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Most acupuncturists working in Texas are licensed, as it is a felony to work alone without a license. However, someone may work under the supervision of a doctor and not have licensing.

Chiropractors and doctors perform acupuncture, often with minimal training. You may receive valuable services at the hands of such an individual, but don't judge our medicine by what you have observed during the treatment.

Although presently required, the herbal exam was not required in the past. An acupuncturist without herbal certification is more likely to prescribe patents, prefabricated pills that come in a bottle, than to spend much time considering your herbal formula. However, they likely have years of practice in acupuncture. Decide beforehand if you are interested in someone with strong training in herbal medicine, or if you would rather just receive acupuncture.

I'll state it bluntly: Acupuncture alone will not make you stop smoking or loose weight.

If you use acupuncture to deal with stress and give you more energy, you will be less likely to eat when nervous, and can exercise more. Therefore, you will loose weight if you also adjust your diet. Ear seeds, small pellets that are placed at strategic ear points with adhesive, may somewhat reduce your appetite and redirect your attention. If you skip meals, they will not make your hunger vanish.

If you properly prepare for a smoking cessation effort by removing temptation, engaging the support of your peer group or family, and reducing stress, ear seeds will supplement your efforts. Ear seeds will not eliminate your desire to smoke.

Does the practitioner keep chart notes, and do they have a needle disposal system?

Chart notes help keep the practitioner focused on the patient’s progress, as well as serving as necessary documentation should you wish to file for insurance reimbursement.

Needles are considered biohazardous waste, and should be disposed of accordingly.

Although our school program is four years along, it does not begin to explore all the facets of this ancient, fascinating Eastern tradition. There are many different areas of further study that can interest an acupuncturist.

In order to heal others, one must have some energy to share. The cultivation of "qi" can take many forms, including tai chi or qi gong, being in nature, and having a spiritual practice.

What about me?

I'm a graduate of the Academy of Oriental Medicine, NCCAOM certified in herbology and acupuncture. I dispose of my needles using a biohazard waste service. I try to set reasonable expectations and deliver on my promises. If I honestly do not think I can help you, I will tell you so.

I'm currently reading "Ten Lectures on the Use of Medicinals”. This translation of Jiao Shu-De’s lectures covers many situations that acupuncturists don’t encounter in the West, such as the treatment of tuberculosis. I’m also browsing parts of Travell and Simons’ two-volume set on trigger point work. I garden and go to yoga classes to revitalize myself. I exchange sessions with a massage therapist, and enjoy runs around town-lake. On vacations, my favorite pastime is to hike in mountains, especially close to waterfalls and streams.