Acupuncture is a highly regulated form of alternative medicine with roots in traditional Chinese medicine. It uses long, thin needles to pierce a patient’s skin in the hopes of improving the patient’s conditions. Today, acupuncture is practiced in conjunction with Western medical ideologies, so patients receive treatment to aid the medication prescribed by doctors. Here are some of the most important basics to keep in mind before you receive acupuncture therapy.

Basics

Accupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that goes back to medieval China. It’s part of a family of procedures meant to rid the body of blockages that restrict the flow of our natural energies. The technique most thoroughly studied involves puncturing the skin with surgical needles, and then manipulating those needles by hand or with an electric shock.

Use in the US

Acupuncture gained popularity in the West after an article in the New York Times. James Reston described the procedure, and extolled its virtues to his audience. By 1997, the National Institute of Health considered the practice of acupuncture to be “wide.” This meant that thousands of physicians across the region were using the procedure to help patients recover or provide some alternate form of healing. As of 2007, that number has been estimated at 3.1 million adults. Physicians must also earn a degree from alternative medicine graduate programs accredited to teach physicians. This also works out to the customer’s benefit, as he or she can research a physician’s credentials before retaining their services.

Effects

The use of acupuncture needles is highly regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. These standards require a needle to be manufactured under certain standards, including labeling the needles for single surgical use. The FDA reports a surprisingly small amount of complications that can arise due to acupuncture therapy. Most of these issues have to do with improper disinfecting and poor use. When used incorrectly, acupuncture can harm organs or cause infections in the body.

What to Expect

Enter an acupuncture clinic in Houston and the physician is likely to begin the same as any other doctor. You should expect to answer a series of questions related to family health, and your own health history. This is done to establish a full picture of health, including potential issues that might aggravate a patient’s symptoms.
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The American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine specializes in providing students the education they need to earn a Healthcare Management Online Degree.