How do I pick out a good acupuncturist? (doctor, insurance, treat)

[Bluidblonde]

What qualities do I need to look for when chosing an acupuncturist? Do they need to belong to a particular professional association/society? What type of degree is needed for this position? Any hints here, would be appreciated.

[nimchimpsky]

Most acupuncturists go to an acupuncture school. You can also tell by how much information they ask for if they have questionnaires, and if they check your pulses before putting in the needles. Checking for pulses gives them more direct feedback to the energetic imbalances that the needles correct, whereas a questionnaire gives them an idea but doesn't always give them direct data. In my experience, more experienced acupuncturists rely less on information and analysis and more on their ability to perceive and interpret your energy.

[justthe2ofus]

an acupuncturist most likely has a bachelors degree and 3 years of acupuncture school. they have a license
issued by the board of medicine/health in your state after passing a board exam. an acupuncturist
can be known as an L.Ac.

an oriental medical doctor (OMD) can also perform acupuncture. they have more education than just an
L.Ac. They are also licensed by the state.

All will have a short questionnaire that is filled out. An evaluation is given based upon your wrist pulses.
There are 12 pulse points, 6 on each wrist. The doctor will look at your tongue as it contains a map of
the meridians, and the nature of the fur, the color and tone, all indicate where the chi is blocked.
Some will look at your face or even smell you.

this is a guide to chinese medicine diagnosis methods:
Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM Diagnosis

just remember that your body is viewed in chinese medicine as a garden. in western medicine, it is
viewed as a combustion engine. two very different approaches, and therefore, some of the questions
may seem out of the ordinary.

feel better.

[jaijai]

I won't work with any acupuncturist who doesn't have at least 15 years of experience.
I prefer someone who has been practicing for a very long time.

[justthe2ofus]

i want to add that i prefer an OMD. i feel their knowledge is more comprehensive.

[Bluidblonde]

These responses have been very helpful. Thank you all for the information. I feel more prepared now as I start my search. Thanks again!

[looking4answers12]

I would say, ask people you know who are likely to have used an acupunturist.
We made the mistake of using one because our insurance company was promoting him.
HUGE mistake. In my opinion, it was basically a scam with both parties. He may have had his qualifications, but he was not trustworthy in my opionion.

He was treating my 18 year old daughter. On the first visit, he said - I will not string you along, if I can't fix you I won't keep telling you to come back.

AFter about the 10th visit and about $1,000.00 and no improvement, he wanted to re-evaluate. We cut our losses and RAN.

I believe there are legitimate acupunturists out there and I believe it CAN work. Just make sure it is someone who has a good reputation.