Scottsdale Acupuncture

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How To Choose The Right Acupuncturist

Posted Monday, January 25th, 2016 by

acupuncture, acupuncturist, scottsdale

Acupuncture is an ancient holistic system of healing that was developed and perfected in China. It has been practiced for more than four thousand years.

Acupuncture arrived in western Europe in the seventeenth century.  Until the late twentieth century it was seen as an alternative therapy and generally scorned by medical practitioners of the western European medical tradition. Acupuncture started to come into its own in the early twenty-first century.

Now many general practitioners are happy to work with acupuncturists and will often refer patients. Many referrals will be for the relief of chronic pain; it is now accepted that acupuncture is an effective and safe pain reliever. Eminent publications such as the Oxford Journal concede that acupuncture warrants closer investigation, especially for its pain relief qualities.

The simplest explanation of acupuncture is that it promotes healing by using the body’s own mechanisms to re-balance via a free flow of energy or Qi (pronounced chee). Fine needles are inserted into the subcutaneous or top layer of skin and positioned at key energy points of the body – known as meridians – these needles are tweaked or manipulated to encourage free flow of energy.

What can be treated by acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of ailments such as:

  • Forms of chronic pain: back, neck and joint pain, arthritis
  • Pulmonary diseases: asthma, bronchitis, persistent coughs
  • Upper respiratory tract issues: sinusitis and allergies, sore throats, ear, nose and throat infections
  • Circulatory conditions: angina, stroke, varicose veins and abnormal blood pressure
  • Headaches, including migraine
  • Gastrointestinal problems: stomach lesions, persistent diarrhea and vomiting, acid reflux
  • Gynecological issues such endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, severe period pain and hot flushes
  • Skin disorders such as eczema and forms of acne

Because acupuncture works to re-balance, it has been found useful in treating disorders caused by stress, anxiety, uncontrolled anger and unresolved grief. It has been found to alleviate post-natal depression and panic attacks.

It can also assist healing in non-chronic situations such as injuries, and has even been used post-surgery.

How do you find the acupuncturist who is right for you?

  • Recommendation

As with most things it is good to get a recommendation from family, friends or colleagues.  If you don’t know anyone who has been treated by an acupuncturist, then visit your General Practitioner or medical professional who may be able to make a recommendation. Very often, medical practitioners work alongside licensed acupuncturists in their practices.

  • Visit the website of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)

Acupuncturists in the United States must be licensed. The website of the NCCAOM includes a list of licensed practitioners by state.  This site is geared towards acupuncturists but there is a wealth of information for prospective patients.

  • A few things to remember

Notwithstanding the fact that fine needles are being inserted into your skin, acupuncture should not hurt. You may feel a little bit of discomfort, particularly when the needles are inserted into areas of hard skin, e.g. the sides of the big toes, but as a rule if you are feeling pain during your acupuncture session, you should look for another practitioner.

Once the needles are inserted you may experience a dull sensation. This is actually a good sign – it means that energy is on the move. There are three hundred and sixty-five pressure, or needlepoints on the body. These have been used safely for centuries.

  • What to expect at your first acupuncture session?

Expect a thorough health evaluation. In addition to the condition for which you are being treated, your acupuncturist will want to discover your dietary and lifestyle habits to check if there are any triggers that might prevent or impede your successful treatment.

Your acupuncturist will also want to know your sleep patterns, energy levels and even types of stress inherent in your everyday life. Your tongue will also be thoroughly examined – believe it or not there is a great deal that can be told about you from the shape and color of your tongue. The other area that will receive full attention will be your pulse rate. There is a great deal to be learned about the health of your organs from the beat pattern, vessel tension and character of your circulation.