FAQ for Acupuncture Consumers

Acupuncture is a well known therapy included in the thousands of year old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners may use aspects of the comprehensive system to balance a person' energy systems including, though not limited to:

• Acupuncture – inserting needles into specific energy spots (acupoints)
• Moxibustion – warming herbs used for specific reasons
• Herbal formulas taken internally
• Herbal plasters applied externally
• Cupping – applying suction to specific body parts
• Gua sha – similar to massage using a smooth tool
• Acupressure manual therapy
• Stimulation of acupoints with an energy source (sound, light, or electrical)
• Tui na bodywork massage
• Qigong energy and breathing practices
• Dietary and lifestyle therapy

There are many different styles of Acupuncture, and each individual practitioner has his or her own unique way of working with patients. The Acupuncture Licensing Board verifies Licensed Acupuncturists initially satisfy licensing requirements and document continuing education requirements for license renewal to ensure a baseline qualification.

While M.D.s and D.O.s can practice, and N.D.s who have met the requirements of the Naturopathic Board for specialty practice can practice, Acupuncturists licensed by the Board of Acupuncture Licensing have the most extensive training in acupuncture. Chiropractors can use needles as an adjunctive procedure only, but are not to be considered practicing acupuncture.