Why is it important for my Acupuncturist to be Certified?
Many people think acupuncturists are all the same, much like one hairdresser is a lot like the next hairdresser. They took some of the same classes at one point and now they’re working in the same capacity. This is not true, however. Some acupuncturists are still unlicensed, but many these days are realizing the importance of becoming licensed and are doing so. What’s the difference? A lot, in fact, and realizing this can save your life or prevent you from being otherwise harmed.
Acupuncture licensing has become more and more common recently. A few years ago, there was no such regulation. It was considered an “alternative” medicine or treatment, and often these alternatives are compared against more concrete medicine or medical practice – in much the way that alternative vitamins available at your local vitamin store are often diametrically opposed to prescription or even over-the-counter drugs. After more and more people began seeking acupuncture treatment with surprising success stories, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally took a look at regulating the practice. As an alternative treatment, the FDA regulates acupuncture mainly through licensing.
There are state certification boards for acupuncture licensing. Most states have such boards, but there are still some who do not. If you do not live in a state where there is state certification, you should look for some sort of credentials. There is a National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine that requires rigorous standards be met before certifying anyone. For instance, if you did not receive formal training in acupuncture, you must have completed 4,000 hours of training in a documented program or you apprenticed for this length of time under a certified, state-approved instructor. There are also fees and examinations to be completed; reinforcing again that certification is not easy.
Though acupuncture is often painless, there is risk involved when a needle is being placed into the body. Unlicensed acupuncturists may be able to treat you but there is no guarantee. With certification, they are more likely to have sterile equipment and know how deep to penetrate the body so no organs are punctured. Certified acupuncturists are extremely important when choosing a practitioner because they have undergone strict scrutiny over their methods, abilities, and training. You would not see a lawyer who had not passed the bar exam nor would you see a doctor who did not have a medical degree. Seeing an acupuncturist should follow the same logic.
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