Even though the practice of acupuncture has been around for
thousands of years, it is still the subject of many myths. Acupuncture
is one of the fastest growing fields of alternative medicine, and is
even covered by many health insurance and state worker's compensation
plans. Here are eight of the biggest myth.
ONE: No Scientific Basis
Acupuncture may be a form of alternative medicine, but peer reviewed studies have found that acupuncture treatments do correlate to a reduction in the patient's perceived levels of pain.
TWO: Needles Not Safe
This myth relates to the mistaken belief that the needles used in acupuncture treatments can carry disease or are unsanitary. Acupuncture needles come in sterilized, sealed, packages. The needles are only used. After use in treatment the needles are treated as medical waste and properly disposed of. You have as much to fear from a dirty needle at the acupuncturist as you do at the doctor for the needle used in a shot. Acupuncture Treatments are Required Daily to Work
THREE: Acupuncture is Painful
Typically, acupuncture is nearly painless. Some patients report feeling a slight pinch, less than typical with a shot at the doctor, with the application of an acupuncture needle. Acupuncture works, in part, to relax the body and restore balance. Causing pain is not an effective method for acupuncture treatment.
FOUR: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are the Same
Acupuncture uses the principles and understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, however it is its own independent field of study. Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on herbal remedies Tai-Qi.
FIVE: Acupuncture Sessions Last a Long Time
A typical acupuncture session lasts thirty minutes to one hour. This includes the pre acupuncture examination and the time it takes to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
SIX: Acupuncture Needs to be Done Everyday to Work
Every patient is different. However, most patients do not need daily treatment. Most patients need to receive a series of acupuncture therapies, but the sessions are typically once a week to once a month. Patients that need daily sessions are rare and typically the daily sessions are only for a brief period of time until the acute problem is brought under control.
SEVEN: The Needles are Long
Acupuncture needles come in a variety of sizes. Most acupuncture needles are less than a half of an inch in length. A typical hypodermic needle is about the same length as an acupuncture needle, but is also much thicker.
Eight: Anyone Can be an Acupuncturist
The vast majority of states require a rigorous licensing procedure for acupuncturist. A certified acupuncturist must complete four years of course work with a clinical internship of over 1,000 hours. Additionally, before receiving an acupuncturist license, applicants must pass an examination. Many acupuncturist also first obtain a university degree. Once licensed, in order to maintain their license in good standing, acupuncturist have to attend regular continuing education classes and follow the safety and ethical standards of their profession. Acupuncturist are part of the health care community.
ONE: No Scientific Basis
Acupuncture may be a form of alternative medicine, but peer reviewed studies have found that acupuncture treatments do correlate to a reduction in the patient's perceived levels of pain.
TWO: Needles Not Safe
This myth relates to the mistaken belief that the needles used in acupuncture treatments can carry disease or are unsanitary. Acupuncture needles come in sterilized, sealed, packages. The needles are only used. After use in treatment the needles are treated as medical waste and properly disposed of. You have as much to fear from a dirty needle at the acupuncturist as you do at the doctor for the needle used in a shot. Acupuncture Treatments are Required Daily to Work
THREE: Acupuncture is Painful
Typically, acupuncture is nearly painless. Some patients report feeling a slight pinch, less than typical with a shot at the doctor, with the application of an acupuncture needle. Acupuncture works, in part, to relax the body and restore balance. Causing pain is not an effective method for acupuncture treatment.
FOUR: Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are the Same
Acupuncture uses the principles and understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, however it is its own independent field of study. Traditional Chinese medicine also relies on herbal remedies Tai-Qi.
FIVE: Acupuncture Sessions Last a Long Time
A typical acupuncture session lasts thirty minutes to one hour. This includes the pre acupuncture examination and the time it takes to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.
SIX: Acupuncture Needs to be Done Everyday to Work
Every patient is different. However, most patients do not need daily treatment. Most patients need to receive a series of acupuncture therapies, but the sessions are typically once a week to once a month. Patients that need daily sessions are rare and typically the daily sessions are only for a brief period of time until the acute problem is brought under control.
SEVEN: The Needles are Long
Acupuncture needles come in a variety of sizes. Most acupuncture needles are less than a half of an inch in length. A typical hypodermic needle is about the same length as an acupuncture needle, but is also much thicker.
Eight: Anyone Can be an Acupuncturist
The vast majority of states require a rigorous licensing procedure for acupuncturist. A certified acupuncturist must complete four years of course work with a clinical internship of over 1,000 hours. Additionally, before receiving an acupuncturist license, applicants must pass an examination. Many acupuncturist also first obtain a university degree. Once licensed, in order to maintain their license in good standing, acupuncturist have to attend regular continuing education classes and follow the safety and ethical standards of their profession. Acupuncturist are part of the health care community.
No comments:
Post a Comment