Acupuncture is considered an alternative healing method but it is a practice that is centuries old. However, like most holistic and alternative medicine fields, acupuncture has undergone modern studies and is regulated by governing bodies. In the United States, for instance, certification in Medical Acupuncture can be obtained by the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(NCCAOM). Similarly, schools that offer training in acupuncture, a requirement for licensing, must be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
The legal requirements to practice acupuncture will vary from state to state. Most commonly, a degree in or equivalent to a Master of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine must be obtained. The likelihood that you would encounter a practice where the proper credentialing has not been met, mandated, or verified is small but before you receive acupuncture for any reason, it's best to know what to look for.
Licensing
As mentioned above, most states will require specific licensing for a practicing acupuncturist. However, just like a hairdresser, massage therapist, or personal trainer, some people simply have received better training than others. Ask your acupuncturist for proof of licensing. In most cases, this will be simple to verify because there will likely be a license on display but you should still verify its existence.
Credentials
Verify that your acupuncturist received training from an accredited school. Some physicians, chiropractors, and even dentists also practice acupuncture. Just because they have obtained one degree, it does not necessarily mean they've been properly trained in acupuncture. It is never considered insulting to ask unless your practitioner doesn't have a valid answer. If the information isn't on ready display, ask where they received their training.
Continuing Education
In most cases, valid licensing also means an acupuncturist must keep current on the field through continuing education. Continuing education credits are a requirement for license renewal so a current license is a good sign that your acupuncturist is keeping current. Ask your acupuncturist about their most recent continuing education class.
Specific Training
Acupuncture is used as treatment for a wide variety of conditions ranging, from pain management to hypertension and neurological disorders. Depending on your physical needs and reasons for acupuncture therapy, it would be wise to look for an acupuncturist with specific training in your needs. Ask your acupuncturist if they specialize in the area of therapy you are looking for or if they can recommend someone who does.
Similarly, regardless of whether you are looking for an acupuncture specialist or a general acupuncturist, you should feel free to ask not only where they obtained their training but for how long and whether they specialized in anything specific.
Directory Assistance
Most physicians, regardless of specialty, who also practice acupuncture obtain licensing through AAMA - the governing body awarding licensing to practicing physicians. Physicians who practice acupuncture are probably amongst the best trained and probably listed in your insurance physician directory. As a bonus, your insurance may help pay for a portion of your acupuncture therapy if the acupuncturist also happens to be a physician in their network.
Similarly, acupuncturists in your area listed with the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are a good place to start. However, just because an individual is listed in a directory published by a credible source does not mean you shouldn't ask questions.
Getting Ready
Be sure to ask your acupuncturist if there is any preparation needed prior to your appointment. They will likely suggest taking only basic measures, such as to be sure to wash to reduce possible infection, remove jewelry and wear loose clothing. Your acupuncturist should also prepare you for any possible side effects of acupuncture, such as dizziness, nausea, or other uncomfortable feeling. Most importantly, you should be made to feel relaxed by the acknowledgement that you are in competent hands. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure, trust your instincts and do not proceed.
Acupuncture is a specialized form of alternative medicine and regulated. For this reason, it's important and within your right as a patient to ask questions to verify the competency of your practitioner. In most cases, there will be no problems with the answers but even so, it's the best way to avoid an uncomfortable encounter with an under qualified, under trained, and undereducated acupuncturist.
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