You want to find someone who can deliver the best services that suit your needs and has adequate training and certification in acupuncture. Selecting the best acupuncturist may be similar to choosing any healthcare provider but the relationship you have with your acupuncturist may differ from other doctors. This article looks at five tips to consider when choosing an acupuncturist.
- Look for Experience
There are many variables with treatment so you want an acupuncturist who is experienced with your ailment. It is important to choose an acupuncturist who has proper credentials. Each state has certain requirements such as education, training, and valid certificate to practice acupuncture. Some conditions in acupuncture may require more training and experience than others. Any good acupuncturist is trained to handle general conditions like allergies, physical pain, and sprains, stress, digestive disorders, and migraines. However, a specialist with enough training and experience should be in a position to handle delicate or complex issues.
- Ask About Their Style of Treatment
There are many types of acupuncture so it is important to know the style that your practitioner will use and if it suits your needs. Some common examples include Korean hand acupuncture and Japanese style acupuncture. Japanese acupuncture uses fewer and finer needles that are inserted at shallower depths of the skin while Korean acupuncture uses points on the hand. Although there is no evidence that one treatment is better than the other is, some of these types of acupuncture are more effective for specific conditions. It is important to ask your acupuncturist the type of conditions that are best suited to their style of acupuncture.
- The Number and Frequency of Your Treatment
A good acupuncturist will never tell you the number of treatments you need over the phone until they have seen you in person, and made a diagnosis based on your health history. Generally, the length of acupuncture treatment usually depends on the severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause of your illness, how long you have had your condition, and your overall health. Once your acupuncturist has all this information, he or she may recommend a certain number of treatments or more to help manage your condition.
- Get to Know their Facilities
You are more likely to realize the true benefits of acupuncture if you receive your treatment in an environment that allows you to relax and feel comfortable. Acupuncture facilities can either be grandiose and spa-like, sterile and clinical, simple and comfortable, or run-down and grimy. If you cannot see any pictures on a practitioner’s website then make sure you drop by the facility to see whether it meets your expectations. Paying a personal visit is one of the best ways to get a good idea about the clinic’s style and attitude before you schedule your treatment.
- How Much will You Pay?
The price of acupuncture treatment varies widely depending on the style of acupuncture, the experience of a practitioner, and the city you are located in. The only way to know this is by asking your practitioner what they charge for both initial treatments and follow-up visits. Get to know when you are expected to make the payment and what payment options are available. Before you start any acupuncture program, it is important to consider your budget and the amount of money you are willing to spend to maintain the good results.
It is crucial to choose an acupuncturist who participates in your plan if you want to get the most insurance benefits for your care. However, you should still consider their experience, credentials, expected outcomes, and hospital quality. Insurance is ideal for people whose plan covers acupuncture so it is important to ask your provider if acupuncture is covered and how much money is reimbursed for each visit. This helps you pay the least out-of-pocket to help with your treatment and care.
If you have never tried acupuncture before, the process should not intimate you as it creates a path of your journey to wellness. With the right acupuncturist, you are sure to get the most out of your treatment as they have enough experience and training to deal with your condition. Find a practitioner with a kind of vibe that appeals to you as it greatly affects your experience with acupuncture.