Modern World Clinic
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Oriental Medicine
Treatment & Therapies
Why Choose OM
Evolution of Medicine
Complementary vs.
Alternative
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Basic Primer on
Oriental Medicine
The Science Behind
Acupuncture
NIH & WHO
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture painful? What does it feel like?
No, acupuncture is not considered painful. Quite often there is no sensation
at all with the insertion of the needle. After insertion, the practitioner
will manipulate the needle to get a "qi" or "da qi"
sensation. To the patient, this may feel like a pressure, an ache, or
a tingling sensation. It may radiate or it may feel warmer or cooler in
the region. This qi sensation can be different with each point or even
from one session to another. It is usually very mild and tends to go away
quickly. Pain does not serve a useful purpose in an acupuncture treatment.
However,
a qi sensation is often considered important for effective treatments.
Most patients become very relaxed during a treatment session; some may
even fall asleep.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, acupuncture is very safe when done by qualified practitioners. The needles are very thin and flexible, unlike needles used for injections. Only sterile, single-use needles are used.
What can acupuncture be used for?
Please see Why Choose Oriental Medicine for details.
How does acupuncture work?
Please see a Basic Primer of Oriental Medicine and the Science Behind Acupuncture for more details.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of treatments is highly variable and dependent upon what condition is being treated, its severity, how long the patient has been experiencing the problem, and the responsiveness of the individual. Although it is common for some people to notice significant results immediately, it must be noted that the treatments are cumulative in effect and that it is expected for the body system to make shifts over time. Generally, one should expect to have up to five treatments to assess the progress being made through this type of treatment, and then a more accurate plan can be determined.
Are treatments covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage is dependent upon the insurance policy and extent of coverage. Many policies do cover acupuncture, especially for disorders of pain. Many policies will cover the costs of the office visit and other types of therapies such as electrical stimulation, acupressure, and application of heat. Some policies require a referral from a primary care physician for the treatments to be covered and may have annual limits. Modern World Acupuncture Clinic does not directly file insurance for patients. However, upon request, a "super-bill" receipt is available providing all the necessary details for patients to file claims for themselves.
Who can perform acupuncture in Texas?
In order to perform acupuncture, a practitioner must be licensed by the State of Texas, according to the following:
- Licensed Acupuncturists have a long list of qualifications to meet, including: a minimum of 60 semester hours of basic college courses; a Master's of Science degree in Oriental Medicine at an accredited school including a minimum of 1800 didactic hours in acupuncture, oriental internal medicine, western medicine, of which 450 hours must be in Chinese herbology; a minimum of two terms of resident course of instruction (internship); passage of the National Board Examinations in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Clean Needle Technique, and Point Location; and are licensed through the Texas State Board of Acupuncture Examiners under the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
- Licensed Medical Doctors need no formal training in acupuncture or Oriental Medicine to perform acupuncture and are licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.
- Licensed Chiropractors need a minimum of 120 hours of continued education credits every two years in general acupuncture in order to perform acupuncture and are licensed by the Texas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
- Licensed Acu-Detox Specialists are licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners. The acupuncture they may administer is limited to five specific points in the ear and is specific for the treatment of substance addictions. Qualifications for this limited license include a 70-hour training by NADA (National Acu-Detox Association), and the applicant must also be licensed as nurse, chemical dependency counselor, psychologist, professional counselor or certified social worker. An acupuncturist or physician must supervise Acu-Detox Specialists.