|
![Frequently Asked Questions](faq.jpg)
What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient
medical treatment based on regulating the body's Qi (pronounced "chee"),
or "life energy," which flows in the body along pathways called meridians.
Hundreds of acupuncture points can be opened like gates to balance and
harmonize the flow of Qi, relieving pain and many other symptoms of disease.
Does
it hurt?
No. Most people enjoy treatment and find it
very comfortable, restful, and relaxing. Sometimes the needle insertion
feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides. Some people report
a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point,
which is a sensation of Qi moving. Generally sessions last about
an hour, in which the patient rests or naps. After treatment, you
can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense
of well-being.
How
many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required depends
on the severity and duration of the symptoms to be addressed. For a cold
or flu, one or two treatments can be very helpful. For chronic health conditions
of years or even life-long duration, a longer course of treatment is normally
required. Within the first 4-6 sessions, the effectiveness of the treatment
is often evident and clear treatment goals should be established.
Does
health insurance cover acupuncture?
Most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture
yet. However, some policies are beginning to include acupuncture because
of its cost effectiveness as a treatment and because consumers have shown
a willingness to pay for it out of pocket. The web site www.acupuncture.com
includes a list of insurers that cover acupuncture, many of which are on
the west coast.
In New England, some of the large insurance
providers are looking closely at consumer demand for acupuncture and are
offering discounted plans. Unlike covered services, the insurance companies
don’t pay for acupuncture services; instead they require participating
practitioners to discount their services for subscribers. Some companies
and unions with self-insured plans are funding coverage for their members.
In some cases injuries sustained while on the job or in a motor vehicle
accident may be covered for acupuncture care under workers compensation
or automobile insurance policies. A bill currently under consideration
in Congress provides for covered acupuncture care for seniors under Medicare.
Training
and Licensing of Acupuncturists
Today acupuncturists are trained in accredited,
3-4 year, graduate programs and are licensed by most states. Acupuncturists
may be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine, (NCCAOM), a
national organization established to regulate the practice of acupuncture.
After passing national examinations, these acupuncturists are designated
as board certified in acupuncture or diplomates of the NCCAOM. (Dipl.Ac.)
The NCCAOM maintains a directory of certified practitioners on their web
site, www.NCCAOM.org.
Some physicians offer treatment known as
medical acupuncture, a kind of mini acupuncture based on a much shorter
course of study. While an accredited masters level program in acupuncture
includes about 2500 hours or more of study, some of the programs for physicians
offer about 200 hours. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs
have completed an extensive course of study of Oriental Medicine as well
as of Western biomedical approaches to illness. Contemporary acupuncturists
are prepared to work with physicians and other health care providers to
bring the most effective aspects of Oriental Medicine into the conventional
medical clinic.
|