Acupuncture Information Before Treatment

Many people are seduced by the promise of cure via acupuncture. They spend a lot of money on the treatment. Yet, sometimes they see little or no improvement to their wellbeing. Little do they know that because of the high demand for acupuncture, many unethical doctors claim to be experts in the treatment, some without a clue of what they are doing.

Check Credibility

Nowadays, many people claim to have the expertise to perform acupuncture. Unfortunately, only a handful of these acupuncturists use techniques that are truly consistent with what is practiced in China. In his book Health and Healing, Dr. Andrew Weil criticized doctors who are practicing this.

He said:

"Many are unskilled in correct identification of the points, and some use bizarre placements of needles and such gimmicks as electrical stimulation through them. I met one elderly obstetrician in Oregon who packed his waiting room by offering acupuncture to old patients with rheumatism and arthritis. While I watched him at work, connecting needles to an array of wires and lights, he told me he did not think it was all important where he put them." "Sometimes I just stick them right into the joint," he said, "and it doesn't seem to make any difference."

Unfortunately, cases like this are common. Check with a credible association such as the British Medical Acupuncture Society before choosing your acupuncturist.

Pulse Checking Is Vital

Many people who consider themselves acupuncturists do not practice pulse diagnosis. Pulse diagnosis is normally done before an acupuncture session to assess the patient's condition. If your acupuncturist did not do this, it may mean that he is not qualified or properly trained.

Beware of Needles

Diseases like HIV and hepatitis can be transferred through used or unsterilized needles. Your acupuncturist should use needles that are either disposable or sterilized using a special machine called an autoclave. Using boiling water to kill bacteria from used needles is NOT an effective way to combat the above-mentioned diseases.

Inform Your Acupuncturist

When receiving acupuncture treatment, inform your acupuncturist if you are receiving or using orthodox drug treatments. If you are taking other medication, tongue and pulse diagnosis by the acupuncturist will be unreliable.

Do not forget to inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant. Certain points should not be stimulated at this time.

People with sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV, AIDS or hepatitis, should also be responsible and inform the acupuncturist.

Also Read:

:: Acupuncture
:: Acupuncture History

:: The Idea of Acupuncture
:: Acupuncture Information

:: Acupuncture Benefits
:: Acupuncture Treatment