02/26/2025
Acupuncture Works.
If it didn't, we wouldn't have other professions adding it in their services (Allopathic Physicians, Chiropractors, Physical Therapists). Along with our sub-modalities like cupping, dermal friction and auriculotherapy (Nurses, Massage Therapists).
Not to mention Veterinarians. Equine Acupuncture is a thing!
While this isn't a dig on other professions, I take a strong stance in defending my own.
Ethics teach us to "do no harm" in treating the public and having proper training is essential to getting optimal results without harm.
Acupuncturists are the Specialists. Personally, I have over 5,000 hours of training with the highest degree in my field (1% of those in the acupuncture profession).
Typically, M.D.'s receive 1 Year of additional training.
Chiropractors, around 100 hours.
PT's, around 30 hours. Yes, Dry Needling is Acupuncture.
Then we have RN's, that may get a crash course of 4 hours to do Battlefield acupuncture, or Addiction Therapy in the ear.
Massage Therapists, may get some basic training, but many just pick up supplies and go for it.
What you need to understand, is that Acupuncturists should be employed to do ALL of these things in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and spas.
Diagnosis ----> Treatment. We are Clinicians, not Technicians.
Infection control, Needle Sickness, Blood Pressure/Sugar Dysregulation, Hepatitis B transfer, Blood-Borne Pathogens, etc.... We are equipped to handle all of that and more