In Order To Choose The Best Acupuncture Clinic Columbus Patients Need To Remember These Tips

By Olivia Cross


A form of Eastern medicine practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture has been largely accepted by the Western world as an effective alternative method of healing and pain management. How successful this type of therapy is depends mainly on the expertise of the person who administers it, which is why when it comes to finding an acupuncture clinic Columbus OH clients need to make sure these essential criteria are met.

Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, which focuses on healing illness from its source, it involves the insertion of long, fine needles into specific points on the body to re-balance the body's energy levels. Pain and illness are associated with an imbalance or blockage of these vital energy levels, their normal flow is restored when stimulated below the skin by the needles, once again allowing the body to function as it should.

Although some patients may wish to try acupuncture on a more general level, most seek to find relief from a particular condition which is distressing them. The majority of acupuncturists can treat a host of disorders, but some of them will have spent additional years honing their technique to heal a specific condition or group of related issues. Patients seeking such expertise, need to keep this in mind when choosing a practitioner.

Acupuncturists in the state of Ohio must obtain a license in order to practice. Issued by the state medical board, an applicant must provide proof of possessing the minimum number of classroom and clinical hours to be deemed eligible. Licensed acupuncturists must also be certified with the NCCAOM, a national regulatory board for Oriental Medicine. Patients must verify that the acupuncturist does have these credentials.

There are different styles of acupuncture, which vary from one another in terms of technique, and the results they produce. Some approaches offer better results for certain conditions or issues. The Korean style, focuses on the hands, while Japanese acupuncture uses finer needles which are inserted more shallowly. Ear and scalp acupuncture can be particularly helpful for cessation of smoking, weight loss, and nerve disorders respectively.

The appropriate number of sessions can only accurately be determined once the acupuncturist has met the patient and obtained his or her medical history. Some patients will require more treatments than others depending on which condition they have and how quickly their bodies respond to the therapy. Once a week minimum is normal for most patients. Generally, acute conditions require more frequent sessions than those which are long-term.

If combining other forms of Chinese medicine with acupuncture is of interest to the patient, he or she should try to locate an acupuncturist who also offers these services. Pain relief techniques such as cupping and heat therapy may be carried out, or the acupuncturist may provide lifestyle counseling and food therapy as well. Herbal medicine is another area which may be practiced, that involves the prescription of potent herbal preparations for various ailments.

It is not likely to be covered by most insurance plans, however there can be exceptions, so the patient must look into this possibility before paying out of pocket. This type of therapy does usually qualify for reimbursement under most health savings and flexible spending plans, so it is important to request a receipt from the acupuncturist for this purpose.




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