Acupuncture is often looked upon as some mystical medical procedure that the majority of people in the US have never experienced. Most of the information that they received has been what they've viewed on television. Most can't fathom the idea of actually paying someone to stick them with needles. But in many cases when the standard medical treatments have failed and they are desperate for a solution or miracle they might turn to this procedure for help. If you are thinking about getting an acupuncture treatment do you know the difference between Chinese acupuncture and medical acupuncture? Before you set up an appointment make sure you know what you are getting.

Medical acupuncture is sometimes referred to as a watered down version of the Chinese method. Sure, tiny needles are inserted or placed in your body but it is usually performed by a physician or licensed health professional. You may not think that this is a bad thing but in many areas physician don't have to be trained at all to include this service in their office. Even If training was completed it may not be on the same level as a licensed acupuncturist trained in Chinese acupuncture who has trained for many years. This may also be known as western medical acupuncture or wma. In either case it is practiced from a more western point of view. They will look at you and make decisions based upon your western illness and may still offer you prescription medication as a way to help solve the problem.

Chinese acupuncture is holistic. It is performed by licensed acupuncturists. They want to treat your entire body not just the ache that you have in your back. Your body is a complex piece of machinery with intricate details and designs. There are sometimes things that you do that cause a reaction or side effect. These side effects are what you are experiencing. Chinese acupuncture works to solve the underlying cause of your problems not just the symptoms. They have trained for many years and much longer than a "medical acupuncturist". They will place the needles in specific points or meridians on your body that are based on Chinese medicine which works on your life force or chi. Many believe that when your life force is out of balance you become ill. They aid your body to help it heal without all the harmful drugs and side effects that are so common in modern western medicine.

If you want to have an acupuncture treatment, make sure that it it with a qualified and licensed acupuncturist that has been trained in the Chinese method. The differences between western medical acupuncture and Chinese acupuncture are very great. Even if your family physician offers the service, you may not get the full effects that you should if it was done by a properly trained Chinese or licensed acupuncturist.