As more and more people are seeking drug-free, non-surgical treatments with low instances of side effects or complications, acupuncturists are playing an increasingly important role in healthcare today. We are a particular breed of healthcare professionals who treat illness and pain and improve general health by stimulating active points on the body with sterile, disposable thread-like needles/pins or other techniques like: heat, pressure, manual therapy, cups, herbs and/or electrical simulation.
Though demand for and scientific recognition of the efficacy of our medicine is increasing dramatically in the United States, most people I meet still have no idea the depth and intensity of the medical training that Acupuncturists receive and the standards we are required to uphold. Some folks are stunned to discover that in order to become an acupuncturist I had to complete a rigorous 3-4 year, 2160 hour ACAOM accredited Master’s Degree program, including over 690 clinical internship hours, and more than 250 patient visits just to graduate? (summa cum laude, thank you very much. haha) And THEN I had to (as all acupuncturists do) successfully pass 3 (or more, if pursuing a degree that includes herbal medicine ) national board exams and obtain licensure from the Board of Medicine of Virginia! And thus begins the exciting and deeply rewarding journey of maintaining licensure by keeping up on the latest research, treatment developments and continuing education requirements. (This medicine continues to evolve and grow as evidence mounts as to its efficacy and we deepen our understanding of “how” it works. Amazing and exciting news every day)
Questions for YOU, dear reader!
Does knowing this change your perception of Acupuncture as a valid form of treatment for…?
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Does it impact your confidence in Acupuncturists as part of your wellness and healthcare team(s)?
Comment below, I’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may still have.
In health,
Calvert
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