If you’re considering visiting an Acupuncturist for the first time
 

 

 

Generally speaking, mainstream (aka allopathic) medicine manages the mechanics and chemistry of a body, while the acupuncturist sees the body as just one aspect of your whole self which also includes current circumstances, past trauma, emotions, memories, thoughts, beliefs, and other possible influences. She uses her focus and instruments (fine-point needles) to unblock and reroute energy that is affecting her client’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Acupuncture is considered by many to be a form of energy healing, though it tends to stick to the realm of physical health.

 

Acupuncture’s meridians of chi – freeways of energy – are somewhat familiar to Westerners, with a detailed map showing how energy moves throughout the body.

 

 

Like conventional Western medical doctors, charges for treatment can vary greatly. Visit a few websites (or call their offices) for a sense of how much it may cost for a session (or a few). Just as significant health concerns involve multiple visits to a conventional doctor, your health concern may require multiple visits to the acupuncturist. Fortunately, some will offer package deals.

 

It is entirely possible that your insurance plan covers acupuncture. Medicare covers a limited number of acupuncture sessions for certain health problems. Some insurance policies will require a doctor’s referral for acupuncture, and some states require a doctor’s prescription to book an acupuncture appointment. Contact your insurance provider to see what is included in your policy.

 

 

The highest level of acupuncture training is for a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) degree and they are often referred to as “medical acupuncturists.” A DOM will be able to treat the widest range of issues. 

 

A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is likely easier for you to find and will be very capable in treating most of your health and wellness concerns.

 

When considering an acupuncturist for treatment, ask about their training, certification and professional affiliations.

 

 

You do not need to feel anything during the treatment for it to work. With a highly-skilled acupuncturist, you may not even feel the needles as they are being inserted.

 

Your real results are likely to show up over time as your body adjusts to the treatment overnight.

 

 

The acupuncturist should give you an idea of how many treatments she feels would begin to address the issue. In my personal experience, it took about 12 acupuncture treatments before I was able to stop taking thyroid medication. Chronic patterns took time to develop and they will take time to remedy.

 

 

Depending on the treatment needed for your needs, you may be required to remove your clothes.

 

 

Especially for the big diagnoses such as cancer, acupuncturists may advise you to inform your doctor that you are also doing this type of treatment.  In a hospital or hospice setting. the practitioner might require a note from the patient’s doctor saying it is okay to work there.  

 

 

If you are very new to the world of non-mainstream healing, you might not be used to therapists having items for sale on display. I was taken aback the first time I encountered it, but many perfectly competent professionals do it, even a neuropsychiatrist I visited a few times to have my brain mapped.

 

 

If you’re still on the fence, search on YouTube to find a sample session that you can view. Here is a good intro video from the NCCIH channel: https://youtu.be/JnKPNw9K2Ng.

 

 

Almost every time, acupuncturists and other healers will advise you to drink lots of water after your session. Just do it and you will be better off in more ways than one.

 

 

Marjorie Rhea is the Editor at avoidingrx.com, a website focusing

on self-experimenting with non-prescription health solutions.

 

Camille Leon is the Director of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce

and the Holistic Education Foundation. To support future articles,

you are invited make a tax-deductible donation here.