Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose an acupuncturist?

You should ask about where the practitioner was trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice and what experience the practitioner has in treating your specific ailment. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in Colorado. Be sure the practitioner you choose is licensed and ask if they are board certified by NCCAOM. Those who have passed this exam are entitled to add the designation of Dipl.Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after his or her name.

How do I know if my practitioner is professionally trained in Chinese Herbal Medicine?

NCCAOM has created a certification process for Chinese herbal medicine. Those who have studied 1800 hours and passed national board exams are entitled to add the designation Dipl. C.H. (Diplomate of Chinese Herbs) after their names.

Are there any side effects to the treatments?

Occasional bruising occurs at the site of the needle. Please inform the practitioner if you are taking a blood thinning medication. Most people have a sensation of deep relaxation during or immediately following the treatment.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them to get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of most any type of treatment received, just as negative attitude may hinder the effects of a treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I believe in this”) will not block the treatment results.

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?

Several insurance companies cover acupuncture costs; some other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine the acupuncture benefits. 

Many acupuncture associations are working to inform insurance companies and the public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.

Is it important which acupuncturist I choose?

Like other professions the training can vary widely. The laws for who can be an acupuncturist in each state can make a difference as well. Some states require an acupuncturist to also be an MD or chiropractor yet may require them to have no additional training or a very minimal i.e. 100 hours of training with acupuncture. Many states require being a licensed or registered acupuncturist to have at least 1800 hours of training and a diploma from a school as well as nationally or state board certified. Also there are different types of lineage for acupuncture training, like traditional Chinese medicine, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese based teachings, Five Element acupuncturists and others: so it is a good idea when looking for an acupuncturist to ask them for more details about their training.

Are there any "Do and Don'ts" for me on the day of the treatment?

• Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can not be excessively stressed or over worked, this may be more important for the first few treatments.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
• Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) may interfere with the effectiveness of the treatments.
• It is good to remember to keep mental or written notes of what your response to the treatment. This can help your practitioner with follow up treatments to be more effective.