All about acupuncture
An acupuncturist receives training in providing pain relief and speeding up the body's natural healing process. Acupuncture comes from ancient Chinese medicine; it enhances the human body's self-healing properties.
During acupuncture, the practitioner inserts thin needles into the skin to alleviate pain. The needles stimulate the acupoints or specific anatomic sites, where they pierce the skin to facilitate the smooth flow of energy across the body. This process can help detoxify the body and enhance organ health by eliminating toxins and waste.
Studies indicate that acupuncture benefits the endocrine system, the immune system, and the nervous system. It also improves cardiac and digestive functions to foster a sense of well-being. These are some reasons that have made acupuncture popular as a means of overall wellness. This technique is also useful for stress management. An acupuncture session can be a standalone therapy or used in combination with other treatments for optimal outcomes.
Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort when the practitioner inserts the needles. Some acupuncturists use heated and mildly electrified needles for the treatment. While there is no definitive evidence on how acupuncture works, one of the widely accepted theories is that it stimulates the release of endorphins, the natural painkillers in the human body.
How are acupuncturists in the U.S. trained?
A licensed acupuncturist is a healthcare professional who studies and trains in acupuncture and Eastern medicine techniques. In the United States, these professionals must complete three years of training in a nationally accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program. Acupuncture licensure requirements may vary from state to state. Some states require a state license, while others require a federal license offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Some acupuncturists are certified medical professionals like a dentist or a physician. They complete a training program in acupuncture equivalent to 200 hours and 100 hours of supervised clinical experience. Certified acupuncturists practice medical acupuncture (also known as dry needling) or traditional Chinese acupuncture.
Which conditions can be treated by acupuncture?
Acupuncture treatments can help mitigate the severity of pain in people suffering from chronic conditions. It can also relieve the discomfort caused by menstrual cramps and back or muscle pain. Acupuncture can also help treat respiratory, digestive, neurological, and psychological conditions, some of which include:
- Chronic sinusitis: This is also known as a sinus infection, which is the inflammation of the sinuses (cavities present around the nasal passages). Individuals with asthma, weak immune systems, allergies, or structural issues in the nose or sinuses are at high risk of sinusitis. Sinusitis may have cold-like symptoms. However, it is more likely to be accompanied by headaches, facial pain, and nasal congestion. Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation of the sinuses, improve blood flow, relax the muscles, and drain the mucus from the sinuses.
- Headaches: These can show up as sharp, throbbing, or dull aches in the head and face. Headache symptoms may vary depending on the type of headache you have. When inserted into different pressure points, acupuncture needles stimulate the endorphins-releasing nerves that stimulate the immune and circulatory systems, and this may help to relieve migraines and tension headaches.
- Arthritis: Arthritis and muscle and joint problems occur as a result of inflammation and swelling in the joints. People commonly experience arthritis symptoms in the feet, hands, knees, lower back, and hips. Muscle stiffness, arthritis, and joint disorders are likely to increase with age. Acupuncture needles may induce the production of cortisol (a hormone that controls inflammation) and may stimulate the activity of other pain-relieving chemicals in the body.
- Asthma: It is a chronic illness where the airways become inflamed, narrow, and swollen. They also produce extra mucus, which can make breathing difficult and cause wheezing or shortness of breath. Airborne allergens, such as mites, mold, pet dander, or respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, physical activity, cold air, and air pollutants like smoke can cause asthma or trigger an asthmatic attack.
- Anxiety: It refers to feelings of nervousness and hopelessness. It can also cause a person to sweat, feel restless, or have a rapid heartbeat. Acupuncture may effectively reduce the body's fight or flight response due to anxiety.
- Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea refers to painful menstrual cramps. Mild to moderate cramps are normal the day before or the day your periods start. However, some people might have excruciating pain during their periods to the extent that it interferes with their daily lives. Other symptoms of this condition include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Hot flashes: Hot flashes are sudden flares of heat, sweating, and discomfort. They are a common and uncomfortable symptom of menopause, and various factors can trigger them, including smoking, caffeine consumption, hot weather, tight clothing, and stress. Hot flashes differ from person to person in terms of their length and severity.
- Overtraining syndrome: Overtraining syndrome occurs when you exercise too intensely or too often for long enough to start hurting your body. This condition has three types: stage 1 (functional overtraining), stage 2 (sympathetic overtraining), and stage 3 (parasympathetic overtraining). Overtraining syndrome negatively affects your physical, mental, and emotional health. Its symptoms include muscle pain and stiffness, fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, and mood changes.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS refers to a group of symptoms affecting your digestive system. While it is a chronic condition, it does not cause tissue damage in your gastrointestinal tract or increase your chances of more serious illnesses like colon cancer. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, constipation, and excess bloating.
What happens at an acupuncture appointment?
Every acupuncturist has a unique style of consultation and treatment. Most practitioners start with a detailed knowledge of your medical history and current health. They will ask you about any medical conditions, medications you take, and symptoms experienced. At this time, you can also tell them about what you wish to achieve with the acupuncture treatment.
Be sure to inform your acupuncturist about any allergies you are susceptible to and if you use a pacemaker. Acupuncture treatment sessions rarely last beyond 60 minutes, and most are usually much shorter. The total number of sessions required will depend on your treatment plan. Most patients benefit from six to eight sessions over a few weeks. During the session, your acupuncturist will keep you informed about what they are doing every step of the way.
The practitioner may use anywhere between five to twenty needles during one session. The practitioner will carefully and slowly place the needles, as precision is key to its effectiveness. They might move the needles gently or apply mild electrical pulses to the needles as part of the session. After about 15 minutes, the practitioner removes the needles gently, and the session ends.
The needles will feel like a pinprick, and the experience is much less painful than when you have blood drawn. Tingling and dull aches are other sensations you may experience during the procedure. If you want a break or feel discomfort, tell your acupuncturist and take a break if necessary.
Acupuncture produces different results in people, with some claiming to be energized at the end of sessions while others feel relaxed. If you do not notice any significant results after a few sessions, this might not be for you.
How to prepare for your acupuncture appointment
There isn’t any special preparation required for an acupuncture session. However, there are ways that you can get the most out of your acupuncture consultation by preparing a few basic things beforehand:
- Please make a list of all your medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you have been taking, and bring it to the appointment. It is to ensure your safety, as certain drugs and herbal supplements can interfere with your treatment.
- Ensure you mention to your acupuncturist if you have any other health condition or have undergone surgery in the past. It can help the care providers determine whether acupuncture treatment is appropriate for you or not.
- Make a list of all the recurrent symptoms you are experiencing, including all the areas in your body where you are experiencing pain. It will help your acupuncturist create a specific treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Consider eating a well-balanced meal approximately two hours before your appointment. Going on an empty stomach may make you feel lightheaded, and eating a heavy meal can make you feel uncomfortable during your treatment.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes, as this will make it easy for the acupuncturist to place the needles in the correct places.
- You may have to avoid caffeine before your appointment as it is a stimulant that increases the body’s fight or flight response, which acupuncture treatment aims to reduce. You can consult acupuncturists near you regarding the diet you need to follow before an appointment.
Risks of acupuncture
The risks are minimal when a trained and qualified practitioner uses single-use needles to administer acupuncture treatment. The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) mandates that all needles used for acupuncture meet specific criteria. The needles must be solid steel, non-toxic, sterile, and labeled correctly.
The common side effects are bruising or soreness at the needle insertion spots. If you have a history of bleeding disorder or take blood thinners regularly, you may be at a higher risk of bruising or bleeding than others.
Acupuncture using mild electric pulses is not for people with pacemakers. The electric pulses can impair the functioning of pacemakers. An acupuncture session may stimulate labor if you are pregnant, resulting in premature delivery.
Other side effects include allergic reactions, nausea, dizziness, and skin rashes. While extremely rare, acupuncture needles can break during the procedure and damage your internal organs. Ideally, you should check with your primary care physician before signing up for acupuncture sessions. Continue to take your prescription medicines along with your acupuncture treatments.
Difference between acupuncture and acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are aspects of Traditional Chinese medicine centered on Qi, the body's vital life energy. Research ties these practices to numerous health advantages, from digestive wellness to mood disorders.
Though they share common ground, acupuncture, and acupressure are different from one another. Both methods target enhanced energy flow by activating meridian points. However, the key difference between them lies in their approach: acupuncture utilizes fine needles, whereas acupressure relies on strong pressure.
Also, there may be notable differences in the practitioners' training. Typically, massage therapists with limited diagnostic knowledge of Chinese medicine but a deep understanding of body tissues administer acupressure therapy. In contrast, acupuncture is performed by certified and licensed acupuncturists.
Moreover, acupressure can also be a do-it-yourself form of care method. You can find plenty of books, tutorials, and online videos to help you learn how to use pressure to address various health issues. On the other hand, licensed professionals perform acupuncture, and it can cost as much as a visit to a doctor or chiropractor, and insurance coverage may vary. Think of it as a more potent and professional treatment option.
When choosing either service, consider your needs. A general guide is to opt for acupuncture for complex issues like chronic ailments, infertility, muscle strains, and insomnia. In comparison, consider acupressure for minor concerns, such as nausea and headaches.
Also, acupuncture is usually painless, but people sensitive to needles may find it uncomfortable. In such cases, acupressure acts as an alternative.
Both treatments are effective, but consult a professional if your condition is severe. Try acupressure first for minor issues, as it's a more affordable and simpler option than acupuncture. Always consult your doctor before attempting acupuncture or acupressure; they are not replacements for essential medical care.
How to find qualified acupuncturists near you in Los Angeles
Acupuncture treatments must be administered only by trained and experienced professionals. An inexperienced person can cause irreversible damage. Choosing an acupuncturist is the same as picking a doctor.
With Zocdoc, you can find the best acupuncturists with just a few simple steps. Just enter your symptoms, location, and your insurance, and the application will direct you to a list of acupuncturists in your area. Moreover, Zocodoc has individual profiles for every acupuncturist, having details of their qualifications, experience, and specialty.
Check our patient reviews for each practitioner on your list before picking one. It is similar to seeking references from friends and family — the only difference here is that you get all this information at the click of a button! Our efficient insurance detector also lets you check for in-network acupuncturists near you.
While you can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account, you can only search for and schedule an appointment with one insurance plan at a time. In case you have multiple plans, you can mention your secondary insurance plan and carrier in your notes for the provider in the last step of the booking process. If your provider uses Zocdoc’s intake forms, you can add details about your secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.
The detailed profile for every listed professional also includes location and contact information for your convenience. Once you find acupuncturists near you that meet all your requirements, go ahead and schedule an appointment with them.
All Zocdoc bookings are safe, free, and secure.
Acupuncture statistics in Los Angeles
In the United States, acupuncturists are employed in various sectors, including hospitals, outpatient care centers, and private practice. Los Angeles County is among the top regions with many things to do with acupuncture. Statistics indicate that nearly 40% of licensed acupuncturists in California are in Los Angeles County. The Los Angeles region is among those with the highest ratio, at 26 acupuncturists per 100,000. Of the 16 schools approved by the California Acupuncture Board, seven are in Los Angeles County. The University of California, Los Angeles, is among the medical schools offering acupuncture programs for medical doctors.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2022, 7,800 licensed acupuncturists were practicing in the whole of the United States. Of these, the highest employment was seen in California, with 2,550 providers. The location quotient of the state (2.74), which is the ratio between the acupuncturists in California when compared to the national average, is much higher than the rest of the country.
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