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How did you
hear about the acupuncturist?
Often, one of
the best guidelines to use in choosing an acupuncturist is to ask for
referrals from friends and family who have been treated by the practitioner.
If this resouce is not available, there are many associations which
can direct you to certified practitioners in your area.
Is the acupuncturist
certified and how long have they been practicing acupuncture?
Although all regions
do not require an acupuncturist to be licensed, the acupuncturist must
possess a certificate of course completion from an accredited institution
such as the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists,
or the NCCAOM
The duration of
practice also plays a role in the overall effectiveness of treatment.
Now that is not to say that a newly certified acupuncturist does not
possess the skills to effectively treat a patient, but as in most areas
of life, increased practice enables the acupuncturist to have treated
a wide variety of conditions, and symptoms and may allow them a keener
insight into your situation.
How long was
the course of acupuncture study?
All accredited
acupuncture training programs are at least 3 academic years in length.
This is an indicator
of the complexity of the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese
Medicine in treating the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects
of the human form.
Does the acupuncturist
make promises that sound too good to be true?
While acupuncture
is often highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions and
their symtoms, every person is different and must be treated as such.
As in conventional medicine, a treatment that works for one does not
necessarily work for all.
Does the acupuncturist
take time to get to know you or are they solely concerned with treating
your condition?
As a holistic
form of medicine, it is essential that the practitioner become acquainted
with the person first and then, and only then, should the determination
be made as to how the condition will be treated. We are all unique,
with our own set of circumstances and influences that bring our bodies
into a state of imbalance. It is of utmost importance that the acupuncturist
is aware of these variances, before beginning treatment, in order to
effectively restore balance and harmony in the body.
Do you feel
comfortable with the acupuncturist?
If you are not
at ease with the practitioner, it will be difficult for you to reveal
personal details about your health and in fact your life (including
metal and emotional states). This type of information is an integral
part of whole body treatment and should not be left out because "you
don't feel comfortable". There are many, many certified acupuncturists
out there today to choose from, and with a little work you will be
able to find one to suit you and your needs.
Ask questions!
Always ask questions
of the practitioner prior to, during, and after treatment. Knowledge
is key in self care, so don't hesitate to make inquiries. Any good
practitioner will be more than willing to fully explain the answers
to your questions in terms you can easily understand.
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