What keeps most people from seeking out #acupuncture treatment? One of the most common reasons is probably the fear of needles. Today, the main type of acupuncture needles that are used is called the “filiform needle”. The #filiform needles are so thin like hair and it is not the same as being stuck with an intravenous venipuncture (one that is used to take your blood sampling test). In the ancient times, acupuncture was first performed with stones and later developed to “Nine Needles”. The sizes of the Nine Needles were fairly substantial because they were used for various purposes such as superficial pricking, massage, punctual painful joints, draining pus, etc. However, in the modern times, many of these needle types have been replaced. 

Contact us and come in for a #FREE consultation at Tee Acupuncture today during this promotion period and to learn more about how you could benefit from this ancient healing technique. Share this news with your friends and family!

According to World Health Organization @WHO, #acupuncture treatment is shown effective in treating many health conditions. Click here for more infohttp://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/pdf/s4926e/s4926e.pdf

How will I know if the licensed or certified acupuncturist providing my care is licensed in New York?
Only a licensed acupuncturist or a physician or dentist certified in acupuncture may provide acupuncture services. You may verify a license by checking the NYS Office of the Professions website. In addition, you may check to see if an acupuncturist has been found guilty of professional misconduct by looking at the same website.

Will my health insurance cover the services provided by my acupuncturist?
It may. Some health care plans cover acupuncture. Review your insurance plan's benefits with your insurance provider.
To help your professional relationship with your acupuncturist you should:
• Answer all health-related questions completely and accurately
• Ask questions to help you understand your evaluation and treatment plan
• Ask whether the acupuncturist uses disposable needles
• Ask if your condition is appropriate for acupuncture treatment, and whether the acupuncturist has had experience treating it

How do acupuncturists treat health conditions?
Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching. This allows the acupuncturist to record a full case history.
Once an evaluation is made, the acupuncturist may insert very fine acupuncture needles into a number of points on your body. The purpose of the needles is to stimulate acupuncture points; the needles do not inject any substance into the body. Single time use, pre-sterilized disposable needles are the preferred standard of practice.

Display of credentials.
Licensed and certified acupuncturists must display a current New York registration certificate; this certificate lists the professional’s name, address, and dates of the registration period. They must re-register every three years in order to practice in New York. Some professionals also display their original New York license, diploma, their licenses from other states, or membership certificates. You may verify a professional’s license and current registration on the NYS Office of Processions.

The following frequently asked questions of consumer information have been extracted from the New York State Education Department. For more information, please visit NYS Education Department. 

What is a licensed acupuncturist?
An acupuncturist is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain.

What is a certified acupuncturist?
A certified acupuncturist is a licensed physician or dentist who has completed at least 200 hours of instruction in programs in acupuncture registered by the department, or in programs determined by the department to be the equivalent of registered programs, and at least 100 hours of supervised experience acceptable to the department.

What credentials do New York licensed acupuncturists have?
A licensed acupuncturist has completed a three-year professional training program in acupuncture after a minimum of two years of college education. This three-year program includes both theory and hands-on clinical practice. In addition, a licensed acupuncturist must pass a State-approved licensing examination before becoming licensed.

What is the relationship between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor?
Acupuncturists are independent health care providers; you do not need a physician referral to receive treatment from an acupuncturist. By law, your acupuncturist must advise you of the importance of your seeing a physician. When this is done, you will be asked to sign a form saying that you were advised of this. You will get one copy of this form, and a second copy will become part of your record.