Types of Acupuncture

Most people only know about acupuncture from what they see in movies, television, and the media, but there are finer nuances that you should keep in mind when searching for the right acupuncturist for you.

1.     There different types of acupuncture

Japan, China, Korea, and other countries each developed their own systems of acupuncture over time, and each has different attributes. In addition to these, there are other specialties of acupuncture that concentrate on particular conditions or regions of the body. Do a little research and see which appeals to you most. Here at Beachside Community Acupuncture, we practice Traditional Chinese Medicine but are very light-handed, meaning we like our patients to barely feel the needles if they feel them at all. We add in other techniques as well, such as the Tan method or auricular acupuncture, in order to best serve our patients.

2.     There are also different types of acupuncturists

A certified acupuncturist (CA) is a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or medical doctor, who has undergone additional training (usually about a year) to learn how to insert needles into the body. A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) must complete a three- to four-year graduate program learning about Eastern diagnosis, needle placement and insertion, point actions, herbal medicine, and other aspects of health, including some Western medicine. All acupuncturists at our clinic will be Licensed Acupuncturists.

3.     Each acupuncturist will have his or her own technique

If you've had acupuncture before and didn't enjoy the experience, don't be afraid to try it again! Just like having one bad experience with a dentist shouldn't make you give up on dental hygiene forever, not liking a previous acupuncturist shouldn't make you abandon this ancient medicine. If, on the other hand, you've loved your acupuncture treatments in the past, let us know what made them special and we'll keep that in mind during your visits to our clinic.