Learn About Acupuncturists: Conditions They Treat and When to see one?
Acupuncturists are alternative medical professionals who use needles to stimulate certain parts of the body. It is meant to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Acupuncturists stimulate certain points in the body that trigger the nervous system to release chemicals that produce a desired effect. Acupuncturists may also be trained in other areas of medicine. Doctors who also practice acupuncture are called medical acupuncturists.
How does a doctor become an Acupuncturist?
A person who wants to become a medical acupuncturist must for complete an undergraduate program followed by graduate school. After graduate school, they must attend a school accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Students may study Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques, Oriental herbal studies, integrated acupuncture and herbal clinical training, and biomedical clinical sciences in these classes.
What diseases does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncturists treat a variety of different illnesses and diseases. The treatment is often used when other treatments have failed. The types of diseases treated by acupuncturist can range from mild to serious. Some of these diseases and issues include:
- Sprains
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Strokes
- Anxiety
- Piles
- Stomach ulcers
- Gall stones
- Depression
- Nerve paralysis
- Diseases of the muscles, bones, and joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Headaches
- The neuralgias
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Diseases of the respiratory system
- Asthma
- Angina
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Raised blood pressure
- Bronchitis
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
- Drug addiction
What are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by an Acupuncturist?
Since acupuncturists are trained in traditional Chinese medicine, they often use Chinese methods of diagnosis. These methods consist of four types of exams. These exams include:
- Observations of the mind
- Observations of the complexion
- Observations of the tongue
- Observations of secretions
What are the different types of Acupuncturists?
There are several different types of acupuncturists. Some of them are medically trained and others are not. All have been trained in acupuncture in order to legally provide the service. Some of the types of acupuncturists include:
- Certified acupuncturist
- Chiropractor
- Doctor of Oriental medicine
- Herbalist
- Licensed acupuncturist
- Naturopathic physician
How does Acupuncture work on diseases?
Acupuncturists treat disease by penetrating the skin with needles. The needles cause the nervous system to release chemicals that can help stop pain. It can also help relax muscles, reduce nausea and headaches, trigger immune system response to fight disease, and more. Some people believe acupuncture may even have a placebo effect on people who are sick.
When to see an Acupuncturist?
Not everyone is willing to try acupuncture, and those who are are often referred by a doctor. Acupuncture can help anyone who is suffering from a chronic pain condition or any other chronic condition where other treatments have failed. You should see an acupuncturist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Back pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Leg or arm pain
- Chronic headaches
- Stress
- Digestive issues
- After surgery
- PMS symptoms
- Stomach problems
- Fibromyalgia
- Sleep problems
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Menopause
- High blood pressure
- Vision problems
