| Acupuncture has been practiced for hundreds of | | | | license. If you live in a state that does not require a |
| years. To let you know more about this practice, | | | | license, make sure they have something to show |
| here are a few things that you should know. | | | | which certifies that they can practice their profession |
| First, acupuncture is a holistic healthcare technique | | | | like a document from the National Commission for |
| that involves inserting needles into specific points in | | | | the Certification of Acupuncturists. |
| the body. Studies have been conducted and it has | | | | The duration of your treatment varies depending on |
| been proven to treat ear, nose, throat, respiratory, | | | | the nature of your problem. Some are easy to fix |
| gastrointestinal, eye, nervous system and muscular | | | | compared to others especially if you are dealing with |
| disorders. | | | | something long term. For instance, alcoholics and drug |
| The needles used in acupuncture are very small and | | | | users may quit their vices after 3 or 4 months while |
| you will probably feel a slight twitch when the needle | | | | those suffering from a disease like autism will take |
| goes in. They will be inserted carefully to 1/4 or an | | | | years as there is no know cure yet for the this |
| inch in depth and will stay there from 45 minutes to | | | | illness. |
| an hour depending on the condition of the patient. | | | | Before the needles are inserted, you need to |
| If inserted properly, you should feel some cramping, | | | | undergo a physical examination and answer a few |
| distention, electric sensation or tingling which means | | | | questions. There are risks involved even though it is a |
| that the treatment is working. | | | | painless procedure because the needle might hit |
| Needles used for acupuncture especially in the US are | | | | something vital inside but if the specialist is good, |
| clean because they are required to be disposable. | | | | then there is nothing to worry about. |
| This prevents any chance that those who go for | | | | You may notice a spot of blood when the needles |
| treatment will be contaminated by a communicable | | | | come off. But if you are concerned about it, talk to |
| disease like hepatitis or HIV. | | | | your acupuncturist so he or she can prescribe |
| Given that this has been practiced for more than | | | | something. |
| 2000 years, various styles of acupuncture have been | | | | Some patients will experience immediate relief after |
| developed. So, before you decide to go for a | | | | the first session but others will not experience |
| session, you should know what technique is used so | | | | anything at all. This is the reason that an average |
| they can explain to you what happens. | | | | session should be done 12 to 15 times at least 2 to 3 |
| When looking for an acupuncturist, you should also | | | | times a week. |
| ask where they got their training, how long they | | | | If acupuncture works for you, then the only thing |
| have been in the practice and most importantly, what | | | | you need are follow up sessions. This can be done |
| experience the specialist has had in treating the | | | | twice every 2 weeks or monthly. It is really up to |
| condition you are experiencing. | | | | you. But don't forget to also see your regular doctor |
| They should also be able to present their credentials | | | | so he or she can also monitor the progress of your |
| like where they graduated and their state board | | | | condition. |