While acupuncture can be an amazing tool for many different health conditions, I am always sure to mention that it is by no means a “cure all” or magical quick fix.

There’s a lot of misinformation or just simply lack of knowledge regarding acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a whole- so I’m writing this post with the purpose of clearing some things up!

1) Acupuncture treatment is a “magical quick fix” or it doesn’t work at all.

While there are some stories about people’s pain receding after just one visit, it can also require multiple sessions to see relief. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative in effect, which means our progress in restoring health builds on the progress of the prior treatment. Generally, the amount of time you have had a health problem (whether it is acute or chronic), the state of your overall health, as well as stress levels will all contribute to the length of treatment needed in order to reach your treatment goals. Acupuncture treatment often requires time and consistency just like other medical therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic, seeing a therapist, or even taking medications consistently for several months until results are seen. A positive mindset, an openness to other types of medical therapies, and following your recommended treatment plan is key!

2) You saw a Chiro, PT, nurse, MD, and not a licensed acupuncturist

Many states are allowing other professions to use acupuncture after taking just a weekend course worth of training (facepalm). Let me get this straight- other professions are experts in what they do, and Licensed Acupuncturists are experts in acupuncture! There is a huge misconception that acupuncture needles should just be placed where there is pain, or in trigger points to get the muscles to twitch (this is called dry needling). Acupuncturists are trained in many different ways to treat pain, and understand many different methods and Chinese medicine theory in order to treat pain and health imbalances. It is simply impossible to understand Chinese medicine and acupuncture by taking a weekend certification course and trying to apply what you learned in 48-72 hours. Acupuncture is more beneficial when performed by an expert licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncturists study both Chinese medicine and Western medicine for four years to obtain a Master’s degree before sitting for several board examination for licensure.

3) You continued with your same diet and lifestyle.

Chinese medicine is a holistic medicine which means we understand how our diet and our gut health, the amount of sleep we get, etc. affects our overall health. Thus, continuing to only eat junk food will make you feel like junk. And there is really no substitute or supplement that can fix chronic lack of sleep. We want to get your body in the best possible shape it can be in, which usually requires some work on your end. We provide you with dietary recommendations and lifestyle suggestions to empower you with tools so that you can be the driver in your healing process.

4) Different level of skill amongst practitioners

Just like with other professions, there is always going to be a different level of skill amongst different healthcare providers. Some people may be able to help you, while others were unfortunately not. In Chinese medicine, getting the right diagnosis is paramount for successful treatment- and if a practitioner diagnoses you wrong, you won’t likely see results. Chinese medicine diagnosis requires lots of education, skill, and even listening skills! We are not diagnosing you based on your MD’s diagnosis- but rather analyzing your specific symptoms. Here at Root & Bloom Acupuncture and Herbs, we strongly value education, and are always taking seminars to increase our skills so that we can best help you. If we aren’t able to help you, we’ll refer you to someone else who may be able to help! We just want to see you get better.

5) You have a condition that responds better with herbs than acupuncture

This last one sort of piggy-backs on number 4. Acupuncture is only one modality within Chinese medicine, and sometimes herbal medicine is better suited for some conditions. This is why we offer custom herbal prescriptions at our clinic. We know that sometimes acupuncture alone isn’t enough, and we want a more effective and evidence-based approach. In the state of Colorado, Licensed acupuncturists are not required to also be board certified in herbal medicine in order to prescribe herbs. This is definitely something that needs to be changed; however, in the meantime, look for an acupuncturist that is also has a Dipl.O.M. in their credentials. This will tell you if they are a board certified herbalist, and will have knowledge beyond just acupuncture.

Even still, there are limits to all forms of medicine. If you are bleeding out, have broken a bone, require emergency surgery, or certain life-saving medications, please always consult with your physician.

I hope this post helped to clear up some common misconceptions about acupuncture! I’d love to hear any of your thoughts below :)