Once a patient has decided they want to experience the benefits of acupuncture, the next step is choosing the appropriate acupuncture clinic. This step is very important, because choosing the wrong clinic could result in an unsatisfactory experience. Since acupuncture, if not properly delivered by a qualified practitioner, can cause potentially serious side effects, it is crucial for patients to carefully choose the proper acupuncture clinic. A few things a patient should consider before choosing a clinic are the practitioner’s credentials, experience with alternative medicine as well as their knowledge of conventional medicine.To insure their acupuncture experience will be an excellent one, patients should first research the practitioner’s credentials. While most states require a license to practice acupuncture, the training and education standards vary from state to state. In addition, a license indicates the practitioner has met certain standards concerning their knowledge and use of acupuncture. However, it is important to remember that just because the practitioner has a license, this does not guarantee quality of care. Since there is a variance in state licensing standards, it is a good idea for patients to learn the licensing standards that apply to the practitioner which they choose to visit. By understanding the licensing standards of the state which the acupuncture clinic is located, patients will be able to understand exactly what credentials their acupuncturist has acquired.Another thing that must be considered when choosing the appropriate acupuncture clinic is the practitioners experience with alternative medicine. Because each state has different licensing standards, it is important to know just how much hands-on experience the practitioner has with acupuncture and other methods of alternative medicine. Questions like:
How long has the acupuncturist been practicing?
What experience with acupuncture do they have in treating specific ailments?
Exactly what will the acupuncture treatments entail?
Does the practitioner have testimonials from previous clients?
These questions and many more help to ensure a more positive encounter. Since a patient’s experience depends largely on choosing the correct practitioner, it is also important for the patient to trust the acupuncturist. By understanding how long an acupuncturist has been in practice, what work they have done with specific ailments, and what should be expected during treatment, patients will be more inclined to trust their practitioners work and in turn, relax during the treatment.
Because acupuncture is not a conventional method of medicine, it is also important to understand exactly what, if any, kind of conventional medical knowledge the practitioner has when choosing an acupuncture clinic. It is important to understand that a patient should not rely on the diagnosis of a disease by a doctor who does not have the appropriate conventional medical training. If in fact the patient has received a diagnosis from a certified doctor, it is a good idea to ask their doctor if acupuncture could help. With this information, the patient will be more likely to choose an acupuncture clinic that will provide an ideal and successful acupuncture experience.
At Bay Area Oriental Family Practice, we only offer the best acupuncture and Chinese medicine services. Our practitioner is Dr. Yali Fan and who has over 30 years of experience in Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture, tunia massages, herbal medicine, qigong healing, and diet therapy. Dr. Fan is nationally board certified and Florida licensed acupuncture physicians.
Dr. Fan graduated from Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China in 1984, where she received her medical doctor degree as well as taught for 12 years. She has been practicing in the United States since 1996 and is the author of six Chinese medical books and dozens of articles. Dr. Fan is also nationally renowned for her books, lectures, and seminars in the U.S. She exclusively practices traditional Chinese medicine.
Call today for a free phone consultation and be confident that you have chosen the best acupuncture clinic available.
Our Acupuncture Clinic in Tampa also serves Clearwater, Westchase, Oldsmar, Town N Country, Lutz, and Safety Harbor.
