What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
Acupuncture is an age-old traditional Chinese medicine healing practice in which the acupuncturist places thin needles at certain points in the body, called "acupoints," to relieve pain and treat other conditions. More than three million Americans use acupuncture. In acupuncture sessions, the acupuncturist stimulates points along 14 energy pathways in one's body to liberate the body's vital energy or "chi" flow.
Some scientists believe acupuncture needles cause the body to release endorphins (natural painkillers), boost blood flow, and change brain activity. At the same time, skeptics suggest the placebo effect is at play— acupuncture works because people believe it will.
Acupuncturists and their educational qualifications
Two types of professionals are involved in acupuncture medicine- licensed and certified acupuncturists.
A qualified acupuncturist in the United States requires a master's degree and successful completion of an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program. Though the basic requirements still need to involve a doctoral degree, new initiatives are being made to prioritize Ph.D. acupuncture training.
A professional acupuncture program generally includes 47-semester credits or more in oriental medical theory. The course structure inculcates programs on using acupuncture to diagnose and treat patients. The program also necessitates around 22 semester credits (660 hours) of clinical training and 30 semester hours (450 hours) of biomedical science. Lastly, 6-semester credits (90 hours) in counseling, ethics, practice management, and communication are mandatory for the same as well.
Furthermore, many states call for a state license to practice acupuncture. Meanwhile, some only require a federal permit. The NCCAOM, also known as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, gives a board certification as the prerequisite for the federal license. It is the sole externally controlled entity with the authority to accredit acupuncturists nationally.
Candidates who wish to take this test must have accrued more than 1,900 hours of education. It entails finishing a three-year master's degree or two years of academic study combined with an apprenticeship. The apprenticeship needs 500 treatments in the last five years or 5,000 across a career. Acupuncturists who pass the test can get the designation Dipl. Ac. after their names to indicate that they are board-certified.
Why try acupuncture? Is it painful?
The American College of Physicians recommends that healthcare professionals encourage people with chronic low back pain to seek non-medication treatments before undergoing conventional medication; Acupuncture can help in this case. The World Health Organization lists 28 conditions treatable with acupuncture. It is a possible alternative to pain medications or steroid treatments. Those wanting to avoid conventional medicine should undergo acupuncture. Those looking to prevent traditional medicinal drugs and their side effects can also opt for acupuncture.
Acupuncture needles are fragile, and most people feel little or no pain when inserted. They usually say they feel energized or relaxed after the treatment. However, the needles can result in short-term soreness.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally safe. It has few adverse side effects as long as a trained specialist performs it. On the other hand, it may be dangerous to get acupuncture from unlicensed professionals. They might cause infections, organ punctures, and damage to the central nervous system.
Moreover, the FDA governs acupuncture needles in the United States. All needles must comply with the agency's requirements for steel, solidity, sterility, nontoxicity, and correct labeling. The use of acupuncture needles is restricted to licensed practitioners. The needles are designed for one-time use and discarded by the practitioners.
Are acupressure and acupuncture the same thing?
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 are afraid of needles, acupressure could help you similarly.
Acupuncture as a potential migraine treatment option
A 2016 study titled 'Acupuncture for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine' performed a systematic review of 22 clinical trials involving 4985 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 dropped by half or more in about 59% of individuals receiving acupuncture; this effect can persist for over six months.
During the sessions, the acupuncturists placed needles along patients' backs or necks so as to slow pain transmission. A gentle head massage accompanied the placement of the needles. The treatments took an hour. Acupuncturists suggest that the patients undergo at least six sessions, usually weekly. In some cases, they also suggested dietary changes. For example, caffeine can increase migraines, and some acupuncturists believe it disrupts body flow; thus, they advise their patients to eliminate or limit caffeine from their diet.
The study could not find how acupuncture eases pain or decreases migraine. However, it maintained an overarching belief that acupuncture activates pathways in the brain that enable turning the pain off. As with most migraine treatments, acupuncture patients have experienced mixed success. Some patients from the study could cure their migraine 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.
Besides treating migraine, people have used acupuncture for various conditions, including:
- Smoking cessation: Acupuncturists target ear pressure points to suppress smoking cravings. It stimulates the nervous system, reduces withdrawal symptoms, and promotes relaxation, aiding in smoking cessation.
- Insomnia: Acupuncture relieves insomnia by improving sleep quality, reducing night wakings, increasing total sleep time, and decreasing anxiety and pain, especially for those with depression, menopause, or chronic pain.
- Fatigue: Acupuncture for fatigue boosts energy by stimulating specific points, improving blood flow, reducing stress, balancing hormones, and enhancing overall vitality and well-being.
- Depression: Research shows acupuncture can significantly reduce depression severity. In an 8-week study, depressive symptoms improved more with acupuncture than without, and it matched fluoxetine's effects for post-stroke depression.
- Allergies: The acupuncture points for treating allergies differ from those for back pain or headaches, targeting areas like the front of the hand, feet, around the nose and face, or ears.
- Infertility: Acupuncture supports infertility at any stage—whether just after stopping birth control, after prolonged unsuccessful attempts, or post-IVF failure—providing aid throughout the fertility journey.
- Nausea: Acupuncture helps alleviate nausea by targeting specific points, such as those on the wrist and abdomen, to balance the body's energy and reduce symptoms effectively.
- Lower back pain: Lower back pain is discomfort in the lumbar region, often caused by muscle strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions. It leads to stiffness and limited mobility. Acupuncture can alleviate lower back pain by stimulating the central nervous system.
Who should avoid acupuncture?
People with bleeding disorders or those who need blood thinners should avoid undergoing acupuncture, as they are at an increased risk of bleeding. People with pacemakers or other electrical devices might negatively react to the needle's electrical stimulation and thus should avoid it. Pregnant women should consider talking with their healthcare provider before undergoing acupuncture. It is essential to neither forgo conventional medical care nor depend solely on acupuncture to cure diseases or intense pain. Also, one must consult their primary health care provider to decide if their case suits acupuncture.
What happens during and after an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture points are present all over the human body. Sometimes, the right spots may be far away from the source of your pain. Your acupuncturist practitioner will tell you where the treatment will take place and whether you need to remove any clothing. They will provide you with a gown, towel, or sheet. For the treatment, you recline on a padded table and are treated with the following:
- Needle insertion: Acupuncture needles are placed strategically on your body at varied depths. Since the needles are so thin, insertion is usually painless. People typically do not notice the needle insertion. A typical treatment involves the insertion of nearly 5 to 20 needles. Once a needle reaches a certain depth, you may experience a minor aching feeling.
- Needle manipulation: After needle implantation, your practitioner may gently rotate or twirl the needles or provide moderate electrical pulses or heat to the needles.
- Needle extraction: In this process, the practitioner usually leaves the needles in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and rest. When the practitioner withdraws the needles, there is barely any pain.
Following an acupuncture treatment, some people feel relaxed, while others feel refreshed. However, acupuncture does not work for everyone. It may not be suitable for you if your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks.
How are dry needling and acupuncture different?
Acupuncture, similar but not the same as dry needling, involves needles. However, the rest of the procedures are entirely different.
Acupuncture has its foundation in Eastern medicine and is performed by professional acupuncturists. On the other hand, dry needling has its foundation in Western medicine and is performed by healthcare specialists such as physical therapists.
Acupuncture is used to treat musculoskeletal discomfort as well as other body systems. Physical therapists typically use dry needling as part of an extensive physical therapy regimen that includes other treatments.
Best acupuncturists near you in San Jose, California
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 disease through acupuncture by connecting you with the best acupuncturist in San Jose, California.
Begin by signing up for a free Zocdoc account. Log in and enter your details in the search bar, such as symptoms, preferred specialist, location, time, and more. Upon hitting enter, you will have our comprehensive acupuncturist directory. It provides access to the best acupuncturists near you from the comfort of your home.
Acupuncturists listed on Zocdoc from your area, San Jose, California, are all licensed by the California acupuncture board. Choose from thousands of doctors based on patient ratings, patient reviews, and the doctor's education, clinical interests and specializations, practice history, and certifications. All doctor profiles of Zocdoc are verified and updated to assist you in making an informed decision.
Utilizing your insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card can help you correctly select your insurance plan on Zocdoc. However, this isn't mandatory. If you prefer not to do it, you can manually pick your insurance plan from the list provided. For more information, you can visit the Zocdoc's patient help center.
All you need to do is include 'Acupuncturist' in your search query and choose from the top acupuncturists near you. You can select multiple doctors for second opinions on your diagnosis or treatment. Once you have chosen the desired acupuncturist for your unique case, Zocdoc assists you in instantly booking an appointment for your first acupuncture session.
All bookings with Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure.
Statistical data on acupuncture and acupuncturists in California
A 2015 survey conducted by the McLean Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reported that California (32.39%) and New York (11.89%) are home to over 44% of acupuncturists in the US.
Another study done in 2018 reiterated the same fact. Approximately 32.03% of total active licensed US acupuncturists practice in California. In 2018, California also showed the highest employment level for acupuncturists in the USA (2,130 employed acupuncturists).
The American Specialty Health (ASH) conducted a patient satisfaction survey in 2014 and 2015 of 89,000 managed network patients through a network of 6,000 US acupuncturists. It found that about 96.2% of people in California would recommend their acupuncturist to family and friends.
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