What is acupuncture, and who practices it?
Acupuncture is an age-old traditional Chinese healing practice known to heal several diseases and alleviate pain from health conditions by piercing needles at specific points in the body. It provides better pain relief when used with other therapies, such as massage or pain medicine. It is, thus, often labeled as 'complementary medicine.' Since it rarely causes more than mild side effects, acupuncture is a potential alternative to pain medications or steroid treatments.
The World Health Organization lists 28 conditions treatable with acupuncture.
An acupuncturist is a professionally trained healthcare provider who meets the standards for education and training in acupuncture. They also possess a state license to practice medicine legally in their state.
What kind of education and training do acupuncturists receive?
In the United States, becoming a certified acupuncture practitioner involves completing an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and a master's degree. The duration of acupuncture training can vary based on the state and school, but certification generally takes three years.
A typical professional acupuncture program includes:
1. At least 47 semester credits in Oriental medical theory, covering diagnosis and treatment using acupuncture techniques.
2. 660 hours (22 semester credits) of clinical training.
3. 450 hours (30 semester credits) in biomedical science.
4. 90 hours (6 semester credits ) in counseling, communication, practice management, and ethics.
Some programs may have additional requirements. Choosing a school certified by the Accredited Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is essential.
Most states require a state license to practice acupuncture, and some may demand a federal license, typically offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). NCCAOM certification necessitates more than 1,900 hours of coursework, including a master's program or equivalent two years of formal education. It also includes an apprenticeship involving performing 500 treatments over the last five years or 5,000 treatments over one's career. Successful candidates can add "Dipl. Ac." to their title, signifying board certification.
Acupressure vs. acupuncture
Acupressure is a technique for self-care. One can learn how to use pressure to treat various illnesses by browsing the many online books, tutorials, and videos. However, a trained professional with a license can perform acupressure better. In acupressure sessions, acupressurists press or massage acupressure points to stimulate energy pathways.
In acupuncture sessions, acupuncturists use needles to pierce acupuncture points. The cost of acupuncture is comparable to seeing a physician or chiropractor, and your health insurance plan might or might not cover it. If you are uncomfortable with needles, you can get the same effect from acupressure.
You can try acupressure for common ailments before opting for acupuncture, as it is more convenient and affordable. But if your condition is severe, you should seek professional help.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry-needling?
Acupuncture and dry needling both utilize needles; however, their approaches differ. Acupuncture, rooted in Eastern medicine, is administered by licensed acupuncturists and addresses various issues, including musculoskeletal pain. In contrast, dry needling, based in Western medicine, is typically performed by healthcare providers like physical therapists and is often integrated into a broader spectrum of physical therapy treatments.
Are there different kinds of acupuncture?
Yes, there are different kinds of acupuncture. Traditional acupuncturists focus on directing the flow of qi (energy) through your body, following ancient Chinese principles. Modern acupuncture combines Western medicine, using needles to stimulate your body’s systems. Many acupuncturists blend both approaches. Additionally, there is a method called trigger point therapy, which targets myofascial pain by using needles to relieve tight, painful knots in muscles. Another type is auricular acupuncture, which involves stimulating specific points in the ear to alleviate chronic back pain and cancer pain.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
While most healthcare appointments can feel stressful and intimidating, there is usually nothing to worry about. The same applies to acupuncture sessions. Typically, during your appointment with an acupuncturist near you, there will be a quick assessment and discussion about your physical status and any current medical conditions before the session begins. Your acupuncturist will check your tongue, eyes, and bowel movements and measure your pulse to determine which organs require stimulation or sedation.
You will then have to recline on a comfortable treatment bed that resembles a massage table. Going to your session in loose clothing is advisable for ease and comfort. During the examination, the acupuncturist will insert single-use, hair-thin needles after sterilizing small areas of skin with alcohol swabs.
The needle sites will not hurt, but you might feel slight pressure or a prickly sensation. The number of insertion points can vary significantly - from person to person and session to session. Your acupuncturist will dim the room's lighting and give you 20 to 30 minutes to relax while inserting the needles.
Most acupuncturists treat various body parts, with the hands, feet, ankles, and legs being common insertion points. However, some may only treat the hands, feet, or ears. They may use other modalities to move energy that has become stagnant. For instance, they might use a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device or another instrument designed for electrical stimulation in acupuncture to add light electrical stimulation to acupuncture needles. They might also engage in "cupping," a technique that involves placing suction cups on various body parts to improve Qi flow. Moreover, some acupuncturists may recommend taking herbs and supplements.
Is acupuncture safe?
Every medical procedure involves some risks; acupuncture is no different. Although generally safe, it may lead to severe problems in rare cases. Needles that are not sterile can cause one to develop an infection. Ensure that your practitioner uses sterile needles and replaces them after every use.
Secondly, if pricked too deeply with needles, some acupuncture points can puncture the lungs or gallbladder or cause problems with blood vessels, making it crucial to select a well-trained practitioner in acupuncture with demonstrated experience in handling your unique case and condition.
Who should undergo acupuncture?
Those wanting to avoid conventional medicine and opt for something natural should undergo acupuncture, given they do not fall under the category of those who should avoid the approach. People with muscle pain, tennis elbow, neck pain, and menstrual cramps who don't prefer medication and their side effects can also opt for acupuncture.
However, it is essential not to skip conventional medical care. Experts do not advise relying on acupuncture alone to treat diseases or severe pain. One must also consult their primary health care provider to decide if their case suits acupuncture.
Who should avoid acupuncture?
People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinner medication 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.
How often should you get acupuncture treatments?
The frequency of acupuncture sessions varies based on your condition, severity, and body's response. Most patients have one appointment per week, while others may receive treatment more or less frequently. Your acupuncturist will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on the duration of the effects.
It is essential to understand that the full benefits of acupuncture may take time to be evident after the first or second session. If you opt for acupuncture, it is advisable to undergo at least five treatments to gauge its effectiveness.
Acupuncture for sports injuries
A 2020 study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information systematically reviewed, summarized, and analyzed clinical case reports/series employing acupuncture for treating sports injuries in athletes and provided a basis for further research to establish clinical evidence on acupuncture treatment in sports medicine.
The research confirmed that acupuncture treated various types of sports injuries experienced by athletes. It found acupuncture relieves short-term pain and facilitates recovery from dysfunction. It is a valuable, non-invasive, and conservative modality for managing sports injuries such as lateral meniscus rupture, femoral acetabular impingement, ganglion cysts, and sports hernias. In addition, they suggested acupuncture as a treatment worth trying for diseases such as yips and delayed onset muscle soreness.
What is fatigue, and can acupuncture cure it?
Fatigue is more than just feeling drowsy or tired; it often persists even after rest and can make basic tasks challenging. Those living with fatigue might struggle with daily activities such as work, childcare, household chores, socializing, exercise, personal care, and meal preparation.
Fatigue can stem from various health conditions, including long-haul COVID-19, anemia, depression, and hypothyroidism. If no underlying condition explains your tiredness, you might have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS involves persistent fatigue that impacts daily life for at least six months and may cause exhaustion after activities, lingering aches, headaches, sore throats, tender lymph nodes, and cognitive issues.
Acupuncture might help reduce fatigue. For instance, a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that adults with CFS reported less fatigue after receiving body acupuncture. However, the effects were short-term. Similarly, another study published by the same source suggested that acupuncture could alleviate cancer-related fatigue. Despite the promising findings, regular sessions might be necessary to maintain benefits.
Find the best acupuncturist near you in Houston, Texas
About 20.4% of Americans suffer from recurring 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 guides you in managing your condition with acupuncture by connecting you with the best acupuncturist in Houston, Texas.
Our comprehensive directory provides access to your area's top-rated and experienced acupuncturists. Acupuncturists listed on Zocdoc from Houston, Texas, are all licensed by the Texas Medical 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.
If you need help finding acupuncturists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is here. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Please note that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.
For those with multiple insurance plans, you can include secondary insurance details in the appointment notes. You can enter your secondary insurance information in the Zocdoc's Intake forms if your provider uses them.
All you need to do is include 'Acupuncturist' in your search query and choose from the top acupuncturists in your area. You can select multiple healthcare professionals for second opinions on your diagnosis or treatment.
Once you have chosen the best acupuncturist for your unique case, Zocdoc assists you in instantly booking an appointment for your first acupuncture session. You can fix an in-person or online appointment for consultation; look for a purple icon on the profiles of acupuncturists who allow such video consultations.
Booking appointments with acupuncturists near you with Zocdoc is free, fast, and secure.
Statistical data on acupuncturists in Texas
According to a Health Professions Resource Center report, 1,179 acupuncturists were actively practicing in Texas in 2022. It was 0.9% higher than 2017 and 188.3% higher than 2021. During this year, there was one acupuncturist for every 26,011 residents of Texas.
The report also stated that in 2022, 67.9% of acupuncturists in Texas were female, while the remaining 32.1% were male. Out of all the active acupuncturists, 18.3% were over the age of 65.
The report also provided information about the employment settings of the acupuncturists. Among the top three primary settings, 73.0% of acupuncturists had a solo practice, 15.8% practiced in a partnership or a group, and 7.2% belonged to direct medical.
Sources
WebMD[1]
WebMD[2]
WebMD[3]
WebMD[4]
Forbes Health
National Center for Biotechnology Information[1]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[2]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[3]
Health Professions Resource Center
Cleveland Clinic
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