regular visits to the best acupuncturist near you can aid proper heart function and enhance blood flow.
- Helps reduce pain: When a person undergoes surgery or treatments for diseases like cancer, etc., chances are they might suffer from episodes of pain due to the treatments or side effects of the medications. Acupuncture treatment helps trigger the immune system and promotes overall wellness, improving healing abilities.
- Improves fertility: Many fertility issues stem from a significant imbalance in the body's hormone production levels. Acupuncture treatments can help regulate blood flow and improve energy levels. Moreover, they can enhance the production of reproductive hormones, leading to better fertility levels.
Things to consider before choosing acupuncture treatment
Choosing the right practitioner ensures your treatment is effective and aligns with your needs. Here are seven essential tips to help you find the best acupuncturist near you. You can rely on Zocdoc to help you with a smooth practitioner selection process, as most of the steps mentioned below can be fulfilled on our platform.
- Consult specialist doctors for an effective disease diagnosis. Before visiting the acupuncturist for treatment, talk to them about how acupuncture can improve your condition.
- Acupuncture treatment is not recommended for everybody. Therefore, know about the treatment in detail from your doctor. Discuss all your ongoing treatments and medications, such as prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. If you are susceptible to infections or have a pacemaker, body implants, chronic skin problems, or pregnancy, you must inform the acupuncturist before treatment. Acupuncture may increase your health risks if you fail to report your underlying conditions.
- Visit a licensed and trained acupuncturist to achieve effective treatment outcomes. The best acupuncturist can provide appropriate treatment to manage your condition and symptoms. Your primary care doctor can provide good referrals. You can even seek referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have already sought acupuncture treatment.
- Check your insurance coverage and treatment costs beforehand. Some insurance companies may cover acupuncture treatment, while others may not. Before undergoing treatment, consider whether the number of sessions required and the total charges are covered under your insurance.
- Experience matters when dealing with chronic pain, fatigue, or other symptoms. An acupuncturist who has treated patients with conditions similar to yours is more likely to deliver effective results. Ask about their experience with your condition and potential complications during your consultation. Understanding their expertise helps you gauge how well they can handle your treatment.
- Feeling comfortable with your acupuncturist is crucial, especially when discussing personal health issues. Many acupuncturists are trained to address gender-specific concerns, so finding someone experienced in treating your gender can improve the quality of care. Ask about their training and how it relates to your needs. Whether male or female, select an acupuncturist near you with whom you feel at ease.
- Proper communication is essential for a positive treatment experience. Choose an acupuncturist who listens carefully to your concerns, answers your questions clearly, and explains the treatment process in a way you understand. Notice how they interact with you during your initial meeting. A good practitioner should respect your preferences and involve you in decisions about your care.
- Patient reviews offer valuable insights into the acupuncturist's care quality and the overall experience at their clinic. Look for feedback on appointment scheduling, wait times, office environment, and staff friendliness. Reviews can help you understand how much time the acupuncturist spends with patients and how well they address concerns.
How does acupuncture help relieve discomfort during pregnancy? Is it safe?
Here's how acupuncture may help pregnant women:
- Pain relief: Acupuncture can help alleviate various types of pregnancy-related discomfort, including back pain, pelvic pain, neck pain, etc.
- Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture may help relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, also known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
- Stress and anxiety reduction: Acupuncture can promote relaxation and help manage stress and anxiety levels during pregnancy.
- Labor preparation: Acupuncture may help prepare the body for labor by promoting cervical ripening and reducing the duration of labor.
- Breech presentation: Acupuncture techniques such as moxibustion (the burning of an herb near specific acupuncture points) may help encourage a breech baby to turn into the head-down position.
Safety considerations:
- Qualified practitioners: Choosing a skilled and experienced acupuncturist with training and expertise in prenatal acupuncture is essential. They should understand the specific needs and safety considerations during pregnancy.
- Safe techniques: Acupuncturists should use safe techniques and avoid specific acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, especially those that may stimulate uterine contractions.
- Communication with healthcare providers: Inform your obstetrician or midwife before starting acupuncture treatment during pregnancy. They can guide you and ensure acupuncture is safe for your situation.
- Risk of infection: To bring down the risk of infection, ensure that the acupuncture clinic follows proper hygiene and sterilization practices.
- Individualized treatment: Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy should be tailored to each individual's needs and symptoms. The acupuncturist may adjust the treatment approach based on the stage of pregnancy and any existing health conditions.
Overall, when performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture can be safe and beneficial for managing discomfort during pregnancy. Besides, it is vital to consult with your healthcare provider before choosing any new treatment during pregnancy to ensure suitability for your unique circumstances.
How to find qualified acupuncturists near you in Forest Hills, New York
Finding alternative medicine practitioners you can trust is never easy, and acupuncture is no exception. Many people refrain from experimenting with this form because they do not find reliable specialists. Here is where Zocdoc comes in to help!
Zocdoc helps you by providing easy and quick access to the best acupuncturists the city of Forest Hills has to offer. After considering the various challenges people face when booking appointments with all types of healthcare specialists, Zocdoc has designed a convenient way of booking appointments with multiple healthcare providers in each city.
You can now head to the Zocdoc website and book appointments with the best acupuncturist that meets your requirements. Each specialist has a comprehensive bio that details their education, qualifications, experience, and ratings. Users can also customize their search results according to gender, spoken languages, and hospital affiliations of the specialists. Zocdoc also provides users with options for online appointments that they can undertake before the actual visit to be more prepared. Your search for the best healthcare provider ends with Zocdoc.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer not to share your insurance or plan to pay without using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Thanks to Zocdoc, locating the best acupuncturists near you is now easier! All Zocdoc platform bookings are free, safe, and simple!
Acupuncture in Queens, New York
The National Health Interview Survey showed that 3.5 million Americans used acupuncture in 2012, up from 2.1 million in 2002. This figure represents only 1.5% of the U.S. population but is expected to increase.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 7,800 acupuncturists in the country as of May 2022.
According to a New York State Education Department report, about 214 acupuncture licenses were issued in New York in 2023, a slight increase from 192 in 2022. The report also stated that nearly 4,081 registered acupuncturist licensees were in the state as of 1 January 2024. Of these, the most registered licensees are in the county of Queens, with around 851 licensed acupuncturists.
Sources
Britannica
National Cancer Institute
Mayo Clinic
New York Department of Health
New York State Education Department
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Johns Hopkins Medicine [1]
Johns Hopkins Medicine [2]
Healthline [1]
Healthline [2]
