How do I choose an acupuncturist?
First, the practitioner must have been fully trained by a professional university, and has completed the process of practice. Members of NZRA are required to meet the highest entry level qualification of all acupuncture practitioners in New Zealand. They are also required to complete 20 hours of Continuing Education every year in order to maintain their Annual Practicing Certificate and must abide by the Rules and Ethical Guidelines of the organization.
Second, if you like and trust your practitioner, your encounter with acupuncture will be more positive. An acupuncturist must be loyal to his career, kind and honest, patient and warm-hearted.
Do all acupuncturists have the same qualifications?
No. Licensed acupuncturists are certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This requires 3-4 years of specialized postgraduate study. Other licensed medical practitioners, such as doctors and chiropractors, may include acupuncture in their practice, with as little as 300 hours of non-clinical training.
Do acupuncturists also use other forms of treatment?
Acupuncture is just one aspect of Chinese Medicine. A typical treatment may also include the use of moxibustion (the burning of a herb close to acupuncture points or on the needles), gua sha (scraping of the skin to cause slight redness), tui na (a form of massage) or cupping (the application of vacuum cups to the skin, most commonly used on the back). Your practitioner may also give you Chinese herbs to take. These are traditionally prescribed as dry herbs which are to be boiled with water. In more recent years herbs are becoming more available as freeze dried granules, pills or capsules which are very easy to take.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a heat treatment using the Chinese herb Artemisia vulgaris, commonly known as moxa. Moxa can be burn near the skin at the same acupoints that are used with needles. Certain conditions (like cold type of arthritis) are more responsive to treatment with moxa.
Do I need to do something to prepare for a treatment? How will I feel afterwards? Can I go right back to work?
Patients are encouraged to leave plenty of time both before and after their treatment. Rigorous exercise, sexual activities, eating a full meal, and consuming alcohol should be avoided immediately before and after a treatment for at least 1 hour.
How one feels afterwards varies greatly from patient to patient and from session to session. Some treatments may leave the patient relaxed and energized; others may leave with a desire to rest.
Should I stop seeing my doctor since I am coming for acupuncture?
No, I do not recommend anyone to stop seeing his/her doctor when coming for acupuncture. It is the patients’ responsibility to continue seeking routine standard conventional medical care from their physician(s). Open communication between all practitioners is encouraged in order to give more comprehensive care.
What kinds of pulses are taken in acupuncture?
Acupuncture pulses are a qualitative reflection of the six major energy systems of the body. They are taken on both wrists in three locations. The information obtained goes far beyond the heart rate information obtained by conventional Western medicine pulse taking.
Which conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
Because Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine is a complete health care system, there is very little that does not benefit from a course of acupuncture, herbal medicine or a combination of both. Very often it is possible to combine the best of both East and West and use the acupuncture or Chinese Herbs in association with treatment provided by a GP or other health care provider.