What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, disposable, sterile needles into specific parts of the body to alleviate pain and treat certain health conditions. It is widely accepted as an effective, non-invasive, treatment for a variety of conditions.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. Some patients feel the needles as they are inserted, others feel nothing. Patients often have sensations during the treatment that range from warmth or tingling to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Most patients describe the experience as deeply relaxing and often fall asleep during treatment.
For more information about acupuncture services offered by Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, please click here.
What does acupuncture treat?
An acupuncturist may be consulted for specific symptoms and conditions such as pain, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, migraine, menstrual disorders, intestinal disorders, addiction and a plethora of other conditions. Many people also have acupuncture as a preventative treatment in order to maintain optimum health.
For more information about acupuncture services offered by Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, please click here.
What is facial rejuvenation acupuncture?
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is an effective, non-surgical treatment to reduce the signs of aging and help the whole body look and feel younger. In addition to enhancing appearance, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture has the added benefit of improving overall health because Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture links inner physical balance with outer beauty and radiance.
For more information about Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture services offered by Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, please click here.
How much training do acupuncturists receive?
Acupuncturists with a master's degree in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (AOM) receive approximately 80% of their education exclusively in this field and undergo a minimum of 1800 hours of extensive clinical training. Other healthcare practitioners, such as medical doctors and chiropractors, may only use acupuncture as an adjunct technique in their primary practice.
A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has obtained a 3-4 year master's degree from a school approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and has satisfied all state license requirements. ACAOM’s minimum curriculum requirement for an acupuncture training program is 1950 hours of study, with a minimum of 450 hours in the biomedical clinical sciences.
Is there a difference in training between a licensed acupuncturist and other healthcare providers who offer acupuncture?
Absolutely. There are varying levels of education undertaken by healthcare professionals in acupuncture:
A licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac) has obtained a 3-4 year graduate degree from a school approved by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), has passed all three of the national certification exams administered by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and, in Arizona, is licensed by the Arizona Board of Acupuncture Examiners. 1500-2000 contact hours in acupuncture education.
A medical doctor, osteopath, naturopath, or chiropractor who uses acupuncture as an adjunctive technique. 300 hours or less in acupuncture education.
A chiropractor or detox/auricular acupuncture technician. 100 hours or less in acupuncture education.
A physical therapist who uses an acupuncture needle to perform dry needling in the treatment of muscle trigger points.Continuing education seminars provide approximately 40-50 contact hours in “dry needling.”
For more information on this topic, please see the article - "Know Your Acupuncturist"
Are acupuncturists at Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture board certified?
Yes. Shelley O’Dell-Brock, L.Ac., is licensed by the State of Arizona and Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Founded in 1982, NCCAOM is the only certifying board in oriental medicine and acupuncture. To become board-certified, an acupuncturist must receive comprehensive training in traditional differential diagnosis and proper treatment methods by completing a three to four years of graduate education in a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). After completion of academic and clinical training, a board-certified acupuncturist must pass a three-day written exam and demonstrate high levels of proficiency in biomedical science, acupuncture point location and theory, and oriental medical theory.
Shelley attended a nationally accredited master's degree program. That program comprised of over 3,000 hours in the study of acupuncture and biomedical sciences at a post-graduate level as well as over 1000 hours of clinical residency. She has received specialized advanced training in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and Gua Sha. Shelley is in the process of completing her Doctor of Acupuncture (DAc) coursework at Pacific College of Health Sciences.
Should I consult with my physician about acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an integrative medical modality as it seeks to work with your current medical treatment plan. Many physicians will refer acupuncture to their patients. It is advisable to always inform your physician of any treatment that you are seeking. It is also important to bring a list medications and supplements with you to your first acupuncture appointment.
How do I prepare for my acupuncture treatments?
Wear loose fitting clothes, or bring shorts and a t-shirt.
Be sure you have eaten at least a light meal within a few hours prior to arriving. Avoid overeating immediately before treatment.
Avoid alcohol on the day of your treatment.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated after your appointment.
For best results, avoid strenuous activity immediately following a treatment. Set aside enough time so that you are not rushing to and from your visit.
For more information about acupuncture services offered by Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, please click here.
For more information about Cosmetic Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture services offered by Scottsdale Integrative Acupuncture, please click here.