What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healing therapy that has historical roots in traditional Chinese medicine. The therapy process involves inserting needles at specific points in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, two opposing forces, yin and yang, interact to form a dynamic system (body). So, a body is healthy when these forces are in balance.
Moreover, experts in this area claim that energy (Qi) flows through different bodily pathways called meridians to maintain balance. An imbalance of forces or a disruption in energy flow leads to pain, disorder, or illness. There are 361 acupuncture points in our body to access these meridians. In acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into the skin at the appropriate combination of acupuncture points, depending on the patient's problem or pain. However, western practitioners see these acupuncture points as stimulating nerves, muscles, and tissues, which help our body release natural painkillers.
What are the requirements and certifications for becoming an acupuncturist in the U.S.?
An acupuncturist is a professional specializing in acupuncture treatment. There are two types of acupuncturists: 1) a licensed acupuncturist and 2) a certified acupuncturist. A licensed acupuncturist is a professional who has studied acupuncture and Eastern medicine. However, a certified acupuncturist is a licensed doctor or dentist who has received additional training equivalent to 100-200 hours of supervised experience.
The education required generally includes completing an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and earning a master’s degree. However, doctoral training is becoming more prioritized. Typically, acupuncture training takes about three years and includes courses in Oriental medical theory, clinical training, biomedical science, and counseling.
Most states require a state license, while federal board certification by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is also available. To obtain board certification, candidates must complete over 1,900 hours of coursework. This includes a master’s program or equivalent education plus an apprenticeship, and passing an exam. Certified acupuncturists can then use the title Dipl. Ac.
Are there different types of acupuncture?
Yes, there are different types of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese acupuncture focuses on directing the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), or energy, through the body. In contrast, modern acupuncture integrates Western medicine principles by using needles to stimulate the body’s systems. Many acupuncturists employ a combination of both approaches.
Additionally, an approach specifically for treating myofascial pain involves targeting trigger points—tight, painful knots that form in muscles due to stress or injury. Acupuncturists use trigger point therapy to ease myofascial pain by inserting needles to help "unknot" these trigger points.
Auricular or ear acupuncture involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Acupuncturists insert needles into particular ear acupuncture points to relieve chronic back pain and cancer pain.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reported that acupuncture therapy helps treat lower back pain, headaches, neck pain, knee pain, and osteoarthritis. Moreover, several studies have reported that acupuncture helps treat peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, nausea, tendinopathy, respiratory disorder, menstrual cramps, and fatigue.
The frequency and number of acupuncture treatments vary from person to person and depend upon the patient's problems. Some people feel highly relieved in the first sitting, while others feel relieved after two to four sittings. In addition, eight visits are required for acute problems. However, chronic problems require one or two weekly treatments for several months.
Does acupuncture help soothe symptoms of anxiety?
Some people may find acupuncture to be helpful while dealing with anxiety. According to Medical News Today, research has indicated that this therapy can lower anxiety symptoms. However, these findings might not apply to people with specific anxiety disorders or those who experience generalized anxiety that manifests in various settings.
In general, acupuncture can benefit people with the following conditions -
- Panic disorder
- Phobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
Can acupuncture detoxify the body?
Yes, acupuncture can detoxify your body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment improves the health of the organs such as the liver, kidney, and digestive system, which help to remove waste and toxins from the body. Acupuncture has a natural diuretic effect, which detoxes the body through the urinary tract. Due to this diuretic effect, most drug detox programs include acupuncture treatment.
The toxins accumulated in our bodies come from various sources, including food and drinks, alcohol, drugs, and environmental pollutants. Stress and anxiety create toxins in our bodies, too. In addition, our body produces toxins as well. The waste products from different organs are toxic, and failure to remove these toxins from the body can negatively impact the functioning of the organs. It is essential to detoxify your body.
The pain you feel during acupuncture depends on the toxins or blockages in your body. This pain reduces with the release of toxins from your body. So, you feel less pain with every acupuncture appointment.
Role of acupuncture treatment in pain management
"Acupuncture appears to be a viable solution for people with chronic pain to consider," states the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As per the source, numerous studies have demonstrated the efficiency of acupuncture in treating chronic pain, including joint pain linked with osteoarthritis and persistent back and neck problems.
Further, acupuncture has additional advantages besides possibly relieving joint pain, such as:
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress
- Increased energy
- Better mental clarity
All of these factors work toward lessening pain perception and increasing pain tolerance. As a result, acupuncture may be advantageous and have few side effects when used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Understanding the procedure
The critical mechanism underlying acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the acupoints. The purpose is to stimulate the central nervous system and the immune system, which then orchestrate a series of responses:
- Addressing illness and symptoms: The body's reaction to a disease or specific symptom is triggered.
- Rebalancing: Acupuncture aims to restore balance within the body's energy flow.
- Natural chemical release: The process prompts the release of natural chemicals, including endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and neurotransmitters (controlling nerve impulses).
When you visit an acupuncturist near you, the procedure is as follows:
- Initial assessment and examination: During your first acupuncture appointment, the acupuncturist will thoroughly discuss the issue to gain insight into your specific condition. They will thoroughly examine your body to identify areas that can benefit from acupuncture treatment. These areas correspond to the acupoints where the acupuncturist will place the needles.
- Needle insertion: The acupuncture needles are extremely thin, akin to human hair, and are sterile and disposable for safety. The acupuncturist inserts these needles at varying depths, ranging from a fraction of an inch to a couple of inches. The needles are left in place for a few minutes to up to 20 minutes, depending on the individual's needs and the treatment plan.
- Pain and sensations: Acupuncture needle insertion typically elicits a minor sensation, often described as a small prick. Given the needles' thinness and solid structure, this sensation is generally less discomforting than experiences like receiving a vaccine or undergoing a blood draw. Some individuals may experience muscle sensations such as dull aches or tingling, but this is typically part of the process. Acupuncturists may inquire about sensations like deep heaviness or numbness, which generally indicate that the treatment is effective.
- Post-treatment experience: Acupuncture has a calming effect, and individuals may find it beneficial to arrange transportation after their sessions, especially during the first appointment. If this is not possible, it is advisable to rest for a brief period, typically five to ten minutes, before driving. The acupuncturist also recommends taking it easy for a day or two following each session to optimize the treatment's effects and ensure your well-being.
How often should you get acupuncture treatments?
The number of treatments depends on the severity of your situation and how your body reacts. Most patients only have weekly appointments; some receive treatments more or less frequently, depending on how long the effects persist. However, your acupuncturist can suggest an appropriate schedule for you. You may experience only some of the benefits of acupuncture on your first or second visit. Hence, you should try at least five sessions to get the most out of the therapy.
What to expect when visiting an acupuncturist?
During the initial appointment, the acupuncturist will discuss your conditions and symptoms. Next, they will examine your body to find areas that might respond to acupuncture. The acupuncturist will then insert needles into various locations of your body. These needles are sterile, disposable, and as thin as human hair. The insertion depth can range from a few millimeters to several inches, and these needles can remain in for a short while or up to 20 minutes.
What are the associated risks?
Acupuncture is an overall wellness treatment. However, doctors do not advise replacing all your medical procedures with acupuncture. Acupuncture also has some associated risks and side effects. The possible risks associated with acupuncture are:
- Occasional bleeding, bruising, or soreness at insertion sites.
- Needles may cause infection if unsterilized.
- A needle may accidentally break and damage the internal organ. However, this only happens in rare cases.
The production and labeling of acupuncture needles must adhere to the specific guidelines of the US FDA. A licensed or certified acupuncturist must ensure the needles are sterile, nontoxic, and labeled "for one use only."
Locate the best acupuncturists near you in Miami, Florida
Considering the treatment's technicality, you must select your acupuncturist very carefully. Zocdoc is a platform that helps you find the best acupuncturist in Miami. First, create an account on www.zocdoc.com and enter your problem or condition, followed by your location. Then, Zocdoc will provide an elaborate database of the acupuncturists in your locality.
With Zocdoc, you can narrow your search by applying the insurance carrier and plan filter along with your location. Moreover, all practitioners listed on Zocdoc have dedicated profiles listing their education, training, experience, expertise, and affiliations. In addition, you can also go through the verified reviews by past patients to help you choose the best acupuncturist. With Zocdoc, you can find out the languages the practitioner speaks, their gender, and whether they treat children.
If you need assistance finding acupuncturists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is here to help. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Note that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.
For those with multiple insurance plans, you can add secondary insurance details in the appointment notes. If your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can enter your secondary insurance information.
Zocdoc helps you book in-person or online appointments with the best acupuncturist in your vicinity in just a few simple steps. Depending on the acupuncturist's availability, you can book appointments before, during, and after office hours. You can also book appointments on weekends and holidays if the acupuncturist’s schedule permits.
Booking appointments with acupuncturists near you on Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure.
Acupuncture statistics in Florida
The need for certified acupuncturists in America is high because approximately 35 million Americans use acupuncture treatments regularly. As per a study by Zhang et al., acupuncture users in America increased from 4.2% to 6.3% of the population, depicting 8.19 million and 14.01 million clients in 2002 and 2007, respectively.
In Florida, Acupuncture Physician is the professional title for a licensed acupuncturist. Another study issued in the Journal of Integrative Medicine reported approximately 34,481 (estimated) licensed acupuncturists in the U.S. in 2015. More than half of the licensed acupuncturists were from three states: California (32.39%), New York (11.89%), and Florida (7.06%). The estimated number of acupuncturists in Florida in 2015 was 2,434. Based on information from the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), Florida has six schools and degree programs for acupuncture education and training.
Sources
Healthline
ResearchGate
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical News Today[1]
Medical News Today[2]
Beaumont Health
Cleveland Clinic
WebMD
