What does an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist specializes in acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine. It improves health by stimulating specific points in the body, redirecting the energy flow to restore balance. It is a traditional Chinese method involving needle therapy that helps improve many conditions and provides relief from pain. People who see an acupuncturist may have already tried medication, surgery, and physical treatment, which did not help alleviate their symptoms. Acupuncture helps aid in overall wellness, including stress management.
Acupuncturists receive training to evaluate and treat pain and illnesses for many conditions. They have expertise in using traditional and advanced technology for their treatments. Therefore, an acupuncturist conducts evaluations, explains the process, and provides acupuncture and related therapies.
Acupuncturists work in private clinics, hospitals, cancer treatment centers, fertility clinics, health and wellness centers, and spa settings. Most states require acupuncturists to pass an exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Difference between acupuncture and acupressure
Acupuncture and acupressure are integral parts of traditional Chinese medicine. They focus on Qi, the body's vital energy. Research has shown that both practices offer various health benefits, including improvements in digestive health and mood disorders.
While they share similarities, acupuncture and acupressure differ primarily in their methods. Both aim to enhance energy flow by stimulating meridian points, but acupuncture uses fine needles, whereas acupressure applies firm pressure.
Practitioner training also differs significantly. Acupressure is typically administered by massage therapists who may not have extensive diagnostic knowledge of Chinese medicine but are well-versed in body tissues. In contrast, acupuncture is performed by certified and licensed acupuncturists.
Acupressure can be a DIY method, with many books, tutorials, and online videos to guide you. Conversely, acupuncture must be done by licensed professionals. It often costs as much as a visit to a doctor or chiropractor, and insurance coverage varies.
Take your needs into consideration when deciding between the two. Generally, acupuncture helps for complex issues like chronic ailments, infertility, muscle strains, and insomnia. Acupressure, on the other hand, is more suitable for minor concerns such as nausea and headaches.
Acupuncture is usually painless, but those sensitive to needles might find it uncomfortable. In such cases, acupressure serves as a good alternative.
For minor issues, acupressure may be more affordable and straightforward than acupuncture. Always seek your doctor's advice before attempting acupuncture or acupressure, as these are not substitutes for necessary medical care.
Why should you see an acupuncturist?
You can consult an acupuncturist if you have the following:
- Ongoing discomfort or pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or muscle pain
- Stiffness and fatigue
- Pain with burning sensations in the arms, hands, feet, etc.
- Throbbing or squeezing pain in the head, along with nausea and visual disturbances
- Menstrual cramps and other problems with the reproductive system
- Feelings of stress, anxiety, panic, or depression
Acupuncture is also widely known as an effective treatment option for chronic pain conditions. It may help with a range of medical conditions, such as:
- Dental disorders including toothache, pain following a tooth extraction
- Auditory and ear issues, including hearing problems or ringing in the ears
- Eye disorders, including cataracts and conjunctivitis
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, hiccups, chronic diarrhea or constipation, or heartburn
- Health maintenance, including regulating the blood pressure or strengthening the immune system
- Mental and emotional concerns like stress, anxiety, insomnia, etc
- Musculoskeletal disorders, including arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, joint pain, back pain, and chronic fatigue syndrome
- Neurological conditions such as migraines, dizziness, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain), and peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness in hands and feet)
- Reproductive conditions or symptoms such as menopause symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, and urinary incontinence
- Respiratory disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, and tonsillitis
- Acupuncture can also aid in sports injuries, cancer treatment, and side effects.
What to expect at the appointment?
At your visit, your acupuncturist will want to discuss your medical concerns. They will perform a physical examination, identifying areas that will react to acupuncture. During the treatment, the specialist will tap the needles into points in the skin. The needles used are sterile, disposable, and thin. Your acupuncturist will insert the needles at various depths, from a few microinches to many inches. These needles stay for a few minutes or up to about 20 minutes.
Since acupuncture can be very calming, you should get a ride home after treatment. Otherwise, you must rest for about 10 minutes before you drive. Your acupuncturist will give you tips on post-treatment care. The number of treatments you get would depend on factors like the nature of your medical condition and response to treatment. Patients generally go for appointments every week. It would help if the acupuncturist recommended an ideal schedule for you. Give acupuncture a few tries since it takes time to get the full benefits.
Does an acupuncture treatment hurt?
Acupuncture treatment involves pricking with a needle. Acupuncture needles are generally thinner than medical-grade needles. These needles are solid and not hollow like medical needles. A typical acupuncture procedure should be smooth. The discomfort experienced during an acupuncture session is often milder than the sensation of pain felt during blood withdrawal or receiving a vaccine shot.
When inserted appropriately into the skin, acupuncture needles may cause sensations such as slight pressure, tingling, or dull aches. The specialist may heat the acupuncture needle during the treatment, and electricity may occasionally be applied. An acupuncturist will check if you feel numbness or heaviness. These sensations usually mean that the treatment is working.
What to consider before choosing acupuncture as a treatment option?
While acupuncture can help you find relief from chronic pain and several illnesses, you must first decide if acupuncture is the best course of treatment for you. Taking precautions is necessary before choosing acupuncture because scientific research has not yet fully explored the benefits and workings of acupuncture within the framework of Western medicine. Therefore, acupuncture has remained a topic of controversy.
Here's what you should consider before finding the best acupuncturists near you-
- Discuss acupuncture as a treatment option with your primary care doctor or specialist first. Acupuncture may not be beneficial to everyone. Speak to a licensed medical practitioner about choosing acupuncture, all your ongoing medications (prescription and over-the-counter supplements), and dietary restrictions if you have any. Individuals at risk of infections or those who have chronic skin problems, are pregnant, have breast implants, or have a pacemaker may need to consult a conventional medical doctor to determine if acupuncture is a risky option for them.
- Ensure you get your medical doctor's diagnosis and other treatment options before choosing acupuncture. Patients must not rely on an acupuncturist to accurately diagnose their condition.
- Once your medical doctor has determined that you can get acupuncture, ensure you search for a licensed acupuncturist. You can ask your doctor or consult family members and friends if they have sought acupuncture. In the United States, certified acupuncturists must complete an accredited acupuncture or Chinese medicine program and a master's degree. New initiatives are also being taken to prioritize doctoral acupuncture training. Nearly 30 states in the U.S. require acupuncturists to have a state license to practice acupuncture. Some states require a federal permit. This externally regulated body certifies acupuncturists at the national level. Some medical doctors may also practice acupuncture. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture provides patients with a referral list of acupuncture providers.
- Consider the cost of an acupuncture treatment, the number of treatments you need, and whether your insurance covers acupuncture.
Find acupuncturists near you in Rockville, Maryland.
Zocdoc allows you to view, compare, and choose healthcare providers near you. To do so, log into www.zocdoc.com and enter the keywords "Acupuncturist" and "Maryland." To simplify your search, enter your preferred appointment date and details of your healthcare insurance.
As more and more studies show this treatment option's efficacy, multiple insurance companies now cover acupuncture. Mentioning your insurance details can help Zocdoc find you in-network acupuncturists. You can filter the results by language, specialty, availability, insurance they accept, gender, hospital affiliations, or whether or not the provider treats children. These filters can help narrow your search for a qualified acupuncturist that suits your requirements. You can read through detailed provider profiles, including their education and training background, user-verified reviews, and ratings.
You can also include medical, dental, and vision coverage with several insurance policies in your Zocdoc account. However, you can only look for and make appointments under one insurance plan at a time. You can enter your secondary insurance plan in the supplied field during the last step of the booking process. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you can include information about your secondary insurance when completing the forms online. For any insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient support center.
You can also book video appointments before an in-person visit to better understand the acupuncturists near you. Look for a purple video icon on the acupuncturist's profile or filter the video appointment selection. The best part is that Zocdoc allows you to find doctors and book all your appointments for free. So what are you waiting for? Book your appointment today.
Acupuncture statistics in Maryland, United States
About 39.1% of Marylanders reported having anxiety or depression symptoms in 2021, according to statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). More troubling is that 31.3% of people could not receive the required therapy or counseling. In addition, over 45.5% of Maryland individuals with depression in the 12- to 17-year-old age range did not receive any care in the preceding year.
According to the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, arthritis in adults in Maryland was about 23.1%. Over 100 types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, can cause pain.
The National Institutes of Health presented information on actively licensed acupuncturists in a report. As of January 2018, the United States had an estimated 37,886 licensed acupuncturists, and Maryland was among the ten states with the most significant number of acupuncturists.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Newfoundland and Labrador
Healthgrades
Mayo Clinic
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Maryland.gov
National Institutes of Health
American Institute of Alternative Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine
WebMD
Welleum
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