Finding the Right Acupuncturist

Introduction

According to Dr. Richard Nahas, acupuncture is a popular Chinese traditional medicinal practice which involves the use of thin needles at strategic points on your body in order to balance the chi or life force. It might help to treat ailments in your body when traditional medical treatments are not getting any results. However, it is important to choose an experienced professional to reduce the risk of side effects.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips you can follow to find the right acupuncturist for your needs:

  1. Consider your requirements – Before you start looking for an acupuncturist you have to determine your exact requirements since acupuncturists can not only treat medical conditions but also help you to maintain your overall health and wellbeing. For instance, do you want them to treat a painful condition, treat infertility, allergies, muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, stop smoking, or something else? Once you narrow down your exact requirement, it would help you to narrow down your search.
  1. Ask for referrals – You can ask your doctor or other healthcare professionals to refer you to a reputed acupuncturist after discussing your problems and issues. You can also try to get recommendations from your friends, family members, and other people you have opted for oriental treatments such as acupuncture and ask about their experience.

Once you get a list of potential acupuncturists that would be suitable for your needs, it is time to narrow them down even more.

  1. Consider their credentials and experience – The acupuncturist you select must have the necessary credentials, skills, and experience to practice their profession safely and legally. Generally, you should check whether they have a three to five-year Master’s degree in Oriental medicine from an accredited acupuncture school. A licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac) should have a minimum of 1,800 to 2,400 hours of clinical training and education.

They must also have certification from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. You can also consider receiving treatment from a physician that is a member of the Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Most physicians who practice medical acupuncture have at least 100-200 hours of training.

  1. Compare the details – Now that you have a list of potential acupuncturists for your needs who have valid licenses and credentials, it is time to look at the details. These include the cost, the exact location and office hours of the clinic, the types of services they offer, accessibility, and more.

It is recommended you shortlist clinics that accept medical insurance and practitioners that carry malpractice insurance. This would ensure you don’t have to suffer even more in case there is an accident.

Also, be sure to read the reviews and testimonials of previous patients to get a better picture of their customer service and treatment quality. Ensure you read reviews from third-party sites such as Better Business Bureau and Angi’s list.

Conclusion

Dr. Richard Nahas suggests you set up an appointment and interview the acupuncturist personally before finalizing your option. Look at their communication style and how comfortable they make you feel. Also, ensure you ask to check the facility and treatment table. It should be clean and tidy.