Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. To help reduce the number of treatments, your practitioner may suggest dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, and/or Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture. 

Q: What criteria should I use in choosing an acupuncturist?
A: Prospective patients should ask about where the practitioner trained and for how long he or she has been in practice, and, most importantly, what experience the practitioner has had in treating your specific ailment.
Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in over 40 states in the U.S. In addition, the National

Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies both acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners. Acupuncturists who have passed the NCCAOM exam are entitled to add Dipl. Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.

Q: What should I know about the proposed treatments?
A: Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem in Oriental medical terms and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatments and what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.

Q: Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
A: The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment: