So You Want to Try Acupuncture! How Do You Pick a Provider?

Acupuncture originated in China about 3,000 years ago. It is used to treat everything from mild headaches to allergies. Many people with acute and chronic health problems use acupuncture to manage their symptoms.

Now that you have decided to try acupuncture, it is important to find an acupuncturist that you can trust. Remember, your healthcare needs can be very different from someone else’s. So, instead of automatically assuming that a friend’s acupuncturist is the right fit for you, look for a professional who can meet your unique healthcare needs.

Here are some proven ways to find the right acupuncturist.

Get Recommendations 

Where can I get acupuncture in Walnut Creek? This is one of the first questions people ask themselves after deciding to give acupuncture a try. If you too have this question, get recommendations from friends or family members who have undergone acupuncture treatment. Talk to them about their experience and if they’d consider seeing their acupuncturist for future treatments. You can also request your doctor to make a recommendation.

Check Credentials

Look for a licensed acupuncturist. To earn their license, an acupuncturist must complete a professional course and pass the state licensing exam that tests their knowledge. Make sure the acupuncturist you are considering carries malpractice insurance and is board-certified.

Check Acupuncturists’ Reputations

Visit the profiles of acupuncturists on different social media sites to check what people are saying about them. It is also important to go to trustworthy, third-party review websites to read customer reviews.

Consider Experience

Look for an acupuncturist with hands-on experience treating the health problem you are trying to heal. An experienced acupuncturist has acquired a plethora of knowledge through experience. They have an in-depth understanding of the core principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and possess the ability to tailor treatment plans to their patient’s unique needs.

Interview Acupuncturists

After you have compiled a list of your preferred acupuncturists, call their office to schedule an appointment. An in-person meeting with an acupuncturist is an opportunity to assess their skills and to see if they are the right fit for you. Before you meet an acupuncturist, compile a list of questions.

Here are some questions to ask an acupuncturist:

• What health conditions/diseases do you treat?
• How long before I see results?
• Does acupuncture hurt?
• How long do acupuncture benefits last?
• How many treatments will I need?

Assess Hygiene Levels: Take a tour of the clinic to make sure:

• Treatment tables are clean and covered
• Floors and surfaces are clean, with no visible blood or bodily fluids
• Materials are stored properly
• Used needles are stored in biohazard containers

Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness is committed to helping people get their life back on track with proven Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques. To schedule your first treatment, visit our Book now page.