Acupuncture has a proven track record of success but if you haven’t yet added acupuncture to your health care routine, then it’s important to note that your experience will greatly depend on the acupuncture provider you ultimately choose. The best way to determine the right acupuncturist for you is to identify your specific health care needs and goals. When we like and trust our health care providers, our experiences tend to be more positive.
If you are on this blog, you most likely already have this goal in mind. Trusting a provider is easier when you know they have the proper training and credentials to address your specific needs. Different states and jurisdictions have different training and educational requirements. Don’t hesitate to ask about training, specialties, or advanced education. You should be confident in the care you are being provided.
Identifying Your Goals
This is an important step in determining if we are the right fit for each other. Are you looking for a practitioner with a specialty in the issue you are facing or are you looking for someone who will be your primary health care provider? Or are you looking for someone who will work closely with your current MD? Just as we do a health intake with new patients, don’t be afraid to ask about training, education, and practice philosophy. The answers to these questions can help both of us determine if this partnership in health will be a success. Practitioners need to know what you hope to achieve and patients need to be confident in a practitioner’s ability to meet their needs.
Important Qualifications
Acupuncture is a respected field of Medicine and most states require formal training and certification to practice. Most states require three to five years of study and a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from an accredited institution, as well as passing a state board exam.
If you are not sure what the requirements are in your state or area, you can visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website to get an idea of what is the norm in your area. Not every acupuncturist is certified by this Commission (or needs to be) but it is a great reference to check credentials and learn more about the extensive training involved.
Fun Fact: Ashley has been actively licensed at the state level since 2013 and also has full national certification to practice acupuncture and herbal medicine. She is also a Recovery Coach and Registered Alcohol & Drug Technician currently earning her clinical hours to become a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor.
Get Your Questions Answered
Don’t be afraid to call our office and get your questions answered and address any concerns you may have. Some of the most frequently asked questions are about length of treatment, accepting insurance, specialty care, herbal medicine, side effects, and extent of the needs. There is a good chance your question has already been asked and putting your concerns to rest is always a priority. A truly successful health care partnership involves trust and an established comfort level between patient and practitioner. This may take some time, but it is worth the investment.
The bottom line is that Traditional Chinese Medicine works and could be a great addition to your health care routine. Give us a call today to make an appointment. Achieving your health care and recovery goals is my passion!
