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What Is a Acupuncturist?

If the idea of seeking pain relief by having someone stick you with a bunch of tiny needles sounds crazy, perhaps you should learn more about acupuncturists and what they do. Acupuncture is actually a very ancient health practice, and according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than all other forms of healthcare practiced over the last 2,000 years, so it is definitely something worth looking into.

  1. Acupuncture Defined

    • The practice of acupuncture is an ancient one, with the first records of the procedure dating over 5,000 years ago. In ancient Oriental medicine, the ills of the human body were treated when certain areas of the body were stimulated using needles to promote the body's natural healing abilities. These points are known as meridians or acupuncture points. In modern acupuncture clinics, these areas are usually activated using thin, sterile acupuncture needles; however manual, thermal or electrical stimulation can also be used.

    Acupuncturist Defined

    • Technically speaking, an acupuncturist is a professional who holds a certificate to perform acupuncture. Each state has its own specifications as to what training and degrees an acupuncturist must have before receiving a certificate. Once an individual holds the title of certified acupuncturist, he is able to perform acupuncture treatment in that state. Other professionals, such as doctors, chiropractors and nurses may be able to perform acupuncture if the practice is included in the scope of their license or permit, but these professionals may not take the title of acupuncturist without an acupuncturist certificate.

    What Acupuncturists Can Do

    • While acupuncturists are not medical doctors and therefore cannot prescribe prescription drugs or perform surgery, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for several conditions. These include digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, neurological and muscular disorders, reproductive problems and urinary disorders. The WHO states that the treatment appears to work even when patients pursue no other treatments. In addition, many acupuncturists work with patients for better overall health by suggesting lifestyle changes, such as increasing activity levels and making better eating choices. Acupuncturists can recommend herbal and vitamin supplements to their patients to support overall wellness.

    Acupuncturist Responsibilities

    • Most states require acupuncturists to ask their patients to seek the advice of a medical physician about the particular condition they are seeking treatment for before beginning acupuncture therapy. Some states allow referrals from chiropractors as well as medical doctors. However if patients do not see improvement from acupuncture treatment, most state laws about acupuncture require that the acupuncturist refer the patient to a physician. Also, if the patient exhibits signs of a serious medical condition, like heart disease or cancer, the acupuncturist must refer the patient to a physician.

    Medical Acupuncturists

    • Medical acupuncturists combine traditional western medicine with the art of acupuncture. These professionals hold a degree and license in a branch of western medicine, but also have a degree or training in acupuncture as a specialty. These doctors approach medical conditions using a combination of acupuncture treatment and traditional medical care, depending on the patient's response to the treatments. The type of acupuncture practiced by most medical acupuncturists is a combination of Asian and European techniques.

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