The history of acupuncture can be traced to traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed that this practice was used to the flow of bad energies (like those that cause diseases). How?
According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, human has energy pathways that connect the over 2000 acupoints spread across our body. These pathways (known as Qi; pronounced “chee”) are said to be responsible for our wellbeing, and applying acupuncture to these points will enhance your overall wellbeing.
Recent scientific studies and research have shown that it indeed offers many health benefits like treating headaches, addiction, menstrual cramps, asthma, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain, among other health Challenges. However, even though it has been proven to have numerous health benefits, you should always discuss it with your doctor because acupuncture affects people differently. Your doctor will determine if it is safe for you and guide you on how to find a licensed and certified therapist.
Factors to consider when looking for an acupuncturist
So, you have checked with your doctor about doing acupuncture, and he gives you the thumbs up after performing medical examinations. The next thing to do is find the licenced practitioner.
The million-dollar question is, how do you find a professional practitioner? With so many people feigning to be professionals, you need to have a means of identifying genuine therapists. One way to go about it is to have a checklist of factors to consider. That way, you be clear on what to look out for and not get swayed by gimmicks.
Here are important factors you should consider
- Get referrals
The best place to get started is asking your doctor for referrals — usually, they should have a list of licensed acupuncture service providers in your area. You can also ask trusted friends and family members for recommendations.
Once you have made your list, take your time to research their experience and credentials. You can look them up on websites where licenced professionals are listed or fix an appointment with them and seize the opportunity to ask questions.
- License
With so many amateurs and gimmicks claiming to be professional practitioners, it’s always best to check if they are licensed or not — it’s not enough for them to say it, you should be able to verify their credentials by checking with the alternative medicine regulatory authorities in your state or region.
While it may seem like an easy task, acupuncture requires extensive training, practice, skills, and experience to perform. As such, you should inquire about their education, training, and certifications during consultations. While you are probing their credentials, you should also keep an out for any history of malpractice claims and whether they have been sanctioned before.
- Communication Style
Whoever you are going to entrust your body to for acupuncture should be someone you are comfortable with. You should be able to communicate with the practitioner freely. Communication plays a big role in making the process seamless — ask questions and observe they respond. Also, take note of how you were received the first time because the first impression matters.
Another factor to consider is how well they explain the process — are the patient enough to tell you about the practice, or are you left to research/learn things by yourself? Last but not least, a professional practitioner will be transparent and respect your decisions.
But that’s not all about acupuncture
Other factors to consider include the gender of the therapist and your insurance. Regarding insurance, getting a professional that is in your plan will save you out-of-pocket costs while you enjoy the full benefits of every acupuncture session.